All Weekend
NU Softball and NU Baseball
Time: Varies Friday - Sunday
Cost: $11.00 - $13.00
Location: Sharon J Drysdale Field (Softball) & Rocky and Berenice Miller Park (Baseball)
Check out NU Softball as they play against Wisconsin and NU Baseball as they take on Washington 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.
Robbie Fulks
Time: 7:30 PM Friday and Saturday
Cost: $25.00
Location: Evanston SPACE
Robbie Fulks is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist known for his sharp lyrics and wide-ranging Americana style. With roots in bluegrass, folk, and country, his live shows showcase both his storytelling and musicianship.
The Vintage Affair: A Curated Pop-Up of All Things Vintage
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
Cost: Free
Location: 915 Chicago Ave
Explore a curated collection of vintage finds from the mid-century to Y2K at this two-day pop-up event hosted by Choice Edition. Shop unique pieces from multiple vendors, including designer clothing, accessories, vinyl records, art, home decor, and collectibles—all handpicked for their style and character.
Thursday, April 24
Spring Arts and Crafts Fair
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Norris University Center
Browse and shop original artwork from the Northwestern community at this free spring fair. You'll find everything from ceramics and jewelry to stained glass and sculpture, plus a chance to make your own themed craft on-site.
Tibetan Monks Meditation from Drepung Monastery
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:45 PM
Cost: Donations encouraged
Location: Heaven Meets Earth Yoga Studio
You can meet and meditate with Tibetan monks visiting from Drepung Monastery, the largest in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Learn about their traditions and practices during this special visit hosted by The Tibet Center in Evanston.
Wine Goddess Book Club
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $75.00
Location: The Wine Goddess
Discuss Sweetbitter with Meg and Bookends & Beginnings during this wine-focused book club night. You'll sip your way through 6–7 wines featured in the novel while discussing its themes and characters.
Tinsley Ellis - Naked Truth Tour
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: $20.00 - $35.00
Location: Evanston SPACE
Catch Tinsley Ellis up close in a solo acoustic set that strips the blues down to its roots. Inspired by greats like Muddy Waters and Son House, Ellis brings his signature guitar style and honest songwriting to the stage, featuring songs from his new album Naked Truth.
Friday, April 25
Space Lobby Opening Party: Night 1
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston SPACE
Celebrate the unveiling of Space’s new entrance, lobby, and bar with a DJ set from Dead Inside, giveaways, and activations from local partners including Around Evanston, Art Encounter, KOVAL Distillery, Animal Records, and Space Presents. Explore the refreshed Space 2.0 while enjoying drinks, music, and more.
An Evening of Poetry & Community with the PEPL
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 - $20.00 suggested donation
Location: Bookends & Beginnings
Celebrate National Poetry Month with an open mic poetry reading hosted by the Partners of the Evanston Public Library (PEPL). Share your own poems or read a favorite piece, and enjoy featured poet Cydney Brown, the 2023 Northeast Regional Youth Poet Laureate. Donations support the Evanston Public Library’s collections.
Not From Around Here: Paintings by Rob Summerlin Opening Reception
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Space 900 Gallery
Join artist Rob Summerlin for the opening reception of Not From Around Here, a showcase of plein air paintings capturing his perspective as a recent transplant to the Midwest. Reflecting on his time in the region before returning to Savannah, Summerlin shares how a Southerner sees the landscapes of Evanston and beyond.
Film Screening: Singing Back the Buffalo
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $25.00
Location: Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Celebrate Earth Day with an in-person screening of Singing Back the Buffalo, an award-winning documentary by Cree filmmaker Dr. Tasha Hubbard. The evening includes the film and a virtual Q&A with Hubbard, along with light refreshments.
Friday Night Coffeehouse
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
Enjoy live music, snacks, and an open mic at this laid-back coffeehouse evening. A special guest will join the night’s lineup, and you're welcome to BYOB.
Saturday, April 26
Coffee & Beach Clean Up
Time: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Clark St Beach
Grab your family and friends and join the lakefront team for coffee and doughnuts before heading to the sand for a beach clean-up. For more info call 847-866-2913
Independent Bookstore Day at Booked
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Booked
Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with live illustration by Diana Sudyka, book signings with Lucy Knisley, tarot readings, book matchmaking, and hands-on activities for kids. Enjoy exclusive merch, giveaways, and IBD exclusives like stickers, prints, and special edition items while supplies last.
Earth Day Celebration at Ridgeville Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Ridgeville Park
Celebrate Earth Day with activities like a West African drum class demo, recyclable arts and crafts, and a neighborhood trash collection contest. You can also join in garden prep, wood chipping, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Children's Nature Garden. Stop by info tables for snacks, stickers, and more ways to get involved.
Community Day: Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum & Block Museum
Time: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum & Block Museum
Celebrate Indigenous art and storytelling with a day of family-friendly activities, gallery talks, and open exhibitions at both the Block Museum and the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum. Enjoy open galleries, storytelling, coloring/scavenger hunt activities, and more throughout the afternoon. The Aloha Center, located next door to the Gichigamiin, will also be offering family programming, with ukulele, hula dance, and craft workshops in the afternoon.
Independent Bookstore Day at Bookends & Beginnings and Middles Used Books
Time: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM at Bookends & Beginnings, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM at Middles Used Books
Cost: Free
Location: Bookends & Beginnings & Middles Used Books
Mark the 12th Annual Independent Bookstore Day with exclusive merch, free stickers, and special prints by Lucy Knisley. Browse discounts, giveaways, and happy hour pricing at the MiniBar throughout the day, along with clearance sales at Middles where many books are priced at $3.00 or less.
Art Makers Outpost Earth Day Celebration
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Art Makers Outpost
Join Art Makers Outpost for a full day of community crafting, story time, and art making in honor of Earth Day. Take part in a plant, seed, and clipping exchange, or drop off unused art materials for reuse. This event offers ways to support sustainability and connect with fellow makers of all ages.
Hive Book Arts Open Hours
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Hive Center for the Book Arts
Visit Hive's new space during Independent Bookstore Day to print your own booklover's poster and explore a collection of artist’s books, handmade paper, and special bindings. Connect with Rhino Poetry and pick up their latest journal while enjoying hands-on activities and surprises for all ages.
Earth Day Fest
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Ladd Arboretum
Spend Earth Day connecting with local eco groups through interactive nature activities and games that highlight sustainability. Explore earth-friendly resources and find inspiration for living greener within Evanston’s eco-community. Free oak or hackberry trees, along with mulch and watering rings, will also be available at the City’s Public Works booth.
Evoking Memory: A Collage Workshop with Alicia Zapata
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $20.00
Location: WasteShed Evanston
Join artist and educator Alicia Zapata for a collage workshop exploring memory through reclaimed and found materials. This session welcomes all experience levels and focuses on creating meaningful, personal works of art.
Spring Cocktails Class with Lisa and Hunter
Time: 1:45 PM
Cost: $60.00
Location: Evanston SPACE
Learn to craft spring-inspired cocktails with guidance from long-time Space bartender Lisa Zielke.
Women’s Rugby: Chicago Tempest vs Denver Onyx
Time: 2:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 - $60.00
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
Come out and support the inaugural season of professional women’s rugby as the Chicago Tempest, part of the new Women’s Elite Rugby league, take on the Denver Onyx. Catch the action live at their home field right here in Evanston.
Space Lobby Opening Party: Night 2
Time: 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston SPACE
Keep the celebration going for the new lobby at Space with Dave Specter and activations from local partners including Around Evanston and KOVAL Distillery. Enjoy the new bar, giveaways, and more as you explore the new space.
Sunday, April 27
Paint Your Pet
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 Residents/$30.00 Non-Residents
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Create a custom portrait of your beloved pet using your favorite photo as inspiration. Guided by instructor Kathy Gemperle, this workshop will help you bring your furry friend to life on canvas.
Downtown Earth Day Clean-Up
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fountain Square
Help keep Downtown Evanston beautiful by joining this Earth Day clean-up event, hosted by Downtown Evanston, The Woman's Club of Evanston, and Brightview Landscaping. Volunteers will pick up litter along designated routes, with supplies provided and a chance to win a $100 Evanston E-Gift Card for those who pre-register.
Evanston Along the Lake Walking Tour
Time: 1:00 PM
Cost: $35.00
Location: Hinman Ave and Lake St
Join the Chicago Architectural Center for a walking tour of Evanston's historic Lakeshore District, featuring architecturally significant churches, classic apartment buildings, and a rich mix of styles from Queen Anne to Modern.
Fun & Games Show
Time: 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: Free, donations welcome
Location: Evanston Art Center
Fun & Games is a high-energy mix of music, theatre, circus arts, poetry, and audience participation. This playful show invites all ages to join in songs, stories, and even a collective scream—capped off with an after-party featuring interactive sound sculptures.
Blue Rose & Rachel Drew with Gerald Dowd (Outposts After Dark Salon Series)
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $25.00
Location: Art Makers Outpost
Wind down your Sunday evening with live music at the Outpost After Dark Salon Series. Chicago band Blue Rose brings heartfelt, country-inspired songs, with an opening set from Rachel Drew and drummer Gerald Dowd.
Sister Sadie
Time: 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 - $32.50
Location: Evanston SPACE
Sister Sadie brings powerhouse vocals and hard-driving bluegrass to the stage. This award-winning all-women band puts their own spin on the genre, mixing tight harmonies and standout musicianship for a sound that's all their own.
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.
