Now in its second year, Downtown Summer Sounds is a free, outdoor concert series in Evanston at Fountain Square on Thursday evenings from 6-8PM, July 10 to September 4. In addition to great live music, the concert series is also an opportunity to showcase six local nonprofit organizations (see below). Each nonprofit has one Thursday evening to set up a tent and share their mission with the community. The nonprofits are also involved in selecting the band for their evening, and assisting with general promotion of the concert series. On the three remaining dates of the 2025 concert series (July 10, August 7, and September 4), Downtown Evanston will concurrently host an outdoor Thursday Night Market, featuring artists, makers, and retailers from the regional community.
New this year, on two of the nine evenings (Thursday, July 24 and Thursday, August 21), there will be free community swing dance lessons provided by Traffic Jam Swing from 5:30-6PM, followed by more dancing with a live band from 6-8PM (see below)!
During the concerts, there will be beer for sale from Sketchbook Brewing Co., and wine, beer, canned cocktails, and other soft drinks for sale from Five & Dime. On each evening, there will also be several food trucks and food vendors on site (5411 Empanadas, C&W Ice Cream, Evanston Latinos, Firehouse Grill, La Cocinita, Soul & Smoke), as well as free children's art activities provided by the Ridgeville Park District. After the music ends, take advantage of these special dining offers [TBD] from a variety of restaurants in Downtown Evanston! Follow this link for photos from last year's concert series.
* * * CONCERT ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR OWN SEATING * * *
In the event of inclement weather, Downtown Evanston will announce cancellations on social media by noon on the day of the concert.
Music lineup subject to change. Click here for a map of the concert area. [coming soon]
If you have any questions about the concert series, please email info@DowntownEvanston.org.
If you're driving into Downtown Evanston for the concert series, we recommend parking in the Sherman Plaza Self Park garage--it's only a block away from Fountain Square. More information about parking. Downtown Evanston is also easily accessible by bike, bus or train!
New this year, on two of the nine evenings (Thursday, July 24 and Thursday, August 21), there will be free community swing dance lessons provided by Traffic Jam Swing from 5:30-6PM, followed by more dancing with a live band from 6-8PM (see below)!
During the concerts, there will be beer for sale from Sketchbook Brewing Co., and wine, beer, canned cocktails, and other soft drinks for sale from Five & Dime. On each evening, there will also be several food trucks and food vendors on site (5411 Empanadas, C&W Ice Cream, Evanston Latinos, Firehouse Grill, La Cocinita, Soul & Smoke), as well as free children's art activities provided by the Ridgeville Park District. After the music ends, take advantage of these special dining offers [TBD] from a variety of restaurants in Downtown Evanston! Follow this link for photos from last year's concert series.
* * * CONCERT ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR OWN SEATING * * *
In the event of inclement weather, Downtown Evanston will announce cancellations on social media by noon on the day of the concert.
Music lineup subject to change. Click here for a map of the concert area. [coming soon]
If you have any questions about the concert series, please email info@DowntownEvanston.org.
If you're driving into Downtown Evanston for the concert series, we recommend parking in the Sherman Plaza Self Park garage--it's only a block away from Fountain Square. More information about parking. Downtown Evanston is also easily accessible by bike, bus or train!
THANKS TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS:
City of Evanston
Northwestern
UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement
Golub & Company
Core & Rind Hospitality
Rotary International
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