Weekender: October 6-8

Friday, October 6th

Three carne asada tacos with cilantro and onions on soft corn tortillas on a white rectangular plate at Maize Mexican Grill in Champaign, Illinois. — Alyssa Buckley

Smash some tacos, Maize Mexican Grill, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., $14

If you didn’t get to celebrate National Taco Day on Wednesday, then do it on the weekend. These are the carne asada tacos, which are delicious, and they’re on both the brunch and lunch/dinner menus, so no matter what time you go, your tummy is going to be able to get tacos. (AB)

A board with a description of the artwork on display. There is a Picture of Jason Finkleman and a description about his work below. The top of the image features a picture in blue with black and white photos in the corners — Spurlock Museum

Listen to Jason Finkelman talk about Nikkeijin Illinois – Extended Stories, University YMCA, noon, free

Jason Finkelman, curator of the Nikkeijin exhibition at the Spurlock Museum, will be speaking at the University Y’s Friday Forum series about the exhibition and the stories of people of Japanese descent living outside of Japan shared within. (JH)

See an arthouse classic, The Virginia Theatre, 7 p.m., $7

The Virginia Theatre will be showing the 1990 film Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, starring Tim Roth, Gary Oldman, and Richard Dreyfus, for its October Arthouse Experience film. The film is based off of the smash hit play of the same name, known for its wordplay and humor. The film is showing one night only and will be followed by a discussion. (SSO)

Saturday, October 7th

Tap in for tiki time, Pour Bros. Taproom, 2 p.m., $12

This Saturday afternoon, Pour Bros. is back for an October edition of Tiki Talks with Nic. The Downtown Champaign bar will serve two rum drinks at the event plus a history lesson and what inspired the drinks. $12 gets a half-portion of each tiki drink. (AB)

Dive into melodies and harmonies and make musical memories, Kalyx Center for Sustainability, 3 to 11 p.m., $20 at the gate

For some outdoor musical vibing, hit the Hogchute Harvest Festival at the charming Kalyx barn near Monticello and immerse yourself in a blend of local tunes, a spirited bonfire, and a communal ambiance. Whether you’re jamming to the diverse lineup or joining the post-show bonfire jam with your instrument, it’s a night of musical magic you won’t forget. (DP)

Gather with the community, Broadway Food Hall, 3:30 to 7 p.m., free

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Courage Connection is hosting their annual Peace Jam at Broadway Food Hall. There will be free food, music from Tony Lindsey & The Smoke Wagon, and an opportunity to have fun and connect with others. (JM)

5 elaborately carved pumpkins featuring frankenstein, a skull, and angry scary faces — Franzen’s Pumpkin Carving on Facebook

Attend a fall festival, Downtown Urbana, 4 to 8 p.m., Free

This weekend is the first ever Urbana Fall Fusion Festival. Held in downtown Urbana, the event will have face painting, balloon art, caricatures, bubbles, slime station, luminary craft, a professional pumpkin carving demonstration, circus, hula hooping, fire dancing, and music. (SSO)

Sunday, October 8th

The image you uploaded appears to be of a marching band. The band members are wearing orange and white uniforms with “Illini” written on the back. They are also wearing white hats with black plumes. The photo seems to have been taken in a stadium filled with spectators, and it’s taken from behind the group, so only the backs of their heads and uniforms are visible. It’s a very dynamic and lively scene — Marching Illini

Enjoy the marching band without enduring a football game, State Farm Center, 3 p.m., $10-$35

If football isn’t your thing, or you attend games solely for the halftime show, you’re in luck as the Fighting Illini Marching Band will be on full display Sunday at State Farm Center. No rain, sleet, or disastrous football playing to dampen the fun, putting the hard work of the Marching Illini on full display for you. (DP)

Take a stroll and eat some s’mores, South Ridge Park, 3 to 5 p.m., free (but they are accepting donations)

Urbana Park District is bringing their S’mores Social & Stroll back and the first one is happening this Sunday. Fall-like weather descends this weekend, perfect for this sort of event. Get some fresh air and have s’mores and hot chocolate. Sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon. Call to make your reservation (217) 367-1544. (JM)

Eight woman stand on a stage with their hands together and their arms raised, about to bow. They are in front of a blue screen that says That's what she said. — That’s What She Said

Feel the power, Ladies Night Out, Cityview, 5 to 9 p.m., $25

That’s What She Said is hosting their first ever conference. To kick off the first night of The Power of Storytelling inaugural conference there will be a Ladies’ Night Out, featuring live music, food, a bar, vendors, and interactive experiences. If you want more, the conference promises “two days filled with empowerment, connections, & thought-provoking workshops for personal and professional growth” and tickets are available just for Sunday’s event or you can purchase tickets for the entire conference. (LKG)

View The American Buffalo and stay for the talk back after the film, Spurlock Museum, 5 p.m., free

The Spurlock is screening Ken Burns’ documentary, The American Buffalo, and will host a panel discussion afterward with Professor Rosalyn LaPier, Professor Robert Morrissey, and graduate student Sam Froiland, moderated by Professor Emeritus Fred Hoxie. The documentary looks at the buffalo, “tracing the animal’s evolution, its significance to the Indigenous people and landscape of the Great Plains, its near extinction, and the efforts to bring the magnificent mammals back from the brink.” There will be a reception after the panel. (JH)

Go to a slumber party, the Canopy Club, 7 p.m., $10

Ceduxions Slumber Party Drag Show will be a drag show like no other, featuring seven different sleepover related contests, games, music, and drag with the Queens of Canopy. The doors open at 6 p.m., ages 18 and up are invited, and don’t forget to wear your pajamas. (LKG)

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.

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