All Weekend
Much Ado about Nothing
Time: 6:30 PM Friday through Sunday
Cost: Free
Location: Ridgeville Park
Ridgeville Community Players present Shakespeare’s classic comedy of wit, mischief, and mistaken identities in this outdoor summer production.
Sentinels
Time: 7:30 PM Friday and Saturday, 3:00 PM Sunday
Cost: $33.00
Location: Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
This new play with music imagines an all-female secret society shaping history from a dome room at a Milwaukee university. Set in 1945, the story follows college women working behind the scenes to influence major events.
Pass Over
Time: 7:00 PM Saturday, 3:00 PM Sunday
Cost: $32.00
Location: Noyes Cultural Center
Presented by Fleetwood-ourdain Theatre, Antoinette Nwandu’s acclaimed play follows two friends navigating hope and survival on a street corner.
Thursday, August 7
Thursday Night Market and Downtown Summer Sounds with the Cecy Santana Band
Time: Market 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Music 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fountain Square
Downtown Evanston’s Thursday Night Market returns with over 20 local artists, makers, and retailers alongside live music from the Cecy Santana Band, performing Latin, Bossa Nova, and contemporary songs as part of the Downtown Summer Sounds concert series. The evening also includes food vendors, kids’ activities from the Ridgeville Park District, and beverages from local breweries.
Anime Club for Adults
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch
Adults can watch anime, play games, and snack on Japanese treats in this casual club for fans.
Friday, August 8
Verses & Vibes Open Mic
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
This open mic night features poetry, short stories, and live music from local performers.
Community Drum Circle
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 suggested contribution
Location: Art Makers Outpost
Led by percussionist Tony Toneji Garrett, this monthly event explores African and Latin rhythms on various drums. Some instruments are provided, and guests are welcome to bring their own.
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.
Saturday, August 9
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.
Ekphrastic Poetry Writing Workshop
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Cost: $25.00 suggested donation
Location: The Grove Gallery
Ekphrastic poetry is a form of writing that describes, discusses, or is inspired by a work of visual art. Participants will write poems inspired by the Waterscape Paintings on display. Led by Virginia Bell, PhD, professor, and co-editor of the Rhino Poetry Journal.
Karaoke at Sketchbook
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: No cover
Location: Sketchbook Brewing Evanston
Join Sketchbook Brewing for their Saturday Social, featuring karaoke this week. Grab a mic, sing your heart out, and enjoy some great beer with friends. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM is all ages, and from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM is 21+.
Chicago Union Central Division Playoff Game
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $24.00 for Adults, $20.00 for Students, $15.00 for Kids 6–12, Free for Kids 5 and under
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
Chicago Union hosts a professional ultimate frisbee playoff to decide the Central Division champion. The winner advances to the UFA Championship Weekend in Madison, WI.
Bookstore Romance Day Party
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $16.74 - $32.49
Location: Booked
This 18+ after-hours event features cocktails and mocktails, treats, crafts, and a book chat with romance author Adrienne Gunn.
Astronomy in the Parks
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: $15.00 Residents/$20.00 Non-Residents
Location: Clark Square Park
The Chicago Astronomer leads a telescope tour of the night sky featuring the August full moon and other celestial sights. Includes a campfire and marshmallows.
Sunday, August 10
Yoga by the Lake
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: $20.00 suggested donation
Location: Clark Square Park
This all-levels Hatha yoga session is led by Grateful Yoga instructors. Proceeds support the Evanston Environmental Association’s project for an accessible canoe launch at the Evanston 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.
Ward Eight x Hatchet Burger Pop-Up
Time: 3:00 PM - sold out
Cost: Varies
Location: Ward Eight
Hatchet Burger teams up with Ward Eight for a Sunday pop-up featuring smash burgers and classic cocktails. Menu also includes the Canadian Tuxedo, Stoney Baloney, and vegetarian options.
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