Thursday, August 22nd
Attend an art and design opening reception, Parkland College’s Giertz Gallery, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., free (donations always welcome)
Besides getting to see the work of Parkland’s talented faculty on Thursday night, you’ll get to meet the latest member of the artistic team: new to Parkland, ceramics faculty member Josh Schutz. Come hear from him and enjoy an opening night reception. To find the gallery during Parkland’s fall construction period, they suggest using the B7 parking lot on the south end of campus. Enter through Door X2 and turn left. Take the first uphill ramp on your right (east of the library stairs) and then the two ramps directly north of the stairs to the highest point on the first floor, where the gallery is located. (AP)
Cheer for U of I soccer, Demirjian Park, 7 p.m., free
Watch the U of I women take on Missouri on a beautiful night. The team is already 2-0. If you’ve been missing Olympics coverage, this is the perfect antidote, and totally fun for the entire family (even though it’s a school night). (JH)
Friday, August 23rd
Drink beer and eat tacos, Big Thorn, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., prices vary
The brewery’s food truck will have a taco takeover for the brewery’s 8th anniversary. The tacos will have special ingredients from local businesses: Puzey Farms, RBKL Honey, Mad Goat Coffee, Sarther’s Farm, Obsidian Coffee, and Big Thorn’s farm-raised chorizo and Italian sausage. There will be a crazy good lineup of beer as well. Check out the event page. (AB)
Do the time warp (again), Harvest Moon Drive-In, gates at 6:30 p.m. and screening at 8:10 p.m., $10+
Harvest Moon is showing Rocky Horror Picture Show this weekend, with a best dressed costume contest at intermission. This will be a whole thing — props, costumes, the works — so come prepared and ready to dance and sing along. (JH)
Saturday, August 24th
Make some communal art, Urbana’s Market at the Square, 7 a.m. to noon, free
Get inspired at the market this Saturday. Join the all-ages mural painting project sponsored by a grant from Urbana Arts and Culture. This wonderful project invites artists, young and less young, and those who may not have tapped into their inner artist yet. Everyone is welcome to Big Hug Urbana this weekend. (AP)
Shop the University YMCA Dump & Run, Stock Pavilion, U of I Campus, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., free for U of I and Parkland students, $4 for everyone else
This massive garage sale takes place Saturday and Sunday, and is an excellent way to support the University YMCA. There will be all sorts of gently used furniture and other household items, perfect for furnishing a dorm room or new apartment. (JH)
Find some reclaimed home decor, PACA Garage Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free to enter, you’ll want to buy things
The Preservation and Conservation Association is holding their annual summer garage sale, where you can find all sorts of reclaimed architectural and decorative elements for your home. PACA always has really interesting items, so go with an open mind and a keen eye. (JH)
Get your groove and glam on, Downtown Champaign, 4 p.m., free
Enjoy an eclectic mix of live music and local culture at Toast to Taylor Street in Downtown Champaign. From indie tunes by Squirrel Flower and The Claudettes, to a vibrant freestyle fashion show, this event is a celebration of C-U’s creative spirit. (DP)
Eat a waffle, your house or a restaurant, all weekend, prices vary
Saturday is National Waffle Day. Make waffles at home with my favorite recipe: Martha Stewart’s easy waffles, or go out to a restaurant for waffles. Where? Silvercreek has an awesome waffle. Watson’s has dessert waffles, chicken and waffles, and delicious waffle fries. Jarling’s has made-in-house waffle cones, and Whisk in Mahomet has a good waffle sandwich. (AB)
Sunday, August 25th
Dance, sway and swing for a Moose, Rose Bowl Tavern, 3 p.m., donations accepted
This Sunday, the greater local music community will convene at Mooseapalooza II, a special event at Rose Bowl Tavern to support beloved music scene figure, Moose (Barney Joyce). With performances across indoor and outdoor stages, the day promises great tunes for a great cause, with proceeds aiding Moose’s aftercare and C-U’s Meals on Wheels. (DP)
Be moved by The Wingwalker, Chambana Film Festival at Savoy 16, 4 p.m., $10
I asked Chambana Film Festival’s Nat Dykeman why we should see this film. Dykeman says “you should come see The Wingwalker because it’s rare to find such a thrilling, suspenseful independent feature film. I love documentaries, and romances, and people sitting in a room telling stories, but The Wingwalker is a rare treat.” Stay tuned for more of my interview with Nat Dykeman in September, but for now, head to the theatre in Savoy and experience this powerful film. (AP)