Smile Politely

Weekender: September 2-5

Smile Politely Editors

Friday, September 2nd

Try the corn maze, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., $9-10

We are still a few weeks away from the official first day of fall, and temps are still in the 80s, but to me the start of September signals the time to start doing fall things. Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch opened for the season this week, and their fantasy themed corn maze looks especially challenging. If you want to add a little thrill to the experience, try the “moonlight” version where all you have is a flashlight to guide your way. (JM)

Hot dogs are speared on roasting tools over a firepit. The background is blurred out, but looks like rocks and grass. Photo from Sleepy Creek Vineyard Wieners & Wine Facebook event page.

Eat wieners, drink wine, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, Fairmount, 5 to 8 p.m., about $6

You buy the wine, Sleepy Creek provides the hot dogs. This long running Friday night activity continues through October, but this is the perfect time of year since the nights get a little cooler. Bring the kiddos, too. (JH)

Saturday, September 3rd

Get up early for the Krannert Center Prop Sale, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 8 a.m., prices vary

Krannert Center’s Prop Sale is back and it’s the best reason not to sleep in this Saturday.  Head to the KCPA loading dock early to get a good spot on line and the best choice of these one-of-a-kind treasures. (DD)

Inside Old Time Meat & Deli, there is a cooler of uncooked meats for sale by the pound. Photo by Zoe Valentine.

Photo by Zoe Valentine.

Pick up meat to grill, Old Time Meat & Deli, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., prices vary

If you want to grill out on Labor Day, make sure to pick up something good at a shop like Old Time Meat & Deli. Make a weekend of meals with options from the Neil Street shop like beef, pork, chicken, fresh seafood, prepared sides, bread, and more. It’s closed on Sunday, so be sure to shop on Saturday for Labor Day meat. (AB)

A steak crisp with a drizzle of sauce sits on a white square plate on an outdoor patio. Photo by Alyssa Buckley.

Photo by Alyssa Buckley.

Eat dinner outside, Taylor Street, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. prices vary

It’s the first Saturday of the month which means it’s time to Toast to Taylor Street. Try this steak crisp on Cowboy Monkey’s patio or visit Farren’s for a burger before (or after) checking out the Toast to Taylor Street event. Forecast says it’ll be sunny this weekend, so it should be a great evening to eat outside. (AB)

Create + Chill with bla(CK)mau, Independent Media Center, 2 p.m., free

This limited event series starts Saturday and runs again on the first Saturdays of October, November and December. All ages and children “are invited to work, draw, rest, meet, paint, craft, dance, collab, read, and play. Music curated by bla(CK)mau. (DD)

Sunday, September 4th

Musician Candy Foster sings on stage, with background singers behind him, as well as a trumpet player.

Photo from Candy Foster’s Facebook page. 

Listen to music for a cause, Alto Vineyards, 2 p.m., free

Candy Foster and friends will perform all afternoon at Alto Vineyards to raise money for the Candy Foster Fine Arts Scholarship at Parkland College. Performers include Candy Foster. and Shades of Blue, Tom Grassman Band, The Fairchilds, and the Fosters Center Gospel Singers. There will be an auction and a 50/50 raffle, and Smith Burger Co. will be there providing the food. (SW)

Dramatically lit black and white photo of what appears to be a vampire’s face, though the top of the head and eyes are cloaked. The mouth is open and fangs are present. The bottom right of the image has text that reads, “Vampire the Masquerade.†Photo from the Facebook event page.

Photo from the Facebook event page.

Pretend to be a vampire, or watch people pretending to be vampires, U of I English Building, 4 to 9 p.m., free

Have you heard of the Live Action Role Playing (LARP) game Vampire the Masquerade? It’s kind of like Dungeons and Dragons, but with vampires. To be honest, I have not played this game, but I know that there is some pretty cool and interesting lore surrounding the game and the different vampire clans. This group plays the gaming system (V20) Vampire the Masquerade, and welcomes observers. Learn more on the group’s Facebook page. (JH)

See some Disney Drag, NOLA’s Rock Bar, 6 and 8:30 p.m., no cover

Ceduxion, Karma, Uriah, Cain, and Rita will be performing two shows, an all ages version at 6 p.m. and 18+ at 8:30 p.m., featuring your favorite Disney characters. If you love drag and you love Disney, this is where you should be. (JM)

Monday, September 5th

Experience improvised music, Rose Bowl Tavern, 5:30 p.m., free

If you’ve never heard live improvised music before, this is a great opportunity to do so. Jason Finkelman will be leading Improviser’s Exchange on Monday night, this time alongside Mark White, James Mauck, and Brian Stark. The quartet will perform a completely improvised set before opening the stage up to the community to join in. Improvised music is something you really have to experience to gain a full appreciation for, so I highly recommend it. (SW)

Top photo from Toast to Taylor Facebook page.

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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.

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