Friday, October 20th
Eat deep-fried pork belly drizzled with syrup, Northern Cuisine, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., $19.95
If you like bacon with syrup, you’ll love this Northern Chinese dish of crispy pork a sweet-and-sour glaze. Northern Cuisine’s B1 has thick slices of pork belly battered, deep-fried, and then drizzled with a from-scratch syrup. The breading has a crispy bacon texture with a sugar-soaked crust, and it was salty-sweet perfection. It was my favorite bite from my review this week of the Northern Cuisine in Campustown. (AB)
Stop by the Matcha Cafe, Japan House, 12 to 4 p.m., $12
In honor of U of I Homecoming, Japan House is hosting a special Matcha Cafe. You can have some matcha or a matcha latte, try a wagashi sweet, and browse their Mottainani Bazaar goods. You are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time, as capacity is limited. (JM)
Check out The Lavender Book Club, The Literary, 7 p.m., free
The monthly Lavender Book Club is happening this weekend, hosted by The Lavender, a queer Champaign-Urbana newsletter founded last year. They will be discussing Out in the Union: A Labor History of Queer America. If you haven’t read the book already, you probably won’t have time to finish it before tonight, but don’t fear: I’ve attended a few Literary book clubs without actually reading the book and it’s still a great time! Please note, masks are strongly encouraged at Lavender events. (SSO)
Saturday, October 21st
Attend a ballroom dance competition, Illini Union, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free
Illini Dancesport is hosting the 32nd annual Illini Dancesport Invitational this weekend. The collegiate ballroom dance competition will be held in the Illini Union. Whether you are a dance enthusiast, or just a little curious and have a few free minutes, stop by and check out the competition—it’s likely unlike anything you have attended before. Spectating is free; just follow the feathers, glitter, and rhinestones. (SSO)
Cheer on the orange and blue, Memorial Stadium, Saturday, 2:30, tickets available
After a week of celebrating the University of Illinois, it all comes to a head with the Homecoming game against Wisconsin. The game will kick off at 2:30, it looks like the weather is going to cooperate, there will be plenty of tailgates, and even a few more events the next day to say goodbye to this annual celebration. Check out my interview with Ryan A. Ross to learn more about the history of U of I Homecoming. (LKG)
Enjoy live music and more for Illinois homecoming, Downtown Champaign, 6 p.m., free
Get into the Illini spirit at Downtown Champaign’s “Saturday Night Live,” a special Homecoming celebration filled with live music, art, and activities. The event unfolds on October 21st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring two stages of local bands, immersive art installations, and plenty of Illini-themed fun. (DP)
Party at Lincoln Square Mall, Cloud Mountain Kombucha, 6 to 10 p.m., no cover but bring $ for drinks
This Saturday night, Cloud Mountain Kombucha is hosting a 2nd birthday party for the Lincoln Square bar. The kombuchery will be open late with a dance party featuring DJ Belly, cocktails by Katie Carrillo, and Cloud Mountain’s award-winning kombucha brews on tap, of course. (AB)
Enjoy a laser show set to Prince’s music, Staerkel Planetarium, 8:30 p.m., $12
Staerkel Planetarium is presenting a Prince laser show. Prince’s music is iconic and wonderful. Staerkel hasn’t done a music laser show in several years, so this will be an especially good time. Be sure to arrive early to get in line, as I bet this one sells out. Tickets are only available at the door. (JH)
Sunday, October 22nd
Thrift some stuff, Siebel Center for Design, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., free
The Phoenix Thrifting Event will be held at the Siebel Design Center. There will be live entertainment and over 20 vendors all selling and trading vintage and second-hand clothes. The mission of Phoenix Branded is to make sustainable fashion and shopping more accessible to the community and campus. (LKG)
Learn to make stuff, C-U Fab Lab, 1 to 4 p.m., free
CUDO Plays is hosting a maker workshop at the Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab. You can learn to use the equipment to make different components to board games you’re developing or want to develop. Learn more on the CUDO Plays Facebook page. (JH)
Take some time to chill, Hatha Yoga and Fitness, 5:15 to 6 p.m., prices vary
Have you ever taken a restorative yoga class? I have a couple of times and it is quite luxurious. Hatha has a restorative class now on Sunday evenings, which is the perfect way to end a weekend and prepare yourself for the week ahead. You can drop in for $20, or there are class pack options available for purchase. You can sign up on their website. (JM)
Celebrate a new album from a local legend, Rose Bowl Tavern, 7 p.m., $10 suggested cover
Acclaimed musician and producer Anthony Gravino marks the launch of his debut solo album, Music for 5 Year Olds, with a can’t-miss live performance backed by his band of mercenaries. Kick off the night with local legend Sass, who takes the stage at 7 p.m. (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.