Here are 3 things to do for the weekend of Aug. 26 and 27, 2023, curated by WGLT's Lauren Warnecke. You can find more coverage on our Datebook - Arts & Music page or by subscribing to WGLT's Weekend Scoop email newsletter, which goes out every Friday.
Cool ice on a hot night: Catch a break from the heatwave Friday at Bloomington Ice Center’s open skate. The end-of-summer event ushers in a new academic cycle with the theme “School Spirit.” Swag-wearers get a dollar off the entrance fee—or just show a student ID. 6:30-8 p.m. Friday; $6 plus $2 skate rental. Bloomingtonparks.org.
Get your kicks (and steps) on Route 66: Stroll the Mother Road in the 10th annual 6.6 on Route 66. This 10k run and walk starts in Funks Grove—where you can carb load on maple syrup—and ends at McLean’s old water tower. Stick around for post-race brunch, beer and music. 8 a.m. Saturday; $50-$60 registration fee at mclean-il.com.
Craig Russo is back: Central Illinois veteran jazz percussionist Craig Russo plays a Latin-leaning set at Jazz UpFront Saturday, with a brand-new single in tow. Russo is a master of Afro-Cuban beats—Mayito Rivera and Tito Puente, Jr. are just two on a long list of stars he’s performed with—but he can also throw down standards when he wants to. 8-11 p.m. Saturday; $10 cover. Details on the Facebook event page.
