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 & table and share their story 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. See photos from last year's concert series.
* * * CONCERT ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR OWN SEATING * * *
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. Composting during the concerts will be provided by Collective Resource Compost Cooperative, thanks to a grant from Sustain Evanston.
* * * CONCERT ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR OWN SEATING * * *
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. Composting during the concerts will be provided by Collective Resource Compost Cooperative, thanks to a grant from Sustain Evanston.
After the music ends, take advantage of these special dining offers [coming soon] from a variety of restaurants in Downtown Evanston!
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.
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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