All Weekend
Evanston Sidewalk Sales Weekend
Time: See the links for hours
Cost: Free
Location: Central Street, Downtown Evanston, and Main-Dempster Mile
Sidewalk sales run Thursday through Saturday for Central Street and Friday through Sunday for Downtown Evanston and Main-Dempster Mile. See the links for each area for details on additional activities and music associated with each one, such as the Chalk Art Contest in Downtown Evanston on Saturday from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Pass Over
Time: 7:00 PM Saturday and 3:00 PM Sunday
Cost: $32.00
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Presented by Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Antoinette Nwandu’s acclaimed play follows two friends navigating hope and survival on a street corner.
Thursday, July 24
Downtown Summer Sounds with Joel Paterson Swing Quartet and Traffic Jam Swing
Time: 5:30 PM dance lesson, 6:00 PM music starts
Cost: Free
Location: Fountain Square
The evening begins with a free swing dance lesson from Traffic Jam Swing, Chicago’s nonprofit supporting swing, Lindy Hop, and jazz era dances. Melissa, president of Traffic Jam Swing and co-founder of Around Evanston will be leading the lesson. After the lesson, guitarist Joel Paterson and his quartet perform a mix of jazz perfect for dancing.
Narrative Collage
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch
Participants will learn how to set a mood and suggest a story through collage with artist James Hosking. Archival or contemporary materials can be brought to build a scene.
Friday, July 25
Paws and Claws Book Club: Poets Square
Time: 6:45 PM
Cost: $25.00 without book, $45.00 including book
Location: Paws and Claws Cat Rescue
The rescue's new book club discusses Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats by Courtney Gustafson. Readers can pick up the book in advance through the group.
Don’t Tell Comedy
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: $30.00
Location: Secret location revealed 8:00 AM day of show
This pop-up comedy show features a surprise lineup of comedians at a secret indoor location revealed the morning of the event. Guests must be 21 or older.
Karaoke at Sketchbook
Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: No cover
Location: Sketchbook Brewing Evanston
Open mic karaoke night where anyone can get on stage and sing a few songs.
Saturday, July 26
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.
Evanston Pride Community Picnic
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Ridgeville Park
The picnic celebrates Evanston’s LGBTQIA+ community with performances, food, and booths offering services, resources, and activities. Allies are welcome to attend.
Tam’s Taste Test
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: From $12.00
Location: NaKorn Urban Thai
Tam’s Cafe hosts a social tasting event featuring six new recipes inspired by Evanston summer activities. Guests can sample mini desserts, share feedback, and purchase favorites.
Espresso Basics
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $54.13
Location: The Laundry Cafe
This beginner workshop introduces espresso fundamentals, including pulling shots and steaming milk. Participants will learn how to make café-style drinks at home.
Evanston Folk Choir Community Sing
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Dawes Park Picnic Sites A/B
The Evanston Folk Choir hosts a public sing-along at Dawes Park with simple group songs, social time, and snacks. Open to all ages and singing levels.
Hive Salon Series: Functional Fun! Pop Ups and Moveable Books
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free ($5.00 suggested donation)
Location: Hive Center for the Book Arts
Dr. Gene Kannenberg, Jr. gives a brief history of movable and pop-up books, sharing highlights from his collection and insights into their design.
Block Party: After Dark
Time: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
Location: Double Clutch Brewing
Connections for the Homeless hosts an evening of live music featuring jazz, Mexican folk, Afrobeats, and old-school soul. Performers include Camila Isabel, Banda 380, Peter Jericho, and Ronnie G.
Hot Flash Dance Party
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: $33.90
Location: Evanston SPACE
DJ Mary Nisi spins a high-energy mix of pop, hip-hop, disco, punk, indie rock, and R&B at this early dance night for women and women-identifying folks.
Sunday, July 27
Yoga by the Lake
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: $20.00 suggested donation
Location: Clark Square Park
Grateful Yoga and the Evanston Environmental Association lead an all-level hatha yoga session to support an accessible canoe launch. Participants should bring their own mat.
Howard Street Community Clean Up
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Palmhouse
The Howard Street Business Association hosts a neighborhood cleanup along Howard Street. Volunteers are welcome to help beautify the area.
15 Years In An Instant: Perspective Gallery Anniversary
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Perspective Gallery
Perspective Gallery celebrates its 15th anniversary with a public reception, refreshments, and an instant film demo where guests can make a Polaroid print.
