Friday, November 17th
Watch professional tennis, Atkins Tennis Center, all weekend, prices vary
Professional men’s tennis returned to Atkins this week, with the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger. This weekend will see the later rounds of the tournament for both singles and doubles. There are players from all over the world, including young men who play or have played for the University of Illinois. The tournament’s website is, frankly, unhelpful, but matches usually begin at 11 a.m. You can check the daily schedule for a more accurate order of play. (JH)
Buy some used books, The Urbana Free Library, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., free but bring money for books
The Friends of The Urbana Free Library are hosting their fall book sale all weekend. The proceeds of used books from the sale supports the purchase of library materials and library programs. Books will be full price on Friday, half price Saturday, and there will be free giveaways on Sunday. (LKG)
Buy some $50 art, Art Coop, 5 p.m., free to browse but bring money to support the cause
Art Coop is hosting their 12th annual $50 art sale. Art was donated by artists in the Champaign-Urbana community for the sale which benefits the Champaign County Humane Society. If you find some art to buy, make sure you have a card, cash, or check made out directly to CCHS. (SSO)
Sing, dance, and laugh with the children of rock legends, Rose Bowl Tavern, 8:30 p.m., $10-$15
Miles Nielsen, son of Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, brings his merry band of music and mirth makers back to Rose Bowl Tavern to deliver jokes, stories, and music that will keep you dancing and smiling all night. Get there early to enjoy the booming voice and dynamic performance of Sass, daughter of REO Speedwagon bass player, Bruce Hall. (DP)
Saturday, November 18th
Eat tavern cheese curds, Philo’s Tavern, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., $5.95
Check out these spicy cheese curds from Philo Tavern that Kiezha couldn’t stop eating. Her review of the local watering hole with good food published Wednesday. Her family loves this tavern because the food is both tasty and affordable food. This weekend, go check out (or revisit if you’ve been before) Philo Tavern for some yummy food a little outside of Champaign-Urbana. (AB)
Join in a knit and sit, Krannert Art Museum, 1 p.m., free
Krannert Art Museum is hosting a Knit & Sit event in conjunction with their Marie Watt exhibition, Storywork: The Prints of Marie Watt. Knitters, crocheters, and weavers of all ages and experience level are welcome to join in. Some yarn and needles (and a simple lesson) will be available for first-time knitters, otherwise, you should bring your own materials. (SSO)
Watch a holiday movie outside, Harvest Moon Drive-in, 6:30 p.m., $9 adults, $4 kids
This weekend the Harvest Moon Drive-In will transform into a winter wonderland. There will be a light tunnel, inflatables, photo spots, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, and a meet and greet with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Then you can pick which holiday movie you want to watch from your car, The Grinch will be playing on screen one and Elf will be on screen two. (LKG)
Witness a battle where everybody wins, The Canopy Club, 9 p.m., $10
This is not just another Cypher Saturday at The Canopy Club. This Saturday features a good old-fashioned rap battle featuring Half House Studios vs Vorborg Studios. Come witness for yourself the excitement and talent the Champaign-Urbana hip-hop scene features. (DP)
Sunday, November 19th
Sign up for a wreath workshop, Delight Flower Farm, dates vary, $65
Delight Flower Farm is hosting a series of holiday wreath-making workshops over the next few weeks. We all know Delight Flower Farm has amazing florals; the wreath materials are no different. Sign up now for a later date, before all these workshops sell out. (JH)
Eat some Congolese food, Sepelas, 3 to 10 p.m., $5-$20
The newest restaurant in Urbana is Sepelas, a plaza restaurant serving African cuisine. The menu is small: grilled proteins with sides of plantains, fufu, rice, kwanga, fries, and beignets. The food was delicious when I went for lunch on Monday. The restaurant is closed on Saturdays, but it’s open on Sunday for dinner, which would be a gentle way to start the holiday week. (AB)
Lean into gratitude with others in the community, Spurlock Museum, 3 p.m., free
Each year around this time, the Interfaith Alliance of Champaign County hosts a gathering for the community that encourages reflection, gratitude, and making connections with your neighbors. This weekend’s Grateful Gathering will feature music from Afro D & the Global Soundwaves, artistic presentations from students in the community, refreshments, and more. (JM)
Do some yoga with a sound bath, The Lake House at Crystal Lake Park, 3 to 4:30 p.m., free
Yoga instructor Vivianne Velazquez is offering a free unique yoga class through the Urbana Park District. It will include gentle yoga, soothing sounds from singing bowls and chimes, and some journaling. Seems like a relaxing way to reset ahead of Thanksgiving week. (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.