Friday, July 29th
Dine in for beef pies, Stango Cuisine, 11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., $4 each
Stango Cuisine announced this week that the restaurant will be closing the Urbana location inside the Lincoln Square Mall to move to Downtown Champaign in the kitchen of Wood N’ Hog. If you have never been to the Zambian restaurant in the Urbana mall, you should go this weekend before it closes. (AB)
Attend a Guns to Garden Tools event, Randolph Street Community Garden, 5 p.m., free
The Interfaith Alliance and Ministerial Alliance are joining with several local organizations in a weekend of promoting nonviolence. RAWTools, a national organization that turns donated guns into garden tools will be there to share their mission and do a demonstration. Come out Friday evening for a community gathering with food, music, and interfaith services. On Saturday there will be educational workshops as well as a block party. Check out the Facebook event for the full schedule. (JM)
Photo from Soundscapes’ Facebook.
Get immersed in light and sound, NOLA’s Rock Bar, 9 p.m., free
Soundscapes has been hosting events at NOLA’s this summer, turning the back patio into a whole new world. Projections light up the walls as live musicians and DJs bring the tunes. It’s a truly immersive experience. Grab a drink and take in the sights and sounds. (SW)
Saturday, July 30th
Photo from Girls Rock C-U’s Facebook.
Hear the hard work of Girls Rock C-U, Rose Bowl Tavern, 12 p.m., free
The inaugural Girls Rock C-U festival is happening at Rose Bowl Tavern on July 30th. Starting at 12 p.m., the festival is an end-of-camp showcase that will feature live music all day, as well as art vendors set up for your shopping pleasure. (SW)
Hear author Katherine E. Standefer read from her new book Lightning Powers, The Literary, 6 p.m., free
Sometimes the most compelling tales come from the nonfiction aisle. Such is the case with Standefer’s Lightning Powers: My Journey to Uncover the Cost of Saving a Life. It begins with a question: What if a lifesaving medical device causes loss of life along its supply chain? Stop by the Liteary to find out the answer. (DD)
Photo by Candie Kates.
Nerd out at Nerdelesque, Seven Saints beer garden, doors open at 7:30 p.m., $20
Carnivale Debauche burlesque troupe is back in action Saturday, bringing a second installment of Nerdelesque — an homage to “favorite fandoms, geeky interests, and nerdy passions.” You are encouraged to join in the nerdy fun with your own cosplay. Pre-sale tickets are sold out, but there will be a limited amount available at the door. Be sure to bring some dollar bills to show your appreciation. (JM)
Sunday, July 31st
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Try eggs benedict al fresco, Homegrown, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., $12
This eggs benedict was a delicious brunch option from Homegrown, the farm-to-table restaurant located in the U of I Atkins Golf Club. The dishes range from pancakes to waffles to a breakfast burrito to burgers. Even my kids liked it! (AB)
Walk through the Great ARTdoors, multiple C-U locations, anytime, free
This summer has seen a wave of new public art, including the sculptures of the 2022 Great ARTdoors. Get your steps in while appreciating how these works interact with their locations. There’s nothing like a standing before a 3D work of art to bring on inspiration. Grab a friend and compare your responses. (DD)
Top photo from 40 North Facebook page.
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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.