Most people are anticipating Saturday’s football game against Michigan State University, but there are a variety of events offered throughout campus for Dad’s Weekend. From other sports, to movies, to music there are many activities going on during this fun-packed weekend.

If your family enjoys watching hockey, there are two opportunities to watch the Illinois hockey team face off against Illinois State University on Friday and Saturday. The first game is on Friday at 6 p.m. and the second is on Saturday at 7 p.m.

I love watching hockey and would recommend this activity to all students, even if your parents are not coming to campus for the weekend. If your parents are coming but happen to not watch much hockey, bring them on down to the Ice Arena anyway and show them what they have been missing. The exciting atmosphere and the game itself will convince them of the sport’s greatness and of how much fun it is watching from the stands.

If your heart isn’t on the field or the ice, it might be found on the court. The Illini men’s basketball team is playing in their second exhibition game preceding the 2016-2017 season on Friday at 7 p.m. The team plays Lewis University in the newly renovated State Farm Center.

Outside of the sporting realm, the Illini Union will be hosting events throughout the weekend. Continuing its tradition of showing of new films every weekend, the Union will be showing “Jason Bourne” in which Matt Damon stars as a former CIA agent learning about his past. The film will be aired both Friday and Saturday night in the Union Pine Lounge

Additionally, the Illini Courtyard Café will host both their Friday Night Comedy and Open Mic Night series this weekend. Friday Night Comedy is sure to be hilarious as always, commencing at 8 p.m. on Friday in the Courtyard Café. On Saturday, come and watch your peers sing as the Illini Courtyard Café and Music for the Masses present Open Mic Night. This event is a great way to relax and listen to music in an intimate venue and support your classmates’ interest in singing.

Dad’s Day itself is sure to be a fantastic one to enjoy some music with your family. In addition to Open Mic Night, there are two ensembles performing Saturday night.

The Varsity Men’s Glee Club is having their first concert of the year on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The concert, named “Glee-lection 2016,” is sure to be exciting as it contains a fantastic variety of works.

Austin McWilliams, senior in Engineering and the conducting assistant of Varsity Men’s Glee, said that the concert is split into two halves.

“We have a diverse array of songs to perform, all the way from traditional glee selections like our standards to secular and sacred pieces as well,” McWilliams said. “So there’s really something for everyone to love in it.”

The first half of the concert generally contains spiritual works and the second half has pieces that are more secular in nature, ensuring that there will be music enjoyable to every listener.

Furthermore, the experience is sure to be a unique performance of music. Kyle Boshardy, junior in LAS and secretary of Glee Club, said that going to a Men’s Glee concert is something that every student should experience at least once.  

“It’s another way to enjoy the University and its traditional pastime of singing,” Boshardy said.

This concert is a blend of traditional standards and contemporary music along with fun aspects like their “Big Ten Medley” which is a lively compilation of all of the fight songs of the schools within the Big Ten.

Meanwhile, prepare your parents to relive Beatlemania with BritBeat at Foellinger Auditorium. Listen to Beatles classics like “Yellow Submarine,” “Help!” and “Let it Be” on Saturday starting at 8 p.m.

BritBeat is a touring Beatles cover band who promises a close authenticity of experience. Through their costumes, instruments and vocal sound, they try to make it possible for people of all ages, even those as young as college students, to feel as if they are attending a real Beatles concert. They replicate the Beatles touring years, beginning with their origin on the Ed Sullivan show and proceeding through their recording years to their later songs. Study up on your Beatles lyrics and prepare to sing along with your parents to BritBeat.

Whether you spend the weekend with your dad, parents or just your friends, explore what the University has to offer through partaking in some of these events. They are guaranteed to entertain and are a great representation of the variety of activities present here for people of all interests. Laugh with a comedian, go to a hockey game or listen to music at a concert — just make Dad’s Weekend a memorable experience for you visitors and yourself!

Jacqueline is a freshman in LAS.

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