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].
Thursday, Dec. 21
Winter Solstice Night Hike
6:30-8 p.m.
Meadowbrook Park and Interpretive Center, Urbana
Free, 6+
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Bundle up and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the prairie during the longest night of the year. Explore features of the night sky, and look for signs of wildlife. A brisk nighttime hike will leave you feeling energized! Pre-registration by Wed, Dec. 20 is required; register now by calling 217-367-1544 or online at https://tinyurl.com/y7efu7ge.
The National Military Park Insider
7-8:30 p.m.
Champaign County Civil War Round Table, 307 S Randolph St, Champaign
Free, all ages
Get inspiring stories from Shiloh ranger Bjorn Skaptason who works at an iconic battlefield.
Original Artists Night
7-10 p.m.
Boomerangs Bar & Grill, 1309 E. Washington St, Urbana
Donations welcome, all ages
This is a night to feature original artists and their music, building a platform for Champaign Urbana’s Original Music.
Friday, Dec. 22
Storage Auction
1-3 p.m.
National Mini Warehouses, 1408 W. Anthony Dr, Urbana
Free, all ages
Keith Hendrix will be auctioning off five storage units of National Mini Warehouses professionally managed by Devon Self Storage. This is a free public auction and no buyer’s premium will be charged to the winning bidders. This auction is with a minimum reserve bid per unit set by Devon Self Storage/National Mini Warehouses who has the right to set minimum bids and to refuse bids. Sales terms are CASH ONLY.
Festivus Eve 2017, One Barrel To Rule Them All
5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Quality Beer, 110 N Neil St, Champaign
Free, 21+
Get the best bourbon barrel of this year‘s edition of AJ’s Stout delivered by Quality Beer. Share quality beer with your families and friends before your new year’s resolution to go easy on alcohol consumption.
Britt Black
9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Tin Roof Tavern, 604 N. Cunningham, Urbana
Free, all ages
Come enjoy the acoustic rock sounds of musician Britt Black!
Saturday, Dec. 23
The Nutcracker (NYC Ballet 2017)
12-2 p.m. (Dec 23, Dec 24)
The Art Theater, 126 W Church St, Champaign
$10-$12.50, all ages (PG)
Watch the iconic holiday ballet performance packed with incredible choreography on the screen at The Art Theater.
Free Fitness Seminar- Get Ready for 2018
1-2 p.m.
Raw Fitness, 606 N Country Fair Dr, Champaign
Free, all ages
Tired of your recurring new year’s resolution to work out? Get help from experienced trainer Danny Iniguez, the owner of Raw Fitness in Champaign. Space is limited so register today at https://rawfitness.us/free-fitness-seminar-get-ready-2018/.
Jaime Wallace Benefit
4-8 p.m.
Bunny’s Tavern, 119 W. Water St, Urbana
Costs vary, all ages
Come help raise money to support Jaime, a beloved friend and coworker at Bunny’s Tavern, who suffered a severe, life-threatening asthma attack in November. 100% of all proceeds from the spaghetti dinner will go into an account set up in Jaimes name to help pay for medical expenses.
Temple of Low Men (Acoustic Reunion)
8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Blackbird Urbana, 119 W. Main St, Urbana
$5, 18+
Come spend your Christmas Eve Eve with a quorum of the boys from Temple of Low Men, along with Mike Ingram & Joe Funderburk and a solo set from Larry Gates.
