All Weekend
Diana
Time: 7:30 PM Thursday through Saturday, 6:00 PM Sunday
Cost: $51.00 - $66.00
Location: Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
This musical follows Princess Diana as she navigates royal life, media scrutiny, and personal struggle after her fairytale wedding. With music by David Bryan and book by Joe DiPietro, the production explores Diana’s enduring legacy.
Thursday, July 10
Thursday Night Market + Downtown Summer Sounds: Chicken Bone
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Band starts at 6:00 PM)
Cost: Free
Location: Fountain Square
Downtown Evanston’s Thursday Night Market returns with over 30 local artists, makers, and retailers alongside live music from Chicken Bone, a high-energy party band playing hits from the ’60s to today. The evening also includes food vendors, kids’ activities from the Ridgeville Park District, and beverages from local breweries as part of the Downtown Summer Sounds concert series.
Artist Reception for Jim Parks
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Great Harvest Bread Co
Jim Parks presents recent artwork on exhibit at Great Harvest Bread Co. Guests can see his latest work, talk with the artist, and enjoy light snacks and drinks. Visitors can also meet new owner Kate Weber and explore recent updates to the menu and shop.
Adult Tabletop Gaming
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 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 required.
Flamenco Performance on the Patio
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 cover to reserve a table
Location: The Peckish Pig
Spanish guitarist Hugo Salcedo will be joined by dancers Nalanie Moline and Ronaldo Monge for a live flamenco performance on the patio. Dinner purchase required for table seating.
Friday, July 11
Walking Tour: Northwestern University Campus
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 - $35.00
Location: Segal Visitors Center
This two-hour walking tour from the Chicago Architecture Center covers Northwestern’s scenic campus along the lake, with a look at how its architecture has changed over time. Guides share campus history, fun facts, and stories behind some of its most recognizable buildings.
Glow in the Park
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $6.00 Residents/$8.00 Non-Residents
Location: Ingraham Park
This nighttime dance party includes a dance floor with black lights, neon paint stations, and music throughout the night. Guests can decorate themselves with glow paint and take photos in a blacklight photo booth.
Saturday, July 12
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.
Trot for Tails
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: Donations encouraged
Location: Centennial Park
This community festival supports the Evanston Animal Shelter with a morning of dog-friendly fun. Activities include arts and crafts, pup cups, an agility course, and social time by the dog beach, all to benefit animals in need.
Learn to Paddle Board
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: $70.00 Residents/$92.00 Non-Residents
Location: Dempster Launch Facility
Join a beginner-level group class that will cover the rules of the water and proper paddleboard techniques, and then venture out onto Lake Michigan with an instructor. No experience needed.
Walking Evanston’s Alleys Tour
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cost: $15.00 – $20.00
Location: Corner of Dempster St and Chicago Ave
This tour from the Evanston History Center will explore Evanston’s alleyways to show how trash, sanitation, and public health shaped the city over time.
LegionFest 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Cost: $20.00
Location: American Legion Post 42
LegionFest returns for its third year with a full day of live music, food, and community celebration supporting local veterans and charities. The event features performances by Tim Dugan Express, Late Breaking News, Decoy Prayer Meeting, Mr. G & the Mystery Band, and more, concluding with an afterparty show by Gandy Gumbo.
Home Recording - In-Store Demo
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Guitar Works
Guitar Works hosts a beginner-friendly demo focused on home recording techniques for musicians, podcasters, and creatives. The session covers tools and tips for producing studio-quality sound from a home setup.
Block Printing Basics
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $60.00
Location: Hive Center for the Book Arts
This workshop covers the fundamentals of block printing with artist Morgan Patten. Participants will learn how to transfer artwork to a linoleum block, carve, and print in the Hive Center’s studio. All materials are included.
July Art & Wine Night
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Creative Coworking
This event features three floors of artwork for sale and highlights work by over 30 local artists. Guests can explore the galleries, enjoy a glass of wine, and meet featured artists Melanie Deal and Angela Murphy.
Flow: the Water Show Opening Reception
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Grove Gallery
Grove Gallery presents Flow: the Water Show, an exhibition exploring the emotional and environmental resonance of water through abstract and representational works. Featuring eight artists, the show highlights shifting moods and the delicate relationship between humanity and this essential resource. A portion of all sales supports the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
Karaoke at Sketchbook
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: No cover
Location: Sketchbook Brewing Co Evanston
Sketchbook Brewing’s Saturday Social features karaoke this week. Guests can take the mic, have a beer, and spend time with friends at the brewery. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM is all ages, and from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM is 21+.
Sunday, July 13
Barbells and Brunch
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Cornerstone Health
Strength Wise Barbell hosts a morning featuring a tour of their space, meet-and-greets with lifters and coaches, and complimentary bagels and sweets. Attendees can also watch lifting demos to get a feel for the coaching style.
Yoga by the Lake
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: $20.00 donation
Location: Clark Square Park
Grateful Yoga and Evanston Environmental Association present a one-hour hatha yoga session under the shade trees at Clark Square Park. The slow and strengthening practice supports a fundraising effort for a new canoe launch at the Ecology Center.
Evanston Cars & Coffee
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Surface Parking Lot
This community event features a showcase of vintage cars in downtown Evanston. Attendees can vote for their favorite vehicle, with the top car winning a gift card prize. Coffee will be available for purchase as visitors explore the collection.
