FRIDAY, November 18th
Brunch/lunch/dinner, Golden Harbor, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m., about$15 per person
Golden Harbor is the best. That’s a fact on which we can all agree. With this garbage heap of a month thus far, I think dining at Golden Harbor is a nice way to end the week, to refuel your body and soul for next week’s battles. Check out the new chicken shu mai: they are delicious. Right now I’m thinking about the kung pao broccoli (extra smoky!). Don’t know what to order? Ask Sophie. She’s also the best. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Visit Sipyard’s season-wrapping weekend, 4:30 p.m.-around midnight, prices vary
One of Urbana’s best watering holes is exclusively a beer garden. Sipyard is ending its season this weekend, and regardless of the weather, you still owe it to yourself to be there. Friday is the penultimate hurrah and features live music from JAM and the Rives Brothers. If you can’t make that, at least show up Saturday (the very LAST day) and bid them goodbye by enjoying a craft draft among great people. That’ll warm things up in no time. See you in the spring, Sipyard. (JM)
Illini Basketball vs. Detroit, 7 p.m., State Farm Center, price varies
The good news is that we just landed our biggest recruit (Jeremiah Tilmon) since Dee Brown. The bad news is that he doesn’t get here til next year. Oh well, at least you can watch the Illini beat up on a tiny school. I hear the prices online are phenomenal, as well. Go Illini. (BH)
Big Gay 90’s Prom, The Accord, 8 p.m., free
To benefit next year’s C-U Pride Festival, The Accord is hosting the biggest 90’s dance party bash that C-U as seen in some time. Put on your dancing shoes, because DJ Contrary is gong to be spinning exclusively bangers. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention one important part: there will be balloons. (BH)
SATURDAY, November 19th
State of the Art: Drawing Invitational Exhibit, Giertz Gallery, Parkland College, 12-2 p.m., free
Doing anything at Parkland takes a little intent, but a wander through the art gallery is always beneficial. The current show takes a look at the many different dimensions of drawing. While the space is small, it is always quiet, giving you time to explore and absorb the pieces on display. (RK)
Play Live-Action Pac-Man, Champaign Public Library, 1-4 p.m., FREE
Following up life-size Candyland with everyone’s favorite ghost-hunter is a stroke of nostalgic genius. You and 4 friends can be Pac-Man and Ghosts to spend 10 minutes in a floor maze, picking up pellets and trying to score the most points without losing 3 lives. For International Games Day, the library will also have giant Jenga and Connect Four, with Titan Games and CUDO Plays on hand so you can play tabletop games that you might not own, or even create your own. (RK)
Light up Downtown Urbana, Main St., Urbana, 4 p.m., free
Watch as downtown is transformed into a beauty of twinkling lights and filled with holiday magic. Enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa as the lights fill the street. Sign up for the trolley rides, Parade of Lights VIP tickets and the Reindeer Rampage all at once. Champaign Center Partnership will be in front of the city clock on the corner of Neil and Main for registration. Limited quantity of tickets available. Amazing specials throughout downtown will be offered! (SL)
The Bashful Youngens/Old Salt Union, The Accord, 8 p.m., $8 advance/$10 door
Americana duo The Bashful Youngens have gotten ambitious as of late. They appeared at this year’s Folk and Roots Fest a couple weeks ago, and earlier this week they announced the beginning of work on a new EP. (Help them out with it via their Kickstarter.) On Saturday they’ll contribute to a solid bluegrass/folk evening by playing with Belleville’s Old Salt Union, as well as Dan Andree and Sam Payne. (JM)
SUNDAY, November 20th
Drink Triptych’s beer, 1703 Woodfield Dr, Savoy, 12-6 p.m., prices vary
Have you been to the taproom lately? If not, get yourself some take-out, head to Triptych, and drink the beers while you eat your food. It’ll be A Pretty Nice Little Saturday Sunday. There are plenty of delicious things on tap, ranging from lagers, pilsners, and IPAs. I don’t think I need to try to convince you. Photo from Facebook. (JH)
Rake your leaves, anytime
Many of the leaves have fallen and your neighbors are getting pissed off about the state of your yard. Plus, leaf pickup will end for C-U will end on December 9th. Check out the City’s website for pickup schedules. Here’s Champaign’s and here’s Urbana’s. (SL)
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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.