Upcoming Events

Downtown Evanston is excited to bring back Thursday Night Markets, a monthly outdoor market featuring artists, makers, and retail shops, music by DJ Johnny Price and craft beer from Smylie Brothers Brewing Co. This year the markets will take place from 4-8pm on July 7, August 4, September 1. 

Join us for an evening in downtown Evanston at the market and stay to enjoy dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants. 

Waldo is hiding in businesses in downtown Evanston! The famous children’s book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting twenty-three local businesses throughout Downtown Evanston this July.

Kids who find Waldo in at least 20 of the businesses have a chance to win fabulous prizes at the party hosted by Bookends & Beginnings on July 30. Stop by one of these local businesses listed below starting July 1 to pick up a Waldo and the passport and start your hunt in Downtown Evanston!

Click here to learn more and find out where to pick up the Find Waldo Passport! 

Join the Evanston Public Library this summer for "Family Storytime at Fountain Square" on select Tuesdays at 10am. Best for ages 2-6 years but all are welcome!  

August 2
August 16

Try out a new fitness class this summer! Take a free or discounted class at Fountain Square provided by downtown fitness and wellness businesses! The classes are offered on select Fridays throughout the summer. View schedule and sign up for classes here.

August 5, 8-9am | McGaw YMCA "Yoga for Men"
August 12, 4-5pm | Pure Barre Evanston Classic Barre

Shop direct from Evanston artists and makers at the Maker's Market on August 7, 12-5pm at the 1800 Maple Ave. Garage. The market features hundreds of unique and one-of-a-kind, handmade goods like art, craft, wearables, jewelry, stationary, handbags, etc. 

Free parking. $5 suggested donation to support Evanston Made. 

Throughout the 3-day event, art lovers will have the opportunity to see the masters at work with live art demonstrations along with one-on-one booth chats; a unique opportunity to gain insight into their unique inspirations!

Come out for food and music in the streets! 

Friday | Ron Steta Trio – blues and light rock with special guest on the saxophone

Saturday & Sunday | Brad Cole (eclectic mix of old school jazz, rhythm & blues and rock) and Jeff Libman & the JuJus (pop, folk, soul and Americana)

Event is free. Parking is available in the Maple or Sherman Garages and on Sunday parking is free. 

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 experience some of the countries best jazz musicians at Prairie Moon and enjoy our Raw Bar, late night grill, and special cocktails, along with our full bar.

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