#Chambana Without Kids: August Edition
Before the summer gets completely away, try to take some “grownup time” for yourself. Ditch the kids — if only for a bit. There are plenty of adult things to do in C-U, and we’re here to hand out a few of our favorites. (And as always, get those babysitters booked ASAP!)
Whether you’re looking for a date-night atmosphere or just a fun afternoon with friends, we’ve rounded up a list of the top places for adults to go in Champaign-Urbana and beyond this month. If you don’t find anything you like, check out our list of 75 date nights ideas as well. And here’s our Top 16 Things To Do in August with your family.
Thank you to Hada Cosmetic Medicine for sponsoring out August list of Grownup Things to Do. Hada provides advanced cosmetic medical services and products in Champaign and surrounding communities. Hada has combined a spa-like setting with state-of-the-art cosmetic medicine treatments to effectively reverse aging and environmental damage. For information about Hada’s services, contact the cosmetic medicine center at (217) 693-4400.
Enjoy a pint of Guinness, traditional Irish music (and food) and relax at Monticello’s Allerton Park Concert Series on Aug. 2 for Irish Fest. It’s free (donation suggested) and a surefire delight.
Perhaps we’re biased because this one is on our personal list, but check out “Pavarotti” at The Art Theater on various days in August. Directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard, the film looks at the life of the legendary Luciano Pavarotti and his incomparable voice. As your friend might say, “We’ve heard good things.”
If you’d like to combine some intellectual stimulation with a pleasure outing for your palate, head to Riggs Brewery in Urbana on Aug. 11 for “Science on Tap,” a discussion led by University of Illinois graduate students. This week’s event is themed “Going CooCoo for Cocoa — Exploring Chocolate from Bean to Bar.” The presentation focuses on chocolate, what it is, why it’s so popular, and other topics. BEST PART: Samples provided!
40 North’s Friday Night Live in Downtown Champaign kicked off May 31. Sure, it’s family-friendly, which we LOVE, but sometimes you just want to soak up our great downtown Champaign vibe while having a leisurely meal at a “grown-up” meal time while listening to great music.
Seven Saints in Champaign will host its first Champaign-Urbana Do Not Submit on Aug. 27. It’s an open mic of people sharing their stories in a safe, supportive environment. There is no cover charge.
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band will perform at State Farm Center on Aug. 20. (Did you know Ringo has been knighted, which means he’s actually Sir Ringo Starr? Well, actually, he was born Richard Starkey, so maybe we should call him Sir Richard Starkey. OK, maybe not.) Anyway, Sir Ringo brings his Beatles panache to C-U, and we don’t know how many more times we’ll have the opportunity to see a Beatle perform in person.
If you prefer heavy metal to classic pop rock, the City Center in Champaign is hosting Atlanta-based heavy metal band Sevendust on Aug. 2. Other acts include central Illinois-based Burden of the Sky along with Alborn. Tickets are $25-$37.
13 Thursdays happens every Thursday — betcha couldn’t have figured that one out — in Campustown, and it’s a great way to enjoy the best of campus while the students are away (well, mostly). One of the best parts: Free movies on the Quad, starting at 9 p.m.
A contemporary two-person musical, “The Last Five Years” makes its home at The Station Theatre in Urbana Aug. 1-17. The story follows a pair of young artists over the course of their relationship.
If you dig dogs and beer — well, who doesn’t? — then visit Pour Bros. in Champaign on Aug. 18 for “Pups & Pints.” Bring your dog — or just yourself — and mingle with people and pooches. Pour Bros. and Tito’s will donate to a different charity for each of these monthly events.