Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui 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, September 19
Champaign-Urbana Light the Night 2024
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Location: Alma Mater Plaza, Hallene Gateway (intersection of Illinois and Lincoln), Ikenberry Commons Quad
Details: The Bike Month Planning group is hosting the 17th annual Light the Night, a bike light giveaway event to improve safety. Bring your bicycle for free light installation—no registration required. Open to students, faculty, staff, and the community.
Pygmalion Festival throughout Urbana
Time: Begins 4 p.m., runs through September 21
Location: Canopy Club, Rose Bowl Tavern, Channing Murray Foundation, Krannert Center
Details: This renowned music festival celebrates its 20th year with live performances across various venues. Australian indie duo Royal Otis kicks off the festivities at The Canopy Club. Full schedule and tickets at thisispygmalion.com.
POTUS: Or Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive at
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Station Theatre, Urbana
Details: This irreverent political comedy opens at Station Theatre. Shows run Thursdays through Sundays until Sept 29. It’s a wild ride through the chaos of the White House, where seven women scramble to keep things from falling apart.
Lyric Under the Stars at Sunken Garden at Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Allerton Park, Monticello
Details: Enjoy an evening under the stars with performances of beloved songs, arias, and choruses from opera and musical theatre. Reserved table seating is $40, general lawn seating is $10. Additional performances on Friday and Saturday.
Friday, September 20
Champaign-Urbana Black & African Arts Festival Kick-Off
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana
Details: Celebrate the 5th annual festival with live music by Dexter O’Neal and The Funk Yard, and The Reginald Lewis Quartet. Food, culture, and entertainment set the stage for a vibrant celebration of Black and African heritage. The festival continues on Saturday at the I Hotel in Champaign.
Saturday, September 21
Auditions for Proof
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Champaign Public Library
Details: Twin City Theatre Company is holding auditions for Proof, a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama. All roles are available. Visit their website for more information and to sign up.
CU Pride Fest Parade and Fair
Time: All day
Location: Downtown Urbana
Details: Join thousands of LGBTQ+ and allies in this year’s 15th Annual CU Pride Fest! The day is filled with a parade, local vendors, and entertainment throughout downtown Urbana.
CU Pride Drag Extravaganza
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: The City Center, Champaign
Details: Don’t miss this exciting drag show featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11 winner Yvie Oddly, Chicago Drag Legend Lucy Stoole, and local favorites. Celebrate CU Pride in style with dazzling performances.
Sunday, September 22
Comic & Toy Show
Time: 12-5 p.m.
Location: Champaign Marketplace Shopping Center
Details: Explore comics, toys, art, games, cosplay, and more at this free family-friendly event. A video game tournament and cosplay showcase are also on the schedule.
The Book of Mormon
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: State Farm Center, Champaign
Details: The Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon makes a stop in Champaign! This hilarious and irreverent show follows two Mormon missionaries on a journey unlike any other. Tickets available at statefarmcenter.com.