Weekend Planner: Try Something New Edition

Tennis anyone? (Photo by meddygarnet on flickr)

It’s almost time for Groundhog Day, when Punxsutawney Phil will most likely predict another six weeks of winter. So, let’s make the best of it; try something new and different this weekend. And everyone of our picks just happen to be taking place on campus this weekend: Illini Men’s Tennis at the Atkins Tennis Center; Brazilian percussion concert at the School of Music; and the E-Fest Indoor Electronic Airplane Festival.

What: Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Kick-Off Weekend
Where: Atkins Tennis Center
When: Today (Friday) matches at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Saturday matches also 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
How Much: Free admission and parking
Appropriate For: All ages
Why You Should Go: The Illinois men’s tennis team is always a draw. Their exciting brand of tennis will delight the youngest fans, especially the doubles points which are definitely a highlight. In this tournament, the Illini will be hosting three other teams as part of a larger event kicking off the indoor season.

What: E-Fest Indoor Electric Airplane Festival
Where: University of Illinois Armory, 505 E. Armory, Champaign
When: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 30, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 31.
How Much: $5 general admission per day, children 12 and younger free
Appropriate For: All ages
Why You Should Go: Attention hobbyists – open airplane and helicopter flying all weekend! What could be more cool than that? On Saturday there will be a craft table for kids. And it’s free for kids under 12.

What: Sao Paulo State University Percussion Ensemble
Where: Smith Memorial Hall, 805 S. Mathews, Urbana
When: 3 p.m. Jan. 31
How Much: Free
Appropriate For: All ages
Why You Should Go: Our fine community is awash in free opportunities to expose children to all kinds of music. Here’s one of those wonderful opportunities, as this ensemble makes a stop in C-U as part of its North American tour. They will perform a varied program of Brazilian folk, pop, and new music.