Popular Weekend Events in Evanston (February Updated)

Information Source: Kellogg Greater China Club | eventbrite

Embark on a revitalizing spiritual journey in April with Spirited Away . It begins with Claude T. Smith’s Eternal Father, Strong to Save , the official hymn of the United States Navy, featuring colorful interplay and variations on the well-known tune. A musical hosanna to Dr. Eric Wilson, Director of Bands at Baylor University, Paul Dooley’s triptych Canticles showcases the composer’s rhythmic vitality, lyrical melodies, and harmonic colors in a series of playful dances and a rejuvenating prayer for winds. Joe Hisaishi’s vibrant score to Spirited Away , the tale of a girl trapped in the spirit world, is transformed into a dazzling suite for winds. Chamak , a new work by Indian American composer Reena Esmail, finds inspiration in the writing of Kabir and presents three movements based on traditional Hindustani ragas — a framework for improvisation and composition in Indian classical music. Yasuhide Ito’s stirring symphonic poem Gloriosa concludes the program, evoking the fervent prayers and suffering of early Christians in Japan with a fusion of Gregorian chant and Japanese folk music. Program Claude T. Smith Eternal Father, Strong to Save Paul Dooley Canticles Joe Hisaishi Spirited Away Reena Esmail Chamak Yasuhide Ito Gloriosa About Northshore Concert Band Northshore Concert Band (NCB) is a 100-member symphonic band active in the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded in 1956, the Band is internationally known and respected for its musical excellence, leadership in community music, and commitment to music education. NCB presents 10-12 concerts per season, including a four-concert subscription series housed a Northwestern University's Pick Staiger Concert Hall and Loyola Academy's McGrath Family Performing Arts Center. The Band's musical leadership is provided by Dr. Mallory Thompson, Artistic Director, and Daniel J. Farris, Assistant Conductor. Learn more at northshoreband.org . Northshore Concert Band’s ticketing and attendance policies comply with city and state public health guidelines and procedures established by our venue partners. Programs and artists are subject to change. We will promptly notify ticket holders of any protocol and programming updates via email. For the latest information, visit northshoreband.org . Information Source: Northshore Concert Band | eventbrite

Holi is a joyful celebration of color, love, and new beginnings! Rooted in Indian tradition, it marks the arrival of spring with vibrant powders, music, dance, and food. At Kellogg, Holi is more than just a festival—it’s a chance to come together as a community, let loose, and experience the magic of color and connection. Whether you’re here for the beats, the bites, or just the burst of color, this event is all about having fun and celebrating with friends old and new. Come ready to play, dance, and get gloriously messy! Wet ticket includes five drink coupons. Options include: Vodka, Gin, Bourbon whiskey, White Label scotch, Tequila, Rum, IPA, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite pale lager, Hard seltzer, red and white wine, triple sec etc Information Source: Kellogg South Asia Club | eventbrite

Celebrate another fantastic year of live chamber music from Civitas Ensemble with our Season Finale, featuring octets by Enescu and Mendelssohn. Program: ‍Felix Mendelssohn | Octet for Strings in E-flat Major, Op. 20 George Enescu | Octet for Strings in C Major, Op. 7 Information Source: Civitas Ensemble | eventbrite

Information Source: eventbrite

Join Chicago's only full time professional forager Dave Odd a for a walk around Dawes Park and the surrounding neighborhood to see all the wild and wonderful edible plants (and possibly mushrooms too!) that grow right in your own backyard. Guaranteed to learn about at least 50 edible plants and mushrooms! Meet on the south side of the lagoon. $40 a person, $70 per pair. Group rates available. Contact Dave at 847-409-8623 for info. Information Source: Dave Odd, Chicago's only full time forager to the stars. | eventbrite

Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with friends, EVANSTON BREWFEST 2025 is the place to be. Don't miss out on this exciting event and get ready to raise a glass with us! Presale Tickets - $40 (presale ends 07/24/2025 @ 5:00 pm) Day of Event Tickets - $50 * Ticket includes: E ntrance into Brewfest. 5 oz. tasting mug with unlimited beer sampling. Voting token for the People's Choice Award. VIP Tickets - $60 * VIP Ticket includes: 1-hour early entrance into Brewfest (Noon). 8 oz. tasting mug with unlimited beer sampling. Voting token for the People's Choice Award. Brewfest Drawstring Bag. Brewfest Beer Mug Lanyard. Tickets are Non-Refundable: Refunds are only given if the EVANSTON BREWFEST is canceled by the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. Wyoming Downs Racetrack: Show your Brewfest wristband at Wyoming Downs Racetrack on Sunday, July 27th, and enjoy a special 1/2 off admission! Adults-only event. Must be 21+ to attend. A valid ID is required for entrance, no paper IDs are allowed. NO EXCEPTIONS! NO Outside Coolers/Food/ Water Bottles (water will be provided) NO Weapons NO Animals (must provide certification for service animals). Questions? Call the Evanston Chamber of Commerce at (307) 783-0370 Information Source: Evanston Chamber of Commerce | eventbrite

Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival introduces a weekend-long celebration of local art and flavorful fare. The festival will feature original high-end work from more than 100 juried artists that will be available for purchase - perfect for gifts or as signature additions to a personal collection. Traditional mediums such as painting, sculpture, and photography will be showcased alongside unique, usable art, including handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind furniture, and home accessories. Live music, food, beer and wine will be featured all three days. Admission is FREE. The exhibitors gathering here will showcase products and services like painting, sculpture, and photography, and handmade jewelry as a whole. Information Source: Amdur Productions | expotobi

ETHS 2005 REUNION PARTY Dust off your old yearbooks, catch up with classmates, and dance the night away to throwback tunes from 2005 while enjoying open bar and food. It's time to relive those high school memories and create new ones with old friends. Don't miss out on the reunion party - it's going to be a night to remember! Ticket Pricing: * All prices are before fees are applied. $75 – Friday, May 30th - Friday, June 20th $100 – Saturday, June 21st - Saturday, August 16th $125 – Sunday, August 17th - Saturday, August 30th Please purchase your ticket early—and if you're able, consider buying one for a friend or classmate. We want to make sure everyone who wants to attend has a chance to be there. Information Source: eventbrite

Join Black Women of Evanston for our Evanston en Blanc event—an enchanting evening dedicated to uniting our community and celebrating the end of summer. Located in the heart of downtown Evanston, this event aims to foster a sense of unity and joy as we come together in an all-white setting. It is an opportunity for friends, neighbors, and fellow residents to unite, share joy, make lasting memories, and bid farewell to summer in style. Although this event is hosted by BWoE, we welcome and encourage all races and genders 21 and older to attend. The event will be held in the plaza south of Davis Street and on the street east of the plaza (Sherman Ave), featuring long communal tables and chairs provided for use. Guests are welcome to bring a homemade meal or order takeout from local restaurants to enjoy with a cocktail, wine, or beer from our pop-up bar. Music by DJ Johnny Price and DJ JT Nance will be provided throughout the evening for your entertainment. While guests must bring their own food, a lcohol is not allowed unless purchased from the pop-up bar . All attendees are responsible for disposing of their trash and packing up their belongings at the event's conclusion. This is a fundraising event. All proceeds will contribute to the event and benefit Black Women of Evanston, a 501c3 charitable organization. Please see the FAQ and contact blackwomenofevanston@gmail.com with any other questions. Evanston en Blanc is hosted by Black Women of Evanston. Please note that this is not an official Diner en Blanc event and is not affiliated with the Diner en Blanc association. EVENT GUIDELINES Dress Code The dress code for Evanston en Blanc is elegant and all-white attire. Please ensure that your outfit adheres to this requirement. A best dressed King and Queen will be crowned. Avoid wearing any logos, patterns, or colored accessories that do not conform to the all-white theme. Table Setting While tables and chairs will be available for use, each guest is responsible for bringing their white tablecloth, dinnerware, and glassware. Tablecloths should measure 120" long by 60" wide (tables are 8 ft long). Be creative with your table decorations while keeping them elegant and within the all-white theme. Candles, open flames, confetti and marbles are not permitted. Flameless LED candles are ok. Picnic Basket Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic basket filled with delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages or purchase dinners from nearby restaurants (we will provide a list of restuarants with discount codes closer to the date.) Table service and catered meals are not provided, so plan your menu accordingly. Remember to bring enough food and drinks to last throughout the event. Location and Meeting Point The Evanston en Blanc location will be held at the Fountain Square area on the triangle plaza south and on Sherman Avenue south of Davis Street. Clean-up As part of the Evanston en Blanc tradition, all guests are expected to clean up after themselves. Please dispose of your trash properly in the designated bins or take it with you when you leave. Please do not leave marbles, confetti, nor trash on the ground. Leave your designated area as clean as you found it to honor the event's spirit. Information Source: Black Women of Evanston | eventbrite