Thursday, May 8
Spring Sip & Stroll
Time: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: $10.00
Location: Downtown Evanston
Explore Downtown Evanston with friends and family during this self-guided stroll featuring wine, bubbly, and non-alcoholic sips at local shops. Enjoy special shopping deals ahead of Mother’s Day and support Black Women of Evanston, the beneficiary of event proceeds. Check-in begins at Creative Coworking.
Adult Tabletop Gaming
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch
This gaming night features a variety of tabletop RPGs such as Call of Cthulhu and Monster of the Week. For ages 18+, registration requried.
Hot Moms Night: Mother's Day Pre-Party
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $25.00
Location: Booked
Booked hosts a Mother’s Day pre-party with an all 90s playlist, drinks, snacks, games, and a pop-up from artist Lucy Knisley. Guests receive a custom goodie bag and enjoy bookish fun while supporting the nonprofit Sit Stay Read.
Friday, May 9
Volunteer for Chicago River Day
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Canal Shores Golf Course Pro Shop
Friends of the Chicago River hosts a cleanup event at the Evanston site of the Chicago-Calumet River system, inviting volunteers to help remove litter and support environmental stewardship. Participants may assist with tasks like trail maintenance and invasive plant removal.
Spring Second-Hand Pop-Up Sale
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Coco Design & Build
This one-day spring pop-up sale features a curated selection of second-hand furniture, rugs, pillows, clothing, small appliances, and more. Complimentary mimosa for attendees who RSVP.
Monthly Community Drum Circle
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 suggested contribution
Location: Art Makers Outpost
Come join a community drum circle led by Evanston musician and percussionist Tony Toneji Garret. People of all ages and experience levels are welcome to join in and come together through rhythm and music.
Spring Sound Meditation
Time: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 Residents/$33.00 Non-Residents
Location: Prieto Community Center
Start the spring season with sound meditation facilitator, Jay Taylor, for an hour-long immersive experience. Lie back and relax as the singing bowls enter the sonic landscape. No experience, skills, or beliefs are required to participate and benefit from this offering.
Saturday, May 10
Bird Watching Basics
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: $10.00 Residents/$13.00 Non-Residents
Location: Lighthouse Beach
This guided birdwatching walk explores the habitats around Lighthouse Beach to identify migrating spring birds. Participants will use binoculars and tools like the eBird app and NestWatch to track species and engage in citizen science.
Repair Cafe
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Robert Crown Branch Library
Work alongside volunteers to bring your broken household items back to life—whether it’s small appliances, electronics, jewelry, or more. The Repair Café promotes skill-sharing, sustainability, and community connection while keeping waste out of the landfill.
Garden Volunteering at Elks Community Garden
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Elks Park Community Garden
Ridgeville Park District hosts a garden volunteer day focused on preparing and maintaining the Elks Community Garden for the growing season. Volunteers will help with tasks such as spreading mulch, planting seedlings, organizing tools, and beautifying the space.
Spring Fling Handmade Market
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Art Makers Outpost
The Spring Fling Handmade Market features local artists, makers, and bakers of all ages showcasing handcrafted items perfect for gifting.
Ask a Master Gardener
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch
Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will be in the lobby of the Main Library to answer your gardening questions.
Northwestern University Architecture Tour
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $35.00
Location: Outside Segal Visitors Center
This guided tour from the Chicago Architectural Center of Northwestern University's campus showcases a rich mix of architectural styles, from Collegiate Gothic and Romanesque to contemporary designs. Learn how a 1960s lakefill plan by architect Walter Netsch doubled the campus size and introduced striking Brutalist structures that reshaped its character.
Karaoke at Sketchbook
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: No cover
Location: Sketchbook Brewing - Evanston
Join Sketchbook Brewing for their Saturday Social, featuring karaoke this week. Grab a mic, sing your heart out, and enjoy some great brews with friends. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM is all ages, and from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM is 21+.
Bangladesh Independence Day and Pohela Boishakh
Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: $15.00
Location: Levy Center
The Bangladesh Association of Chicagoland presents a cultural celebration honoring Bangladesh Independence Day and Pohela Boishakh. The evening features traditional music, dance, food stalls, and performances that showcase the richness of Bengali heritage.
Sunday, May 11
Mother's Day Paint Out
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston History Center
Evanston Made hosts a plein air painting event during the 50th Annual Mother’s Day House Walk, featuring artists painting on the grounds from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The event concludes with an award ceremony at 4:00 PM, showcasing original works available for purchase.
50th Annual Mother’s Day House Walk
Time: 1:00 PM
Cost: $45.00 - $65.00
Location: Evanston History Center
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of this Evanston tradition with a self-guided tour of architecturally and historically significant homes. The event offers rare access to private residences and includes entry to the Dawes House, home of the Evanston History Center.
