Autumn Activities

Looking for something to do now that the leaves are changing? Well have no fear Urbana-Champaign will most certainly provide you with activity and entertainment this season. Here’s a quick list of things you can do during the fall.

1. Go to Curtis Orchard. Go through the corn maze, pick apples and a pumpkin, feed the goats, and then enjoy a delicious apple donut and some cider. Curtis Orchard is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. The Orchard will be open until mid December. To find out about activities, and what apples are in season go to www.curtisorchard.com.

2. Audition for the fall play. The title of the fall play has not been announced but will be soon, and auditions will quickly follow. Worried about stage fright? No big deal, you can involved with one of the many crews including, but not limited to, lighting, sound, set, paint, costumes, advertising, and make up. Drama is always happy to have a new member in any area of the production. The Fall Play will be performed in the auditorium November 12-14. Information about the play and auditions will be discussed during drama meetings, every Tuesday in the auditorium after school, and there will be a morning announcement about audition times.

3. Get into a new series or season of a television show. There have been so many premieres lately from already established shows, such as House, The Office, Law and Order: SVU, Ugly Betty, and from new series, including Glee, Bored to Death, Community, Mercy, and many more. Now this doesn’t mean you should sit on your couch all-day and just veg out, but following a series or two can be a nice way to wind down for a couple hours during a stressful school week. To check TV listings and times go to www.tvguide.com. Missed an episode? No problem, you can check the network’s website or www.hulu.com, the latest episodes will most likely be posted.

4. Start on your Halloween costume. It’s never too early to start preparing for Halloween, plus you don’t want to leave your costume until the last minute because then you’ll be stuck buying, a most likely overpriced, costume from the stores that all the other procrastinators got stuck with. If you’re stuck for ideas try looking around your closet and your house for a piece that really strikes you and then go with it. You don’t necessarily have to know what you’re making; you can give it a name at the end. Halloween is a great way to have fun and be a little wild. Plus who doesn’t love free candy?

5. Check out a sporting event. There are the Urbana High fall sports teams. The University of Illinois also has regular games for all of its fall teams. To find out about U of I games and ticket prices visit www.fightingillini.com. Get a couple of friends together to go support your team. It’s a great, and generally inexpensive, way to spend an afternoon or evening.

6. Prepare for Homecoming. The announcement was made Homecoming week is coming up, the game is October 16 and the dance is October 17. You can get ready for class color day, and the other themed days during homecoming week, and find your stash of orange and black to support the Urbana Tigers. If you’re attending the dance you can get your outfit together and start thinking about dinner plans. If you’re going with a group it’s probably best to get things organized and make reservations early. Help out with your class’ float or if you’re in club think about a booth at TailGreat. Homecoming week can be a lot of fun if you get into it.

7. See a concert. There are so many local venues, the Courtyard Café, Assembly Hall, The Red Herring, the IMC, Krannert, Foellinger Auditorium, The Iron Post, and so many more. Urbana-Champaign has a bustling music scene and there’s at least one show every night, and generally you kind find a show that’s inexpensive. There’s a lot of variety. Looking for a punk show? Check out Hollywood Lies and Eureka Sky at the IMC on Saturday, October 3. Is hip hop more of your thing? Well then get tickets to see Jay-Z with N.E.R.D. at the Assembly Hall on November 12. Want to chill out to some local indie folk rock? Then see Morgan Orion and The Constellations on October 6 (venue not yet announced) or October 14 at the Red Herring with Jeffrey Lewis. To find out about upcoming events you can go to www.the217.com,www.uofiassemblyhall.com, http://www.theironpost.com, http://www.ucimc.org/content/u-c-imc-calendar or google a band or venue to find their website and scheduling information.