Events and Ideas for the Week Ahead 💡

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In this issue:

• Featured events

• Kids and family events

• Upcoming concerts and live music

• Trivia and game night roundup

• Weekend preview

• Save the date

  
  

Make sure to check the event before heading out in case of changes or cancellations!

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Featured Events

Tuesday, August 5

3v3 Basketball Tournament

Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Ridgeville Park

The Ridgeville Park District hosts a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for players age 13 and up. Free pizza is included.

Evanston Rides - Adult Social Ride

Time: 5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fountain Square

This group ride for adults follows Old Orchard Trail to the North Branch Trail, ending with a happy hour at Ridgeville Tavern. The route spans up to 22 miles.

Kokedama Workshop

Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $65.00
Location: Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery

Participants will learn how to wrap the roots of a plant in moss to create a kokedama, a Japanese-inspired alternative to traditional planters. All materials are included.

Wednesday, August 6

Pride Karaoke!

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch

This karaoke night features songs by LGBTQ+ artists and welcomes singers of all experience levels. Refreshments will be available during the event.

Full Throttle Karaoke

Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: No cover
Location: Double Clutch Brewing

KJ Shy hosts this monthly karaoke night at Double Clutch Brewing, open to anyone who wants to sing.

Cooked Book Club: Tomatoes

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Booked

This potluck book club features recipes from Tomatoes by Jennie Linford. Guests prepare dishes from the cookbook to share and discuss together.

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.

Kids and Family Events

Monday, August 4

Hearts of Readers

Time: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch

Misericordia day residents bring their reading skills to Evanston Public Library for this half-hour all-abilities storytime. Toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers will enjoy picture books read to them by a small group of kind adults with disabilities who enjoy reading to kids.

Crown Outdoor Storytime

Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Robert Crown Branch Library

This outdoor storytime features 30 minutes of stories and songs, followed by playtime with water tables, chalk, and toys.

All By Myself

Time: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch

Designed for ages 3–5, this storytime invites kids to attend on their own without parents or younger siblings. The session includes stories, songs, and crafts to support growing independence. There is another session at 2:00 PM.

Tuesday, August 5

Frog on a Log Storytime

Time: 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Booked

Frog on a Log is a twice-weekly storytime for children up to age 5 and their caregivers, featuring songs and stories led by Booked’s own Mr. Gus on his ukulele. Kids and caregivers are invited to gather on the rainbow rug for this fun, musical storytime.

EPL On the Fly! - Fleetwood-Jourdain Park

Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Center

Evanston Public Library staff will be at the park with books, a STEAM or craft activity, and info about the Summer Reading Challenge. Weather permitting.

National Night Out: Touch-A-Truck

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Ingraham Park

Hosted by the City of Evanston, this community night features City vehicles, live music, games, and local resources. A sensory quiet hour runs from 5:00–6:00 PM.

Wednesday, August 6

Little Builders: Books and Block Play

Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch

This STEM-focused storytime pairs builder-themed books and songs with blocks, trucks, and building toys. Designed to spark creativity and keep little ones moving.

Kids Story Time

Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: Included with admission
Location: Gichigamiin Indigenous Museum

This story time features board books for toddlers and stories for kids up to second grade, all written by Native authors. This session includes Bowwow Powwow by Brenda Child, plus music, movement, and a gallery activity connected to the book.

EPL On the Fly! - Mason Park

Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Mason Park

Evanston Public Library staff will be at the park with books, a STEAM or craft activity, and info about the Summer Reading Challenge. Weather permitting.

STEM Explorers: Light

Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch

Kids in grades K–2 and a parent will explore the science of light through simple experiments and a related craft. Materials are provided.

Upcoming Concerts and Live Music

Click the included links for info and tickets!

Monday, August 4

• Jill Andrews at Evanston SPACE, 7:30 PM, $20.63 - $33.90

Tuesday, August 5

• Pierce Crask at Celtic Knot Public House, 5:00 PM, No cover

• Irish Music Session at Sketchbook Brewing Evanston, 7:30 PM, No cover

• Doolin' at Evanston SPACE, 7:30 PM, $27.27 - $40.54

Wednesday, August 6

• John Primer at Evanston SPACE, 8:00 PM, $22.79 - $36.06

• Nate Spratford Quartet at Prairie Moon Restaurant, 9:00 PM, $7.00

Thursday, August 7

• Downtown Summer Sounds with the Cecy Santana Band at Fountain Square, 6:00 PM, Free

• Jazz Dads at Evanston Pour, 6:30 PM, No cover

• Azure Main at Double Clutch Brewing, 7:00 PM, No cover

• Great Moments in Vinyl plays The Police at Evanston SPACE, 7:30 PM, $27.27 - $40.54

• Stephen Parisi Trio at Ward Eight, 8:00 PM, No cover

• Jazz Jam Sessions at Prairie Moon Restaurant, 8:00 PM, No cover

Friday, August 8

• Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers at Evanston SPACE, 8:00 PM, $27.27 - $33.90

• James Weigel Band at Celtic Knot Public House, 9:00 PM, No cover

Saturday, August 9

• Goats and the Girl at The Fat Shallot, 7:00 PM, No cover

• PureSoul Presents: A Celebration of Prince at Evanston SPACE, 8:00 PM, $27.27 - $47.17

Sunday, August 10

• Sugar Shack Book Party with Lucy Knisley at Evanston SPACE, 11:00 AM, No cover

• Irish Music Session ft John Williams & friends at Celtic Knot Public House, 3:00 PM, No cover

• A night of Motown and Classic R&B with Gerald McClendon, The Soulkeeper at Evanston SPACE, 7:00 PM, $22.79 - $36.06

Trivia and Game Night Roundup

Click the included links for info and tickets!

Monday, August 4

• Jeopardy! Bar League at Celtic Knot Public House, 7:00 PM, No cover

• Trivia at Double Clutch Brewing, 7:00 PM, No cover

Tuesday, August 5

• Game Night at Evanston Games & Cafe, 3:00 PM, No cover

• Trivia at Evanston Pour, 6:00 PM, No cover

• Bier Hall Bingo at Double Clutch Brewing, 7:00 PM, No cover

• Trivia at Bob's Pizza, 8:00 PM, No cover

Wednesday, August 6

• Evanston Chess Club at Levy Center, 6:30 PM, annual fee of $65.00 Residents/$85.00 Non-Residents

• Trivia at Ridgeville Tavern, 7:00 PM, No cover

• Trivia at Firehouse Grill, 7:00 PM, No cover

Thursday, August 7

• Trivia w. Whaddayaknow? at Evanston SPACE, 7:00 PM, No cover

Weekend Preview

All Weekend

• Much Ado about Nothing

  
  

Saturday

• Chicago Union Central Division Playoff Game

• Dempster Small Boat Regatta

  
  

Sunday

• Evanston Cars & Coffee

  
  

Save the Date

Did you do something fun this past week? Or take a great pic of our city? We’d love to hear about it! Send us a note or picture, and we may include it in the newsletter!

Thanks for reading! We’ll be back in your inbox on Thursday.

-Jonathan and Melissa

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