All Weekend
As You Like It
Time: 7:00 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Cost: Free
Location: Ridgeville Park
Mudlark Theater Company presents Shakespeare’s As You Like It outdoors at Ridgeville Park. Performances are free and open to all ages.
Diana
Time: 7:30 PM Thursday and Saturday, 6:00 PM Sunday
Cost: $51.00 - $66.00
Location: Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
This musical follows Princess Diana as she navigates royal life, media scrutiny, and personal struggle after her fairytale wedding. With music by David Bryan and book by Joe DiPietro, the production explores Diana’s enduring legacy.
Thursday, July 17
Evanston Plein Air Festival Paint Out: Downtown Evanston
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Around Downtown Evanston
Artists paint downtown from 12:00 to 5:00 PM as part of a live plein air competition. An award ceremony follows at 6:30 PM at LeTour.
Mid-Summer Neighborhood Art Walk
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago Ave & Grove St
Businesses along Chicago Avenue and Grove Street display a range of artwork for an evening stroll through neighborhood galleries and shops.
Happy in the Garden Hour
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: $35.00 and up
Location: Ward Farm
This evening fundraiser for Evanston Grows features live music, food and drinks, and an opportunity to explore Ward Farm with friends and neighbors.
Downtown Summer Sounds: Funkadesi featuring Pavithra Anand
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fountain Square
Funkadesi performs a global fusion set featuring Bollywood, Desi, reggae, and funk influences. Free kids' activities available, presented in partnership with Ridgeville Park District.
Clay Planter Workshop
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $85.00
Location: Joanna Kramer Ceramics
This workshop from Joanna Kramer focuses on creating custom clay planters and trays using hand-building techniques. All materials, including clay, tools, and glazes, are provided, and participants’ pieces will be ready for pickup a few weeks later. Open to all skill levels, ages 16 and up.
Northwestern Summer Cinema: Wicked
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Arts Green - Northwestern University
Northwestern University’s Summer Cinema kicks off with a screening of Wicked. Before the movie, guests can enjoy family activities including a glitter tattoo artist, free glowsticks, and popcorn. Check-in begins at 6:30 PM. RSVP here for a free blanket.
Friday, July 18
Plein Air Festival Block Party
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Main Street between Hinman and Chicago Avenues
Part of the 4th annual Evanston Plein Air Festival, this block party is hosted by the Main-Dempster Mile and features the Plein Air Paint Out competition, an art market, and live music. Guests can meet the artists, explore unique works, and enjoy food and drinks.
Sip & Sketch Your Next Tattoo
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Sketchbook Brewing Evanston
Sweetheart Ink artists will be on-site as guests sketch tattoo ideas, browse portfolios, and enter a raffle. Beer is available for purchase.
Glow in the Park
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $6.00 Residents/$8.00 Non-Residents
Location: Ingraham Park
Rescheduled from last week, this nighttime dance party features black lights, neon paint, and music for a glowing celebration after dark. Guests can decorate themselves with glow paint, hit the dance floor, and snap photos in the blacklight photo booth.
Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
Time: 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Dearborn Observatory
The Dearborn Observatory offers free Friday night walk-in tours with telescope viewing, space permitting. Early hours require a reservation, but the 10:00 PM session is open to all.
Saturday, July 19
Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market + Plein Air Paint Out
Time: 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM, early shopping at 7:00 AM for seniors and those with disabilities
Cost: Free
Location: University Place and Oak Ave
Now in its 50th season, the Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market features over 70 local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and more. From 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, watch artists paint live as part of the Plein Air Festival, with an award ceremony at 12:30 PM.
Evanston Folk Festival Community Event
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston SPACE
Held in SPACE’s new lobby and patio, this day party features live DJ sets, crafts, and pizza from Union. Highlights include a family set by Little Miss Ann, a global folk DJ from noon to 3:00 PM, and two hours of Bob Dylan karaoke starting at 3:00 PM. Plus, get your tickets to the Evanston Folk Festival without the service charge.
Weekend Art Walk: Downtown Evanston Murals
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cost: $25.00–$30.00
Location: Downtown Evanston
Art Encounter’s Lea Pinsky leads a guided walk through downtown Evanston to explore large-scale murals by local artists. Hear stories behind the art and how it was made.
Evanston Along the Lake
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $35.00
Location: Northwest corner of Hinman Ave and Lake St
This walking tour of Evanston’s Lakeshore Historic District highlights churches and homes in styles from Queen Anne to Prairie. It explores the area once known as Daniel Burnham’s “country retreat.”
Chicago Union vs Detroit Mechanix
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $11.00 - $19.00 (Kids under 5 free)
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
The undefeated Chicago Union host division rival Detroit Mechanix in a Superheroes Night Ultimate Frisbee match. This is the final home game of the regular season and a prelude to hosting the division championship. Free parking is available.
Sunday, July 20
Relax & Rejuvenate: Yoga in the Park
Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: $19.68 - $25.56 (mat rental available for $7.92)
Location: Patriots Park
This outdoor yoga class focuses on slow movement, deep breathing, and gentle stretching in nature.
Evanston Plein Air Festival Finale
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Rotary International
The festival finale includes a pop-up art market, voting for festival favorites, and food and wine for sale. Artists will have their original plein air work for sale.
Evanston Grows: Garden Gatherings
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Emailed prior to event
This small-group garden visit explores heirloom vegetables, vertical growing, and crop rotation in the home garden of filmmaker and Evanston Grows board member Matt Wechsler. RSVP required.
