Thursday, January 18th
Stock up on food and things to do this weekend, all day (and weekend), locations and prices vary
The older I get, the less I tolerate cold weather with grace. So while temps are still in the balmy 20s, collect all the things you need to enjoy yourself at home this weekend when the temps are in the teens. One of my favorite things to do is splurge on take out, enough so that I don’t have to cook for two days. Get a nice spread from Kohnioor or Thara Thai. Something soupy and stew-y and warm. Pick up some books and movies from the libraries or our local bookstores. (JH)
Eat shish tawook for supper, Sam’s Cafe, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., $12.99
Downtown Champaign’s Sam’s Cafe just added dinner service this week. Check out the first night of the diner’s supper sandwiches. There are three new specials: the shish tawook (yogurt-marinated chicken with pita and from-scratch hummus), chicken-bacon-ranch, and chopped cheese, which is a hoagie with seasoned hamburger with onions, peppers, and cheese. Bring dollar bills as the establishment is cash only. (AB)
Watch Return of the Jedi, Virginia Theatre, 7 p.m., $7
As part of the Rewind 92.5 film series, The Virginia Theatre is screening Return of the Jedi (1983) the third in the original Star Wars trilogy. Is it the best one? I don’t know! I keep most Star Wars opinions to myself. What I do know is that the original three films are better than other films in the franchise, and that it will be fun to watch this on a big screen, with other people who are into it. (JH)
Friday, January 19th
Eat a candle shop-inspired burger, The Space, 4 to 10 p.m., $17
The new-ish restaurant The Space features a smashburger in honor of the chandlery in Downtown Champaign with fiery jalapeños and habanero pepperjack cheese topped with a made-in-house jalapeño popper. If that’s too wild, go for the Smashy McSmashface or the Oklahoma burger which have the same wagyu beef patties with a lot less going on between the potato buns. Get the fries and a side of ranch because they are both so good here. (AB)
Celebrate Dolly’s birthday, Anthem, 4:30 to 7 p.m., $26
Just the mere fact that Dolly Parton has blessed us with another year on this earth is enough reason to celebrate, but this particular celebration will also raise money for her Imagination Library, which has recently been established here through United Way of Champaign County. You’ll get apps and a welcome drink, and be entertained by music from Kayla Brown. (JM)
Attend the Flatlands Dance Short Film Festival, Spurlock Museum, 7 p.m., $5-$10
Flatlands Dance Film Festival returns to the Spurlock. Short films will be screened, and after all of the screenings, and per the Facebook event page, awards will be given to “the Festival Winner (as selected by the festival adjudicators) and an Audience Award (as selected by the audience).” There will undoubtedly be interesting and compelling films, with incredible talent and creativity on display. (JH)
Check out a new planetarium show, Staerkel Planetarium, 8 p.m., $7-$8
Did you know that there will be a total solar eclipse in April? Pretty exciting stuff. Totality is a new show debuting this month at Staerkel Planetarium that will teach you all about them, and how to view them safely (i.e. not like this). (JM)
Get down with your bad self dancing to Big Daddy Pride & The East Side Five, Rose Bowl Tavern, 8:30 p.m., $10 to $15 suggested donation
Big Daddy Pride & The East Side Five fuse psychedelic Americana with R&B at the Rose Bowl Tavern, featuring a mix of psychedelic guitar and New Orleans-style rhythms. Join them for a night of music to get down to, enriched by opening sets from Jenni Stark and Keith Hall & The Creepin’ Grass. (DP)
Saturday, January 20th
Swap some clothes, Gallery Art Bar, noon to 3 p.m., free but bring something to swap
I wrote about this in my get your Culture here article this month. Gallery Art Bar is hosting a clothing swap and coat drive. Grab a drink and bring some clothes that you don’t want or need to trade for something else. They’ll also be collecting coat donations for Cunningham Township. (LKG)
Make a maintenance-free house plant, Spurlock Museum, noon to 4 p.m., free, but bring a clean can to serve as your “pot”
The Spurlock is hosting this craft event in which you will make a houseplant from various materials. This houseplant will not need soil or water, and you won’t have to get one of those apps that tell you how you’re killing your plant babies. (JH)
Make your own journal, Pure Being, 1 p.m., $35
To celebrate the beginning of the new year, Pure Being is hosting a journal making workshop. Journaling is a great way to “process images, words, collage, thoughts and intentions.” This class will provide materials to help you create your own stitch-bound journal with a cover to fill with good vibes for 2024. (LKG)
See the future of band music in Illinois, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 3 p.m., free
The All-Illinois Junior Band, the state’s first middle school honor band in over 50 years, offers Illinois’ top young musicians a chance to excel through competitive blind auditions. This premier ensemble focuses on performing high-quality literature, fostering interaction among dedicated peers, and inspiring continued musical growth under the guidance of a distinguished conductor. (DP)
Sunday, January 21st
Start looking for snowflakes, Champaign County Forest Preserves, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., free
This weekend is the start of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District’s annual Snowflake Search. It’s a fun excuse to explore the trails during the winter. I’ve found that it’s really kind of nice to hike in the preserves this time of year. You just need the right amount of layers! Download a checklist, bring your phone to snap photos, then post your finds on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #champaignforests. (JM)
See an award winning animated film, Normal Theater, 3 or 7 p.m., $5-$7
The Boy and the Heron recently won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film, and will probably snag an Oscar nod too. The early show will be in Japanese with English subtitles, and the evening show will be dubbed in English, so you can pick your preference. Grab tickets ahead of time online so you can focus on important things like snacks when you get there. (JM)
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.