FRIDAY, May 22nd
Garage-saling for a good cause, 31st Annual GIANT Garage Sale, Champaign County Humane Society, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., $2 per person entrance donation until 3 p.m.
Do you like antique stuff? What about cats? Yes and yes? Come out to the 31st Annual GIANT Garage Sale, put on by the Champaign County Humane Society. The garage sale lasts from Friday, May 22nd-Sunday, May 24th, with times varying per day. Pick up some cool used books and help a furry friend in need. Cash or check only — no cards allowed. (AH)
Take-out, Black Dog, 320 N Chestnut St, Champaign, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., prices vary
Black Dog Champaign is officially open for weekend take-out only. So place your order, pick it up, and plop your behind on the couch. You can catch up on Game of Thrones while you massacre some BBQ. (JH)
Secret Screening 001, The Art Theater Co-op, 10 p.m., free
The Art Theater kicks off their secret screening series with a super secret alien-hunting, conspiracy-saturated, monster-riddled, and cigarette-smoking show. Swing by at 10 p.m. to see good things on the big screen. (RP)
SATURDAY, May 23rd
Treat yourself to a doughnut, Carmella’s, 1611 W Springfield, Champaign, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m., $1
These doughnuts are so delicious, you’ll want to pick up more than one. Don’t be fooled by the shabby exterior (and interior); these little treats are the best. Bring cash; Carmella’s doesn’t take plastic. I recommend the cinnamon twist, old fashioned, and the apple fritter. (JH)
Eat all the things, Urbana’s Market at the Square, Lincoln Square Mall Parking Lot, 7 a.m.-12 p.m., free to look
Come out for the first post-graduation Urbana Farmer’s market and enjoy making your leisurly way through the aisles. Ah, summer. Except, of course, that every Market is jam-packed by 10 a.m., regardless of season. So get there early for new-comer delights like homemade Ukrainian honeycakes (pictured at left), or grapefruit butterscotch from Hopscotch Cakes & Confections. (AH)
Sholem Opening Season Celebration, Sholem Aquatic Center, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
It’s time to start swimming, people. Per the Champaign Parks website: “Our fun-loving staff has great free activities planned for you and your little swimmers. Grab the kids, put on your sunscreen and get yourmsummer started in style with the staff of the Sholem Aquatic Center! We’ll also be honoring our United States military personnel by offering them free admission all day long (must show valid military ID at time of entry).” (MG)
Watch a rocket launch, Dodds Park 1501 N Mattis Ave., from 1-6 p.m., free
Ok they are bottle rockets but there are going to be rockets of all size large and small. I would say you could take a picnic out to the park, eat, and watch some things shoot into the sky. Heck you might even get a tan, listen to some tunes, or read a book. And if you have a little one, this would be perfect to inspire him or her. Jr. will be winning that Nobel Prize in no time. And to think all because you took her to a rocket launch. (SL)
The Atlas Moth, Resinater, Caecus, Error Records, doors at 6:30 p.m., $10
Chicago’s sludgy post-metal vets The Atlas Moth have been around since 2007, but even their youngest fans can catch them at their all-ages Pygmalion Show Series gig at Error Records this weekend—the last stop on their spring tour. Added bonus: Resinater and Caecus are opening. (MR)
Motes (Record Release Party), Blue Unit, Withershins, Mike N Molly’s, doors at 8 p.m., $7
Help local band Motes celebrate the release of their debut full-length record, Keep It in the Dark, which comes out on Saturday, and catch locals Withershins and Milwaukee’s Blue Unit. Three unique bands with a common thread in shoegaze. (MR)
Chachi and the Bandidos, The Iron Post, 9:30 p.m., $5 cover
The weather is getting warmer, so stop by the Iron Post on Saturday for a pitcher of cheap beer and damn good Classic Country Western by the Bandidos. (RP)
SUNDAY, May 24th
Pig out on a home cooked buffet, Apple Dumplin’, between 11 a.m.-3 p.m., about $14
If you’re looking for a meal that you can combine all of the calories of breakfast, lunch, and dinner into then I’ve got the place for you: Apple Dumplin’. Located in the heart of Urbana, this little gem is sure to give you all the warm and fuzzies you would want from a midwestern style kitchen. Beef and noodles, rolls, apple butter, corn, chicken, its all there. (SL)
Far From the Madding Crowd, Art Theater Co-op
Get your literature on with this new adaptation starring Carey Mulligan. From the Art website: “Directed by Thomas Vinterberg (The Hunt, The Celebration). Based on the literary classic by Thomas Hardy, Far From the Madding Crowd is the story of independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Oscar-nominee Carey Mulligan), who attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts, Rust and Bone), a sheep farmer, captivated by her fetching willfulness; Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a handsome and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood (Golden Globe nominee Michael Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor. This timeless story of Bathsheba’s choices and passions explores the nature of relationships and love – as well as the human ability to overcome hardships through resilience and perseverance.” (MG)
Hit It Run, Cowboy Monkey, 9 p.m.
Hit It Run is basically a Memorial Day staple at this point. Go get your dance on and maybe have a few drinks while Legtwo, Belly and the Ideal DJs spin your favorite hip hop, soul, funk and disco. (TP)
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