FRIDAY, September 9th
Strawberry Fields Anniversary Event, Strawberry Fields, Urbana, 12-6 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
The new and current version of Strawberry Fields turns one this weekend, and is celebrating with free samples, raffles, demos, and discounts. Stop by on Friday evening for a sweet treat after work, or Saturday morning for breakfast. For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
12th Annual Jazz Walk, Meadowbrook Park, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., free
The Jazz Walk features a lineup of local jazz musicians in the lovely Meadowbrook Park. You can listen to as many as you like as you walk at your own pace through the Wandell Sculpture Garden. This year’s lineup includes: Derick Cordoba Jazz Quartet, D R Dixie Band, Johnathan Beckett and Young Kim, Los Guapos, Mark Ginsberg and Mark Smart, Mr. Sensation and the Soulful Sax Ed Greene, Shaken Not Stirred, The Jazz Collective, and The Katie Flynn Quartet. (RP)
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Opening Night Party, KCPA, campus, 6-10ish p.m., $5 (kids 5 & under, FREE)
Music and food from across the globe will come together across the terraces of KCPA. Family-friendly crafts and activities, coloring, and the highest-energy bands the world has to offer are yours to explore at the season’s first best party. If this sets the tone for the rest of the year, we are not going to know what hit us. (RK)
Tech N9ne/The Calm Before the Storm Tour with JL and Stoarrzz, Canopy Club, 8 p.m., $31 advance/$36 door
Before there was Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper, there was Tech N9ne. This rapper’s openness towards eclecticism and diverse collaborations helped pioneer genre-blending, specifically within hip-hop. His style is inimitable, and so are his shows. Come see one of the originals at Canopy on Friday. (JM)
SATURDAY, September 10th
Buy and eat local peaches, Urbana’s Market at the Square, 7 a.m. to noon, about $5
There is no comparing local to store bought fresh fruit. Earlier this summer I bought some peaches from the grocery store, and they were terrible. Truly terrible. But those local market peaches? They are delightful and delicious and so good. Fresh local fruit can really dent your wallet, but a bag of peaches for $5 is well worth it. If you’re looking to use the peaches in some sort of dessert, consider getting the ugly ones, or seconds. They are perfect in pie, ice cream, and cobbler. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Walk to support Alzheimer’s care, Centennial Park, 8:30 a.m.
Join others for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Your support will help advance research to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s, and provide programs and support to improve the lives of millions of affected Americans. Support the cause and get some great exercise. (SL)
Community yoga, Allerton Park, 9-10 a.m., free/donations encouraged
Dwindling are the days that you can spend outside, so you’d better make the most of them. An outdoor yoga session in scenic Allerton Park is a great way to do so. All you need is you, some space, and some fresh air to unwind and find some peaceful vibes. The event relies on donations, so make sure to kick a couple bucks towards the cause. More info is available here. (JM)
C-U Pride Fest, Downtown Champaign + The Accord, 12 p.m., free
Celebrate the Pride Festival in Downtown Champaign this weekend, not only with the Big Gay 80s Prom on Friday night, but also the parade, and the party that follows it. Plenty of live music and entertainment to be had in Downtown Champaign. Plus, totally free. (PS)
Illini football vs. North Carolina, 6 p.m., Memorial Stadium, price varies
I’ve waited so long to say these words: Illinois is actually in a nationally relevant game in prime time. As a young Illini fan, it’s something I’ve never really experienced, but something I hopefully become accustomed to. I hope. At least a couple more wins, eh? (BH)
Watch Illinois Rugby, Complex Fields, 1 p.m.
Looking for a hard hitting alternative to American football? Check out the U of I rugby team this weekend in a MIzzou pre-season face off match. Tickets are free and the field is just south of FAR. Check them out on Facebook for more info. (SL)
SUNDAY, September 11th
Peter and the Starcatchers, Harold and Jean Miner Theatre at Parkland College, 2 p.m., $12-15
Dancing pirates, advanced heroinism, swashbuckling and pronounced facial hair all lead to the origins of the world’s favorite eternal youth. If you arrrrrre needing a little musical boost in the late summer, Twin City Squared has your fix. Who doesn’t like pirates? (RK)
Surreal Deal, The Rose Bown Tavern, 8:30 p.m.-12 a.m., cover
Close out your weekend with Surreal Deal, a 70s-style jam band, at the one and only Rose Bowl in Urbana. The Rose Bowl’s cheap beer will help your weekend linger a little longer. (RP)
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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.