FRIDAY, February 26th
Triptych’s 3rd Anniversary party, The Accord, 7 p.m., free entry
Triptych turns three, and what better way to celebrate than to throw a party with live music and special beers? I’m quite sure this will be the best toddler birthday party you’ll ever attend, since it will likely be without human toddlers. There will be at least six Triptych brews (and collaborations) on tap, as well as other drinks and some more surprises. The Kilborn Alley Blues Band and Love Canon will be performing. Image from Facebook. (JH)
Illini Hockey vs. Indiana Tech, U of I Ice Arena, 7:30 p.m.
This is a decent way to spend the early portion of your Friday night — watching some Illini hockey. These are the last few home games of the season, and afterwards (or before, really) — go drink a beer at the Illini Inn up the street. (PS)
SATURDAY, February 27th
Last weekend for Viva Local events, samples, and goodies, Common Ground Food Co-op, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., free
This is your last chance to take advantage of free samples, sales, kids activities, and live music as part of Common Ground Food Co-op’s month-long Viva Local event. Autumn Berry Inspired and The Dancing Dog Eatery & Juicery will be just two of the six vendors on hand dishing out samples. For more information, check out the event page on Facebook. Image from Facebook. (JH)
Learn to dance, The ARC, 12:30-4:30 p.m., $10/class $25/3 classes
Learn to dance with some of the most hip choreographers in the midwest. Dance 2Xs UIUC is offering choregraphic classes today at The Arc. Looks like you’ll be learning to throw down with the best of them and getting a good workout. Want to see some of their moves? Check out this video. More information on the Facebook event page.(SL)
FORBIDDEN PLANET, The Virginia Theater, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m., $6
Check out this old time sci-fi film set entirely on another world far from planet Earth. Forbidden Planet is considered one of the great science fiction films of the 1950s and a precursor of what was to come for the genre, this film is a must see for sci-fi fans. (SL)
Move for the Movement, University YMCA, 1-5 p.m., $45/$30 students
The C-U Immigration Forum is hosting a fundraiser to support immigration reform and its work with immigrant communities in C-U. Latin dance instructors Shawn Mendez and Uli Ayala will be teaching Salsa (2 – 3:30 p.m.) Bachata and Cumbia (3:30-5 p.m.). Lunch is from 1-2 p.m. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Immigration Forum’s work. (RP)
Black Girl Genius Week Concert, Pizza M, 2-4 p.m., FREE
I guess it’s just a women’s empowerment, benefit-themed weekend, but you should be able to see most without making tough choices. T.R.U.T.H., Klevah, We Levitate, Sammus, and Homegirls&Homemadehandgrenades will be putting on an all-ages show as part of Black Girl Genius Week, intended to celebrate and promote the knowledge and creativity of black women. All are welcomed. #BGGW (RK)
33rd Annual Insect Fear Film Festival, Foellinger Auditorium, Krannert Center, 6 p.m.
The Insect Fear Film Festival, put on by the Department of Entomology, promises to be popping this year with its theme “Exploding Arthropods.” From 6 – 7 p.m., stop by for exotic insect displays from around the world, the insect petting zoo, balloon insects, face painting and entries from the annual insect art contest. Feature films Bug (1975), Lavalantula (2015), and shorts start at 7:30 p.m. (RP)
Vietnamese Culture Night 2016, Lincoln Hall, 6 p.m., free
The Vietnamese Student Association presents a performance that will highlight the Vietnamese-American experience through culture, history, and advocacy. There will also be a free Vietnamese dinner following the performance. (JK)
GIRLS ROCK!, Mike N Molly’s, 8:30 p.m., $10
This is a benefit concert that is being put on in an effort to establish a Girls Rock! camp here in C-U. Girls Rock! is a camp that helps girls find their voice and gain self-esteem through music education and performance. The concert with feature local musicians Rebecca Rego, Emily Otnes, Fiona Kimble, and Maddy Marsan. (JK)
Carnivale Debauche, The Accord, 8 pm, $15
I’m still not entirely sure what Carinvale Debauche is, to be honest. Some kind of a burlesque/vaudeville throwback, but with a modern twist. I saw that Defy Gravity, the trapeze group on campus, was supporting the headlining act, which means there must be some sort of ariel art involved, as well. My guess is, if you want to see one thing this weekend that showcases why C-U is so unique, I would suggest checking out The Accord on Saturday. (BH)
SUNDAY, February 28th
CUTC’s Into the Woods, Jr., Orpheum Children’s Museum, 3 p.m., $10 adult, $5 youth.
There is a lot to choose from in the theatre arena this week, but if you have a matinee slot free, consider supporting our community’s youth by heading to the Orpheum. CUTC’s “Broadway Beginners” are 5th-8th graders who met for 6 weeks to learn more about their craft and put on a Sondheim musical for their final project. (RK)
Fighting Illini Basketball vs. the University of Minnesota, 7 p.m., State Farm Center, prices vary
Yeah, we’re bad this year, but Minnesota might actually be worse. At the very least, we should have a competitive game on our hands Sunday night at the State Farm Center. After all, the season’s almost over and it will likely soon be time to bid farewell to some familiar faces. (BH)
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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.