Pride in CU is on our heels, so here are some queer events to whet your palate before Pridefest week hits full swing <3

Any events we missed? DM us @thelavendernewsletter on Insta or email us at thelavendernewsletter@gmail.com. And check out our updated Queer Events Page to know about standing events and what's coming up in the next few weeks <3

Tuesday (10/6)

• Tarot Reading @ Amy's
  • Location: Amy's Place, 120 n First Street, Champaign
  • Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Hosted by: Amy's Place is a lesbian-owned, locally-owned queer bar in Champaign, and is currently the only LGBTQ+ bar in CU.
  • Details: Every Tuesday of October, tarot reader Mellie Lia will be available for affordable tarot readings for those seeking "a safe space for when you need clarity, healing, or just someone to listen."
• Nightshade - Goth & Industrial Night
  • Location: Amy's Place, 120 n First Street, Champaign
  • Time: 9:00 pm - 1:00 am
  • Hosted by: Amy's Place is a lesbian-owned, locally-owned queer bar in Champaign, and is currently the only LGBTQ+ bar in CU.
  • Details: Join DJ Baub Danger for weekly goth & industrial night at Amy's place!

Thursday (10/8)

• Thirsty Thursgays
  • Location: Amy's Place, 120 n First Street, Champaign
  • Time: 9:00p - 1:00 am
  • Hosted by: Amy's Place is a lesbian-owned, locally-owned queer bar in Champaign, and is currently the only LGBTQ+ bar in CU. GayBar is a CU-based traveling queer party space. 
  • Details: Theme and DJs TBA, 19-20 $5 cover, 21+ free.

Friday (10/9)

• Noche de Perreo - Reggaeton Night
  • Location: Amy's Place, 120 n First Street, Champaign
  • Time: 10:00 pm - 2:00 am
  • Hosted by: Amy's Place is a lesbian-owned, locally-owned queer bar in Champaign, and is currently the only LGBTQ+ bar in CU. CUQTBIPOC is a supportive and community-centered space for Queer and trans BIPOC in CU to connect and share resources.
  • Details; CUQTBIPOC is taking over Amy's Place for a night of Reggaeton! Music by DJ Emily. $5 cover, proceeds being split to go toward local mutual aid for people of color. Open invitation to all queer folk and friends <3
• GayBar Presents.. Gay Pop Party
  • Location: The Cosmo, 300 S. Broadway Avenue, Urbana
  • Time: 9:00 pm - 1:00 am
  • Hosted by: The Cosmo is a queer and woman-owned bar and music venue in the Lincoln Square Mall. GayBar is a CU-based traveling queer party space. 
  • Details: Join GayBar at the music venue The Cosmo for a gay pop party inspired by Troye Sivan. Music by DJs Ladybug, Trava, & Saki

Saturday (10/10)

• Drag Night ft Indiah Ferrah
  • Location: Amy's Place, 120 n First Street, Champaign
  • Time: Meet & Greet at 9:30 pm, Show at 10:00 pm
  • Hosted by: Amy's Place is a lesbian-owned, locally-owned queer bar in Champaign, and is currently the only LGBTQ+ bar in CU.
  • Details: Drag night featuring Indiah Ferrah from RuPaul's Drag Race, as well as drag talents Audrina, Kelasia, Ceduxion, and Kiki. Presale tickets $15 for a seat and Meet & Greet, text 217-819-6102 for tickets.

Sunday (10/11)

• GCAP Strides Against Stigma 5k (Pridefest Event)
  • Location: Crystal Lake Park, 206 w Park St, Urbana
  • Time: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
  • Hosted by: The Greater Community AIDS Project of East Central Illinois (GCAP) provides essential support services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and works to prevent the spread of this disease. Uniting Pride is the lead LGBTQ+ center for East Central Illinois, offering queer events, support groups, and resources for queer community members and allies.  
• Details: Join the Greater Community AIDS Project in fighting stigma while raising awareness on HIV & AIDS. Every registration helps provide housing, healthcare, food, transportation, and emergency support to individuals who rely on GCAP's services. Resource fair opens at 8:30 am, refreshments provided by Good Judy's Espresso & Bagel Bar available at 8:30 am, Run/Walk starts at 9:00 am. Register for the race here.
• S’mores Social with the Urbana Park District (Pridefest Event)
  • Location: Crestview Park, 1802 S Cottage Grove Avenue, Urbana
  • Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Hosted by: Urbana Park District provides community events and recreation spaces across Urbana. Uniting Pride is the lead LGBTQ+ center for East Central Illinois, offering queer events, support groups, and resources for queer community members and allies.  
  • Details: All ages welcome! Join your fellow park lovers for a walk with friends and then convene for s’mores over a fire and hot chocolate. Enjoy the outdoors with fresh air and nature views.
• Queer Book Swap w/ Carnation Books
  • Location: The Space, 1 E Main Street, Champaign
• Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Hosted by: Carnation Bookhouse is a queer-owned pop-up bookshop focused on queer joy and progressive literature. The Space is a Champaign restaurant and performance venue.
• Details: Looking for queer or leftie lit? Check out the Carnation Bookhouse Queer Book Swap! Looking to drop off but not interested in anything new? Then trade with Carnation for store credit for future book purchases.
• CU Queer Soup Night
  • Location: Phillips Recreation Center, 505 W Stoughton St, Urbana
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 PM, 2nd Sunday of every month
  • Hosted by: Ezra Rubel is the founder and host of CU Queer Soup Night. She's a local community organizer and cook. Soup Night is partnered with Cunningham Township and the Urbana Park District.
  • Details: Soup Night is a free mutual aid event serving vegan soup to people of all ages. Bring a bowl, spoon, & a friend! We’re creating a space for people to eat together & build community. It’s a LGBTQ+ space, but all are welcome – we don’t check at the door! Under 15 with adult please. For more info, go to linktr.ee/cusoupnight or email cusoupnight@gmail.com

Monday (10/12)

• UP Center Open House (Pridefest Event)
  • Location: Uniting Pride Office, 300 S Broadway Avenue, Urbana
  • Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Hosted by: Uniting Pride is the lead LGBTQ+ center for East Central Illinois, offering queer events, support groups, and resources for queer community members and allies.
  • Details: Join Uniting Pride for an open house in our new office space. Get a tour, chat about what UP’s working on, and meet some of the staff. Snacks and drinks provided!

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