Summer is in full swing, and July is packed with reasons to spend time in downtown Evanston! ☀️ From live music and classic cars to family-friendly activities and local shopping, there's something happening all month long.
Join us as we kick off Downtown Summer Sounds on Thursday, July 9, watch artists throughout Evanston as part of the Evanston Plein Air Fest from July 11-19, cruise into our first Evanston Cars & Coffee of the season on Sunday, July 19, and celebrate local businesses with the return of Find Waldo Local throughout July. Plus, don't miss one of Downtown Evanston's favorite summer traditions—the Sidewalk Sale & Chalk Art Contest, happening July 24–26.
We can't wait to see you downtown this month! Scroll down for all the details and ways to join us this month! Follow Downtown Evanston on Instagram and Facebook for daily updates.
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Downtown Summer Sounds returns July 9 through September 3 with nine weeks of free outdoor concerts every Thursday from 6–8 PM at Fountain Square! Enjoy an exciting lineup of local and regional bands while supporting featured nonprofit organizations each week.
On July 9, August 6, and September 3, concerts will coincide with the Thursday Night Market, featuring local artists, makers, and retailers.
New this year, kick off opening night on July 9 with a free salsa lesson led by Trabuco Salsa Band from 5:30–6PM. Free community swing dance lessons also return on July 23 and August 27 from 5:30-6PM, followed by live music.
Concertgoers can enjoy food vendors, beer and beverages, free children's art activities, and are encouraged to bring their own chairs for an evening of music in the heart of downtown. Learn more here.
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Waldo is back in downtown Evanston! The famous children's book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed glasses is hiding in participating local businesses throughout July 1–31. Bring your kids and grandkids downtown to pick up a Waldo Passport at any participating location and start your search.
Collect stamps or signatures from 20 or more businesses to be entered into the grand prize raffle. Return your completed passport to Bookends & Beginnings (1620 Orrington Ave.) and join the Find Waldo Local Celebration Party on Saturday, August 1 at 12PM. Learn more here.
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Join us this summer for Evanston Cars & Coffee, a free community event celebrating vintage classics, muscle cars, exotic vehicles, and unique rides! Mark your calendar for July 19, August 16, and September 20, from 9:30AM–Noon, on Sherman Avenue between Church and Clark Streets.
Enjoy coffee and donuts from Outside Coffee while exploring the cars, and vote for your favorite to help crown the People's Choice Award winner. All vote purchases benefit the Partners of the Evanston Public Library, making it a fun way to support a great local cause. Learn more here.
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Enjoy a relaxing lunchtime at Sunday Jazz at the Square, a weekly live music series showcasing the next generation of local jazz talent. The music is every Sunday from Noon to 2PM at Fountain Square through July 26. View schedule here.
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Explore Evanston and beyond by bike with our free monthly community rides! Join us on the first Tuesday of each month for Adult Rides and the last Saturday for Family Rides. Learn more & register here.
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- JULY 1, 5-7PM
LeTour Hosts Cocktails & Connections
Join LeTour on the first Wednesday of the month for an easygoing evening designed to bring people together over great drinks and thoughtful conversation.
- JULY 4, 3-10:30PM
Prairie Moon 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Prairie Moon with a burger and a complimentary beer or glass of wine (dine-in only), or grab takeout before heading to the concert and fireworks at nearby Dawes Park.
- JULY 1-4
Bennison's Bakery Fourth of July Specials
Pre-order red, white and blue cookies, cupcakes and more! Bennison's is open on July 4 from 7AM-1PM for any last minute needs!
- JULY 4
Celebrate 1 Year Anniversary at Mr. Cachito Bakery & Cafe
Stop by Mr. Cachito to enjoy these specials: buy-one-get-one free Cachito (9AM-12PM), performance by Venezuelan artist Angel Salas at 11AM, Independence Day cookies for all customers, and celebration with Mr. Cachito Birthday Cake at 12PM. At 9:30AM, there will be a moment of silence for the victims of the earthquake in Venezuela.
- JULY 6-10, 10AM-5PM
The Addled Bunny Hosts Open Interviews
Looking for a new gig? The Addled Bunny is hiring for a variety of positions! Stop by for open interviews. No appointment necessary but click here to learn more.
- THROUGH JULY 19
Local Guide to Watch the World Cup
Gather with fellow fans to catch the matches live at local restaurants, bars, and cafés. Cheer on your favorite teams, soak up the game-day atmosphere, and support local businesses while enjoying great food, drinks, and community spirit.
- TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS AT 7PM
Pizzeria Deville BINGO and Trivia Night
Grab your friends and family every Tuesday at 7PM for Bingo or Thursdays at 7PM for Trivia! Take part in multiple rounds of bingo with prizes, great prizes and great food and drink specials.
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- JULY 2, 11AM-7PM
Bella Otér Hosts Velvet & Vinyl
Stop by the shop to immerse yourself in of music, atmosphere, and style as you explore the shop with curated playlists, cozy vibes, and pieces inspired by the joy of getting dressed to your favorite album.
- JULY 2-6
Madison Grace Fourth of July Sale
Get ready for the weekend with 20% off dresses and shoes! Shop in-store from July 2-6 (closed on the 4th) or shop online!
- JULY 8, 5-6:30PM
Bookends & Beginnings Hosts A Picture Book Workshop
Join local children's author Avani Chhaya for a fun, hands-on workshop where you'll create a dynamic main character for your very own picture book. Register here.
- JULY 10 & 11, 12-4PM
Artem Pop Up Gallery Hosts Second Friday & Saturday
Stop by Artem to meet potter Frank Seter on Friday, July 10, and explore the vibrant abstract artwork of Adrienne Nole on Saturday, July 11.
- JULY 11, 11AM-5PM
Kivanci Hosts Sample Sale
Stop by Kivanci's design studio located at 1577 Maple Ave. to shop sample and archive pieces, past collections, one-of-a-kind finds and jewelry!
- MONDAY & TUESDAY
Wheel & Sprocket Hosts Free Guided Bike Rides
Join Wheel & Sprocket Evanston on Monday and Tuesday from July through October for free group rides. The Monday rides are for experienced riders and the Tuesday are for beginners, both departing from the shop at 6PM (meet at 5:45 PM), with helmets required and lights encouraged.
- JULY 18, 4:30-7PM
Bella Otér Hosts Summer Series
Escape to the French Riviera for an evening of live jazz, cocktails, light bites, and a Cannes-inspired styling session celebrating effortless summer style. Registration required.
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- JULY 2, 6PM
Commonwealth Running Hosts Fun Run
Grab a friend or come solo for Commonwealth Running Co.'s free weekly Thursday Fun Run—a welcoming 3–4 mile group run around Evanston every Thursday at 6PM, with occasional special sponsors and giveaways.
- JULY 3, 9:30-10:45AM
Grateful Yoga Hosts The Yoga of Walking Outdoors
Join Nick Beem at an outdoor walking meditation/nature yoga experience at Harbert Park. Explore the animal pleasures and yogic possibilities of walking on the earth under the open sky.
- JULY 12 & 26, 10-11AM
Grateful Yoga Qigong & Sound Bath with Lisa Devi
Join Lisa for a Summer Qigong practice designed to cultivate joy, balance, and vitality while embracing the energy of the season through gentle movement inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine.
- JULY 20, 7PM
Pure Barre Evanston Hosts Free Midlife Women's Wellness Event
Begin with gentle movement, stay for connection, and deepen your understanding of pelvic health during perimenopause and menopause. Limited to 20 attendees.
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- THROUGH JULY 1-5
One River School Offers $50 Off 1-Week of Camp
Save $50 on a One River Art School summer camp when you register by July 5—the offer ends soon, but camps run all summer long!
- JULY 1, 8, 15 & 22 & 29
Prairie Moon Hosts Live Jazz
Enjoy live jazz, drink specials and more every Wednesday, 9-11PM! This month's artists are: Constantine Alexander Firetet (7/1), Neal Alger Quartet (7/8), Kenny Reichert Trio (7/15), Parachute Trio (7/22) and Miles Franklin Smith Quartet (7/29).
- JULY 11, 5-7PM
The Saw Room Hosts Evanston Plein Air Festival Group Show
Attend the opening of the Evanston Plein Air Group Show, featuring works by this year's festival competitors and judges alongside artwork from past Plein Air Festival participants.
- JULY 11, 2-5PM
Grove Gallery Opening Reception for Horizons: The Waterscape Exhibition
Explore Horizons: The Waterscape Exhibition, featuring tranquil waterscapes that celebrate the beauty of nature while highlighting themes of environmental stewardship.
- JULY 11, 3-6PM
Creative Coworking Hosts Summer Gallery Night
Join the featured artists at 3 PM for a Q&A about their work, then stay for a reception with wine, charcuterie, and the opportunity to explore artwork throughout the gallery.
- JULY 12-19
Chicago Duo Piano Festival at Nichols Concert Hall
Experience world-class performances at the renowned Chicago Duo Piano Festival, featuring concerts, master classes, and special events celebrating the artistry of piano duets and two-piano repertoire. View schedule here.
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- JULY 4, 12-1PM
4th of July Parade, Music & Fireworks
Enjoy a full day of celebration with festive games at various schools (9–11:30AM), a Kids’ Fun Run at 12:45PM, the parade at 2PM along Central Street, evening music by the Palatine Concert Band (7:30–9PM) at Arrington Lagoon, and fireworks over the lakefront at 9:30PM.
- JULY 5, 4PM
Chicago Stars FC vs Utah Royals
It may be the 5th but that doesn’t mean the Fourth of July celebrations have to end! Cheer on the Chicago Stars FC at their mid-summer showdown! Come early for family activities and take advantage of the match day special featuring a Chicago Stars FC camo hat!
- JULY 11, 11AM-12:30PM
Evanston History Center Walking Tour
Discover the architectural diversity of southeast Evanston on this guided tour showcasing how the city's most popular residential styles shaped both its historic homes and apartment buildings.
- JULY 11-19
Evanston Made Hosts 5th Annual Evanston Plein Air Festival
Experience the Evanston Plein Air Festival, a free, citywide celebration where you can watch artists paint Evanston's landscapes in real time, enjoy community art events, and shop original plein air artwork. Attend Paint-Outs, a block party and grand finale at Rotary International on July 19!
- JULY 18, 5:30PM
Chicago Stars FC vs Angel City FC
Cheer on the Chicago Stars as they take on Angel City FC while enjoying special Kids Night activities, making it a fun-filled evening for the whole family.
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