FRIDAY, October 23rd
University of Illinois Homecoming Parade, Parade Route, Free, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Yeah, yeah, yeah — we know we’re gonna get absolutely thrashed by Wisconsin this weekend, but the good thing about Friday night is that can suspend the inevitable and celebrate Homecoming without the reality of soul-crushing football defeat. Come bask and witness the finest floats and candy-throwers central Illinois has to offer. (BH)
Field of Fears Freak Show & Haunt, The Bonesaw Mill, Champaign, $15, 7 p.m.
“There is a cold, sleeping dread creeping amongst the moonlit forest of the Illinois night”… Ready to get your pants scared off? Head over to the Bonesaw Mill in Champaign for one of the best haunted houses in Illinois. “Single Haunt Passes” start at $15 and include entry into The Bonesaw Mill Haunted House and The Freak Show. I would not recommend this event for the faint of heart, or those prone to heart attack, epilepsy, or indigestion. (BC)
The Other Shore, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, $25, 7:30 p.m.
Goa Xingjian’s modern play examines the right to free expression, in a continuation of Illinois Theatre’s season scruitinizing censorship. With minimal stage directions, and running in the Studio Theatre, there is no limit to the possible directions this production could take. Spend this weekend considering just exactly what you would give to keep what is now your right. (RK)
SATURDAY, October 24th
Homecoming 2015, Campustown and Memorial Stadium, all day
U of I Homecoming is this weekend, and although the weather looks a little iffy at this point in time, it’s still something to check out — whether you’re an alum or not. The football team isn’t terrible, which is, you know, ultimately positive. Tailgating and such — there are options, for sure. Plus, we’re in the thick of fall, which is kind of the best for a ton of reasons. (PS)
Get your flu shot, Lincoln Square Mall, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Who should get the flu shot? Most people older than 6 months. Why get the flu shot? Well, so that you don’t get the flu. But wait, their is more. Also because if you do get the flu, even a mild case for a young healthy person like you, you could give it to someone who isn’t so healthy and it could really make them sick and in some cases take their life. Real downer right? Get your flu shot! Carle will have a booth set up across from Piato at the listed hours. More FAQs on the flu shot here. (SL)
Persimmon Fruit Wine, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, 8254 1425 N Fairmont, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This image popped up in my social media feed this week, and it seems like it’s worth a try. Head out to Sleepy Creek for the afternoon; there’s nothing like wine to warm you up on a chilly fall day. Head over to Homer’s Belly Deli before or after for some sammies and ice cream. Photo from Facebook (JH)
Order your Thanksgiving turkey(s), Common Ground Food Co-op, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, all weekend, $4.99/lb at Common Ground; $65 per smoked turkey (about 14-16 lbs) at Black Dog
Common Ground’s birds come from Triple S. Farm, and are $4.99 per pound, but pre-ordered birds are discounted based on the size. Black Dog‘s birds are smoked and ready to go when you pick them up on Thanksgiving. At $65 each they aren’t exactly cheap, but they are absolutely delicious. And if you’re hosting and not wanting to wake up at the ass of the morning to bake a bird, or you have limited oven space, this is $65 well spent, I promise. I ordered one a few years ago, and it was delicious. My order for this year is already in. And, if you’re feeling really frisky, you can take the carcass and make smoked turkey stock. You’re welcome. (JH)
Elsinore, The Kickback, Santah, The Highdive, $10, 9 p.m.
A trio of solid acts are playing at the Highdive this Saturday evening, headlined by local staple Elsinore, who are hard at work on their next record. They’re joined by Chicago dudes The Kickback who head down this way every so often, as well as C-U ex-pats Santah. Great bill for only $10. (PS)
All Night Horror Movie Marathon, The Art Theater, $15, 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
Horror film marathoners will be kicking off the night with a screening of Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street at 10 p.m., followed by John Carpenter’s They Live at midnight, and secret horror screenings following until dawn. It will be a terrible, scary and horrific affair, and at midnight, there will be burritos. If you are not brave enough to stay all night, double feature tickets are available for $12. (BC)
SUNDAY, October 25th
Black Lives Matter: Champaign-Urbana Chapter Kick-Off, 2-6 p.m., Bruce D. Nesbitt African-American Cultural Center (51 E. Gregory Dr., Champaign)
This is the kick-off event for the local chapter of Black Lives Matter. Everyone from the community is welcome to learn about the local chapter, meet the chapter council, and learn how to become a member. From the event: “We hope to gain solidarity with black folks in the community, on campus and those organizing around the same central goal. We want this to be a loving, welcoming experience with an emphasis on knowledge & creativity.” (RP)
1984, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, $25, 3 p.m.
Our reviewer had an intense, yet thought-provoking time at the adaptation of 1984 currently being staged. For a text that has been inciting discussion for more than a half-century, it might be useful to talk about it, too, so consider adding an hour and $7 to attend the “Dessert and Conversation” portion at 2 p.m. (RK)
Le Meow Catfe, Colab (206 W. Main St., Urbana), 5-8 p.m.
This is your very last chance to chill with CATS at Colab as part of Le Meow Catfe, which benefits the C-U Healthy Pet Project. Cats, snacks, raffle tickets, and other goodies available. Plus, as I learned last weekend, this is a good place to stop by for all cat-related info (behavioral, medical, and otherwise). (RP)
Single Player, Ratboys, Jared Roberts, Mike N Molly’s, $7, 9 p.m., 19+
Single Player is one of the most pleasant local bands in CU, and what better way to end a whirlwind of a weekend than a relaxed concert at the friendly confines of Mike N Molly’s? Let me know if you find a better way, because I can’t think of one. (BH)
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