Monday, May 5
Watercolor Workshop with Sarita Kamat
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $75.00
Location: Artem Pop Up Gallery
Artist Sarita Kamat leads a watercolor workshop focused on techniques for creating floral paintings and greeting cards. Participants will complete a 9"x12" artwork and two Mother's Day cards, with all supplies included.
An Evening with Sarah Ruhl: Conversation and Book Signing
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: $50.00
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Playwright Sarah Ruhl appears in conversation with actress Polly Noonan to discuss her essay collection Lessons from My Teachers. The event includes a signed copy of the book and highlights Ruhl's reflections on teaching, learning, and creativity.
Gustavo's Big Banda Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: $25.00
Location: Double Clutch Brewing
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live music from Banda Tres Ochenta, Mexican dishes by Chef Eryck, and the debut of DCBC Zapata Mexican Lager. Guests can enjoy open seating starting at 5:00 PM along with other drink specials throughout the evening.
Tuesday, May 6
Spring Mother’s Day Celebration
Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Pink & Tan
Guests are invited to gather for an afternoon honoring Mother’s Day with light refreshments and sweet treats from Dream Cake Test Kitchen.
Evanston Rides: Adult Social Ride
Time: 5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fountain Square
This adult-only group bike ride explores the Green Bay Trail and Sheridan Road, covering up to 20 miles with a range of skill levels welcome. Led by Evanston Transit Alliance, the ride ends at Ridgeville Tavern with an optional happy hour, where attendees are entered into a drawing for a $50 Evanston E-Gift Card. Register in advance here.
Music Theory for Guitar: Intervals
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $55.00
Location: Guitar Works
This in-depth workshop explores the role of intervals in harmony, covering their types, emotional impact, and use in musical expression. Led by guitarist Jesse Langen, the session is open to all levels, including beginners, and helps expand understanding of musical structure.
Artist-Led Adult Workshop: Stamping & Printing
Time: 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $50.00
Location: Art Makers Outpost
Val Kahan and Fuschia Winston-Rodriguez lead an adult stamping and printing workshop using recycled stamps and archival ink. The session emphasizes artistic expression with a focus on community themes and social messaging.
Wednesday, May 7
May Free Day at the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
The museum offers free admission all day along with a special Indigenous Artists Pop-Up Market featuring a rotating selection of local Native artists. Visitors can explore exhibits and shop for unique handmade work.
Community Sing-Along
Time: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Chandler-Newberger Community Center
Join D65 students for a half-hour of music and connection at this all-ages sing-along. You’ll tap your feet, sing familiar tunes, and share the joy of making music together.
Row House In-Person Knit (or Crochet) Night
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $40.00
Location: Pâtisserie Coralie
Row House hosts an in-person gathering for knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists of all kinds, featuring tea service, samples, and swag in a casual, social setting.
Word Buffet Open Mic
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Word Buffet is a spoken word open mic welcoming poetry, lyrics, memoirs, and excerpts, held in the second floor gallery of the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. Audience members are invited to listen and support local voices in this community event.
Full Throttle Karaoke
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: No cover
Location: Double Clutch Brewing
Time to rev your vocal cords and get ready to sing your heart out.
Sandra Cisneros and Derek Bermel: The House on Mango Street, A Work-in-Progress Opera
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
Author Sandra Cisneros and composer Derek Bermel appear in conversation moderated by Joachim Schamberger. The evening features poetry readings by Cisneros and performances of arias from The House on Mango Street, the opera the two are developing. The program highlights their creative collaboration and literary achievements.
Thursday, May 8
Spring Sip & Stroll
Time: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: $10.00
Location: Downtown Evanston
Explore Downtown Evanston with friends and family during this self-guided stroll featuring wine, bubbly, and non-alcoholic sips at local shops. Enjoy special shopping deals ahead of Mother’s Day and support Black Women of Evanston, the beneficiary of event proceeds. Check-in begins at Creative Coworking.
Adult Tabletop Gaming
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:45 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.
Hot Moms Night: Mother's Day Pre-Party
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $25.00
Location: Booked
Booked hosts a Mother’s Day pre-party with DJ Norah spinning an all 90s playlist, drinks, snacks, games, and pop-up from artist Lucy Knisley. Guests will receive a custom goodie bag and enjoy bookish fun while supporting the nonprofit Sit Stay Read.
Sponsored by the Main-Dempster Mile
The Main-Dempster Mile Arts and Craft Beverage Crawl is the perfect way to start your Evanston art collection while getting to see inside our town's unique, eclectic, local and independently owned businesses. All profits are donated to Evanston Made.
