All Weekend
Man of La Mancha
Time: 7:30 PM Friday; 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM Saturday; 2:00 PM Sunday
Cost: $8.00 - $30.00
Location: Ethel M. Barber Theater
Experience a reimagined production of Man of La Mancha, set in a modern-day detention center on the US-Mexico border. Follow Cervantes and his fellow prisoners as they stage the story of Don Quixote, featuring classic songs like The Impossible Dream and Dulcinea.
The 94th Annual Waa-Mu Show: Arch Madness
Time: 7:30 PM Friday and Saturday, 2:00 PM Sunday
Cost: $10.00 - $30.00
Location: Cahn Auditorium
The 94th Annual Waa-Mu Show, “Arch Madness,” is a student-written musical that takes audiences on a multi-dimensional journey through the Waa-Multiverse. With AI robot Wildcats, mysterious a cappella groups, and a mystical host, the show explores the spirit and traditions of Northwestern life.
Friday, May 2
First Fridays on Central Street
Time: 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Central Street
Central Street launches its First Fridays series with a spring-themed evening of shopping, food, and community. Central Street businesses will be celebrating spring with seasonal offerings, specials, and more
Turning Together: Ceramic Date Night
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $85.00 per couple
Location: Evanston Art Center
Learn the art of wheel throwing with your date during this hands-on pottery class led by an expert instructor. Couples will also receive a coupon for a free appetizer with purchase at Ten Mile House, valid the night of the event.
Mess Around and Find Out: Adult21+ BYOB Art Night
Time: 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $50.00
Location: Art Makers Outpost
Join this BYOB crafting night, offering supplies like paints, clay, sewing machines, and woodworking tools. Lite appetizers, tea, and La Croix are available, and guests can bring their own food and drinks. All are welcome to create and connect.
Spring Wreath Making
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $33.00 Residents/$43.00 Non-Residents
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Celebrate the beginning of May with a spring wreath making class! Learn about the history of flower wreaths, and make one to add joy to the home or workplace. Once it’s dried out, bring the spring wreath to put in the summer solstice bonfire for good luck.
Saturday, May 3
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 arts groups like Evanston Made and the Evanston Art Center.
Dreaming and the Muses
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $80.00
Location: C.G. Jung Center
This experiential workshop explores the potential of dream work as a means of personal grounding and renewal. Participants will engage with creative tools like journaling, poetry, and art to connect more deeply with their dreams.
4th Annual NAISA Traditional Spring Pow Wow
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Welsh-Ryan Arena
Hosted by Northwestern’s Native American and Indigenous Student Alliance (NAISA), this traditional spring Pow Wow is a cultural celebration open to all. The event features dancing, food, art, and intergenerational community gathering to honor and share Indigenous traditions.
Watercolor Workshop with Sarita Kamat
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $75.00
Location: Artem Pop Up Gallery
Learn basic watercolor techniques and create floral artwork and greeting cards in this workshop led by artist Sarita Kamat. All materials are provided, and no painting experience is required.
Spring Plant Swap
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Robert Crown Branch Library
The popular Spring Plant Swap returns, inviting plant lovers to exchange cuttings and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Participants can bring a plant in a small container with care instructions and leave with a new green friend.
Poetry Gathering at Zentli
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Zentli
This cultural gathering features poet Miguel Angel Ontiveros reading from his new book Consecuencias, alongside performances by Gregorio Gómez, José Bono Rovirosa, Beth Jacobs, and others. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of poetry, conversation, and complimentary Mexican-style appetizers.
The AI Controversy
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Grove Gallery
This panel discussion examines the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence, with insights from McCormick School of Engineering Professor Luis Amaral and artist James Deeb. This talk takes place during the Inside/Out Exhibition and Wine Night with the talk beginning at 7:00 PM.
Ceramics Exhibit
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Alley Cat Studios
Ceramic artists Jane Szabo and Kathe Stoepel exhibit hand-built sculpture and pottery artworks. The exhibit offers a chance to explore their creative work and celebrate Evanston's art scene.
First Saturdays with Evanston Made
Time: Varies
Cost: Free
Location: All over Evanston! See the link below.
Evanston Made hosts first Saturday art events, offering a self-guided exploration of Evanston's creative community. Discover art displays at various venues, shop for handmade goods, meet small business owners, enjoy delicious meals, learn to sketch, and make new art friends!
Sunday, May 4
Maker's Market in Downtown Evanston
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Maple Avenue Garage
Shop handmade goods directly from more than 60 artists, artisans, and makers at this market hosted on the 5th floor of the Maple Avenue Parking Garage. Browse art, jewelry, wearables, stationery, and more, plus enjoy art-making activities, demonstrations, and a raffle.
Oil & Water: Live Painting Showdown
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Art Center
Watch oil and acrylic painting go head-to-head in a fast-paced showdown featuring artists Joe Bednarski and Phil Gayter. The artists will share stories and challenge each other’s styles in this playful artistic face-off.
Sponsored by Evanston Chamber Music Society
Celebrate the legacy of legendary cellist Lynn Harrell at Cellobration 2025, presented by Evanston Chamber Music Society and FilAm Music Foundation. Hear a lineup of talented musicians honor Harrell’s lasting influence with an evening of cello-focused chamber music. May 2nd at 7:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church.
