Thursday, April 18th
Watch some movies, Ebertfest at the Virginia Theatre, times vary, through Saturday, $20
Ebertfest is celebrating its 25th year, which is incredible. This week’s lineup is great; if you have time to check out a film, you should do so. There is nothing like watching a movie with a crowd, and many of the screenings have panels that follow with actors, directors, and others involved with the making of the film. Read Amy’s preview for an idea of what to expect. (JH)
Eat a vegan burger, Martinelli’s Market, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., $15.95
The April vegan challenge is back again this year, and some places are making special vegan dishes for it. I wrote about omnivore-approved eats from the challenge last year, and one was this chickpea burger by Martinelli’s. And it’s back again this year. Catch the tasty “burger” with a deep-fried hummus disc, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a housemade chipotle aioli on a Central Illinois Bakehouse bun only this week through Sunday. (AB)
Catch some of the hottest local acts, The Canopy Club, 9 p.m., $10 to $15
Although Josh Spinner, Manifest West and Taurus Hate Club are all bands still on their way up, all three have caught our attention and have been written about in Smile Politely the past year. Tonight is your perfect opportunity to catch all of them at one show. (DP)
Friday, April 19th
Celebrate an arts-science collaboration, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 5 to 7 p.m., free
CASCaDE (Collective for Arts-Science, Creativity and Discovery, etc) is a collaboration between KCPA, IQUIST, and led by Latrelle Bright (Theater), Stephen Taylor (Music), and Smitha Vishveshwara (Physics). This launch event is “performance of a fragment from Quantum Voyages: an adventure tale, the presentation of creative student work from the course Where the Arts Meets Physics.” (JH)
Attend Goth Prom, Rose Bowl Tavern, 8:30 p.m., $13-$17
Bat Factory has organized Goth Prom 2024, where attendees will be “trapped in a Dark Forest inhabited by all manner of tricky fae creatures and old eldrich entities.” There will be performances by Pink Diamond, Na’amah Mars, and Magic Miss Elle, as well as plenty of dance music and food by JunkyardBat and La Paloma Food Truck. (JH)
Saturday, April 20th
Shop Record Store Day, Exile on Main Street, Record Swap, See You CD & Vinyl, 7 a.m., prices vary
Record Store Day is a way to celebrate and support local record stores and musicians. Whether you’re looking for something specific or a special RSD release, or simply poking around the bins, the lively energy in our record stores will make shopping all the more fun. Check out each location’s website for details on hours and special releases. (JH)
Help clean up the Boneyard Creek, Scott Park, 207 E Springfield Ave, Champaign, 9 a.m., free, register on site
The annual Boneyard Creek Clean Up is happening, and it’s a chance to take care of our natural waterways. Dress to be outside — no open-toed shoes, for example. Be prepared to pick up trash and help remove invasive species. (JH)
Kick off plant sale season, Delight Flower Farm, noon to 3 p.m., $1 entry, plus money for plants and other things
Delight Flower Farm is going all-out with their annual farm plant sale, which includes local artists and food vendors. The best part of the sale is that it happens on the farm, so you can explore where your favorite flowers come from while you shop all of the amazing vendors. You can see the full list of vendors on their event site and you can still preorder your flowers and pick them up at the sale to ensure you get what you want. (LKG)
Celebrate the Earth, Crystal Lake Park, 1 to 4 p.m., free
It’s Earth Day and to celebrate, some of our favorite outdoor groups are getting together to put on Earth Day for Everyone. There will be live music from Afro D. & Global Soundwaves and a reading from Urbana’s Poet Laureate Ruby Mendenhall. There will also be hands-on activities like face painting, yard games, and a community art project. Food from La Paloma food truck and ice cream from The Main Scoop will be onsite ,and you can also check out local community groups Life Cycle, the UP center, and more. (LKG)
Enjoy Illinois cannabis, private property, 4:20 p.m., prices vary
Huzzah, 4/20 is on a Saturday this year. We love a weekend celebration. Light up a joint or pop some edibles, and enjoy a beautiful weekend April 20th in a state where cannabis is legal. Check out my list of yummy gummies for inspo or go for my favorite flower Rainbows and Cherries by Cresco. Happy 420 to all who celebrate! (AB)
Celebrate Emily Kerlin’s new poetry collection, The Literary, 5 p.m., free
National Poetry Month continues with Champaign poet and educator Emily Kerlin. Kerlin will be reading from her new poetry collection, Twenty-One Farewells (2024 Minerva Rising Press). The book launch will also feature poet Mark Neely reading his work. (AP)
Save your soul through music at a chapel concert, Channing Murray Chapel, 7 p.m., $15
Join Dead Horses and special guest Emily Anne at the Channing Murray Chapel for an evening where folk music meets soulful storytelling. Known for their poignant lyrics and captivating melodies, Dead Horses offers an intimate concert experience that promises to delve into the heart of Americana. Set against the serene backdrop of the chapel, this performance is your gateway to a night of musical introspection. (DP)
Abide with the Dude, The Normal Theater, 209 W North St, Normal, 7 p.m., $12 to $15
The Normal Theater and Keg Grove Brewing Company are teaming up on Saturday for a Big Lebowski-themed street festival, complete with live music, food, and costume contests. Street festival begins at 5 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m. (AP)
Sunday, April 21st
Welcome Spring with uplifting voices and spirits, McKinley Presbyterian Church, 4 p.m., $20 suggested donation
Experience the harmonious blend of cultures and sounds with Amasong’s spring concert, “I Sing to Know That Love is Near,” at McKinley Presbyterian Church. This diverse program features contemporary compositions by women, traditional music from Japan and Ukraine, and stirring gospel pieces, each chosen to inspire unity and hope. (DP)
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.