Downtown Events

Evanston Public Library Hispanic/Latinx Owned Business Punch Card

Evanston Public Library Hispanic/Latinx Owned Business Punch Card
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, join the Evanston Public Library as we highlight and support Hispanic/Latinx owned businesses in the community!  From Sept 15 - Oct 15, visit and support local businesses and enter to win a gift card to the business of your choice! 

  • Visit one of the two library locations to pick up a punch card of local Hispanic/Latinx owned businesses.
  • Choose at least 5 businesses to visit. Four (4) must be in-person businesses and the remaining one (1) can be an online business. 
  • In order to get credit for visiting a business, you must make a purchase and get a signature for your punch card, ask staff a trivia question about the business and jot down the answer, or find the answer on the business' website.  

Once your punch card is full, bring it back to a library location to be entered in a raffle for your chance to win a gift card to one of the participating Hispanic/Latinx-owned businesses of your choice! EPL will be raffling one $100 and two $50 gift cards.

Where: Evanston
When: September 15-October 15
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Trufit Personal Training Hosts Empowerment Self-Defense Workshop on Sept. 23

Trufit Personal Training Hosts Empowerment Self-Defense Workshop on Sept. 23
Self-defense isn't about being a highly-skilled martial artist, it's about simple tools everyone can learn and use immediately in real-life situations with both strangers and people we know. WellPower Coaching teaches fundamental non-violent de-escalation and avoidance techniques, as well as basic defense tactics against physical assault.

Absolutely no experience is necessary. Please wear clothing you can move in comfortably and prepare to have some fun! This class is 16 years and older.

Where: Trufit Personal Training | 610 Davis St.
When: Saturday, September 23, 11am-1pm
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The Music Institute of Chicago Hosts Cecilia Duarte on September 23

The Music Institute of Chicago Hosts Cecilia Duarte on September 23
The Music Institute of Chicago is hosting Cecilia Duarte performing "My Latina Heart" at the Nichols Concert Hall. Grammy Award-winning mezzo soprano Cecilia Duarte is joined by pianist Ana Maria Otomendi and Spanish percussionist Jesús Pacheco to perform a program of Mexican boleros, along with classical songs by Manual de Falla and Alberto Ginastera.
Where: Nichols Concert Hall | 1490 Chicago Ave.
When: Saturday, September 23, 7:30-9:30pm
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Frances Willard House "Do Everything Day" on September 28

Frances Willard House "Do Everything Day" on September 28
Each September, the Frances Willard House Museum marks Frances Willard’s birthday (September 28) with special programs and tours that examine her model of leadership. In honor of the 150th anniversary of Willard’s inaugural term as the first Dean of Women at Northwestern University in 1873, Do Everything 2023 will explore her contributions to and struggles in the field of women’s higher education.

On Thursday, September 28 – Frances Willard’s birthday – the museum will release a video account of Willard’s first term as Northwestern’s Dean of Women. Willard broke new ground as a woman professor teaching women and men students in the same classrooms. But while Northwestern students championed her tenure as “a most substantial triumph in favor of the woman movement,” Willard faced unprecedented challenges to her leadership from within and without. The recorded program will be published on our YouTube channel. RSVP here to receive a link to the recording in your inbox.

Where: Frances Willard House
When: Thursday, September 28, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
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Evanston Pride Hosts Una Fiesta Hispana on September 28

Evanston Pride Hosts Una Fiesta Hispana on September 28
Bring your friends and family to celebrate the Latinx and LGBTQIA+ communities together! Bring your dancing shoes to enjoy music by DJ Serge, a mariachi band and flamenco dancing. Support local queer and BIPOC vendors at a market and kids can take part in a piñata and lotería. Event is free and open to all! 
Where: Fountain Square South Plaza | Sherman Ave at Davis St
When: Thursday, September 28, 5-8pm
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Peer Services Hosts Step Up for Recovery on September 30

Peer Services Hosts Step Up for Recovery on September 30
Bring the family for a 1 mile walk at the lakefront to raise awareness and support for Peer Services, a nonprofit leader in substance use prevention and support. There will be music, refreshments, family-friendly activities and more! 

Where: Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park
When: Saturday, September 30, 10am-12pm
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Grateful Yoga Host a Fall Retreat on October 1

Grateful Yoga Host a Fall Retreat on October 1
As the days shorten and color tinges the leaves, let's gather for a day of yoga, meditation and mindful outdoor exploration. Nick and Lela Beem will share practices from their recent studies of nature and the human nervous system, designed to help release fixation and attune to the gifts of our present place and time.

Mostly held in silence, the day will consist of:

  • Two all-levels yoga practices
  • A variety of indoor and outdoor explorations, weather allowing
  • Walking and seated meditation
  • Time for rest and contemplation
  • Some prior yoga experience is suggested, but not required.

For additional information and to register, please visit gratefulyoga.com
Where: The Heartwood Center
When: Sunday, October 1, 9am-5pm
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Evanston Arts Council Hosts Unveiling of New Public Art on October 8

Evanston Arts Council Hosts Unveiling of New Public Art on October 8
The Evanston Arts Council has announced the arrival and unveiling of "Explorer," an eight-foot casted bronze sculpture of the face of explorer Jean Baptiste Point DuSable. The sculpture, created by artist Erik Blome, will have a temporary home on the northeast corner of Church Street and Orrington Avenue, adjacent to the Evanston Main Public Library.

Join Mayor Biss, Erik Blome and community members at an official unveiling of "Explorer", on Sunday, October 8 at 3 pm. Event will feature music by Gerald “Toto” Alfred, and snacks courtesy of Kizin Creole. More info.
Where: Evanston Main Public Library | Corner of Church & Orrington
When: Sunday, October 8, 3pm
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WEEKLY EVENTS


Five & Dime Hosts Stand Up Comedy First Wednesday of the Month

Five & Dime Hosts Stand Up Comedy First Wednesday of the Month
Get out for some laughs at a new stand up comedy show! Enjoy a delicious meal and drinks at Five & Dime restaurant. Tickets are $10 and there is a one drink minimum. Dates are June 7, July 5, August 2 and September 6 and show kicks off at 8pm. 

Featured comedians include: 
Laura Hugg - Host and Co-producer 
Aaron McDavis - Co-producer 
Mark Anthony - Chirping Bird Comedy 
Seth Davis - Co-Producer 
Ricardo Angulo - Comedy Bar
Liz Greenwood - Liz Greenwood & Friends 


Where: Five & Dime Evanston | 1026 Davis St.
When: June 7, July 5, August 2 & September 6 at 8pm
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Prairie Moon Presents "Moon Jazz" Every Wednesday

Prairie Moon Presents "Moon Jazz" Every Wednesday
Prairie Moon is proud to present live jazz in partnership with Chicago’s Fulton Street Collective every Wednesday from 9pm to 11pm. Fulton Street Collective is one of Chicago’s most respected and well-known venues for producing high quality live jazz. Come out to enjoy live jazz and Prairie Moon's Raw Bar, late night grill, and special cocktails, along with their full bar offerings. 

Tickets are always reasonably priced and go to entirely to support the artists and Fulton Street Collective, an artists’ collective. Advance tickets available and at the door.

Where: Prairie Moon | 1635 Chicago Ave.
When: Every Wednesday, 9-11pm
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Commonwealth Runnings Hosts 6020Run Club

Commonwealth Runnings Hosts 6020Run Club
Join Commonwealth every Thursday at 6:15pm for fun runs, new products from brands, special guests and speakers at 6:15pm. All paces and all ages are welcome! 
Where: Commonwealth Running | 1631 Sherman Ave.
When: Thursdays at 6:15pm
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