Friday, April 12th
Come Home to Krannert, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, all weekend
The one of a kind Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating their 50th anniversary this weekend with a monster celebration, which kicks off today and runs through the weekend. Read all about the vision from Mike Ross, and take this weekend in — places like KCPA are true gems and should be celebrated. They’re taking over our Instagram Story today as well. (PS) Photo from Krannert Center
Take in some flicks at Ebertfest, Virginia Theatre, times vary, $13-16.50
The 21st installment of the late film critic’s film festival is already underway, but there are still plenty of opportunities to some of this year’s lineup of films and guests on Friday and Saturday. Check out our preview for some highlights, and you can find the full schedule here. (JM)
Foam roll your ass, Phillips Rec Center, Urbana, noon, free
Foam rolling is an amazing way to address muscle soreness and tightness — it’s changed my life. Urbana Parks is offering this free class to show you how to foam roll, yes, your ass, but also your legs and back, and other parts of your body. There is definitely a wrong way to do it; no need to injure yourself trying to prevent injuries. (JH) Photo from Facebook
Support the Centennial Dance Marathon, Centennial High School, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., $10
Each year a group of Centennial students put a bunch of time and energy into planning this fundraiser for St. John’s Children’s Hospital. The public is invited to come and enjoy the revelry, that will include music, dancing, performances, and of course food. You can check out our preview of last year’s event to get an idea of what it’s all about. (JM)
Visit the U of I observatory, 901 S. Mathews, 8 to 10 p.m., free
The Astronomical Society at the University of Illinois hosts regular open houses at the observatory, where you can look through telescopes and “Ask the Astronomer” about all things well, astronomical. This time the resident astronomer will be Ben Prather, who was on the team that helped produce the image of a black hole that’s been big news this week. (JM) Photo from Facebook
Saturday, April 13th
Record Store Day, various locations, all day
Look no further than Nicole’s preview to guide you through this year’s installment of Record Store Day. There’s a ton happening at all of the stops for vinyl and other various mediums in C-U, lots of live music during those times as well as post-RSD festivities. (PS) Photo from Exile on Main Street
Listen to zine makers and other indie press experts at the Small Press Fest! Panel Discussion, Independent Media Center, 11 a.m., free and open to the public
Join this conversation with Devin Morris, Mimi Thi Nguyen, and Mugiko Nishikawa moderated by Kathryn LaBarre, Associate Professor at the School of Information Sciences and UCIMC Archivist and Zine Librarian. This is a chance for zine fans to deep dive into the world of indie pub history and process. Follow the link to learn more about these amazing speakers. (DD) Photo from Small Press Fest! Facebook page.
Participate in Holi 2019, Florida and Lincoln playing fields, 12 to 5 p.m., $11 to 15
Join with the UIUC chapter of Asha for Education, an RSO that promotes education for underprivileged children in India, for the annual spring celebration of Holi. There will be music and dance performances, food, and lots and lots of color (seriously, wear old clothes). Here’s our preview of last year’s celebration. (JM)
Check out the 19th annual African cultural show at Canopy club, 2 p.m., $5
The African Cultural Association, a student organization at UIUC, is hosting two events today at The Canopy Club. Afro Vybez, the late night show, is already sold out. Earlier in the afternoon though, the group is hosting Streets of Africa, the 19th annual cultural show. The show starts at 2 p.m. and is free with an I-card. (NL)
Eat some grilled cheese, Harvest Market, 5 to 9 p.m., $9/$12
Harvest Market is hosting this grilled cheese dinner. You pick a grilled cheese from their “epic grilled cheese” menu, plus a cup of soup and chips, and either a soda ($9) or a beer ($12). It’s a pretty good deal, and a fun way to eat some unique and crazy sandwiches. Here’s the grilled cheese line up: gooey mac and cheese sandwich; bacon, jalapeño popper sandwich; mushroom and swiss grilled cheese. (JH) Photo from Facebook
Check out work from the Illinois Masters of Fine Arts program, Krannert Art Museum, opening 5 to 7 p.m., free and open to the public.
Beat the post-Boneyard Arts Festival blues with an opening night reception for the Illinois MFA student exhibition at Krannert Art Museum. Featured artists include: Connor Dyer, Amanda Shin, Mitchell Oliver, Liza Sylvestre, Brock Landrum, Eunmi Moon, Siyu Ai, Rishabh Doshi, Lauren Elaine Mistilis, Yunan Wu, and Kathleen Patricia Durkin. If you miss opening night, the exhibit is open until April 25th. (DD) Photo from Krannert Art Museum Facebook page.
Sunday, April 14th
Take a ride to Royal Donut, 911 N Vermilion St, Danville, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., about $2/donut
Have you had the donuts from Royal Donut in Danville? They are delicious, and totally worth the round trip drive to Danville. They will even fill your long john with custard, jelly, or their angel filling, which is basically just icing. I am here for the Boston Cream donut, all day, everyday, yes please. They are so damn good. (JH) Top photo by Jessica Hammie
Watch music outside at the Sipyard, 5:30 p.m., $5
It’s spring, so we can we listen to live music outside now. Warm Darn, Today’s Children, and D’astice Trio are heading up our first taste of outdoor entertainment at the Sipyard in downtown Urbana, starting at 5:30 p.m. Currently the weather is calling for cloudy weather, but hopefully the rain will hold off, no rain-date mentioned on the event page at the time of writing. (NL) Photo from Facebook
Kinky Boots, State Farm Center, $39-$65, 8 p.m.
Check out this Broadway show at State Farm Center on Sunday evening, which is inspired by true events, and even features songs from Cyndi Lauper. You can read all about the show over at SFC’s website, but this would be a nice evening event to get over to if you’ve been hiding out all weekend. (PS) Photo from State Farm Center’s website
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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.