With the kids back in school, September can be a busy month. (You should see my planner — there’s not nearly enough blank space!) So do yourself a favor and take a break from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a little adult time this month. We’ve rounded up a list of the top places for adults to go in Champaign-Urbana and beyond in September.
Meadowbrook Park Jazz Walk: Enjoy local jazz music while experiencing the beautiful sculptures at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana on Sept. 6. It’s free (and appropriate for children too) and a chance to relax and unwind in a peaceful setting.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Opening Night: Did someone say open dance party? Don’t need to say more. Don’t miss out on the fun at KCPA with DJ Spinn at 9 p.m. on Sept. 6. (Hint: bring the kids to the Opening Night party earlier, and send them home with a sitter.)
Beer launch at Brass Rail: A special homecoming Tryptych beer launch will take place Sept. 6 from 5-8 p.m. at the Brass Rail in downtown Champaign.
Adult Night at Skateland: Adults only. I mean, there better be laser tag, too. It’s Sept. 15 from 7-10 p.m., with $12 admission plus skate rental.
El Grito: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a celebration in downtown Champaign on Sept. 15. Details here.
Pride Fest 2024: So much of Pride here in Champaign-Urbana (Sept. 15-22) is truly all ages and family friendly. But some of the content is definitely for adults only. See a documentary about why Pride exists, do some crafts and head to the #QueerAllYear Carnival Debauche and Defy Gravity Pride Show. Check the calendar; some events are ticketed and/or require registration.
Pygmalion Festival: The weekend of Sept. 19-21 is a busy one in C-U, and one of the highlights undoubtedly is the 20th anniversary of Pygmalion. It defies classification. It’s a cultural festival. There’s tons of great, diverse music. And an incredible panel. And readings. And comedy. And much more. For passes, tickets and the entire lineup, go here. Headliners? Check out Bob Mould (old school, yet timely), rapper CupcakKe at Canopy Club and comedian Joe Pera at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
POTUS: or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive: The Station Theatre hosts multiple performances Sept. 19-29. Description: “When a White House PR nightmare spins into a legit sh*tshow, seven brilliant and beleaguered women must risk life, liberty and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. POTUS: or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive is a bawdy and irreverent look at sex, politics and the women in charge of the man in charge of the free world. Who knew that global crisis is always just a four-letter word away?”
Book of Mormon: This uproariously funny and irreverent musical isn’t for everyone. But it’s one of the bigger name musical theater shows to hit this area in a long time — and definitely one where it’s very appropriate to leave the little ones at home. Sept. 22 at State Farm Center.
Office Space at the Virginia Theatre: It’s a satirical black comedy about white collar work that never gets old. Sept. 26 at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign. Find info here.