Weekender: October 7-9

Friday, October 7th

Enjoy a stunning mocktail, Punch! Bar, $7.50, 4 p.m. to midnight

Punch! Bar makes amazing mocktails, and Julia wrote about eight mocktails that she tried in her review that published on Wednesday. She recommends them all, but I like the sound of The Little Red Corvette which is served with an edible orchid blossom garnish. Julia said the mocktail had a sweet yet herbal flavor — like a cherry soda mellowed with tea — and a delightfully foamy top. (AB)

See how Those Who Teach, Can, 40 Point One, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., free

Let Champaign Unit 4 art teachers prove that those who teach, can make fantastic art. This favorite 40 North event is making its comeback at the 40 Point One gallery at 1300 S Neil Street in Champaign. Get more information, including participating artists and additional viewing times, on the Facebook event page. (DD)

Attend a Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo dance party, Canopy Club, 8 p.m. to midnight, $10 (get your tickets ahead of time)

I had no idea this was a thing, but it’s a thing. If you are a fan of these very talented women (Swift and Rodrigo), then grab a friend and head to Canopy Club for a dance party featuring all of their music. Sounds like a lot of fun, especially with a group of girlfriends. (JH)

Zone out to Pink Floyd, under the Planetarium Dome, Staerkel Planetarium, 9 p.m., $6

Parkland’s Staerkel Planetarium is doing a light show (not laser) to Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here album. I’ve put this in the Weekender before, mostly as a reminder to myself that this is something I would like to experience. If you’re in that same boat, now is your chance! Go! Get lost in those vibes. (JH)

Saturday, October 8th

Eat some cinnamon hot cakes, Homegrown, $5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

These hot cakes are seriously amazing, and they’re only $5 on Homegrown’s brunch menu which is available only on weekends. Read the menu here, and check out our review of Homegrown’s brunch here. The restaurant’s chefs won the 7th Artisan Cup & Fork culinary competition last Saturday night with a flavorful pork belly dish, so make time to taste what Homegrown is serving. Order the cinnamon hot cakes, sip on the freshly squeezed orange juice, and enjoy the nice weekend weather on the patio overlooking the Atkins Golf Course. (AB)

Check out Ikebana made by Japan House students, 10 a.m. to noon, 2 to 4 p.m., free

Enjoy an exhibition featuring work by students in Professor Emeritus Kimiko Gunji’s class ARTJ199 Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging. Learn how they have incorporated and applied the basic principles of Japanese flower arranging, including dots, lines, mass and miniature arrangements allowing them to make a jiyuka, which acording to their social media announcement, is a “freestyle arrangement which encourages contemporary artistic expression.” (DD)

Support Courage Connection at Peace Jam, West Side Park, 3 to 7 p.m., free

Gather with community members to listen to live music from Emily the Band and Matt Ellis, eat food, and maybe even share a story or poem or song to lend your support to those impacted by domestic abuse. There will also be resources there from Courage Connection and other places in the community. (JM)

Celebrate Oktstonerfest, 5:30 p.m., Loose Cobra, $20 donation encouraged

Oktstonerfest returns to Tolono’s Loose Cobra this Saturday. The fest will feature live music inside and outside of Loose Cobra as well as a food truck, an Atari 2600 Combat tournament, a bonfire, and more. There will also be some fall-inspired drinks. Bands include Pelican, Sweet Cobra, Dibiase, and more. (SW)

Sunday, October 9th

End your weekend with a (head)bang, C4A, 7 p.m., free

It’s always nice to mosh and headbang your problems and worries away. Come do so at the Community Center for the Arts in Urbana on Sunday, and hear some great hardcore bands. Shroud, Bug Bite, J.U.G., and Big Yawn will be laying down some tunage for your listening pleasure. (SW)

Go on a fall hike, various locations, whenever, free

Fall is my very favorite time to explore the trails in the area. The colors are turning, leaves are crunching under your feet, and the air is crisp. Allerton and Busey Woods are go-to spots for me, but if you are wanting to branch out a bit, check out our Walkin’ in the Woods series for some unique trail suggestions. (JM)

Top photo by Alyssa Buckley.

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All event information is accurate to the best of our abilities, but sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes event information, times, prices, etc., change after we look them up. Whenever possible, we’ve provided a link to the original event page; you should always double-check the source before you make any firm plans. Thanks for your understanding.