Here are 3 things to do for the weekend of May 3-5, 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.
Dish: The occasional story slam Next to Normal, modeled after Moth Radio Hour, returns with community-sourced, un-scripted, true tales based on the theme, “It Happened One Night.” 7 p.m. Friday at the McLean County Arts Center; free. nexttonormalstoryslam.com.
Shop: This weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to market season, with several opportunities to shop for unique wares, artisan eats and cool weather veggies. The Bloomington Farmers Market returns to the downtown square, running Saturday mornings through October. In Towanda, there are spring markets at Duncan Manor and The Old Rugged Barn. The Village of Hudson hosts its communitywide garage sale. And in Downs, Epiphany Farms Estate welcomes visitors for farm tours Saturday, with edibles and garden starters for sale to take home.
Cruise: The Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival is as good an excuse as any to ride the mother road. In additional to the usual roadside attractions, communities along the Route from Joliet to Bloomington have special events planned. (Bourbon, Beer and BBQ in Lexington? Yes, please!) The main event is Saturday night with guitar phenom Matthew Curry kicking off Saturdays on the Square beginning at 5 p.m.
