Friday, November 16th
Free coworking Friday, Lodgic Everyday Community, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., free
Here’s a good opportunity to check out Lodgic if you haven’t been able to see what they are all about since they opened last month. They are offering free access to their coworking space all day on Friday, and if you want to check it out before heading over, check out our Instagram Story Takeover with them we did a short while back on our Instagram highlight. (PS) Photo by Patrick Singer
Native November Dance Exhibition, Spurlock Museum, 4 to 5 p.m., free
Take an hour and start your weekend learning about Native history through dance and song at this event hosted by Spurlock and Native American House. The exhibition will feature members of the Bad River and Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Nations. You’ll learn the importance behind said dances and songs, as well as the regalia worn by the performers, and there will be some audience participation at the end. (JM) Photo from Facebook
Shop the 9th Annual $50 Art Show Benefiting the Champaign County Humane Society, Art Coop, 7 to 9 p.m., free to browse, but of course bring money for purchasing possibilities
Bring home local art for a steal and support the care of local shelter animals. Mingle with the artists and get first crack at your favorite pieces. This is the opening reception for the show, but it runs through December 15th. (DD)
We the Animals, The Dry Look, Smoke in Space, Cowboy Monkey, 9:30 p.m., $7
First, you should catch up on what’s been happening on The Dry Look’s current tour to start things off. That said, they’re closing things out for said tour on Friday night in Downtown Champaign with two other locals, We the Animals, and Smoke in Space. As I mentioned in the Overture for the week, WTA are working on their new record, and Smoke in Space is a fairly new act around C-U. (PS)
Saturday, November 17th
Go to market IN the square, Lincoln Square Mall, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., free
The Urbana Farmer’s Market has moved indoors for the winter, but you can still find all your favorite produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, arts, and crafts there every Saturday. Check some items off of your Thanksgiving shopping list or treat yourself to a fancy candle. They’ve got a little something for everyone. (LP) Photo from Facebook
Get your Christmas craft on, Gordyville USA, Gifford, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., $1 donation
The annual Gifford State Bank Country Christmas Craft Show is back this weekend with over 300 vendors. Get your Christmas shopping done early and even get pictures with Santa — because we all need that! Show also continues on Sunday. Check out the Facebook event for details and directions. (LP)
Tour Japan House, Japan House, 11 a.m., free ($5 donation encouraged)
Go check out one of my favorite locations in C-U. You will learn some history, discuss design, find out how their famed tea ceremonies come together, and you’ll also have the opportunity to do a little shopping. The tours are limited to 25 people, so best make a reservation here. (JM)
Gorge yourself on a prime rib buffet, Yoder’s Kitchen, Arthur, 4:30 to 8 p.m., $27/person
Did you read about Sheena’s day trip to Arthur? She stopped by Yoder’s Kitchen for a meal and a half, and was more than pleased. This prime rib buffet will include prime rib, broasted chicken, barbecue ribs, turkey, baked potatoes, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, chicken and noodles, and soup, salad, and dessert. It’s only $27 per person, which is probably less than the price of a prime rib meal at a fancy-fish restaurant. (JH) Photo by Sheena Spikes
Sunday, November 18th
Sample some Thanksgiving foods, Common Ground, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., free
Did you see our Thanksgiving shopping guide? You’ll know that Common Ground Food Co-op turns its salad bar into a Thanksgiving buffet the day before Thanksgiving, and in order to acquaint you with the goodies, the store is hosting its last sampling event before the big buffet. Stop in the store to try some things before you purchase them on the 23rd, or just stop in for samples. No shame in that! (JH)
Explore Common Bonds, Cinema Gallery, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free
Local wood artist Thomas Skaggs and North Carolina-based encaustic painter Dana Brown join forces for an exploration of texture and shape. Skaggs’ finely crafted and often whimsical furniture and bowls are well-matched with Brown’s paintings, which are created with hot beeswax plus pigment, and shaped with metal tools and special brushes. The show runs through November 25th. (DD)
Interfaith Thanksgiving Program, Krannert Center Foellinger Great Hall, 3 p.m., free
I attended the first one of these two years ago on the heels of the 2016 election, and wow was it good for my soul. Whether you are a faith type person or not, this is an event that will restore your faith in humanity just a bit as you hear the music and message of good will. (JM) Photo from Facebook
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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.