Here are 3 things to do for the weekend of Sept. 16 and 17, 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.
A don’t-miss night at Nightshop: After last spring’s acoustic introduction to Bloomington-Normal, St. Louis indie-rock-leaning singer/songwriter Beth Bombara returns with the whole band to play from her stellar new album, It All Goes Up. Decatur’s soulful Americana darling Ashley Riley shares the bill. 7:30 p.m. Friday (doors at 6:30 p.m.); tickets $10 at the door. nightshop517.com.
Nature! The idyllic vistas at Comlara Park are the perfect setting for Nature Trails Day, a full slate of guided hikes, crafts and a meet-and-greet with feathered and furry friends. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Comlara Park, Hudson. Free.
More nature! On Sunday, there’s birding for early birds as the JWP Audubon kicks off its fall birdwatching strolls. And Normal Parks and Rec throws a 125th birthday bash for Fell Park, the oldest public play place in town. A farmers market and history walk connect visitors to the park’s origins, while live music, cheerleaders and a bouncy house are for the less buff historians. Fall bird walks 8 a.m. Sunday in Ewing Park, Bloomington; Fell Park’s 125th Anniversary Celebration 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday in Fell Park, Normal. Free.
