Friday, November 18th
Photo from Common Ground Food Co-op’s Facebook page.
Get your Thanksgiving plans in order, all weekend, prices vary
Do you have your turkey secured? Are you planning to skip cooking and order in on Turkey Day? Are you traveling and want to bring a C-U treat as a gift? Now is the time to figure all of that out because pre-orders are ending soon. I ordered some bread and pie, but I still need to pick up ingredients for the big Thanksgiving meal. This weekend, take time to figure out what you still need to buy, and then do it. (AB)
Shop the Art Coop $50 Art Sale, Lincoln Square Mall, 5 to 7 p.m., free to enter
As one of my picks for five things to do in arts this month, the return of the Art Coop $50 Art Sale deserves your attention. Where else can you enjoy a wide selection of locally made art, at an accessible price, where 100% of your purchase benefits the animals at the Champaign County Humane Society? (DD)
Saturday, November 19th
Attend East Asian Bilingual Story Time, Champaign Public Library, 10-10:30 a.m., free
The Champaign Public Library and the University of Illinois Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies are offering story time in English and Japanese. It’s the perfect way to (re)introduce yourself or your kids to a new language. (JH)
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Warm up with a bowl of lamb curry, Ambar India, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. + 4:30 to 10 p.m., $14.99
On cold days like these, I need to warm up with a hot curry. This week I reviewed lunch at Ambar India, and the lamb curry here was seriously incredible. The lamb was so tender, and the tomato-based curry tasted of aromatic garlic, ginger, and spicy pepper. Get it with garlic naan. (AB)
Photo from The Venue C-U’s Facebook page.
Attend the Wizard’s Yule Ball, The Venue C-U, 1 to 3 p.m., $20 + fees / person
The Venue is kicking off the holiday season with the second annual Wizard’s Yule Ball. This two-day event features two adults-only dinner and dancing events (Friday and Saturday nights, $70/person), and a family-friendly Saturday market with a costume contest. Tickets are $20 per person, plus processing fees. Learn more specifics about each of the three events on the Facebook event page. (JH)
Have a few laughs, Lodgic Everyday Community, 8 p.m., $20
We just got through another election season, so maybe you need to blow off some steam. Head to Lodgic for Hangover Comedy with comedians Tyler Fowler, Tom Feeback, and Sean Winfield. Doors open at 7 p.m., and there will be light snacks and a full bar available for purchasing. Get your tickets online now and avoid paying more at the door. (JM)
Sunday, November 20th
Photo crop of work by RAB Woodworking from the Facebook event page.
Shop the Dosvidanya Makers Market, DESTIHL Brewery, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Maker markets are a great way to shop local this holiday season. You’re sure to find unique gifts for friends and family from this wide selection of artisans including those working in ceramics, glass, wood, and more. Eat, drink, shop, and bring non-perishable food item donations for Home Sweet Home Ministries. (DD)
Grab your earplugs and do some moshing, C4A, 6:30 p.m., free
Thrash, cyrbergrind, hardcore, punk, emo — you’re going to need some earplugs for this one, folks. Thotcrime will be joined by hardcore group J.U.G. as well as emo group Snack’d Out. These are some of my favorite bands right now, and this will be an incredibly fun show. It’s also cool to see more shows happening at C4A. More music venues are always welcome, so come out and show some support. (SW)
Photo from Hatha Yoga and Fitness Facebook page.
Mentally prepare for the holiday, Hatha Yoga, 6:30-7:30 p.m., $5-15
Hatha Yoga is hosting a special pre-holiday yoga session with Lola Glow that will put you in relaxation mode before a busy and stressful Thanksgiving week. There will be essential oil treatment, a body scan, mantras and affirmations, and chakra-strengthening. Sounds marvelous. If you are already a member at Hatha, it’s just $5, or $15 for guests. Sign up on their website. (JM)
Hear a seminal alternative rock album live, Castle Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $30
The alternative rock band The Lemonheads are stopping by The Castle Theatre to perform their 1992 breakthrough album It’s a Shame About Ray in it’s entirety. This is the album that skyrocketed the band into stardom, featuring their famous cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson.” (SW)
Top photo from The Lemonheads Facebook page.
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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.