FRIDAY, March 17th
St. Patrick’s Day, Bentley’s Pub, no cover + cost of beverages, all day
Bentley’s is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party on Friday — though, if we’re being real here, there are plenty of bars that can accommodate on this boozing holiday. Bentley’s is a solid option though — $4 Guinness and $3 Jameson? Done. (PS)
The Bashful Youngens EP release show, Cowboy Monkey, 8 p.m., $7
One of the area’s best folk and Americana acts is dropping their latest album today, and they’ll be playing this show to celebrate. The Bashful Youngens will be accompanied by some other great acts along the same musical vein – namely, Finer Feelings and Tractor Kings. This is The Youngens’ last show before they embark on a tour, so come wish them well while celebrating St. Patty’s with some spanking new roots music. (JTM)
A Night Downtown for Our Nursing Home Fundraiser, The Accord, 7 p.m., $50
The Accord has been killing it lately when it comes to fundraising, and this is another great one. Champaign County CARE are hosting this gala to raise funds and bring awareness to referendums on the ballot April 4th, which regard protection of the Champaign County Nursing Home. Your $50 donation includes two drinks, food, music, and access to lots of other fun events. Become an advocate for geriatrics, who can never get enough care. Find out more at the event page. (JTM)
CUSO’s Music of the Heartland, Krannert Center Foellinger Great Hall, 7:30 p.m., $40
Aaron Copland and George Gershwin’s finest will be on display in an evening that proves the arts are part of America’s greatness, starting with “Lincoln portrait”, traveling through “Rhapsody in blue” and building up to the “Fanfare for the common man”. Although this program boasts the work of two proud American composers, there are hints of a special St. Patrick’s Day surprise awaiting the audience. (RK)
SATURDAY, March 18th
Breakfast with the babies, Prairie Fruits Farm, 9 a.m. to noon, prices vary
The time has arrived! The baby goats are here! Rejoice! Get yourself to Prairie Fruits Farm to meet those furry littles while you enjoy tasty breakfast treats. Get there early to avoid a long line. Photo from Facebook (JH)
Power of Poetry Workshop, Champaign Public Library, 2-4 pm, free
Want to explore a new way to use your voice? This workshop features poet, performance artist, and author Tasleem Jamila and will be interactive. According to Jamila, “This workshop is focused and organized around poetry and spoken word as a means for social change and preserving our ancestors’ stories.” Check out her website to learn more! Photo from Facebook (JEM)
217 Locals Only, The Canopy Club, 9:30 p.m., $5, 18+
Local hip-hop is always a good thing. In case you’ve never been to a show, why don’t you check it out and see one of the most vibrant niches of local music as of late. Plus it’s only 5 bucks. It’s so easy. (BH)
Make dinner plans at your favorite Campustown restaurants, all weekend, prices vary
It’s spring break! Take this opportunity to visit your favorite or new-to-you Campustown restaurant(s). Driving to and through campus is much less stressful without the fear of inadvertently committing vehicular manslaughter. Some popular spots on campus include Maize, Bombay Indian, Sakanaya, and Lai-Lai Wok. You might also want to check out newbie Ozu Ramen. Or, check out the most recent Date Night for more suggestions. Photo by Jim Singer (JH)
SUNDAY, March 19th
Go to the park , a wide variety of locations all over C-U, any time, free
We’ll be coming out of our weird winter spell this weekend, and what better way to enjoy the warmer weather than getting out to one of C-U’s many parks. Bonus points if you bring your dog with you. (BH)
Meet adoptable an adoptable animal, Humane Society, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Spring is here and it is perfect dog walking weather. But, it also still gets chilly at night, perfect for snuggling a kitty. The Humane society has both available for adoption. Like these two featured here, both available for adoption. Go visit them today. (SL)
Aerosmith pinball launch party and tournament, Quality Beer, 3 – 9 p.m.
Walk-this-way and play the new Aerosmith pinball game in town. You can enter into the tournament and win a trophy, cash prizes, gift certificates and cash. The tournament is $5 to enter. If you just want to hang and play, that’s cool too! Drink a few brews and bang a few balls. (SL)
Learn how to Be Heard, IMC Building, Urbana, 3-5 p.m., FREE
It’s overwhelming these days, how many times we see yet another HR### that ignites the need to voice…opinion. Even if it feels like no one is listening at the government level, it’s still worthwhile to convey your thoughts in a succinct and clear manner. After all, there are outlets other than voicemail, and The People’s Agenda is happy to give a few lessons about how and where to speak up. (RK)
Kedi, The Art Theater, 5:15pm, $6.50-$8.25 per ticket
The surprise hit documentary of 2017 about the cats of Istanbul. IndieWire magazine actually called it “the Citizen Kane of cat documentaries.” With a review like that, how can you NOT go? From the film’s website: “Hundreds of thousands of Turkish cats roam the metropolis of Istanbul freely…Claiming no owners, the cats of Istanbul live between two worlds, neither wild nor tame — and they bring joy and purpose to those people they choose to adopt.” Tickets can be purchased online or at theater. (JEM)
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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.