WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Jan. 15 – Jan. 18

A dog is traveling toward a house in snow-covered ground with a blue sky in the background.
Nick Birsa's work 'Home' is one of the pieces featured at 'Long Night, Golden Lights,' open through next month at The Cohen Exhibition Workshop.

Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Steve Morck talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m., and Thursdays at 5:44 p.m.

 

Thursday, January 15

Puzzle Wars Championship
Time: 
6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hays Recreation Center, Champaign, IL
Details: 
Compete in teams of four to complete the same puzzle along other participants.
https://champaignparks.org/event/puzzle-wars-championship/

Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad Opening Reception
Time: 
7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Location:
Urbana Free Library, Urbana, IL
Details:
Celebrate the opening of this traveling exhibit to learn about Underground Railroad stories, including some from east central Illinois.
https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/15076847

Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling
Time:
8:00 p.m.
Location: Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana, IL
Details: Enjoy live music at this fundraiser for Prairie Crossroads Blues Society.
Nick Moss Band ft. Dennis Gruenling at the Rose Bowl Tavern

Friday, January 16

Artists Talk
Time:
5:00 p.m.
Location: The Cohen Exhibition Workshop, Urbana, IL
Details:
Hear from local artists whose work is featured in Long Nights, Golden Lights. 
https://www.instagram.com/art.at.the.cohen/

CMM 48-Hour Film Competition 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location:
Lincoln Square Mall Urbana, IL
Details: Filmmakers have two days to write, produce and edit a short film based off of a prompt, followed by a screening to determine the winning team the following weekend.
https://champaignmoviemakers.com/

Saturday, January 17

Artventures for Kids!
Time: 
1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.
Location: Krannert Art Museum, Champaign, IL
Details:
Children and their caregivers can enjoy storytime inspired by artworks, a gallery exploration, and artmaking. 
https://kam.illinois.edu/event/artventures-kids-4

Citizen Kane
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location:
The Virginia Theatre, Champaign, IL
Details: See the American Film Institutes top-rated movie exploring themes of power, wealth, and identity.
https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1091

Sunday, January 18

Matinee at the Library: Wicked
Time: 2:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Location: Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL
Details:
See a screening of Wicked, based off the the Broadway musical.
https://champaign.org/event/matinee-at-the-library-wicked-15201770

Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration
Time: Doors at 4:00 p.m. ; Event from 5:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Location:
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana, IL
Details: Honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including awards for three community members and a choir performance.
https://eeborman.wixsite.com/website-8

Some of the groups mentioned here may be financial supporters of Illinois Public Media, but they do not influence who is included on this list.

Event dates and times may change. If you have information about upcoming events, email us before Mondays at 8:00 a.m. at will-call@illinois.edu.

Kimberly Schofield

Kimberly Schofield is the host of Morning Edition and covers arts and entertainment for Illinois Newsroom. When she is not covering the arts, she is performing in plays and musicals or running the streets of CU.