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].
Monday, Dec. 18
Monday Night Trivia
7 p.m.
Blackbird Urbana, 119 W. Main St, Urbana
Free, all ages
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Come on out for Monday Night Trivia at Blackbird! Compete in teams of up to 5 for gift cards and braggin rights! Standard trivia rules will apply. Hosted by Joe Fun and Nicole Gruber!
An Open Mic Festivus
8 p.m.-2 a.m.
The Canopy Club, 708 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana
Free for 21+, $3 for under 21, 18+
‘Tis the season! Canopy Club will be gifting performers a Festivus Hamm’s! That’s right, get a free beer for braving the cold and playing a couple of songs! 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.
Tuesday, Dec. 19
News-Gazette Film Series: The Best Christmas Movies Ever
7-10 p.m.
The Virginia Theatre, 203 W Park Ave, Champaign
$6, all ages
Indulge in five Christmas classic movies at News-Gazette. In a Christmasy setting with a cup of complimentary hot chocolate, enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.
Tuesday Jazz
7-10 p.m.
Boomerangs Bar & Grill, 1309 E. Washington St, Urbana
Free, all ages
Every Tuesday Boomerangs clears the Boom-Stage for the best jazz musicians in the region – cats like Donnie Heitler, Jeff Helgesen, Chip McNeil, Josh Quirk, Clark Gibson (on occasion!), and many many more.
Wednesday, Dec. 20
The Upper Bout Doughnut Beauty Contest
11 a.m.-7 p.m.
The Upper Bout, 723 S Neil St, Champaign
Free, all ages
Sweet treats from Pandamonium Doughnuts and and The Upper Bout await your participation. Bring in your favorite Pandamonium Doughnut and they will photograph it and send it out on their Instagram (@theupperbout). Whoever gets the most likes wins a $20 Upper Bout gift card.
Meet Santa Claus at the Virginia Theatre
5-7 p.m.
Champaign Center Partnership, 301 N Neil St, Ste 400, Champaign
Free, all ages
Live up to Christmas’ festivity by taking themed photos with Santa Claus. Santa will take pictures with each visitor and every child will get a free candy cane.
Holiday Wine Tasting
5-7 p.m.
Harvest Market – Champaign, 2029 South Neil Street, Champaign
Free, 21+
Indulge in a variety of wines that are paired perfectly with an assortment of snacks. You can also purchase a few gifts at the same time in preparation for the upcoming Christmas.
Batman Returns! Free!
9:30-11:30p.m.
The Art Theater, 126 W Church St, Champaign
Free, PG-13
The movie “Batman” has returned to The Art Theater, and it’s free!
Fused Glass Mosaics
1-4 p.m.; 6-9 p.m.
Cracked Glass, 602 E. High St, Urbana
$50, PG-13
In this class, you will make a 4” x 4” fused glass mosaic tile. Bring your own, simple, 4” x 4” pattern or work from one of our provided patterns. All materials, use of tools, instructions, and kiln time is provided. This class is perfect for creators that have experience cutting stained glass patterns and glass!
Holiday Cooking on a Budget
6-7 p.m.
Common Ground, 300 S. Broadway Ave #166, Urbana
$5, all ages
Join Common Ground Food Co-Op for their holiday segment of Cooking Healthy on a Budget, where all recipes are less than $2 per serving.
