The buzz calendar is a compilation of events happening in the Champaign-Urbana area. Follow our top picks every Monday and Thursday for ideas on what to do on any night of the week, from where to eat to what to watch.
Want to submit an event? Email [email protected].
Oct. 16
Matter in the Margins: Gwendolyn Brooks at 100
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Main Library, Room 346, 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana
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Free, all ages
The exhibition is going to display literary works of Gwendolyn E. Brooks (1917–2000), Illinois Poet Laureate and the first black winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Brooks’s unconventional writing style working under black-owned presses produced a diversity of literary works such as youthful poetry and prose, and scrapbooks of pieces.
Open Mic Night
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
The Canopy Club, 708 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana
Free for 21+, $3 for under 21, 18+
If you’re looking for a creative outlet, head over to Canopy Club with your instruments and your laptops. All genres and styles are welcome at Open Mic Night, but no full bands or DJ sets are allowed.
Community Read: Friends Theme Night Trivia!
8-10:30p.m.
Brothers Bar & Grill, 613 E Green St, Champaign
Free, 19+
Partake in this free trivia night on Americans’ all-time favorite drama “Friends”. You are allowed to form team of up to 8 people. Prizes and drink deals will be offered.
oct. 17
Hunting Ground Movie Screening
7-9 p.m.
312 Gregory Hall, 810 S. Wright St, Urbana
Free, all ages
HeForShe will be hosting a screening of Kirby Dick’s documentary about Title IX laws, sexual assault, and today’s political climate.
Laser Tag
7-10 p.m.
The Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St, Urbana
Free with valid iCard, all ages
This event is first come, first serve and will be accepting teams of 5-6 or individuals. It will take place in glow arenas set up in i-Rooms with 23 inflatables obstacles.
Taking a Stand Against Domestic Violence Online and on the Street: A DVAM Keynote Talk by Julie DiCaro
7 p.m.
112 Gregory Hall Room, 810 S. Wright St, Urbana
Free, all ages
Join the Women’s Resource Center as they welcome sports reporter, Julie DiCaro. This event is a part of the WRC’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month program.
Bogore
9 p.m.
The Canopy Club, 708 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana
$20-$25, 18+
Bogore creates his own unique sounds that he calls “Gorestep,” which combines elements from dubstep, hip-hop, trance, and trap music. Don’t miss the Israeli artist when he comes to Urbana this week.
CU Member Mixer
5:15-7:15 p.m.
Jupiter’s at the Crossing, 2511 Village Green Pl, Champaign
Free, all ages
Join Member Mixer to learn how you can support professionals in Champaign-Urbana and to meet new people who strive to provide members networking.
Community Read: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
7 p.m.
The Virginia Theatre, 203 W Park Ave, Champaign
$5, R-rated
Watch “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” a horror film about Freddy Krueger who kills people in their dreams as soon as they fall asleep.
oct. 18
Surfer Blood
9 p.m.
The Canopy Club, 708 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana
$12-$15, 18+
This indie-rock band from Florida is joined by Chicago darlings Ne-Hi and local band The Dry Look.
DVAM Prayer Service
7-8 p.m.
Wesley Student Center, 1203 W. Green St, Urbana
Free, all ages
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Wesley Student Center invites everyone to come read scripture, hear poetry, and sing together as a community as they pray for healing and an end to all domestic abuse.
Ernest Scared Stupid
10-11:30 p.m.
The Art Theater, 126 W Church St, Champaign
$5, Rated PG
Watch what Ernest P. Worrell has gone through after he accidentally digs up an ugly troll that hates children and turns kids into wooden sculptures.
Community Read: Book Discussion – Discrimination & Immigration
7-8 p.m.
Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St, Champaign
Free, all ages
Julie Otsuka’s book, “When the Emperor Was Divine,” challenges us to think about the lives of Japanese-Americans and discrimination they had to face in the Japanese internment camps after the Pearl Harbor attack. Join the discussion on the book to analyze American history and how we can apply that knowledge to alleviate rising xenophobia and racist sentiments in the United States.
Comedian Patrick Garrity
8:30-10 p.m.
Champaign-Urbana Comedy, 320 N Neil Street, Champaign
$10, 19+
Meet veteran comedian Patrick Garrity on “The Never Ending Comedy Tour” that is visiting Champaign this Wednesday. The audience will be invited to draw on his car after the show, which is Patrick’s ritual after his stand-up comedy performance.
