Thursday, June 27th
Take a drive for some produce, Monticello Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m., free but you’ll need money to buy things
We have two farmers markets in C-U, but it could be that you need to re-up your produce on a Thursday. Monticello’s market is Thursday afternoon, and you can add in a hike at Allerton or lunch (or pie) at Brown Bag. Make a little afternoon of it! (JH)
Head to the forest with This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, Station Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $13-$18
This show has opened to much praise already so don’t miss this final weekend of Urbana’s Station Theatre production of Finegan Kruckemeyer’s This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing. Appropriate for ages five and up, this exciting play will delight children and adults who love a good story. Who doesn’t love a good story? (AP)
Eat Filipino-American cuisine at Riggs, Maria’s Kitchen food truck, 4 to 8 p.m., prices vary
As part of Riggs Fest this weekend, Maria’s Kitchen will be at the brewery with their truck of Filipino-American eats. The Champaign-Urbana food truck has the cutest tiny crab rangoon and delicious kabobs. I love the chicken teriyaki and pancit best. For more about the food, check out my review of the truck and follow the truck on Facebook. (AB)
Friday, June 28th
Roast some hot dogs and enjoy a glass of wine, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, 5 to 9 p.m., $1 for the hot dog plus money for wine
Sleepy Creek’s wieners and wine is a family-friendly way to get out of the house on a nice evening and have a glass of wine. In short: you buy the wine, they provide the dogs ($1) and toppings (complimentary), and the bonfire over which you’ll roast your meat. There will be live music, too. (JH)
Drink like it’s the 1920s at the Dollhouse Dizzy, Fire Doll Studio, 8 p.m. to midnight, no cover but bring money for drinks
Have a roarin’ 20s evening at Downtown Champaign’s candle-shop-turned-speakeasy. Every Friday night, the chandlery hosts a DJ and a swanky 1920s vibe complete with a special menu of cocktails and mocktails. Fancy dress is encouraged. Check out the event page here. (AB)
Saturday, June 29th
Dance the day away to celebrate Pride Month, Rose Bowl Tavern, noon, free
Celebrate Pride all day and night with the Uniting Pride of Champaign County at Rose Bowl Tavern for an all-day event filled with music, drag performances, and family-friendly activities. The event features live music by Mike Ingram & Friends, a Drag Story Time, a family-friendly drag show, performances by Chris Chism & The Copper Creek Band, and Sass. Enjoy local vendors, arts & crafts, face painting, and more. This celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is free and open to the public. (DP)
Drink beer at the Miller Park zoo, Miller Park Zoo, 1020 S Morris Ave, Bloomington, 3 to 8 p.m., $45
This 21+ event / zoo fundraiser will feature local and regional breweries and food, as well as “animal encounters.” (Don’t worry, zoo employees managing the animals will not be drinking.) Honestly, it sounds like a pretty fun way to spend an afternoon. Bonus: there won’t be a bunch of overheated and overtired children screaming as you sip your beer and contemplate the ethics of keeping animals in captivity (it’s complicated). (JH)
Attend a night market, Gallery Art Bar, 4 to 10 p.m., free but bring money to buy stuff
217flea is hosting their first night market at Gallery Art Bar. You can shop for vintage and gently used clothing and accessories on the patio, all while enjoying the delicious cocktails and mocktails from the bar. (JH)
Hang by the lakeside at Heritage Park’s Brews, Beats, and Eats, Heritage Park, 5 to 10 p.m., $5 donation suggested, plus eats and drinks
This Saturday, Champaign Park District is hosting their inaugural Lakeside Brews, Beats, and Eats at Heritage Park, featuring live music, food trucks, beer and wine, and more. This 21+ only event is asking for a $5 donation to the Champaign Park Foundation’s Scholarship Fund, so you can feel warm and fuzzies supporting the youth while you’re at the adults-only hang. (PS)
Sunday, June 30th
Get funny and strange with Chambana Film Festival, Savoy 16, 4 p.m., $10
I’m a short films girl through and through so I’m psyched about this one. I missed local filmmaker Thomas Nicol’s Venus Gambit back in April and if you did too, or even if you saw it, you can catch it again at the Savoy + IMAX theatre on Sunday as it will be a part of this short “comedic films festival.” Hot and steamy outside means warm buttered popcorn at the theater. See you there! (AP)
Groove to bluegrass at the Summer Concert Series, Harry L. Swartz Campground, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, 5 p.m., free
Join the Hot Iron String Band for a dynamic performance featuring both original tunes and beloved classics, blending modern bluegrass with a hint of jazz. Inspired by legends like Bill Monroe and Django Reinhardt, this band promises a unique and soul-stirring sound. Enjoy this musical treat in the serene setting of Illinois’ first International Dark Sky Park. (DP)
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.