All Weekend
Evanston Folk Festival
Time: 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM Saturday and Sunday
Cost: $98.87 - $121.07
Location: Dawes Park
A two-day music festival on Lake Michigan, headlined by Trampled by Turtles on Saturday and Indigo Girls on Sunday. The weekend also includes WBEZ Tent Talks, and a Punch Brothers kick-off show.
Thursday, September 10
Evanston Wine Walk
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $37.05
Location: Main-Dempster Mile
A wine walk through independently-owned shops on Main Street and Dempster St in Evanston, with wine tastings, small bites, and live music along two routes. 80% of profits benefit Curt's Café, which supports at-risk young adults through job training.
Evanston MashUp 2026
Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $50.00 - $125.00
Location: Norris University Center
Attendees can sample all-you-can-eat food and drinks from 40 area restaurants at this annual gathering of Evanston's business, civic, nonprofit, and university communities.
Video Game Night for Grown Ups
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch
Adults can drop in to play PS5 and Nintendo Switch games at the Innovation Station, or bring their own titles to play. The space allows solo play or meeting other gamers, and is open to those 18 and older.
Evanston Shop Ride
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Wheel & Sprocket
Wheel & Sprocket hosts a Thursday evening group bike ride covering about 23 miles at a 13–17 mph pace.
Summer Thursday Flamenco Series
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 - $7.00 cover
Location: Peckish Pig
Spanish flamenco dance and guitar performances take place at this biweekly summer series, featuring Ronaldo Monge and fellow musicians. Table seating requires a dinner purchase.
Kickball Club
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Kamen Park Fieldhouse
Adults gather for co-ed kickball combining basic skill-building drills with organized games.
Northwestern Women's Soccer vs. Michigan
Time: 6:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
Northwestern's women's soccer team faces Michigan in Big Ten conference play.
Friday, September 11
Mom Brain: Kaitlyn Teer
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Little Gems
Mom Brain, a monthly gathering for parents and caregivers, welcomes writer Kaitlyn Teer, senior editor at Cup of Jo and author of the 2026 essay collection "Little Apocalypses." She'll share her writing followed by a facilitated conversation and close with a kids' book reading. Babies and kids welcome.
Northwestern Men's Soccer vs. Maryland
Time: 6:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
The Wildcats take on Maryland in a Big Ten men's soccer matchup.
2026 Community Drum Circle At Art Makers Outpost
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $5.00
Location: Art Makers Outpost
Participants play African and Latin-style rhythms on djembe, dundun, conga, and bongo drums, guided by a longtime Evanston percussionist and teacher. All ages and experience levels can join, and drums are typically available to share.
Laugh and Flow
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $25.00
Location: Free Flow Kitchen
Smart AF Chicago hosts this monthly night of stand-up comedy and music at Free Flow Kitchen, headlined by Chicago comedian Damon Williams. Doors open at 6:00 PM with a DJ set and food and drinks for purchase, ahead of the 7:00 PM show; a portion of proceeds benefits youth arts and STEM programming in Evanston.
Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Dearborn Observatory
The Dearborn Observatory hosts free public telescope viewing every Friday night from 9–11pm during spring and summer (April–September). Reservations are required for the first hour; walk-ins welcome after.
Saturday, September 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: Evanston Farmers Market
The Downtown Evanston Farmers Market features over 70 local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and more, with live music and local group collaborations weekly. Early access at 7:00 AM for seniors and adults with disabilities.
Clutchtober Fest
Time: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Double Clutch Brewing
Double Clutch marks its fifth annual Oktoberfest with German beer, food, games and contests to start the fall season. Live music opens with Mary Macaroni & The Impastas, and admission is free for all ages.
Walking Tour: Historic Apartment Buildings
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cost: $15.00 - $20.00
Location: Main St and Hinman Ave
This walking tour through southeast Evanston looks at how architectural styles popular for single-family houses were adapted for the city's apartment buildings. It traces how multi-family housing emerged and changed with shifts in taste and technology.
Oktoberfest 2026 at Saint Errant Brewing
Time: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: No cover
Location: Saint Errant Brewing
The celebration includes Oktoberfest-style food, music, and lawn games, plus activities for kids. A $15.00 stein special includes a 16oz Saint Errant stein and first pour, with $1.00 off additional Oktoberfest drafts.
Fall Line Dancing
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $35.00
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Soul line dancing combines upbeat music with easy-to-follow choreography set to classic soul favorites. No partner is needed, and beginners are welcome alongside experienced dancers.
Garden Talks: Pickling/Simple Canning
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $10.00
Location: Ridgeville Park Community House
A gardener and microgreens grower demonstrates simple pickling methods and basic canning techniques for preserving fall harvests. Pickling herb and spice packets are provided to take home, and attendees can bring extra produce for a swap with other participants.
Stretch and Sip at LeTour
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cost: $20.00
Location: LeTour
An hour-long yoga class is followed by a glass of wine and socializing at LeTour. One glass of wine is included with the ticket.
Saturday Social: Karaoke @ Evanston
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: No Cover
Location: Evanston SPACE
Local singers can take the stage for karaoke, with an all-ages session followed by a 21+ session later in the evening.
Sunday, September 13
Valiant PT Community Run
Time: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Lighthouse Beach
Valiant Physical Therapy hosts a free run/walk at Lighthouse Beach with 5K walk, 5K run, 10K run, and half marathon options. A potluck picnic follows the race.
Chicago Bears and Beers
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Harley Clarke Mansion
Fans can watch the Bears take on the Carolina Panthers in their season opener at the Harley Clarke Beer Garden.
Save Your Seeds
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Master gardeners share techniques for identifying which seeds to save and how to store them for next year's garden. The workshop includes a visit to Evanston Grows's Faith Grows Here Farm to identify plants and practice seed saving.
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