All Weekend
Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival
Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Evanston
This two-day street festival features work by 150 juried artists along with live music, food vendors, and a kids art zone with activities.
National Thrift Shop Day on the Mile
Time: Saturday and Sunday - See stores for times
Cost: Not listed
Location: Main-Dempster Mile
Ten local thrift, vintage, antique, and second-use shops along the Main-Dempster Mile take part in National Thrift Shop Day weekend. Five of the shops will offer special sales for the event.
Thursday, August 14
Flamenco Performance on the Patio
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 cover to reserve a table
Location: The Peckish Pig
The Peckish Pig hosts a live flamenco performance on the patio featuring Spanish guitar and dance. Dinner purchase is required for table seating.
Latte Art for Beginners
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $69.00
Location: The Laundry Cafe
Sip Society leads a latte art workshop covering milk steaming, basic pouring, and advanced designs. Participants will learn step-by-step techniques to create their own drinks.
Northwestern Community Movie Night
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
Northwestern hosts a free outdoor screening of Lilo & Stitch (2025) with gates opening at 5:00 PM. and the movie at 6:00 PM. The evening includes a raffle with sports tickets and other prizes, plus complimentary snacks while supplies last. In case of bad weather, the event will move to Ryan Fieldhouse.
Downtown Summer Sounds with Wolfman
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fountain Square
Wolfman performs a blend of garage rock and surf rock as part of the Downtown Summer Sounds series in partnership with Evanston Pride. Free kids’ activities will be offered in collaboration with Ridgeville Park District.
Friday, August 15
Summer Beach Bash
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Clark St Beach
The Barefoot Hawaiian brings Polynesian music, hula dancing, and island rhythms to Clark Street Beach for one evening. Guests can enjoy the show from the sand with blankets or chairs.
Saturday, August 16
Downtown Evanston Farmers Market
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. Weekly events include live music and collaborations with local groups.
Zelda’s Sandwich Joint Breakfast Pop-up at Reprise Coffee Roasters
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM or until sold out
Cost: Varies
Location: Reprise Coffee Roasters
Zelda’s Sandwich Joint debuts a new breakfast menu in a pop-up at Reprise Coffee. Sandwiches include bacon, sausage, and veggie options on English muffins.
Tai Chi and Qigong in the Park
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Cornelia Lunt Park
This weekly session starts with Qigong followed by short-form Yang style Tai Chi. Open to all experience levels, held outdoors by the lakefront.
Brick by Brick Walking Tour
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cost: $15.00 – $20.00
Location: Corner of Hinman Avenue and Main Street
This guided walking tour by the Evanston History Center examines the colors, textures, and patterns of materials like stone, terra cotta, brick, and tile in Evanston’s architecture. Participants will see how these elements shape building design.
Pinch Pots Workshop
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $85.00
Location: Joanna Kramer Ceramics
Participants will create ceramic vessels using the pinch pot method in this hand-building class. Clay, tools, glazes, and firings are included. Finished pieces will be ready for pickup in 2-3 weeks.
Sunday, August 17
Yoga by the Lake
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: $20.00 suggested donation
Location: Clark Square Park
This all-levels hatha yoga session is led by Grateful Yoga instructors. Proceeds support the Evanston Environmental Association’s project for an accessible canoe launch at the Evanston Ecology Center.
