Weekender: March 14-17
Whether you’re taking in some Big Ten basketball, donning your green for St. Paddy’s Day, or enjoying the waning days of Spring Break, there are plenty of options for weekend fun.
Whether you’re taking in some Big Ten basketball, donning your green for St. Paddy’s Day, or enjoying the waning days of Spring Break, there are plenty of options for weekend fun.
The inaugural UI Con happened at the Illini Union last weekend. For those unfamiliar, UI Con is a comic convention for fans to dress up, gather with other fans, learn from experts, compete in contests, …
Prairie Play Playground had its final play date last weekend. The old wooden play structure is slated for demolition to make space for the new playground going in late 2024. There is still time to …
We have some ideas for how to spend this extra day in February, and the rest of the weekend.
Back in December, Illinois Public Media announced the launch of a brand new radio station that “elevates Black voices, music, and culture throughout central Illinois, and online, with the power of public media.” Illinois Soul, …
In our last interview together, we got to know more about historian and editor, Ryan A. Ross. In it, he gave us a seriously in-depth look at the history of Homecoming at the University of …
A recent string of sinus surgeries stranded Alex Gentner on dry land for two months — the longest stretch of time he’s gone between scuba dives in a decade. Since 2007, Gentner has suited up and …
In the last decade and a half, comics and comics-adjacent culture have become mainstream. Even if you don’t know what anime is, or the names of indie comics publishers, you’ve probably seen a Marvel Cinematic …
Food and Drink editor Alyssa and I were chatting earlier this year about places to go in Champaign-Urbana that have a certain vibe — a place you can go with a distinct feeling and can …
Let us help you plan your weekend.
The Insect Fear Film Festival is put on every year by the Entomology Graduate Students Association. It’s a unique way to interact with insects that might seem scary and it makes them a little more …
Downstate Third Act (a branch of Third Act) is an organization working to protect the planet and support a vigorous democracy for people over the age of 60. Pat Simpson is a retired academic who …
The Sankofa RoboBuilders did not win the FIRST Lego League Qualifier competition held on the University of Illinois campus back in December. But that’s only if you have a very strict definition of “winning.” When …
Need some help planning your weekend? Our editors have you covered.
I have a love-hate relationship with Valentine’s Day. On one hand I have always enjoyed using this day as a way to show the people in my life how much they mean to me and …
Here in the capitalist hellscape we all live in, it can be hard to find cheap, fun, outings to do with your Valentine. There’s The Great Outdoors of course (which is often free), though it’s …
There is no shortage of cool things to do this weekend. Let our editors help you plan.
Black History Month is here! I was actually a little overwhelmed at all there was to do in Champaign-Urbana this month and it was hard to narrow it down to just five. From a holiday …
It’s finally February, which is a much better month than January. Here are some suggestions for starting the month out right.
Janice Weldon has lived in Champaign for most of her life. She’s a self taught artist, mother, and digital illustrator with a love for skating. feralFLORALS was created as a result of encouraging her kids …
Now that we’ve all thawed, get out there and do some stuff!
Janice Harrington has lived in Champaign-Urbana since the 1980s, working at both the Urbana Free Library and the Champaign Public Library. Currently she is a Professor of English at the University of Illinois and an …
Let our editors help plan your weekend.
I feel like I should apologize in advance because January and February are not my best months. The sun is still setting early, you have to wear a million layers when you go outside, and …
Whether you want to hunker down or brave the winter weather, we have plenty of options for your weekend.
Here we are at the end of another year. How will you choose to celebrate? A subdued gathering? A nice meal? Pizza and beer? A late-night dance party? No matter what your style, there is …
This month, the whole BFL is devoted to the Lincoln Building in downtown Champaign. A stately edifice with a long history. A BUILDING The Lincoln Building (44 E. Main St. Champaign) Right on Main Street, …
Last week, I provided an overview and update of the 2023-24 University of Illinois men’s basketball team. This week, I’m profiling the 2023-24 women’s squad. Despite a slower than expected start for the Illini women …
Malik Dillard started Groom Culture knowing he wanted it to be a familiar but unique atmosphere. By combining his experience from management jobs and college, he has created a place that feels like you’ve just …
I’ve had some very cool experiences this year with my “let’s do this” series. I’ve gone rock climbing in Urbana, foraged at Allerton Park, I tried stretch therapy, and I learned more about myself when …
When I first took this position as Culture Editor, I kept asking myself: What exactly is the best way to sum up the culture of Champaign-Urbana? Where should I start? It turns out, what makes …
I came across Anthony Luis Najera’s page on Instagram and was immediately drawn to the positivity, joy, and colors throughout the XO by ALN brand. Najera seems to be a person who draws others in. …
Now that we are nearly ten games into the 2023-24 University of Illinois men’s basketball season, it is time to consider the potential of this year’s team, both from an on-court perspective and a fan …
There are lots of opportunities to eat, drink, and be merry this weekend.
The holiday season is here! And while I do love a holiday market and a good goat photo op, I get a little overwhelmed by all the holiday things every single day in December. So …
Enjoy this first weekend of December with suggestions from our editors.
Jeffrey Trask is a busy man. After working as the Mercy and Justice Pastor of New Covenant Fellowship from 2001 to 2012, he founded the Champaign County Christian Health Center (CCCHC) in 2003, which provides …
Japan House and the surrounding gardens are a true gem in Champaign-Urbana. You can celebrate at the Matsuri Festival, see the Sakura trees at the Spring Open House, or even cry in your car. Another way …
AIDS awareness and activism has a long and important history here in Champaign-Urbana, thanks in particular to the work of Joan Lathrap (who just recently passed) and Julie Pryde at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, …
Thanksgiving is happening this week, which officially marks the beginning of the holiday season. With all of the big stores pushing “Black Friday” sales and doing their best to compete for your attention, we like …
On Saturday, November 4th, with more than 200 people in attendance, a team of researchers from The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois launched the first public quantum network in the entire …
During the pandemic, some people got into sourdough starters or gardening; not me, I got into astrology. I’ve always been fascinated with personality tests (Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, and DISC are all ones that I’ve tried) so …
We have a little something for everyone in this installment of The Weekender.
Jamie L. Jones is an assistant professor at the University of Illinois and is a researcher in the fields of the environmental humanities and U.S. literature. This summer, her first book Rendered Obsolete: Energy Culture …
Need help planning your weekend? Our editors have some suggestions.
This summer I interviewed Lola Pittenger from Glow by Lola. As a teacher, student, mom, small business owner, yoga instructor, breathwork coach, and more, I was curious to see what she carried around in her …
No matter what your interest, we surely have a suggestion for your weekend.
The Hawaiians have a saying: from mauka to makai. Uka is mountain and kai is ocean, and the proverb reminds us that everything is connected. There are no mountains in Illinois, but for Lanialoha Lee, …
We made it through a historically cold Halloween and now November is here. There will be plenty of holiday lights and markets coming up. But for this November edition, I wanted to focus on some …