All Weekend
NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship
Time: 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM Friday, 11:00 AM Sunday
Cost: $34.00 - $39.00
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
Northwestern University and the City of Evanston host the NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship semifinals.
Canoe the Canal
Time: 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM Saturday and Sunday
Cost: $22.00 Residents / $28.63 Non-Residents
Location: Dammrich Rowing Center
This canal canoe trip includes paddling instruction and a river-themed scavenger hunt. Participants will look for signs of wildlife while exploring the North Shore Channel.
In The Time of the Butterflies
Time: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM Saturday, 7:00 PM Sunday
Cost: $8.00 - $25.00
Location: Josephine Louis Theater
This play follows the Mirabal sisters as they become activists against the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Based on Julia Alvarez’s novel, it traces their family ties, political resistance, and lasting legacy.
Gee's Bend
Time: 7:00 PM Saturday, 3:00 PM Sunday
Cost: $33.00
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
The play follows the Pettway women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, through segregation, family conflict, and the Civil Rights movement. Their quilts offer comfort through hardship and later gain recognition as folk art.
Thursday, May 21
Adult Kickball Club
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Kamen Park East
This recreation program for adults 18 and older offers organized kickball games with a focus on basic skills and group play.
Ronnie Frey: Doorways of Chicago
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: Free, $35.00 for book
Location: Bookends & Beginnings
Photographer Ronnie Frey discusses his book Doorways of Chicago, which examines the city through architectural details and neighborhood facades. The event includes a conversation about Chicago history, photography, and urban design, followed by a book signing.
Souper Simple for Evanston ASPA
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 donation
Location: Noah Sheldon Photography at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Evanston ASPA hosts a community soup dinner celebrating Asian American Heritage Month. The menu includes Thai coconut mushroom soup, curry dumplings, gazpacho, and bread from Button Bakery, plus dessert pop-ups from Lindsey’s Ice Cream and Kisco Cafe.
Terrarium Workshop
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $65.00
Location: Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery
Participants will learn how to design, build, and care for a terrarium. The class provides materials and guides each person through making one to take home.
Summertime Sippers
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $55.20
Location: The Wine Goddess
This wine tasting features seasonal whites, rosés, and lighter reds selected for warmer weather. Guests sample a range of summer wines during the guided tasting.
Friday, May 22
Beach Mat Pilates: Sculpt by the Shore
Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Clark Street Beach
BODYBAR Pilates Chicago hosts outdoor mat Pilates classes along the lakefront at Clark Street Beach. Rotating instructors lead full-body workouts focused on strength and mobility.
Cat Yoga
Time: 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Cost: $35.00
Location: Paws and Claws Cat Rescue
An instructor leads a yoga class while participants spend time with the rescue’s resident cats.
Karaoke Night
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: No cover
Location: Curt’s Cafe
Curt’s Cafe hosts a free karaoke night with song selections across pop hits, ballads, and more. Guests can bring their own drinks, with snacks available for purchase.
The Pickle Ball 2026
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 - $25.00 in advance / $30.00 cash at the door
Location: Ridgeville Park
Ridgeville Park District hosts its second annual Pickle Ball fest with local breweries Sketchbook, Double Clutch, and Saint Errant. Tickets include beer tastings, pickle beer, pickle flights, bonfires, dink games, live music by Mike & Jess Music, and a raffle entry for a cocktail-making class at Take Flight Spirits. Firehouse Grill will be on site selling sandwiches.
Dempster 2000: A Y2K Party at Saint Errant Brewing
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: No cover
Location: Saint Errant Brewing
DJ Tomalina plays music released in 2000, including pop, hip-hop, alt rock, and club classics.
Saturday, May 23
Seedling Sale
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Ward Farm
Evanston Grows hosts its annual Seedling Sale at Ward Farm. The sale includes vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings grown in the community.
Hand-Built Vessels: Exploring Forms in Clay
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $100.00
Location: Evanston Art Center
Participants will build ceramic vessels by joining slabs of clay and adding surface textures and colored slips.
Sunday, May 24
Yoga by the Lake
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: $25.00
Location: Clark Square Park
Grateful Yoga hosts outdoor hatha yoga classes near the lakefront with rotating instructors throughout the summer. 30% of proceeds supports the Evanston Environmental Association’s canoe launch initiative at the Ecology Center.
Evanston Along the Lake
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $35.00
Location: Northwest corner of Hinman Ave. and Lake St.
This walking tour explores Evanston’s Lakeshore Historic District, including homes and churches tied to architect Daniel Burnham’s former country retreat. Guides discuss architectural styles ranging from Queen Anne to Modern along the lakefront.
The Hyperfixation Show
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: Pay what you can
Location: Peckish Pig
Victoria Montalbano Comedy and Story Sessions host an evening of storytelling, open mic performances, and games centered on personal obsessions and interests. The fundraiser supports Victoria Montalbano’s summer comedy tour and travel expenses.
