Friday, June 30th
Party at a dispensary and eat a doughnut-burger, Cloud9, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., bring cash/card
This Friday, check out Cloud9 Cannabis dispensary’s grand opening party. They’ll have vendors including Smith Burger Co which will be serving their amazing Glazed and Confused burger, which a smashburger on a grilled Ye Olde doughnut. There are discounts, prizes, artists, and cannabis brand reps. Sign up here for updates from the organizer. (AB)
Celebrate in Savoy, 1700 +1800 Woodfield Dr Savoy, 3 to 10 p.m., free
The Villiage of Savoy is celebrating the 61874th of July with live music, games, competitions, food trucks and more. Parking will be limited, so the hosts suggest riding your bike, catching a ride share, or walking over to the event if you can. More information and a map of events are both available on their website. (LKG)
Learn to arrange flowers, Delight Flower Farm (1472 County Road 500 East Champaign), 6 to 7:30 p.m., $50 (buy your tickets ahead of time)
Delight Flower Farm is hosting a seasonal flower arranging workshop, and if you’ve been on their social media pages recently, you know you’ll be working with some gorgeous blooms. All of the materials are included in the price of the ticket, which you will need to get ahead of time, and before the workshop sells out. (JH)
Attend a drag show, Axe Bar, 9 p.m., $10 at the door plus cash to tip performers
As part of the UP Center’s Pride Month calendar, Axe Bar is hosting a drag show this Friday night with a cast of local drag icons. Close out Pride Month with a fun night in Downtown Champaign. Tickets are $10 at the door. If you want to know what food to order, check out Anya’s review of Axe Bar food. (AB)
Take a rocking trip down Memory Lane in Decatur, Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 7 p.m., $25 to $43
Do you remember listening to the radio in the 90s? Well, you couldn’t have swung a dead cat and hit a radio that wasn’t playing something by Everclear or Lit during the last half of that decade. Both are playing at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater in Decatur, so dig out your old Sublime shirt (just to be cool) and why don’t you invite your dad? Central Illinois band Unchained will start things off. (DP)
See Mama Bears, Virginia Theatre, 7 p.m., $7
As Pride month comes to a close, the Arthouse Experience at the Virginia Theatre is screening this documentary about mothers, some from conservative Christian backgrounds, in their fight to stand up for their LGBTQ+ children, and make the word a safer place for all LGBTQ+ people. Following the film there will be a panel featuring Dr. Dynesha Grissom, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, State Rep. Carol Ammons, and Unitarian Universalist minister Rev. Sally Fritsche, moderated by Illinois Public Media’s Kimberly Kranich. (JM)
Saturday, July 1st
Pay a visit to Tuscola, various locations, whenever, free but you’ll want some spending money
This week I spent a few hours exploring Tuscola, including the Douglas County Museum, Vault Art Gallery, Flesor’s, and a collectible store called Aldridge. Pick a day this weekend and go see something new. You’ll want to check hours if there is a specific place you want to visit. (JM)
Shop for cute and fun things at a sidewalk sale, Circle Boutique, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., prices for items will vary
Circles Boutique in Downtown Champaign is having a summer merchandise sidewalk sale, with both new and vintage items. According to the Facebook event page, items will be “deeply discounted.” Who doesn’t love a deal? I drool at the window displays every time I walk by the shop, as there are lots of very cool things in that store. (JH)
Dance with your kids, Champaign Public Library, 3 to 3:45 p.m., free
The Champaign Public Library continues their summer series for kids and families. This week’s entertainment will be live music and dancing with Sarah Jayne Lane. Lane plays a mix of well known kid songs and her original songs too. The dance party will be at the main library, Robeson Pavillion, Room A&B. (LKG)
Toast Taylor Street, Taylor Street in Downtown Champaign, 4 to 11 p.m., free (but have $$ for booze, food, and shopping)
It’s Toast to Taylor Street time again. Spend an evening in Downtown Champaign with live music from Tito Carillo & Luminance, Kilborn Alley Blues, and more. Shop area vendors for fun handmade items. Slip over to Farren’s (or any downtown restaurant) for dinner. I had their grilled scallop salad again the other day and damn was it refreshing on a hot day. (JM)
Sunday, July 2nd
Take a mural tour, throughout C-U, anytime, free
Last week Jess snapped a photo of a stunning new mural by Jose Vasquez on the side of the C-U Public Health District building. Tom noticed a new one going up in Campustown. Serenity shared a couple of her favorites recently. Last year Debra spoke to three artists who have recently added their works to walls in our community. A Sunday afternoon seems like a great time to drive around and see how many you can find. (JM)
Two-step and waltz with The Goldenrods, Rose Bowl Tavern, 7 p.m., no cover
Don’t miss out on The Goldenrods, a band hailing from St. Louis, celebrated for their signature fusion of country and midwestern music. The ensemble features Ryan Koenig on multiple instruments and vocals, Jess Adkins showcasing skill on accordion and guitar, and Kellie Everett on upright bass, delivering performances packed with emotionally resonant waltzes and lively two-step melodies. (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.