Before the summer goes completely away, try to take some “grownup time” for yourself. Ditch the kids — if only for a bit. There are plenty of adult things to do in C-U, and we’re here to hand out a few of our favorites.
We’ve rounded up a list of the top places for adults to go in Champaign-Urbana and beyond this month. If you don’t find anything you like, check out our list of 75 date night ideas as well.
Chambanamoms thanks Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for presenting this list.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to the advancement of education, research, and public engagement through the pursuit of excellence and innovation in the performing arts. Embracing the art of the past as well as the art of our time, the Center supports the belief that creativity is a core human characteristic and that the arts hold uniquely transformative potential. Through its multiple and integrated roles as classroom, laboratory, and public square, Krannert Center serves as a touchstone for the exploration and expansion of human experience.
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Marvel Cinematic Universe Trivia Night: Avengers, assemble! Join in for an epic Marvel Cinematic Universe Trivia Night on Sunday, Aug. 4, at The Axe Bar in Champaign. Note: teens and tweens might demand to join you. $5 per person.
Lizzie The Musical at The Station Theatre: “Lizzie” is a punk-rock reimagining of the classic American mythos surrounding the Lizzie Borden story. Legend has it that the Sunday School teacher murdered her father and stepmother with an axe one hot August morning in 1892 – though she was acquitted of the murders. In The Station Theatre’s musical retelling of the story, Lizzie Borden is most decidedly guilty, and her motives are explored through a score more closely resembling Bikini Kill and The Runaways than Andrew Lloyd Webber or Stephen Sondheim. Aug. 1-18.
Speak Cafe: SPEAK stands for Song, Poetry, Expression, Art, and Knowledge. It is an open-mic public performance space at Krannert Art Museum curated by local artist, Shaya Robinson, featuring guest performers and welcoming all to the mic. In this summer iteration, Krannert is partnering with Gallery Art Bar in downtown Urbana to bring SPEAK Café to the community. This event is free and open to the public. Includes ASL interpretation. Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Gallery Art Bar.
Crafty Adults — Collage: The Champaign Public Library’s Crafty Adults series will feature a session on creating a collage. Registration is required. Aug. 14 at 6 p.m.
The Favourite: The Arthouse Experience Film Series at The Virginia Theatre continues with this 2018 film based in 18th century England, featuring Emma Stone, Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. on Aug. 16.
Twister and Twisters double feature: The classic tornado movie Twister will be shown along with the new Twisters as part of a double feature on two weekends at Harvest Moon Drive-In in Gibson City. Don’t delay in getting your tickets! Aug. 16-18 and Aug. 23-24.
Music Bingo by Twin City Trivia: Yellow & Co. in Mahomet will host this unique Aug. 22 event. Here’s how it works: Every player will get six bingo cards and an answer key for each round. Every round is a different theme (I Love the 80’s, Hit Songs, TV Theme Songs, etc.). The host will play a clip from a song and you will find the artist on your answer key and then mark the number on your bingo card that is associated with that artist. Get details here.
New Souls at the Rose Bowl: One of our favorite local bands, New Souls, will perform Aug. 23 at the Rose Bowl in Urbana. No cover — but tip well!
Candlelight Serenade, Symphony Edition: An evening of candlelit paddleboat rides at the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park will commence at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 30. Enjoy a summer concert featuring the CU Symphony while you paddle. Get details here. Don’t delay — likely to sell out.
Dark Sky Series: Few things are more romantic than a night under the stars at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, a designated International Dark Sky Park. Meet at the Activity Center for a presentation, then proceed outside where volunteers will have telescopes set up to view the stars, planets, and more. Weather permitting, the program will go until midnight, but you may leave when you wish. Free. Aug. 31.