Now in its third year, Downtown Summer Sounds is a free, outdoor concert series at Fountain Square in Downtown Evanston. For nine weeks, from July 9 through September 3, an exciting mix of local and regional bands will perform on Thursday evenings from 6-8PM (see schedule below). In addition to great live music, the concert series is also an opportunity to showcase six local nonprofit organizations. 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 2026 concert series (July 9, August 6, and September 3), Downtown Evanston will concurrently host an outdoor Thursday Night Market, featuring artists, makers, and retailers from the regional community. See photos from the August 21, 2025 concert.
* * * CONCERT ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR OWN SEATING * * *
Returning this year, on two of the nine evenings (July 23 and August 27), 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! New this year, there will also be salsa dance lessons from 5:30-6PM on July 9, hosted by the Trabuco Salsa Band.
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 (C&W Ice Cream, Evanston Latinos, Firehouse Grill, La Cocinita, Soul & Smoke, and the Evanston Pour coffee bike), as well as free children's art activities provided by the Ridgeville Park District.
* * * CONCERT ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR OWN SEATING * * *
Returning this year, on two of the nine evenings (July 23 and August 27), 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! New this year, there will also be salsa dance lessons from 5:30-6PM on July 9, hosted by the Trabuco Salsa Band.
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 (C&W Ice Cream, Evanston Latinos, Firehouse Grill, La Cocinita, Soul & Smoke, and the Evanston Pour coffee bike), as well as free children's art activities provided by the Ridgeville Park District.
After the music ends, be sure to make plans for dinner and/or drinks at one of the many 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. 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 2026 SPONSORS:
City of Evanston
Northwestern | Neighborhood and Community Relations
Golub & Company
Rotary International
John J. Cahill Inc.
Core & Rind Hospitality
Sketchbook Brewing
