Friday, September 6th
ELLNORA, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, all weekend, prices vary
John put together this interview with festival curator David Spelman ahead of this year’s ELLNORA: The Guitar Festival at Krannert Center so you can play catch up if you are behind on what’s happening in Urbana this weekend. Do yourself a favor and check out a few things in the next couple of days, as this is a crown jewel event of C-U. Buddy Guy, Samatha Fish, Pat Metheny, and so many more are featured this time around. (PS) Top photo by Anna Longworth
Eat tacos, your favorite restaurant, all weekend, about $3/taco
Who doesn’t love tacos? You can dress them up any which way you like — they are totally customizable. You don’t even have to have Mexican tacos. Why not buy some good tortillas and order some meat from Black Dog or Wood N Hog and make your own BBQ tacos at home? The possibilities are endless. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
Learn about being a delegate, Laborers Local 703, 6 to 7:30 p.m., free
Hey, did you know that there’s a presidential election coming up next year? If you are looking for ways to get more involved in the process, here’s an opportunity. The Democractic Party of Illinois is holding an information session on becoming a delegate to the Democratic convention in Milwaukee next July. Sound intriguing? Sign up for the session here. (JM)
Get your early Halloween fright on, Harvest Moon Drive-in, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., prices vary
With the temperature getting noticeably cooler in the evenings, there is no doubt that fall is on its way. Cider, bonfires, and pumpkin-spice-everything are some favorite staples of the season, but mine by far is the horror films everyone watches this time of year. Harvest Moon Drive-in in Gibson City will be kicking off the spooky season with the first weekend of their Annual Frightfest. Not only will horror flicks like It Chapter 1 & 2 and Annabelle Comes Home be playing on the silver screen, the whole drive-in gets a makeover and guests can participate in activities such as a haunted trail and trunk-or-treat. For a full schedule and list of events, visit the Facebook event. The event also repeats this Saturday 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. (SP)
Diane Coffee, The Data Waves, zzo, The Canopy Club, $12-$15, 9 p.m.
Dance-funk outfit Diane Coffee heads back through C-U tonight following the release of Shaun Fleming’s most recent effort, Internet Arms. This will take place in the Red Room at Canopy, which is a perfect spot for a dance party. Locals The Data Waves and zzo are support here, so don’t miss it. (PS) Photo by Alexa Viscius
Saturday, September 7th
Run for a good cause, Crystal Lake Park, 8 a.m., $35
The 2nd Annual Matthew C. Farrell Run/Walk is happening this weekend. Farrell was a local graphic designer whose life was tragically cut short in 2016. On-site registration begins at 7 a.m. for the 3 mile fun run, and participants are welcome to run, jog, walk, and bring strollers and leashed dogs. All proceeds will go to the Matthew Farrell Scholarship Fund, which will give a local student wanting to study the arts an opportunity for a full ride to Parkland College. (JM)
Grab a drink before/after the farmers’ market, Lumen Live & Local, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., prices vary
Lumen Live & Local is a quaint little setup near downtown Urbana that sells designer decor and jewelry along with offering a menu of lunch-type foods and wine/cocktails. The shop will be open this Saturday morning & early afternoon and invites people to come browse around and relax with a drink. Perfect for before or after visiting the Urbana farmers’ market! (SP) Photo from Facebook page
Raise the Woof, 302 N Broadway, Urbana, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., free (food available for purchase)
18 teams will be competing to build the best dog house, all in support of Habitat home builds. Each team has five hours to build, then the houses will be judged in several catagories. Afterwards, you can check them out at the ReStore and vote for and even bid to own your favorite. The community is invited to watch the build, enjoy food from local food trucks, and meet some adoptable pet from Hospice Hearts. (JM)
Take yourself out on a date, your favorite restaurant, all weekend, prices vary
Because you work hard and you deserve it. (JH) Photo of spumoni at Naya by Jessica Hammie
Sunday, September 8th
Take a trip for a Bloody Mary, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, noon to 6 p.m., $4/$8
Sleepy Creek has a Bloody Mary bar every Sunday, but it’s a Winey Mary bar. Winey Mary is the vineyard’s wine that is made with tomato and jalapeño; it’s incredibly unique and interesting and absolutely perfect for a Bloody Mary. (JH) Photo by Chelsea Fisher
Matsuri Festival, Japan House, 12 to 9 p.m., free to attend but there are many items to purchase
Be sure to set aside a few hours to enjoy the 5th annual iteration of this super fun festival. Buy some food tickets ahead of time, so that you waste no time getting to the wide variety of Asian-inspired foods from local restaurants and food trucks. Browse the various vendors, try some sake or Triptych’s special Matsuri brew, and take in the impressive demonstrations and music performances. There is too much going on to list everything he re, so check out the Japan House Facebook page to get the important details. (JM) Photo by Melinda Edwards
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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.