A Fresh Week of Evanston Events 🌸

We hope you had a great weekend—we had a blast at the SPACE lobby opening parties on Friday and Saturday. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to play our Evanston Jeopardy game. We’ll be raffling off a pair of SPACE tickets soon to folks who signed up at the event! If you haven’t checked out their new lobby and bar yet, we highly recommend it.

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This issue is sponsored by Roycemore School

Do MORE with your summer at Roycemore! From outdoor adventures and STEAM activities for preschoolers, to improv, entrepreneurship, and forensic science for teens, Roycemore is excited to offer a range of transformative educational camps for ages 3-17 this summer in Evanston. Register your student today!

In this issue:

• Featured events

• Kids and family events

• Upcoming concerts and live music

• Trivia and game night roundup

• Weekend preview

• Save the date

  
  

Make sure to check the event before heading out in case of changes or cancellations!

Featured Events

Monday, April 28

Secret Sandwich Stand at Oskar

Time: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: Varies
Location: Oskar

The pop-up Secret Sandwich Stand is back at Oskar serving up smashburgers, mushroom Swiss burgers, a hot "chicken" sandwich made with fried lion's mane mushrooms, and more.

Mod-a-Tee Monday!

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch

This workshop offers a chance to upcycle old t-shirts into tote bags, headbands, or even a brand new shirt. All tools and materials are provided. For ages 13 and up.

Songs of Freedom: 80 Years of Bob Marley

Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: $20.00 - $35.00
Location: Evanston SPACE

PureSoul presents a tribute concert honoring what would have been Bob Marley's 80th birthday, featuring an all-star lineup of Chicago's top reggae musicians.

Tuesday, April 29

NU Baseball vs Butler

Time: 3:30 PM
Cost: $11.00 - $13.00
Location: Rocky & Berenice Miller Park

Northwestern Baseball faces off against Butler at Rocky & Berenice Miller Park.

Leather Jewelry Workshop with Janara Banks

Time: 6:45 PM
Cost: $50.00
Location: Art Makers Outpost

This artist-led BYOB workshop invites participants to create handcrafted, lightweight leather jewelry with guidance from Janara Banks. Designed for adults, the session encourages creative exploration and connection, with lite appetizers provided.

Northwestern Swing Dance Syndicate West Coast Swing Social Dance & Lessons

Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Cook Hall 1st Floor Atrium

The Northwestern Swing Dance Syndicate hosts its first monthly West Coast Swing social dance of the spring quarter. The evening includes beginner and intermediate lessons, followed by open social dancing.

Wednesday, April 30

Lee Street Beach Sauna Sessions

Time: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $20.00
Location: Lee Street Beach

Start your day with a 30-minute sauna session by the lake at Lee Street Beach. Quiet time is observed during the early sessions: 7:00 AM & 7:30 AM Wednesday–Friday. Bring water, a towel, and comfy clothes for easy changing.

Northwestern Baseball vs Purdue Fort Wayne

Time: 3:30 PM
Cost: $11.00 - $13.00
Location: Rocky & Berenice Miller Park

Northwestern Baseball faces off against Purdue Fort Wayne at Rocky & Berenice Miller Park.

ARTOPIA: A Benefit for Open Studio Project

Time: 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $85.00–$175.00
Location: Evanston SPACE

Open Studio Project celebrates its 25th anniversary with ARTOPIA, a benefit event featuring live music from No Regrets and WIDEMOUTH, a dinner buffet, and the presentation of the Don Seiden Award to Hope Washinushi. Proceeds support YEA! (Young Evanston Artists) and the organization's creative programs.

Thursday, May 01

Lee Street Beach Sauna Sessions

Time: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $20.00
Location: Lee Street Beach

Start your day with a 30-minute sauna session by the lake at Lee Street Beach. Quiet time is observed during the early sessions: 7:00 AM & 7:30 AM Wednesday–Friday. Bring water, a towel, and comfy clothes for easy changing.

Spring Forest Therapy

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: $20.00 Residents/$26.00 Non-Residents
Location: Lighthouse Beach

This guided Forest Therapy Walk invites participants to slow down and engage mindfully with the natural world. Led by a certified Forest Therapy Guide, the experience focuses on promoting wellness, reducing stress, and fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Sponsored by Downtown Evanston

Bring friends and family to explore local businesses while you enjoy sips of wine, bubbly, and other beverages and shopping specials! Your ticket will benefit local nonprofit Black Women of Evanston.

Kids and Family Events

All Week

Time-Together Open Play

Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Tuesday - Thursday
Cost: First visit is free! $12.00/Child or a 10-visit punch pass for $100.00
Location: Chandler-Newberger Community Center

Parents and caregivers can bring children ages birth to five for open play at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center. This program features climbing equipment, blocks, puzzles, a book nook, and more. Little ones will explore while adults can connect with other families.

Monday, April 28

Crown Storytime

Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Robert Crown Branch Library

This storytime session at the Robert Crown Branch features engaging stories and songs for young children. The button below is for the 10:30 AM session. Click here for the 11:00 AM session.

Tuesday, April 29

Frog on a Log Storytime

Time: 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Booked

Frog on a Log is a twice-weekly storytime for children up to age 5 and their caregivers, featuring songs and stories led by Booked’s own Mr. Gus on his ukulele.

Thursday, May 01

The Young and the Restless

Time: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch

This indoor sing-along storytime for infants through two-year-olds features classic songs and playful activities that support early language learning.

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.

Upcoming Concerts and Live Music

Click the included links for info and tickets!

Monday, April 28

• Westley Art Hodges, Piano at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 12:00 PM, Free

• Songs of Freedom: 80 Years of Bob Marley at Evanston SPACE, 7:30 PM, $20.00 - $35.00

Tuesday, April 29

• Pierce Crask at Celtic Knot Public House, 5:00 PM, No cover

• Chicago a cappella: Her Voice Workshop at Nichols Concert Hall, 7:00 PM, Free

• Donovan's Garage: DMix ECM Quintet at Akar Auditorium, 7:00 PM, Donations appreciated

• Irish Music Session at Sketchbook Brewing Evanston, 7:30 PM, No cover

• Oliver Wood and Seth Walker (of The Wood Brothers) at Evanston SPACE, 7:30 PM, $30.00 - $55.00

Wednesday, April 30

• Karen Slack Vocal Master Class at Galvin Recital Hall, 7:00 PM, $10.00 General/$5.00 Student

• Greg Dudzienski Quartet at Prairie Moon Restaurant, 9:00 PM, $7.00

Thursday, May 1

• Steely Dad at Double Clutch Brewing, 7:00 PM, No cover

• Elvin Bishop (Early) at Evanston SPACE, 7:00 PM, $30.00 - $55.00

• Jazz Jam Session at Prairie Moon at Prairie Moon, 8:00 PM, Free

• Benefit Show: JB Vannatta & The Midnight Thieves at American Legion Post 42, 8:30 PM, $17.50

• Elvin Bishop (Late) at Evanston SPACE, 9:30 PM, $30.00 - $75.00

Friday, May 2

• Beyond the Stars and James H Jewell at Prairie Avenue Gallery, 7:00 PM, $10.00 suggested donation

• Cellobration 2025 (Evanston Chamber Music Society) at First Presbyterian Church, 7:00 PM, $20.00 -$40.00

• Wilmette Community Band Spring Concert at Trinity Lutheran Church, 7:30 PM, Free

• One Composer, One Community: Florence Price Celebration Concert at Nichols Concert Hall, 7:30 PM, Free

• Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra and Choirs at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 7:30 PM, $12.00 General/$6.00 Student

• Phil Cook at Evanston SPACE, 8:00 PM, $20.00 - $30.00

Saturday, May 3

• Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra and Choirs at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 7:30 PM, $12.00 General/$6.00 Student

• Kneebody at Evanston SPACE, 8:00 PM, $25.00 - $35.00

Sunday, May 4

• Irish Music Session ft John Williams & friends at Celtic Knot Public House, 3:00 PM, No cover

• Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra and Choirs at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 3:00 PM, $12.00 General/$6.00 Student

• Songs of Spring Concert at First Congregational Church of Evanston, 3:00 PM, Free

• ESO & All That Jazz at Akar Auditorium, 3:00 PM, $50.00

• Deb Talan w. Auralai at Evanston SPACE, 7:00 PM, $25.00 - $40.00

Trivia and Game Night Roundup

Monday, April 28

• Trivia at Double Clutch Brewing, 7:00 PM, No cover

Tuesday, April 29

• Game Night at Evanston Games & Cafe, 4:00 PM, Free

• Trivia Night at Evanston Pour, 6:00 PM, No cover

• Bier Hall Bingo at Double Clutch Brewing, 7:00 PM, No cover

• Trivia at Bob's Pizza, 8:00 PM, No cover

Wednesday, April 30

• Evanston Chess Club at Levy Center, 6:30 PM, annual fee of $65.00 Residents/$85.00 Non-Residents

• Trivia at Firehouse Grill at Firehouse Grill, 7:00 PM, No cover

Weekend Preview

Friday, May 2

• First Friday’s on Central St.

  
  

Saturday, May 3

• First Saturday’s with Evanston Made

Sunday, May 4

• Lakeshore Shuffle 5k Run & Walk

Save the Date

Did you do something fun this past week? Or take a great pic of our city? We’d love to hear about it! Send us a note or picture, and we may include it in the newsletter!

Thanks for reading! We’ll be back in your inbox on Thursday.

-Jonathan and Melissa

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