Friday, August 25th
Visit Scott Bennett Family Resources Day, Brookens Center Gym, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free
The Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office with the Be Like Bennett Foundation and Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services have organized this resource fair to “connect local families with a wide variety of health and well-being resources located in the Champaign County regional area, including but not limited to child support services, legal access resources, medical and health insurance assistance, SNAP benefits, unemployment, mental health services, and more.” There will be reps from all sorts of local agencies, and some Spanish language materials / assistance available. (JH)
Watch/Act/Sing along with Rocky Horror Picture Show, Harvest Moon Drive-In, Gibson City, 8 p.m., $9 / adult plus $5 for outside food permit if you want it
Harvest Moon’s annual Rocky Horror weekend is here. The drive-in will be screening the film both Friday and Saturday night; you can buy tickets ahead of time. You are encouraged to dress up, sing along, act along, yell at, and generally enjoy the film as it has become meant to be enjoyed. (JH)
Saturday, August 26th
Buy some old theatre props and costumes, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring money to shop
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is hosting their costume and prop sale this weekend. The sale is your opportunity to pick up unique and oftentimes one-of-a-kind pieces from previous productions at KCPA. If you want the best pick of costumes, pay the $3 early bird fee to shop from 8 a.m. to noon. After that, entry to the costume sale is free, and entry to the prop sale is free all day. The costume sale will be held in the studio theatre, with the prop sale taking place on level 2. (SSO).
Diversify your kids books, Barnes and Noble, 10:30 a.m., free
The Illini reading council is an organization that supports educators as they promote literacy. This event will have two speakers, Karla Moller and Ashley E. Dawson. They will be speaking about culturally inclusive literature and authentic LGBTQ perspectives. Attendees are also invited to share their own recommendations for diverse and inclusive books. (LKG)
Celebrate breastfeeding, Hessel Park Pavilion, 11 a.m., free
BIPOC for Better Birth is celebrating national breastfeeding week with a community event full of snacks, sponsors, vendors, and a mini session oppourtunity. Nursing parents, kids, and families are invited to meet other breastfeeding parents, doulas, and get information about lactation resources in the community. If you’re interested in portraits, you can sign up here. (LKG).
Visit The Vault, The Vault Art Gallery in Tuscola, 1 to 5 p.m., free
The Vault Art Gallery is ten years old, and you can join in the celebration. Eat, drink, and be merry, and chat with some of the artists that are part of the collective. It’s a really fun place to visit…you might even find some treasures to bring home. (JM)
Hear an award-winning Black woman poet, Champaign Public Library, 2 p.m., free
Poet Tasleem Jamila will be at the Champaign Public Library this weekend for a reading, signing, and discussion. From Mississippi Clay to African Skies in Search of Sacred Presence is Jamila’s second poetry book. The collection “weaves together the intricate intersections of sacred spiritual Sufi poetry, Islamic mystical moments, and the rich dimensions of the Black Atlantic diaspora.” (SSO)
Head to Bloomington for some black dirt music, Museum Square, 6 p.m., Free
Join Chicago Farmer and The Fieldnotes for a special evening at Saturdays on the Square in Downtown Bloomington (200 N. Main St.) on August 26th, with an opening act by the Nathan Taylor Band, starting at 6 p.m. and offering a FREE, family-friendly experience. Grab a drink if you’re over 21, and savor food from onsite trucks as the music kicks off at 7 p.m. (DP)
Sunday, August 27th
Eat a burger, all over Champaign-Urbana, times vary, prices vary
According to the internet, Sunday is National Burger Day. I’m always looking for an excuse to eat a burger, and if you are, too, then I command you to eat a burger this Sunday. Go for an Oklahoma smashburger at The Space or a spicy fire burger at Farren’s Pub. Grill up your own with patties from Old Time Meat & Deli or Harvest Market. If you’re vegetarian, don’t miss out on the burger day; try Guido’s black bean burger or sub out the beef patties on any of Smith Burger Co’s smashburgers. (AB)
Join the circus, Uptown Normal, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free
By join, I mean check out Gamma Phi Circus and other performers at the Sweet Corn Circus this weekend. The free event will have entertainment, food and other sorts of vendors, and of course, sweet corn. This will all take place on the streets of Uptown Normal. Find the full schedule (including Saturday’s) here. (JM)
Eat sundaes on Sunday, Prairie Fruits Farm, 1 to 4 p.m., bring money for treats
On Sunday, Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery is hosting Niece’s Pieces for a brownie-gelato collab. The brownies by farmers’ market vendor Niece’s Pieces are delicious and so is the goat farm’s gelato. This will be a sweet way to end your weekend. (AB)
Rock all day to support a local treasure, Rose Bowl Tavern, 2 to 10 p.m., $27 suggested donation
Join the community for a Moose-a-Palooza at Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana, in support of Moose (Barney Joyce), with an unforgettable reunion of Menthol, performances by The Dirty Feathers, Burnt Trees (featuring members of The Blackouts and Living Blue), Tractor Kings and many more. This Sunday event promises not only exceptional music but a heartfelt tribute to a beloved local icon, showcasing the unity and vibrant spirit of the town’s music scene. (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.