FRIDAY, October 9th
Independent Media Center Anniversary Celebration, all weekend, IMC, 202 S. Broadway, Urbana, free
Check out the amazing resources and community projects at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, which is holding its fifteenth anniversary this weekend. Cope gives a preview of the calendar of events and what to expect from this weekend’s activities. (RP)
U of I Symphony Orchestra, 7:30-9:30 PM, Krannert Center For The Performing Arts, $4 (Students) $10 (Public)
One of the perks of living in a town with a university as multi-faceted and massive as The University of Illinois is that we have some of the best in pretty much any field in the world. Music, of course, is no exception, and the U of I’s Symphony Orchestra seeks to prove just that. Tickets will be available on the door, or online here. (BH)
The Open House by Will Eno, 8 p.m., The Station Theatre, 223 N. Broadway, Urbana, $15
The first play of the Station’s 44th season has set the bar for the months to come. Aside from our own reviewer’s good impressions, my trusted sources from inside the theatre community tell me that “this one is pretty good.” The this one part refers to the fact that I prefer anything over a dysfunctional-family play, but Eno’s 2014 work is actually meant to challenge the fact that people never change. I’m willing to give it a shot, see you there. (RK)
SATURDAY, October 10th
KOOP’s Cardboard Challenge, Hessel Park, 10 a.m.
Rebecah put together an article a few months back about this organization, but their event is taking place this Saturday at Hessel Park. Looks pretty awesome — because whether you’re a kid or whether you’re an adult, you can probably find some cool shit to build out of some cardboard boxes. Check out the information about KOOP at their Facebook page and the event link above. (PS)
C-U Oktoberfest, Downtown Champaign, 3 p.m.-midnight, $5 entry, plus food + drink
This is the 3rd annual C-U Oktoberfest, benefiting the Developmental Services Center. The money raised is for a good cause, and you’ll have an opportunity to eat and drink some delicious items for your donation. It’s a fairly lively environment, especially into the night. Don your lederhosen and bring your appetite. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Kenna Mae Record Release Party, 6 and 9 p.m., Iron Post, $10 cover
Local favorite Kenna Mae is celebrating the release of her new album, Blue Darlin, this Saturday with back-to-back shows. She’ll be performing with a full band and copies of her new album will be available. Come for the music, stay for the cheap beer. (RP)
Cursive, Withershins, Looming, The Highdive, 7 p.m., $15 advance/$20 door
The Cursive crew makes their way back through Champaign-Urbana after a short absence, and they’re back supporting the reissue of their staple, The Ugly Organ, and the tour that follows it. Check out the interview Aaliyah did with guitarist Ted Stevens prior ot the show while you’re at it, and not to mention — local outfit Withershins will join, as well as Looming out of Springfield. Should be a good one. (PS)
SUNDAY, October 11th
A Farmer’s Road screening and discussion, The Art Theatre, 126 W Church St, Champaign, 2:30 – 5 p.m., free
Check out this profile/documentary about Leslie Cooperband and Wed Jarrell, owners of Prairie Fruits Farm. You’ll hear their story — from soil scientists to farmers — and follow their endeavors over a four year time span. After the film, stick around for a post-show Q&A with producer John Murray. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Go color with other adults, Urbana Public Library, 3-4 p.m., free
Remember how relaxing it was to loose yourself in coloring or drawing? Relive those feelings at Urbana’s library today. All supplies will be provided for free. They encourage you to bring a friend as well. This would be a nice way to meet people, tap into your creative side, and relax. (SL)
CU Bands and Fans Fundraiser (Family Friendly Day), 505 S. Chestnut Street, Champaign (Fat City “City Center”), noon-10 p.m., $10
The third annual charity event will feature three stages (Indoor, Outdoor, and Acoustic), activities for the kids, and book signings with local and area authors. Over 20 bands will perform throughout the day including Paul & Gloria, Kilborn Alley, and the Bow-dacious String Band. That last one happens to be a project of C4A, this year’s charity chosen to benefit from the ticket sales. (RK)
Hike at Kickapoo State Park
Kickapoo State Park is just about 30 minutes east of CU and it is a beautiful park equippped with trails, canoes, kayaks and plenty of nature. Right now it is particularly beautiful as the leaves are changing. If you want to canoe, get there before 2 p.m. Make sure to bring a snack too! And be sure to check out the face carvings along the trail. (SL)
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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.