Friday, November 10th
Get some takeout calzones, DP Dough, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., $9-10
If you’re exhausted on Friday night, get some takeout. Last weekend, I ordered a to-go dinner from DP Dough, and it was awesome. I liked the build-your-own calzone best because I got to pick the four toppings for inside the ‘zone. The salad was huge, and if you like a vinegar-forward flavor, try the house vinaigrette because it’s tangy and delicious. Read my full review here. Order online or order in store, but there’s no dine-in. (AB)
Practice mindfulness as you move your body, Spurlock Musuem, 6:30 p.m., free
DJ KamauMau is hosting The Dance Elixir, a night of music, dance, and restorative activities with Spurlock and Art Wellness Wave. The focus is on emotional, social, mental, and physical well-being and who couldn’t use a little of that right now? “Elixirs are facilitated activities that promote wellness and restoration, activate curiosity, and expand the use of the senses to explore objects in the Museum and the environment. Focused broadly on mindfulness, Elixirs underscore the benefits of slowing down to focus on what’s in front of us, the moment, and ourselves.” (LKG)
See a high school musical (or two), Urbana + Champaign Central High Schools, 7 p.m., $5–$10
Both Urbana High School and Champaign Central are premiering their fall musicals this weekend. You can see Twelfth Night, a musical adaptation of the Shakespearian play, at Urbana High School. Champaign Central will be putting on The Prom: School Edition. Both musicals are showing at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and for matinees on Sunday. (SSO)
Saturday, November 11th
Taste some holiday breads, Martinelli’s Market, 1 to 4 p.m., free
Go to Martinelli’s Market’s tasting on Saturday to try the holiday breads and pastries that Central Illinois Bakehouse will be making this season. Pre-orders will be available, and it’s a great chance to try all the delicious baked goods available from the Champaign bakery. (AB)
Visit The Militia House, Urbana Free Library, 4 to 5 p.m., free
Author John Milas will be reading from his debut novel, The Militia House. There will be a discussion after. The book is a work of Gothic and military horror (but it’s not too scary for little wimps like me). Read more about it here, ahead of Saturday’s event. (JH)
Celebrate the Festival of Lights, Main Quad, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., free but bring money for food
The Indian Graduate Student Association is hosting their annual Diwali festival on the main quad and if you haven’t been, it is truly one of the most beautiful sites on the University of Illinois Campus. Foellinger Auditorium is lit up with lights and the sidewalks and trees of the main Quad are lit up with candles, lights, and traditional diyas to celebrate the Festival of Lights, which traditionally honors the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. There will be a live DJ and delicious Indian food for sale. (LKG)
See a creature double feature, Parkland Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $12–$25
Halloween may be over, but if you are still in the mood for something just a little bit creepy, check out Parkland’s Creature Double Feature: back to back performances of 10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse and the musical Zombie Prom. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office and both shows are rated family friendly. (SSO)
Celebrate Dad’s Day with glee, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m, $4-$10
Experience the rich harmonies and robust melodies of the University of Illinois’ Varsity Men’s Glee Club as they celebrate Dad’s Day. Led by the esteemed conductor Barrington Coleman, this oldest campus musical ensemble promises an uplifting concert filled with tradition and school spirit. (DP)
Channel your best 90s self, Gallery Art Bar, 8 p.m., free, but buy drinks
Gallery is hosting a 90s night, fresh with all the 90s classics you love to dance to, from Depeche Mode to Missy Elliot. Music of the 90s does really include all genres, and this evening is bound to be a continual chorus of “ohhhh!!” as every one of your favorite 90s songs drowns out the swish swish of your parachute pants. All windbreakers on the thrifting rack are 30% off. (JH)
Sunday, November 12th
Take in the tail end of the fall colors, various locations, while the sun is out, free
With each passing day the trees let go of a few more leaves, but there are still so many vibrant colors to behold in our area parks and forest preserves. There will definitely be a chill in the air, but the sun will be shining this weekend. For me those are perfect hiking conditions. Whether you take a little walk, a short hike, or a longer trek, there’s a little something for everyone. (JM)
Sing, dance and bid adieu to a Rose Bowl favorite, Rose Bowl Tavern, 7 p.m., no cover
Catch the final act of local legends Silverweed as they present “The Last Fandango” at the Rose Bowl Tavern on Sunday, November 12th, delivering their unique blend of hippie cowboy vibes. It’s your last chance to experience the band’s signature Americana and rich harmonies that have captivated the Champaign-Urbana music scene. (DP)
Swing dance on a swanky floor, Hamilton Walker’s, 7 to 9 p.m., free but you’ll want to purchase drinks and food
Serenity attended the Illini Swing Society’s monthly Lindy Hop gathering this summer and found it to be a fun and relaxing way to cap off a weekend. Hamilton Walker’s is the perfect setting to immerse yourself in vintage vibes. Maybe treat yourself to a classic cocktail or mac ‘n cheese while you’re 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.