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The Normal Theater lineup this month is so good it’s scary - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 20h

The monthly movie lineup from Normal Theater is really spooktacular. They’re showing a full month of our favorite nostalgic films that we think are fun to enjoy all year round, just particularly this time of year.

I love this spooky month. I’m kind of a wimp, actually, when it comes to handling truly scary movies, but I love Halloween and all its festivities. It’s a holiday rich with history, modernly celebrate...

Julie Brandano's dance evoked mobile sculptures at Krannert Art Museum - Arts

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 20h

There were two series of performances offering a variety of times for viewers to engage with the dancers in this unique space.

During the first week of October, visitors experienced dance performances that complemented the art on display at the Krannert Art Museum’s Contemporary Gallery. It was a delightful melding of the art...

Put people over party and profit in the midterms - Opinion

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 20h

Let us be active, engaged citizens and put the health, happiness, and safety of people and communities first.

With all three branches of the government controlled by the Republican party, there is no denying who bears the primary responsibility for the lawlessness and terror (never mind the complete governmen...

Five fall coffees from five fall menus - Food & Drink

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 21h

Sarah tried five different coffees at five different coffee shops in Champaign-Urbana and reports back on her findings.

I moved to the Champaign area a year ago, and I knew right away that I wanted to explore all of the coffee options this Midwest town had to offer. Unfortunately, it seems I have ...

Write for Smile Politely's Opinion section - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

Send us a pitch, because after all, the magazine is made up of community members just like you, sharing their thoughts and opinions.

While our Opinion section is mostly populated with our weekly Editorial Board offerings, it’s also a place for contributors to share their opinions. We’ve published articles on the the need to build i...

Twin City's Shadow Box found humor and humanity in the darkest moments - Arts

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Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

The heart of this production is strong, and its cast is generous and deeply human.

Twin City Theatre Company’s The Shadow Box arrived at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center at a tender moment for our theatre community. The production, directed by Mark J. Highland (who also...

Small Press Fest returns this week with its sparkling DIY spirit - Arts

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

Small Press Fest now draws a roster that stretches well beyond Champaign–Urbana, with Chicago imprints and regional artists making the trip.

One of the most reliable origin stories in Champaign-Urbana, right up there with “a band started in a rented garage,” and “our co-op began over coffee,” is the class assignment that births an idea. Ba...

Great food is waiting at Ittonken - Food & Drink

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

Tayler pays a visit to Ittonken, the Japanese restaurant on Neil Street, a restaurant space previously occupied by Masala Indian House and Dumpling Noodle BBQ.

In my opinion, Champaign-Urbana will never have enough Japanese restaurants. When Ittonken opened on South Neil Street earlier this year, I was tickled pink. Formerly, the building located on Neil Str...

The Marching Illini are going to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

Out of 100 nationwide applicants, the Marching Illini will be one out of only 10 marching bands selected for the honor of performing at one of the world’s most famous parades.

And that’s a big deal, y’all! Out of 100 nationwide applicants, the Marching Illini will be one out of only 10 marching bands selected for the honor of performing at one of the world’s most ...

Lunch with a side of doughnut at Flying Monkey Café - Food & Drink

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 2d

Not only does Curtis Orchard have plenty of activities including apple and pumpkin picking, but they also have a country store and café. The main reason for Sarah's visit was to try the offerings at the Flying Monkey Café, which serves a small menu of American fare.

Last week I stopped by Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch for some quality time with my mother, and it was a blast. Located on Duncan Road in Champaign, Curtis Orchard is a place for families ...

Step into Ronny Quevedo's world where nothing stays in one place - Arts

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 2d

Quevedo’s exploration of his Andean heritage, immigrant experience, and the democratic spaces of sport creates an unexpected dialogue between contemporary practice and ancient tradition.

Mary spoke with Krannert Art Museum's co-curators Amy L. Powell and Allyson Purpura about this installation.

The Krannert Art Museum’s a l l s t a r s exhibit arrives at a perfect moment, just as the museum reopens its Andean Art Before 1600 galleries. Artist Ronny Quevedo’s exploration of his ...

Celebrate the legacy of Katherine Dunham with April Berry - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 2d

Celebrate Dunham’s work as Berry illuminates her groundbreaking choreography, her scholarly brilliance, and her enduring impact on dance and culture. This is a rare opportunity to connect with living history.

Katherine Dunham revolutionized dance. Full stop. As dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, and activist, Dunham (1909-2006) blazed trails across Broadway, concert halls, opera houses, and Hollywood, ...

Black Dog Champaign has reopened - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 2d

After a temporary closure due to fire, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House has reopened its Champaign location.

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House has reopened its Champaign location with a menu of legendary barbecue, housemade sauces, and sides.

Triptych's Indistinguishable From Magic named best craft beer in Illinois by The Takeout - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 2d

Triptych Brewing's Indistinguishable From Magic was named the best craft in Illinois according to The Takeout in their list The Best Craft Beers from Every State.

Triptych's Indistinguishable From Magic beer was name the best beer in the state of Illinois by The Takeout.

Stay on campus for all the fun things happening at the Illini Union - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 2d

For author series, lunchtime bingo, movies, and even self care spoils, Illini Union has a stacked calendar. With everything from Hamilton-themed karaoke, to comedy nights, and live music, you can find a little somethin’ somethin’ no matter your mood virtually any time of day.

Ah, October. So much to do in so little time. This town loves to pack in the activities this month, so it can feel overwhelming to try to do it all. But if you’re a ...

The Week: October 6-9 - Culture

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 3d

Kick off the first full week of October with live music on Monday, fun foods in the middle of the week, and dance on Thursday.

Kick off the first full week of October with live music on Monday, fun foods in the middle of the week, and dance on Thursday.

Haypenny Market coming to Market Street - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 3d

A new indie convenience store and luncheonette called Haypenny Market is coming to Downtown Champaign next year.

A new indie convenience store and luncheonette called Haypenny Market is coming to Downtown Champaign next year. By Champaign hospitality pros and married couple Jenny Kim and Vaughn Kimberley, Haypen...

Hello, is that you, autumn? - SPlog

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Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 5d

It’s still 90 degrees outside, so it doesn’t much feel like it, to be honest. But the leaves are turning, there are apples and pumpkins to be picked (or purchased), and we've been seeing Halloween decorations on houses for a few weeks now.

It’s still 90 degrees outside, so it doesn’t much feel like it, to be honest. But the leaves are turning, there are apples and pumpkins to be picked (or purchased), and I’ve been seeing Halloween deco...

Parkland's Out of Order delivers on laughs - Arts

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 6d

As a master of comedy and collaboration, Mike O’Brien’s shows often blend multiple forms and types of humor while inviting the cast to take ownership of the production.

On its surface, Ray Cooney’s Out of Order appears to be a straightforward farce, or at least as straightforward as a farce can be. Richard Willey (yes, the character’s nickname is what you’re thinking...

Age gracefully during C-U Active Aging Week - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 6d

Urbana Park District has a chock full lineup of activities for their C-U Active Aging Week. You can exercise your mind and your body with activities like pickleball, card games, research presentations, quilting, karaoke, and a whole lot more.

The Urbana Park District has a chock full lineup of activities for their C-U Active Aging Week, October 6th through 12th. You can exercise your mind and your body with activities like pickleball, card...

Five things in arts: October 2025 - Arts

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 6d

From the DIY spirit of zine culture to a historic dance reconstruction, from global cinema to one unforgettable night with Fran Lebowitz, here are five ways to fully experience October.

October in Champaign-Urbana is not known for moderation. Our calendar is full, the nights get longer, and the arts shine a little brighter. You could, of course, spend the month raking leaves or debat...

Thirsty Thursday: Hojicha latte at Suzu's Japanese Bakery - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 6d

This mug of hot Koyamaen hojicha was a Japanese roasted sencha tea by Koyamaen that tasted so smooth and delicious topped with fluffy foam.

It’s October, and I want all the cozy things like warm mugs and world peace. This Thursday, I’m thirsty for a hojicha latte at Suzu’s Bakery. This mug of hot Koyamaen hojicha ($6) was a ...

Add a little fiber to your Fall Fusion weekend - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 7d

C-U Folk & Roots and Fall Fusion from 40 North arrive this weekend, and Champaign Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild will be demonstrating their artistry in downtown Urbana.

Folk & Roots and Fall Fusion from 40 North, October’s one-two punch, arrives this weekend. The Champaign Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild will be demonstrating their artistry in downtown Urbana, and ...

New Japanese restaurant Sumo Kitchen is open - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 7d

In the Harvest Market plaza, there’s a new Champaign restaurant called Sumo Kitchen open where Moki Sushi used to be.

In the Harvest Market plaza, there’s a new Champaign restaurant called Sumo Kitchen open where Moki Sushi used to be. The Japanese restaurant serves a menu of sashimi, nigiri, maki rolls, oysters, col...