Festivals

Allerton Park & Retreat Center is already an incredibly beautiful place to check out and visit, no matter what time of year. This weekend, they’re hosting their inaugural Bluebell Festival, which they describe as a …

The 25th Ebertfest was, as it is every year, a spectacular celebration of film, filmmakers, and fans. Several Smile Politely editors and writers attended the festival and offer some reflections. If you missed the festival, …

Jonah Weisskopf, guru of the Gallery Art Bar in Urbana, had the best quote of the weekend. “We literally have arts oozing out of every part of Champaign-Urbana. This is such a gifted and diverse …

The Looney Tunes theme has been playing on a loop in my head for the last few days. Cue, Bugs Bunny: Overture, curtain, lights, this is it, the night of nights…oh what heights we’ll hit. …

The daffodils and violets are also showing off just in time for Champaign County’s signature Boneyard Arts Festival this weekend, April 12-14.  With over 70 vendors throughout the county, there is truly something for everyone. …

Set against the backdrop of the Champaign County Fairgrounds, the Audiofeed Music Festival 2024 will unfold July 4th through July 7th, offering a contemplative escape into the world of music and fellowship. This year’s lineup, …

The Perimeter Road Music Festival 2024, happening on Saturday, May 4th from noon to 6 p.m. at the Student Union Parking Lot (B1), is a cozy gathering for music enthusiasts of all ages. This free, …

Robert Browning famously opened his poem “Home thoughts, from Abroad” with the line “O to be in England/Now that April’s there.” England’s got nothing on April in Champaign-Urbana. From Boneyard, to Ebertfest, to the proliferation …

And just like that – April is nearly here and the full lineup for Ebertfest just dropped. With Bob Fosse’s Star 80 headlining opening night and Malcolm D. Lee’s The Best Man featured center stage, …