All Weekend
The 2026 Mee-Ow Show
Time: 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM both Friday and Saturday
Cost: $5.00 NU Students / $18.00 General public
Location: Shanley Pavilion
Northwestern’s long-running student comedy show returns with its annual performance, blending sketch comedy, improv, and live music. Northwestern students can get tickets at the door with a valid NU ID while the general public can get tickets at the link below.
The 83rd Annual Dolphin Show Presents: Footloose
Time: 7:30 PM Friday and Saturday
Cost: $10.00 - $40.00
Location: Cahn Auditorium
Northwestern’s Dolphin Show presents the musical Footloose featuring a new take on the classic story of a teen challenging small-town rules through music and dance. The student-led production explores themes of change, resistance, and self-expression.
MFA Collaboration Series: Hand to God
Time: 7:30 PM Friday, 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM Saturday, 2:00 PM Sunday
Cost: $8.00 - $20.00
Location: Hal & Martha Hyer Wallis Theater
Northwestern’s MFA Collaboration Series presents Hand to God, a dark comedy set in a small Texas town where a church puppet ministry takes an unexpected turn.
Thursday, January 29
Peel, Stick, Print! Collagraphy for Beginners
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM or 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $45.00
Location: Hive Center for the Book Arts
Learn to create collagraphs using simple materials like tape, cardboard, and a pen, then pull beautiful prints using basic printmaking techniques. No experience necessary, all materials provided.
Witchy Bitches Mini Night Market
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Witchy Woman World Apothecary
Monthly night market with local artists, makers, and readers doing tarot and natal chart sessions. Attendees can also make their own bath tea or intention jar.
Jamaican Rum Tasting
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $15.00
Location: Binny's Evanston
An evening exploring the beauty and complexity of Jamaican rum made by Hampden, one of the oldest distilleries on the island with 265 years of distilling history.
Meet IRL Curated Speed Dating
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $33.96
Location: Palmhouse
Curated speed dating events where attendees are matched with compatible people through an app-based system that includes mini dates and optional prompts. Separate sessions available for those interested in male/female dating ages 25-39 and women and non-binary folks 30+ interested in friendships and dating.
Friday, January 30
Tea Blending Workshop with Glastonbury Institute
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $50.00
Location: Reprise Coffee Roasters
Participants will sample tea blends and learn about herbs to support wellness. Each person creates a custom blend to take home. Tea and treats included.
Mess Around and Find Out
Time: 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $50.00
Location: Art Makers Outpost
This BYOB art night for adults 21+ offers an open-ended creative session with access to a wide variety of materials.
Open Mic Night at Zora's Place
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: Free, $10.00 Suggested Donation
Location: Zora's Place
Zora’s Place hosts an open mic night with poetry, music, storytelling, and spoken word. Featured artists Pam R. Johnson Davis and Mico Davis will perform alongside community members.
CIERA Astronomer Evening
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Dearborn Observatory
Northwestern's Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics hosts a monthly evening of astronomy featuring a short talk, Q&A session, and telescope viewing. Astronomers are on hand to answer questions and lead demonstrations.
Saturday, January 31
Winter Indoor Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church
This indoor winter market features local produce, meats, cheeses, and dry goods, supporting both farmers and hunger-focused nonprofits.
Cocktail Class - Mezcal 101 (Early)
Time: 12:00 PM
Cost: $80.35
Location: Evanston SPACE
Bartender Lisa Zielke leads this mezcal-focused cocktail class in the new lobby at Evanston SPACE.
The Book Doctor is In
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $40.00
Location: Hive Center for the Book Arts
NU book conservator Lindsey Williams leads a small-group discussion on book repair and preservation. Participants receive advice on handling and storing damaged books.
Chicago Area Alternative Bicycle Show
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Mack's Bike & Goods
The Chicago Area Alternative Bicycle Show returns with bikes on display, live music, and great company.
Northwestern Men's Basketball vs Washington
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: $44.00 - $71.00
Location: Welsh-Ryan Arena
Northwestern takes on Washington in a Big Ten basketball matchup.
Don't Tell Comedy
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: $30.00
Location: Address provided day of event
This 21+ stand-up show features a surprise lineup at a secret indoor location revealed to ticket holders on the day of the event. Drinks available for purchase.
Sunday, February 1
EPL Innovation Station Open Studio
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch
Innovation Station Open Studio gives access to 3D printers, a Glowforge laser cutter, Cricut Maker, embroidery and serger machines, button maker, and sewing tools for DIY projects. Ages 12+ can work independently; younger participants must be supervised.
Painting with Monet’s Touch
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $30.00 Residents / $39.04 Non-Residents
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Learn how to paint light, color, and movement in the style of Monet while creating your own canvas piece.
Grateful Sunday: A Yoga and Meditation Mini Retreat
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Cost: $75.00
Location: Grateful Yoga
This mini retreat includes 3.5 hours of all-levels yoga, meditation, and guided self-inquiry led by studio owner Nick Beem.
Beginner Knitting Demo Class
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Kamen East Park Field House
This beginner-friendly class covers the basics of knitting with simple practice and take-home samples. All materials and snacks are provided.
Let's Roll: An Evening of Tabletop Gaming
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Robert Crown Branch Library
This 18+ tabletop gaming session features titles like Ultimate Werewolf, Mysterium, and Catan. Attendees can also bring their own games to share.
