It’s a l-o-n-g weekend for many in the Champaign-Urbana area, as many schools are closed on Monday in honor of President’s Day. That’s why we have we have an extended version of Weekend Planner:
What: Champaign Central Jazz Combos at indi go Artist Co-op
Where: indi go Artist Co-op, 9 E.University, Champaign
When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
How much: $5 adults/ $3 students and children
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: See some of our community’s finest young musicians. The Champaign Central Jazz Combos consist of members of Central High Schools’ Jazz Ensemble and Stage Band. Recent awards include two second-place finishes at The Purdue Jazz Festival. The Ensemble and Stage band have also been invited to play at the prestigious Savannah Music Festival this March 28-31.
This weekend won't be for the birds - but it does look like it will be nice enough to count them at The Great Backyard Bird Count event.
What: IHSA State Individual Wrestling Tournament
Where: Assembly Hall, 1800 South First Street, Champaign
When: Five sessions; starts at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16; continues all day Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17-18. Full schedule here.
How much: Individual session passes are $8 or $10. All session passes are available for $40 or $50.
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: If you’re wondering why the local hotels and restaurants are packed this weekend, this is why. Head over to the Hall to see the state’s top wrestlers in action. The Saturday night championships are particularly exciting.
What: Prairie Breezes presents Spinnin’ Slidin’ Scratchin’ at Urbana Free Library
Where: Urbana Free Library
When: Friday, Feb 17 4:15 p.m.
How much: free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Join us for an improvisational performance concert for families. This concert will feature Dorothy Martirano scratchin’ on violin; Armand Beaudoin scratchin’ on cello; Morgan E. Powell slidin’ on trombone; and Patricia Hruby Powell
What: Student Playwrights Outreach Theatre
Where: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana
When: Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
How Much: Free!
Appropriate For: school-age children and up
Why You Should Go: Student Playwrights Outreach Theatre (SPOT) is a collaborative effort between the UI Department of Theatre and Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Each year, fourth- and fifth-grade students write stories that the SPOT team adapts into short plays. SPOT is always full of high-energy performances and audience interactions. Both children and adults are sure to be entertained. spinnin’ out dances and tales.
What: The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)
Where: Anita Purves Nature Center, 1505 N. Broadway Avenue, Urbana
When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds in their area. Anyone can participate, from beginners to experts. Join Champaign County Audubon Society members and nature center staff as we make an important contribution to conservation by counting birds. Help identify and count the birds at feeding stations and along trails in Busey Woods. Count birds for as little or as long as you wish. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. Stop at the front desk when you arrive for instructions. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them.
What: Dawn and the King’s Decree
Where: Baha’i Center, 807 E. Green, Urbana
When: Saturday, Feb. 18 and Sunday, Feb. 19, 3 p.m.
How much: $3 per person with children 2 and under free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: An uplifting, original story about the importance of finding happiness inside yourself and looking at the bright side of life, performed by child actors ages 5-15. Brought to you by Soul Miners.
What: Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center Public Swim Hours
Where: UIAC
When: Saturday, 12-5; Sunday, 2 – 7 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 20 – 1:30-9 p.m. (Holiday hours)
How much: $6 general admission, $3 for supervising adults who will not be swimming
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Come to the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center on your day off school!
What: Center for Children’s Books Eleventh Annual Book Sale
Where: Graduate School of Library and Information Science, 501 East Daniel Street, Champaign
When: Monday, Feb. 20 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much: Free admission
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Build your family’s library on the cheap. Thousands of new children’s books will be available for youth ages birth through high school. The titles available represent the full spectrum of children’s publishing in fiction and nonfiction: board books, picture books, easy and transitional readers, chapter books, series fiction, novels, activity books and kits, nonfiction series, mass-market paperbacks, and more. Paperback books are $1 or $2 each, hardcover books are $5 each, and individual items are priced as marked.
Looking for more family-friendly things to do in Champaign-Urbana this weekend? Check our events calendar.
