Friday, June 16th
Sip an old fashioned, all over Champaign-Urbana, all weekend, $7 to $14
Do you like whiskey? Do you like feeling fancy? Well then, this weekend, go for an old fashioned in C-U. Check out my list of eight old fashioneds around Champaign-Urbana for inspiration on where to go. (AB)
Attend a flag raising for Juneteenth, Urbana City Building, noon, free
The City of Urbana will be hosting a flag raising and reverence ceremony. It will highlight the history and importance of Juneteenth. After the moment of reverence and flag raising, there will be a Mayoral Proclamation and declaring Juneteenth an official holiday in the City of Urbana. You can find Juneteenth celebrations happening throughout C-U this weekend. (LKG)
See a play (or two), Parkland College Second Stage Theatre + The Station Theatre, times and prices vary
Two plays are having their opening performances this weekend: Twin City Theatre Company is putting on The Curious Case of Covingston Manor, a murder mystery. Also opening this weekend is The Station Theatre’s The Absentee, which was featured in Five things in arts this month. You can catch both shows next weekend as well. Covingston Manor and The Absentee tickets can be purchased online. (SSO)
Marvel at the virtuosity of multi-Grammy award-winning Pat Metheny, Virginia Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $68 to $310
Witness the exceptional skills of Pat Metheny, a multi-Grammy Award-winning artist, alongside Chris Fishman and Joe Dyson at the Virginia Theatre next week. Engage with his Side-Eye tour, showcasing a vibrant performance that merges innovative compositions and imaginative renditions of Metheny’s evergreen classics from his latest release, Pat Metheny Side-Eye – NYC. (DP)
See an Urbana band play their last hometown gig (for a while), Rose Bowl Tavern, 11 p.m., $8
One of the most talented young bands in the area is about to move to Chicago and take the next steps in their career. Kangaroo Court is loud, aggressive, tight, and talented, and they are poised for success in the Windy City. This band has serious chops and a very progressive rock sound. I can see them going far. Opening is Chicago indie rock band, 4×4 Animal Style whose unique sound is garnering attention as well. (DP)
Saturday, June 17th
Play some pinball, Triptych or Arcadia, around C-U or McClean, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., prices vary
Everyone loves a good arcade game. Triptych just unveiled their new Foo Fighters themed pinball machine, which you can play as you enjoy your beer. But if you’re looking for more variety, head to Arcadia in McClean to play a bunch of arcade games and vintage pinball. (JH)
Learn about those cool Spanish colonial houses in Urbana, meet at the Farmers Market, noon, free
Have you every been driving down Springfield Avenue in Urbana, and noticed that little stretch of interesting looking homes along Buena Vista Court? I think about them every time I drive by it. Why were these built? Who designed them? The Urbana Historic Preservation Commission might be able to answer those questions on their walking tour. Meet at the farmers market, then take a nice stroll to see the houses, built in 1925. (JM)
Buy some local art, The Station Theatre, 1 to 5 p.m., free, but you can buy things
This is the opening weekend of the Art Market at The Station Theatre. This is a Queer- and BIPOC- centered market, with items available for purchase from local artists. You can enjoy some food and music, buy some art, and then check out their new play The Absentee. (SSO)
Sunday, June 18th
Enjoy a huarache at Huaraches Moroleon, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., about $10
Huaraches are large, flat (sandal-shaped) tortillas topped with different ingredients like rice, beans, veggies, and meat. I enjoyed the huarache loco (with black beans) at Urbana’s Huaraches Moroleon recently. It was huge. It was filling. It was so tasty. Treat yourself to one this weekend on the restaurant’s lovely patio. (JH)
Indulge in an all-day brunch, Neil St. Blues, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $36
Juneteenth is all about eating. And I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by eating all-of-the-things at Neil St. Blues‘ all-you-can-eat brunch. This buffet will feature a mix of soul food and southern classics that celebrate Black food. From fried fish to pot roast and mashed potatoes to shrimp and grits you will definitely not leave hungry. There will also be a mimosas. I’ll cheers to that. (LKG)
Do some crafting for Pride, Ricker Library of Art and Architecture, 1 to 9 p.m., free
Ricker Library has been putting out various fun projects out for folks to come in and flex their creative muscles in honor of Pride, and they just opened their button-making station, which is very exciting. Create your own design, or make one with your favorite pride flag or your pronouns. They also have materials for making zines and collages. Can’t get there this weekend? They will be there for you all month! Just check hours online. (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.