FRIDAY, May 26th
Happy hour with the goats, Prairie Fruits Farm 4410 N. Lincoln Ave, Champaign, 5-7 p.m., FREE admission
Breakfast with the Babies is over because the Farmer’s Market has begun and the babies are entering tweenage already. And I guess I missed the memo because this is the first I’ve heard about being able to get craft beer or local wine while snacking on locally-made cheese, gelato, and charcuterie, as well as Bane Family Meats grilling up chicken to purchase and local jazz ensemble The Jaybirds performing for our enjoyment. Oh and there are goats, too. (RK)
The Last Waltz, The Virginia Theatre, 7 p.m., $5
The Virginia brings you what is arguably the best rock and roll movie ever made. This Martin Scorsese-directed documentary is about Bob Dylan’s “The Band,” an incredible act in their own right, who took the stage for their farewell concert one night in 1976. A plethora of legendary musicians played with them that evening, including Dylan, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, and so many more. $5 gets you admission to a film that is 100 percent a mandatory watch for any self-described music fan. (JTM)
Whiskey Shadows w/ The Ex-Bombers + Bristle, Cowboy Monkey, 19+, $7, 9 p.m.
If you didn’t have the chance to catch Whiskey Shadows’ set at The Great Cover Up this year, you certainly missed out. Have no fear, however, because this Friday they take to Cowboy Monkey’s stage playing their own tunes, and making you dance more than you ever thought you could. (BH)
SATURDAY, May 27th
Stretch and Sip, Allerton Music Barn, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $15 for yoga and beer or $10 for yoga only
Yoga and beer? A beautiful local setting? Sounds like a great start to a Saturday AND to a long weekend. Relax and renew with with 60 minutes of yoga (all levels are welcome) and then hang out with your fellow yogis and enjoy some delicious craft beer (because you can’t do yoga and then drink Bud Light…you just can’t). Must be 21 to enjoy the beer, and advanced registration is encouraged due to limited space. Photo from Facebook. (JEM)
Spurlock Summer Sundays with the Church Street Ramblers, 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana, 1-1:45 p.m., FREE
Spurlock Museum is kicking off a new series of Sunday programs that will rotate among 3 themes: Cultural Celebrations, Spurlock Time Machine, and Sunday Splash. I can only image what each entails, but the first event seems to fit all three — Church Street Ramblers bring the cultural experience of Louisiana Jazz, travel back in time to the early 20th century and certainly make a splash with their big, good-time sound. (RK)
Read to dogs, Champaign Public Library, 3 to 3:45 p.m., free
Science says reading to non-judgmental beautiful creatures like dogs is an excellent way to boost confidence and practice reading out loud. Even though it’s an all ages event, and you’ll likely be in a room full of kids, you could totally practice reading in another language. Maybe English is your second or third language; why not practice reading to some adorable furry beasts? Photo from Facebook. (JH)
Winder album release show, Blips and Chitz, 8 p.m., $5
Blips and Chitz killed it with shows this week, and this one won’t disappoint. This is the EP release show for local post hardcore band Winder, who are dropping their album Always Assume. They’ll get support from acts who will provide additional punches of upbeat punk music, including the return of Bullnettle to C-U, Skin Tags in from St. Louis, and a second appearance this week from locals Ghoul Jr. (JTM)
SUNDAY, May 28th
Make Tuesday’s lunch plans for Urbana’s Food Truck Rally, all weekend, free
Tuesday May 30th is the last Tuesday of the month, and that means it’s time for the City of Urbana’s the monthly Urbana Food Truck Rally. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., food trucks will be parked at the Urbana Civic Center (108 East Water Street). Seating is available outdoors and inside the civic center. This month’s truck line up includes Betsy’s Bistro (formerly Hendrick House food truck), Chester’s BBQ, Dragon Fire Pizza, Empanadas House, Fusilli Tony’s Italian Food, Piato Cafe, The Pop Stop, and The Snack Shack. I think almost all of those food trucks take credit cards, but bring some cash just in case. Enjoy your lunch! Image from Facebook (JH)
Smooth Sailin’ Yacht Rock Night, Bentley’s, 4 p.m., free
Oh man, if this isn’t an amazing option to start off boating season — yacht rock jams at Bentley’s. You don’t even need to have access to a boat to be able to enjoy the sweet tunes of Michael McDonald or Hall & Oates or Jimmy Buffett. Here’s your chance to be on island time for a night in C-U. (PS)
Summer Jump-Off w/ DJ Belly + Ideal DJs, Cowboy Monkey, 9 p.m., Free, 19+
I know, I know – a DJ night on a Sunday? But this particular glorious Sunday is not followed by the inevitable work week on Monday – it’s a holiday. So come out, eat some tacos, and hear some of the best music spinning that you could ever find. It’s summer, right? (BH)
MONDAY, May 26
Grill meats and/or veggies at your home, all day long, price varies
Memorial Day is meant for barbecues. Bust out your grill if you have it, and haven’t used it yet this year, make Monday your day to do so. There are a ton of options around town for meats: Harvest Market, Old Time Meat & Deli (though this deal isn’t happening now, they might have something for you), hell, Schnuck’s on Mattis has some of the best meat in C-U. Hit up Urbana’s Market at the Square on Saturday to get some veggies for the grill — peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, and more. What I’m saying is that you should eat and drink. Relax if you can afford to do so. (PS) That’s a photo from Seth Fein, right there. Good god look at that hunk of meat!
Big Grove Patio Bash, 10 a.m., price varies
If you’re looking to spend some time relaxing and having someone else prepare food for you this holiday, spend a morning at Big Grove for their Memorial Day Patio Bash. Check out their menu linked above via the SPlog for details. Mimosa Bar, beer specials, plus tons of other things to start your holiday out right. (PS)
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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.