Friday, September 22nd
Try a jumbo slice of pizza, Bacci Pizzeria truck, all PYGMALION weekend, $9
Have you ever had a slice of pizza as big as your face? This PYGMALION weekend, you can! Chicago’s Bacci Pizzeria is famous for the original jumbo slice of pizza. The pizza truck serves the restaurant’s giant ‘za at events like Lollapalooza, North Coast, Riot Fest, Summer Smash, INDY 5000, and more — and this weekend, it will be parked at the Rose Bowl Tavern. Start with the jumbo slice, but come back and try Bacci’s other Chicago eats: an Italian beef sandwich, pizza puffs, and Chicago dogs. (AB)
Experience the musical diversity of PYGMALION, Rose Bowl Tavern, 5 p.m., $25
PYGMALION hits its stride on Friday night, so prepare for an unforgettable musical experience at Rose Bowl Tavern. The Friday night lineup on the outdoor stage features the psychedelic folk/alt-country music of SUSTO from Charleston, SC, the vibrant rhythms of Divino Niño from Chicago via Bogotá, and the eclectic beats of Friko. The indoor lineup is just as dynamic, so get your PYGMALION tickets and don’t miss out on a night (and weekend) filled with great music and energy. The music starts at 5 p.m. on Friday. (DP)
Buy some cool art, The Made Fest, 5 to 9 p.m., free, but you can buy things
The Made Fest is happening this weekend as part of the non-music offerings at PYGMALION. Tons of artists will be there with goods for sale, including a few from my West Side Arts review such as ARaisedBanner, Art by Allie Janae, High in Fiber Rugs, as well as Jose Vazquez and many others. You can find Made Fest at Rose Bowl Tavern Friday evening from 5 to 9 p.m. and again on Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m. (SSO)
Listen to some super smart people talk about space, 25 O’Clock Brewing Co, 6 to 8 p.m., free
During PYGMALION you can catch Astronomy on Tap. Astronomers from the University of Illinois Astronomy department will be presenting current topics in the field including, smoke in space, super massive black holes, and astrophysics. (LKG)
Spend time under the stars, Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 7:30 p.m., $10-$40
Lyric Theatre at Illinois is back Under the Stars in the Sunken Garden at Allerton. Their talented artists will be sharing “romantic favorites from opera and musical theater.” Bring some food or purchase a picnic basket from Art Mart when you purchase your tickets. There will be a cash bar. Can’t make it Friday? There will be another round on Saturday. (JM)
Saturday, September 23rd
Take a walk in Weaver Park, Urbana, 7:30 to 9 a.m., free
The Champaign Audubon Society hosts Saturday morning walks through Weaver Park. This Saturday morning will be lovely; the weather will be nice and dry and the early morning light will be incredible. I bet you’ll see a bunch of cool birds, if that’s your thing. The Audubon Society recommends wearing shoes and pants that can get wet from dew. (JH)
Enjoy art and nature, Anita Purves Nature Center, 1 to 3 p.m., Free
Anita Purves Nature Center is hosting an art show opening and special event this weekend, “Uniting People, Art, & Nature.” The event will feature the unveiling of the community art project created by Cris Hughes of Secret Gardens CU, a new carved tree sculpture by chainsaw artist Bill Baker, and STEAM activities for children. (SSO)
Watch a science show, Champaign Public Library, 1 and 3 p.m., free
The Library and Absolute Science are teaming up to demonstrate some fun chemical reactions at the Lasers and More Science Show. There are promises of heat creating sound, exploding soda, and high powered lasers. You’ll have two chances to watch the show. (LKG)
Attend a reading about Chicago food, Analog, 6 p.m, free
Learn about Chicago foods from two renown Chicago food writers Monica Eng and David Hammond who have been published in the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Together, they wrote a book titled Made in Chicago: stories behind 30 great hometown bites (which I read and loved). The authors will be reading chapter introductions to iconic Chicago food and drink like the Italian beef sandwich, Malört, and Maxwell St. Polish Sausage. It’s a must for anyone who loves Chicago food. (AB)
See a star about to shine brighter at PYGMALION, Rose Bowl Tavern, 10 p.m., $35
Don’t miss Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches headlining the outdoor stage at Rose Bowl Tavern as part of PYGMALION on Saturday night. Known for her ethereal vocals and synth-pop prowess, Mayberry debuts her solo single “Are You Awake?” as part of a night that promises to mesmerize, entertain, and even provoke. Claud, a bedroom pop artist from Chicago, joins the lineup along with Emily the Band and five local acts, making it a full day of eclectic indie sounds that perfectly fit the PYGMALION ethos. Music on the outdoor stage at Rose Bowl begins at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday. (DP)
Sunday, September 24th
Make some paper, Fresh Press, 2116 S Griffith Ave, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., sliding scale for payment
The UP Center is hosting this queer paper making workshop for people 14+, as a fundraiser for Pride (which is in just another week or so). Fresh Press is the place to make paper and learn a thing or two about those processes. Sign up with your kid, or send your kid and their best friend. (JH)
Experience classical music on a Sunday afternoon, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 3 p.m., $5-$90
Catch the Merz Trio’s “Of Light and Darkness” at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, September 24th for a night of “entrancing” performances and “stunning virtuosity,” featuring works from Mieczysław Weinberg, Pēteris Vasks, Robert Schumann, and more. Enjoy an immersive, salon-style atmosphere with light refreshments before and after the show, perfect for anyone in Champaign-Urbana looking to experience classical music in an intimate, innovative setting. (DP)
Go get some mac and cheese, Hamilton Walker’s, 4 to 8:30 p.m., $8 (but you’ll probably want more than just mac and cheese)
My favorite order at Hamilton Walker’s is the steakhouse burger and a spinach salad, along with one of their classic cocktails. My husband and I share (not the cocktail) and it’s just perfection. Alyssa came a long and threw a wrench in that with her mac and cheese post this week. We are just going to have to squeeze that one in the next time. From her description, it sounds like you should be trying it too. (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.