Thursday, January 11th
Stock up on cinnamon rolls, Hunny Bunny Bakes, 10 a.m. to ?, $5-$26
Hunny Bunny Bakes has cinnamon rolls available every Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until they sell out. There’s a bout of nasty weather coming, so why not make sure that you have this sort of sustenance in your home? You can get singles or six-packs, and even pick up some frozen ones to make sure you’re covered for the future. (JM)
Listen to jazz, get a tarot reading, Gallery Art Bar, tarot starts at 7 p.m.; music at 8 p.m., prices vary
Head to Gallery Art Bar for tarot readings by Azul Celeste and jazz by Nathaniel Ruiz and Friends. Gallery has a fantastic bar, and most of the drinks can be made without alcohol. (JH)
Friday, January 12th
Celebrate National Curried Chicken Day, Kohinoor Indian Restaurant, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m., $12.99
I’m sure you’re already aware, but this Friday, January 12th is National Curried Chicken Day. I am obsessed with the chicken curry at the family-run Indian restaurant Kohinoor in Champaign. The chicken curry is part of the thali non-veg lunch special, and it’s always part of my order whether I dine in or get takeout because it’s amazing. The flavor in the curry is a bit spicy, but when I order mine, I ask them to kick up a notch, so it’s really spicy! Splurge for the garlic naan (it’s fresh chopped), and don’t forget the kheer (rice pudding) for dessert. (AB)
Watch Passing, The Virginia Theatre, 7 p.m., $7
The next film in the Arthouse at the Virginia series is Passing (2021), a film about reconnected childhood friends (the amazing Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga) navigating New York City in the 1920s, one passing as white. The film was screened at Ebertfest 2022 and the Q&A from that screening will be played after the film. (JH)
Put on your dancing shoes for Latin Dance Night, Urbana Dance Company, 8 p.m., $10
The first Latin Dance Night of the year will feature a lesson with Spencer Kube and Tasha King-McDonald from 8 to 9 p.m., then social dancing until midnight. Ideal DJ Wesjile will be spinning starting at 9 p.m. (JH)
Saturday, January 13th
Swing by the Winter Farmers Market, Lincoln Square Mall, 8 a.m. to noon, prices vary
Spend some time browsing what local vendors have to offer. You’ll find a variety of items from fresh produce to handmade soap to dog treats to seasonings and more. (JM)
Run outside in the cold, Carle at the Fields, 9 a.m., $20-$45
Some people stock up on cinnamon rolls, some people get up on a Saturday morning to run in frigid temperatures, maybe some do both! We all deal with winter in our own ways. There is still time to sign up for the Champaign Park District’s Frozen 5K. It’s a timed race, and if you are one of the first 250 to sign up you’ll be guaranteed free swag (a hat and a mug). Deadline for online registration is January 12th. You can also show up and register on-site between 8 and 8:30 a.m. (JM)
Repurpose, renew, and reuse at Postmark Urbana, Cafeteria and Company, noon to 4 p.m., free
Join the PostMark Urbana celebration for a day of repurpose, renewal, and reuse. Enjoy live music, make and take crafts with recycled materials, and explore raffles, art demos, food specials, and sales at downtown Urbana’s PostMark venues. (DP)
Watch the women’s gymnastics team in their first home meet, Huff Hall Gymnasium, 2:30 P.M., free
The number 21 ranked Illinois women’s gymnastics team will have their first home gymnastics meet of the season. They’ll be competing against West Virginia, Western Michigan, and UW Oshkosh. The Illini team just had a great finish in the Las Vegas Championship tournament. You can see their complete season schedule on their website. (LKG)
Go Phishing for some jam band tunes, Rose Bowl Tavern, 8 p.m., $10 to $15
Experience the magic of Phish reimagined by Birds of a Feather, a tribute band capturing their legendary sound and improvisational flair. Head over to Rose Bowl Tavern for a fund night of jam band bliss. (DP)
Sunday, January 14th
Burger it up, Watson’s Shack & Rail, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $15
This brunch burger is awesome, and I included it in my recommendations of things to eat this January. I love how smashed the beef patties are, the lacy edges meat with melted cheese oozing into the meaty cracks. The thick pickles and smear of mayo add to the greasy deliciousness. The burger comes with any side, but the seasoned fries with ranch are it for me. Check out the brunch menu, make a reservation online, and have a hella good Sunday. (AB)
See Mah Meri Spirit Carvings, Spurlock Museum, noon to 4 p.m., free but donation appreciated
January 14th is the last day to see this temporary exhibit, recently donated to the museum. From the exhibit description: “The Mah Meri is one of the 18 ethnic groups of Orang Asli, or “original people,” of Malaysia, with a more a more specific association to Carey Island. They are animists, believing that everything has a soul that originates from their ancestors and influences all aspects of their life.” Spend a nice quiet Sunday afternoon seeing these artifacts and other exhibits at Spurlock. (JM)
Play some chess with Illinois Chess Rookies, Champaign Public Library, noon to 3:30 p.m., free
Are you a chess player looking for an opponent and maybe some friends with similar interests? Here’s an opportunity for you. Grab your chess board, head to CPL, and play chess with other folks. “Beginners, novices, and first timers are welcome,” according to the Facebook event page. (JH)
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 5 P.M., free
Join the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts, City of Rantoul, Parkland Community College, and the University of Illinois for the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration. This event will feature a keynote speech from Reverend BJ Tatum and an awards ceremony for three community members whose work continues to honors the principles of Dr. King. (LKG)
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.