Weekend Planner: Tempest Edition

So what is there to do on a January weekend in Central Illinois? Surprisingly, a lot!

See what we’ve picked out for this weekend – most of it is FREE.

What: Puss in Boots
When: Thursday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.
Where: Virginia Theatre, 203 W. Park Street, Champaign
How much: $3 per person
Appropriate for: 3 and up
Why you should go: Homework, shomework? Break the rules and head out to a movie on a school night! See our Kid Movie Critic’s review. 

What: Prairie Breezes Mini Concerts for Kids Presents Mr. Stephens 
When: Friday, Jan. 20, 4:15 p.m.
Where: Urbana Free Library
How much: FREE
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Join Mr. Stephens for crazy fun kids music for fun crazy kids! Learn the alphabet and how to count to 20 while howling like a dog and stomping your chicken feet. (We saw Mr. Stephens at the CU Folk and Roots Festival and the kids loved it.)

What: Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball College Division Tournament 
When: starts Friday at 5 p.m.; matches played all day Saturday and Sunday
Where: Activities and Recreation Center, Champaign (Campus)
How much: FREE
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: See some of the top athletes on campus you’ve never heard of during this free, full weekend of men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball. This tournament brings together some of the top teams in the collegiate game.

What: “Tempest” with Author Julie Cross
When: Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m.
Where: Champaign Public Library
How much: Free; registration recommended
Appropriate for: teens and up
Why you should go: The hottest new young adult novelist in America is a Chambana mom! Meet her and learn about the Tempest series.

What: Damine Kabuki at Krannert Center
When: Sunday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m.
Where: Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin, Urbana
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: A centuries-old tradition continues with this free kabuki performance by children from Damine Elementary School and adults from their small community near Nagoya City, Japan. A rare opportunity!