Friday, March 17th
Vote in our Parks Tournament, the comfort of your couch, throughout the weekend, free
Well, it was a short dance for Illinois, but you can still have some fun with March Madness by participating in our latest tournament. In past years we’ve had readers choose their favorite C-U eats and drinks, iconic things in C-U, and C-U pizza. This year, it’s a battle of the parks — Champaign vs. Urbana. The round of 32 will roll out at 9 a.m. on Friday, and you can vote within the article and/or through our Twitter and Instagram polls. Support your favorites as we crown the park champion of C-U! (JM)
Sip a green margarita, La Bahía Grill, 8 a.m. to midnight, $7
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a big green margarita at La Bahía Grill in Downtown Champaign. The margaritas here are excellent and pair well with any of the coastal Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is open all day from breakfast until midnight. (AB)
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with drag, The Axe Bar, 9 p.m., $5
Host Carmella Carrington will lead the impressive lineup of performers, including Raven Delacroix Starlings, Ceduxion Carrington, Just Sue, Artemisia Van Ho, Hera Winn, Karma Carrington, Charming Carrington, and Daéshaun Carrington. There will also be a set filled with brand new drag performers taking the stage for the first time. Be sure to check out Uniting Pride’s Instagram and Facebook posts about how significant it is that we live in a community where these celebrations are welcomed, as they are being banned in other places. (JM)
Saturday, March 18th
Get a mother clucker sandwich, Farren’s Pub, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., $15
Look at this beautiful sandwich Caitlin shared on Wednesday in her review of Farren’s Pub & Eatery. The mother clucker sandwich has fried chicken with melted Swiss, sautéed mushrooms, and an outstanding funky blue cheese sauce. There’s awesome appetizers, salads, burgers, roasted pork nachos, drinks, and more on the menu at the beloved Downtown Champaign restaurant. (AB)
Do some bowling and billiards, Illini Union Rec Room, 2 to 7 p.m., price vary
Even though it’s spring break, the Illini Union remains open and that includes the Rec Room. Take advantage of the quiet and shoot a little pool or bowl a few games. While you’re on campus, swing by Murphy’s Pub. Check our review from this week for some ideas of what to order. (JM)
Listen to legendary Dom Flemons, Rose Bowl Tavern, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.; $20 adv + $30 at door
Dom Flemons is an incredible musician — super talented, multi-instrument-playing musical master. He’ll be at the Rose Bowl for what will no doubt be a crowded yet intimate show. Get your tickets ahead of time before they sell out. (JH)
Have a super fun time listening to vinyl, Bentley’s, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., free, but buy drinks
Bentley’s is hosting a super fun vinyl party Saturday night, 21+ to enter. Guest DJs will be spinning on vinyl all night. If you didn’t already know, vinyl is in — it out-sold CDs this year for the first time since 1987. (JH)
Sunday, March 19th
Spend some time upside down, Hatha Yoga and Fitness, 2 to 3:30 p.m., $15 for guests, $5 for members
Get a new perspective on life and try an Inversion Workshop. Instructor Jane Kuppler will lead you through a warm up yoga flow, then work your arms and core in various upside down poses: handstands, headstands, forearm stands, and more. Sign up on the Hatha website. (JM)
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.