February is full of ways to connect, reflect, and celebrate in downtown Evanston. To learn more about Black History Month celebrations and events across our community, visit this page on the City of Evanston website.
February is also the "month of love" and it's a great time to show some extra "love" to our downtown businesses around the Valentine's holiday. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or treating yourself (or someone special), supporting local makes every moment sweeter. Check out these gift ideas here.
Speaking of sweet, don’t miss our Love Local Chocolate Crawl on February 12! It’s the perfect way to explore Downtown, indulge in delicious treats, and spread the love—all while supporting the small businesses that make Evanston shine.
Scroll down for all the details and ways to join us this February and follow Downtown Evanston on Instagram and Facebook for daily updates.
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Don't miss the Love Local Chocolate Crawl on Thursday, February 12, 4:30-7:30PM. Bundle up and gather your friends, coworkers and family (yes, this is kid-friendly!) for an evening stroll to visit local businesses and enjoy a variety of chocolate treats and special offers. Find the perfect gifts for your loved ones or perhaps a little something special for yourself. Event is free but please register here.
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Treat your special someone to something they’ll love—whether that’s a delicious dinner out, a cozy brunch with sweet treats, flowers and chocolates, meaningful jewelry, or even a romantic night away. The best part? You can find all of this (and more!) right here in Downtown Evanston, thanks to our amazing local restaurants, shops, and destinations. Check out the specials here.
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- FEBRUARY 2-4
Prairie Moon In Honor of Minnesota Dinner for Two
In honor of the great state and people of Minnesota, Prairie Moon presents a Walleye Winter Warmer for Two available for dine-in, carry-out or delivery.
- FEBRUARY 4, 5-7PM
LeTour Hosts Community Connections
A welcoming monthly night to meet new people and make meaningful connections. Enjoy great conversation with 1/2 price drinks & nibbles. Plus, check out their other specials
- FEBRUARY 7, 11AM-9PM
TE'AMO, Lao Sze Chuan and Cotti Coffee Grand Opening
Celebrate the grand opening at 720 Clark St. with Buy One Get One Half-Off on all drinks, enter a raffle to win prizes and much more!
- NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 20
Bennison's Bakery Fat Tuesday and Paczki Specials
Order a brightly decorated King Cake to celebrate Mardi Gras and make sure to pre-order your Paczkis available in many delicious flavors!
- SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Patisserie Coralie Offers High Tea at the Cafe
Enjoy an afternoon with friends or family with a decadent display macarons, tarts, savory pastries, finger sandwiches and of course, a selection of artisanal teas! Available on weekends only.
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- FEBRUARY
Pre-order Valentine's Flowers from Saville Flowers
Treat your special someone to a bold and beautiful bouquet such as Timeless Tulips, Blushing Berries, Candy Hearts, Pinot Noir, Garden Rose Grandeur and more.
- FEBRUARY 3, 6PM
Animal Records Hosts Joji Listening Party
Stop by Animal Records to listen to Joji's new album and grab some free swag while supplies lasts!
- FEBRUARY 6-14
Gather: Consciously Curated Flower & Soap Special
Enjoy a buy one get one 50% off sale on handmade flowers and soaps.
- FEBRUARY 7, 4PM
Bookends & Beginnings Author Talk
Bookends is delighted to host award-winning authors Janet Burroway and Miles Harvey for an afternoon centered on the craft of fiction and prose, moderated by champion of Chicago's varied literary scenes, Amy Danzer.
- FEBRUARY 12, 4:30-9PM
Bella Oter Hosts Valentine's Evening
Happy hour and open shopping will begin at 4:30PM, followed by a live Latin/jazz band from 6:30–9PM. Guests will receive one complimentary drink ticket and 10% off if they participate in a bra fitting.
- FEBRUARY 12, 6PM
Bookends & Beginnings Hosts An Evening with Don Wycliff
Join us for a conversation with Don Wycliff on his memoir, Before the Byline, followed by book signing.
- FEBRUARY 14, 11AM-5:30PM
Madison Grace Hosts Galentine's Event
Shop the pre-spring denim collection and see just why our customers love them. Try on a pair, fall in love with your new favorite style, and enjoy 14% off all jeans.
- FEBRUARY 14, 12-4PM
Artem Pop Up Gallery Hosts Meet the Artist
Meet artist Ron Styne who creates works of art handcrafted from reclaimed and new wood. Customizable pieces always available.
- THROUGH FEBRUARY 15
Wheel & Sprocket Winter Service Special
Get your bike in gear before the spring rush and enjoy these once-a-year savings: $100 OFF Premium Service Package; $50 OFF Annual Service Package; $50 OFF Annual+ Service Package
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- FEBRUARY 1-14
Waxing the City Evanston Valentine's Specials
Take advantage of these specials that adore you right back: $14 off all specialty services; a complimentary underarm wax when you book a Brazilian; bring your bestie and both enjoy a free enhancement. Book online or call 847-257-3964.
- FEBRUARY 9
The Reform Method Opens at 1508 Sherman Ave.
Celebrate the opening of The Reform Method, a Pilates and PT studio offering a holistic approach to health, movement, and recovery. The studio is opening on February 9 with special offerings throughout the week including introductory offers on your first class and first 5-class pack!
- FEBRUARY 15, 3PM & 4:45PM
Grateful Yoga Family Yoga
This monthly workshop features playful yoga, dance, song, and family-friendly meditations supportive of early childhood development and family wellness.
- FEBRUARY
Try a new Trufit Group Fitness Class
Are you looking for a new, fun way to exercise? Trufit launched new group classes like Box & Burn, Everyday Athlete, Kettlebell Strength, Menopause Strong and more!
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- FEBRUARY 4, 11 & 18 & 25, 9-11PM
Prairie Moon Live Jazz
Save your Wednesday nights for live jazz, raw bar and drink specials this month featuring the Nate Lepine Trio (2/4), Henry Carpender Quintet (2/11), Sam Robinson Quartet (2/18) and Kyle Brooks Quartet (2/25).
- FEBRUARY 6, 1:30PM
Evanston Symphony Orchestra Hosts Preview Concert at The Merion
Enhance your concert experience with a sneak preview of ESO's Life, Love & Death concert with soloist, Albert Cano Smit, piano, in conversation with Maestro Lawrence Eckerling.
- FEBRUARY 7, 2-5PM
Grove Gallery Exhibit: Resilience in Color
Attend the opening reception of Resilience in Color, curated by Fran Joy. The exhibit features works of and by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) artists.
- FEBRUARY 7, 3PM
One River School Valentine's Card-Making
Learn how to make unique valentines using a variety of creative materials such as paper, cardstock, illustration markers, printmaking materials, and watercolor. Plus, Little Words Project will host a pop-up shop and bead bar available for purchase.
- FEBRUARY 7, 7:30PM
Music Institute of Chicago Hosts Academy Chamber Music Concert
Advanced pre-conservatory piano and string students will share the stage at Nichols Concert Hall for the Academy’s first chamber music concert of the season.
- FEBRUARY 14, 10:30-11:30AM
EPL Hosts Black History Month Reading
Celebrate Black History Month with a live reading from Leslé Honoré, a Blaxican Poet, activist, and author. Copies of Leslé Honoré's picture books Brown Girl, Brown Girl and My Brown Boy will be on sale at the event. View other events here.
- FEBRUARY 21, 8-10AM
Rotary Club of Evanston Hosts Step Up Against Hunger
Whether you’re a seasoned climber, a first-timer, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation makes a real difference. All proceeds from the event will benefit initiatives dedicated to building food security in Evanston and beyond.
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- FEBRUARY 2, 5:30PM
Evanston Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards
Attend the 2026 Annual Awards Celebration, Stars Among Us, honoring the individuals and organizations that make our community shine. Enjoy an inspiring evening featuring a three-course meal and the celebration of Evanston’s remarkable community members.
- FEBRUARY 4, 6:30-8PM
Black History Month Karaoke Night at Double Clutch Brewing Company
Join the EPL for a night of music, community, and fun featuring a special Black History Month celebration to come together and lift up the joy and creativity that music brings to our community.
- FEBRUARY 5, 6:30-10PM
Evanston ASPA NiNE Muses Benefit
Join Evanston ASPA at their first-ever benefit which will bring together artists, community builders, and advocates to celebrate the creative force and cultural contributions of Asian American communities.
- FEBRUARY 5, 7PM
Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra: Black History Month Celebration
The NU Jazz Orchestra pays tribute to Miles Davis during the centennial anniversary of his birth with the music from his 1957 Columbia Records release Miles Ahead.
- FEBRUARY 6, 7-8:30PM
Evanston History Center Hosts Pianist Reginald Robinson
Experience the brilliance of MacArthur “Genius” Award–winning pianist Reginald R. Robinson, a virtuoso celebrated worldwide for his groundbreaking ragtime compositions and his dedication to preserving African American history through this uniquely American art form.
- FEBRUARY 8, 2:30PM
Evanston Symphony Orchestra Presents Life, Love & Death
A perfect, if dark, teaser for Valentine’s Day, Richard Wagner’s opera Tristan und Isolde is the ultimate love story. It will be performed by rising star pianist Albert Cano Smit.
- FEBRUARY 11, 6PM
YWCA Evanston/North Shore Hosts Black History Month Seminar
Join the YWCA for an educational journey showcasing how anti-blackness has permeated all aspects of American society throughout our history. Free event but please register.
- FEBRUARY 14
Evanston Township High School Jazz Festival
This annual non-competitive festival hosts nearly 50 middle and high school jazz groups from around the region and features a ticketed concert with The Sean Jones Quartet at 7PM.
- FEBRUARY 15, 11AM-2PM
Main-Dempster Mile Lunar New Year Celebration
Join the MDM for the annual Lunar New Year festival celebrating the Year of the Horse with a Lion Dance, art activities, and lucky red envelopes.
- FEBRUARY 20-MARCH 1
Wirtz Center Presents How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
This reinvigorated production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a tune-filled, comic gem full of ambition, love, luck, and a whole lot of nerve!
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