We love our kids but who doesn’t need an adult night out on the town every once in a while to remind us that being a grownup can be fun!
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 in April.
Thanks to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for presenting our list our date nights for April. Check out its list of April events here.
Young Professionals of Champaign-Urbana April Social: Head over to The Space in downtown Champaign on April 3 to mix, mingle, make connections and network with others looking to do the same. Free.
CU Schools Foundation Distinguished Alumni Reception: Talk about an inspiring evening. Chances are you’ll be blown away by the accomplishments of these honored individuals April 5 at the I Hotel and Conference Center. Click here to see the list of honorees. Go here for tickets and more information.
Tuesday Knitter’s Group: Bring your knitting supplies and spend a couple hours of social time with folks who share your passion. At Champaign Public Library on April 9, and the second Tuesday of every month. P.S.: You can bring your dinner with you!
Dance at Krannert Center: MacArthur “Genius” award-winner Kyle Abraham brings his unique choreography and internationally renowned dance company, A.I.M, to perform a repertory of new and exciting works for Urbana Champaign audiences. April 12 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
Fugitive Songs at The Canopy Club: Fugitive Songs is a 19-song journey across America, featuring a multi-ethnic ensemble between the ages of 20 and 40. This innovative song cycle is conceived as half-musical/half-concert. April 13 at The Canopy Club in Urbana.
The Mountain Goats at The City Center: London, Barcelona, Dublin, Champaign. Yep, those are other tour stops for this indie rock band with a cult following. Masterful storytelling musicians will perform April 13 at The City Center in Champaign. Details here.
The Gangster Play: Circus/Circus: Brecht’s 1941 satirical allegory of Hitler’s rise to power, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, follows the elevation of a 1930s Chicago mobster who works a corrupt political and economic system to his advantage. Set in a world of gangsters and unprincipled politicians, Brecht shows us — through wry humor — that demagogues rise only through the complicity of enablers. Multiple dates April 12-20 at Krannert Center.
EbertFest: No promises there are tickets available for the particular movie you’re interested in, but it doesn’t hurt to check the Virginia Theatre box office. Festival runs April 17-20.
Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser: Gals for Great Futures is a Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club fundraiser April 18 at Carmon’s in Champaign. It’s billed as “an evening of sips, savors and style.”
Goth Prom 2024: The Rose Bowl Tavern will host this annual event presented by the Bat Factory on April 19. You will be entertained, in so many ways, from costumes to performances.
Afternoon Tea at Allerton Park: Yes, you can bring kids to this. But we recommend grabbing your best gal pals — or maybe moms, aunts, grandmas — for a grown up afternoon tea. April 21 at Allerton Park in Monticello.
CultureTalk: Jenny Davis and Joy Harjo: Join this engaging conversation between 23rd United States Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and Jenny L. Davis, professor in American Indian Studies and Anthropology and member of the Chickasaw Nation. April 23 at Krannert Center.
David Sedaris at The Virginia Theatre: A fan favorite, he’s been here multiple times. It’s worth going at least once. See the author and humorist April 28 at the Virginia.