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. 28
WCIA Gift of Life Blood Drive
9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Community Blood Services of Illinois, 1408 W. University Ave, Urbana
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Free, all ages
Join WCIA in their efforts to help save lives this holiday season. The drive lasts all day and can be found at 5 alternate locations. More details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1379241825531043/
Live Music Thursdays
9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Blackbird Urbana, 119 W. Main St, Urbana
Free, all ages
Come join Blackbird Urbana for a night of great music featuring The Live Jukebox Show. Enjoy their great craft cocktails, beer specials, heated beer garden, and more!
Friday, Dec. 29
Adoption Event
5 -8 p.m.
Petsmart, 2017 N Prospect Ave, Champaign
Free, all ages
Do some good deeds before the year is over by contributing to Petsmart’s pet adoption event this Friday. Apply online at https://www.petsmartcharities.org/adopt-a-pet/adoption-events so you may be approved.
Saturday, Dec. 30
Bingo
8-10 p.m.
Boomerangs Bar & Grill, 1309 E. Washington St, Urbana
Free, all ages
Win prizes and chances at the cash jackpot ($3000-$10,000!), or a Harley, TVs, gift cards, and more!
El Guapo at Memphis on Main
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Memphis on Main, 55 E Main St, Champaign
Free, all ages
The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Temptations, David Bowie, Chaka Khan, Queen, Bob Marley… You name it! El Guapo will be sure to bring whatever covers you want to Memphis on Main.
Sunday, Dec. 31
1920’s New Year’s Eve Party
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Radio Maria, 119 N Walnut St, Champaign
Free, 19+
Suit up in 1920’s themed costumes to commemorate the new year. There will be a variety of drinks ranging from beer to wine to cocktails.
New Year’s Eve Stand Up Comedy
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Soma, 320 N Neil St, Champaign
$25, 19+
Ring in the new year with a stand-up comedy night headlined by Chris Schlichting at Soma. Be prompt to purchase the tickets as they were sold out last year. Purchase the ticket at https://www.paypal.com/webapps/shoppingcart?flowlogging_id=9bf75ad93a320&mfid=1512498626633_9bf75ad93a320#/checkout/openButton
NYE at Barrelhouse 34
9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Barrelhouse 34, 34 E Main St, Champaign
Free, all ages
Test tube shots, specialty cocktails, an enormous list of beers, champagne and bow-ties. These are all combined to make for a brilliant New Year’s Eve event at Barrelhouse 34 this year. Bow-ties are encouraged, but not required.
NYE Party
8 p.m.-12 a.m.
The Iron Post, 120 S. Race St, Urbana
$10, 21+
Chachi and the Bandidos, Relevator, The Merry Travelers and Paul Kotheimer take the stage at The Iron Post to say goodbye to 2017 and welcome in 2018.
Sun Stereo NYE
8 p.m.-2 a.m.
The Canopy Club, 708 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana
$30-$35, 18+
Sun Stereo is a Champaign-based group that delivers a hybrid of organic and electronic elements. They are joined by Trouble Chasin’, We The Animals, and DJ LEGTWO. Tickets include complimentary well drinks and select drafts, pizza buffet from Manolo’s Pizza from 9pm-11pm, and a champagne toast at Midnight.
