Screens Down, Shades On: Seven Ways to Brighten Your Summer
With spring showers giving way to sunny skies in Evanston, summer is the perfect time to unplug and play! Step away from your screens and soak up the sunshine with these seven summer activities at Northwestern and beyond:
Evanston Rides - Bring your wheels to downtown Evanston to take part in group cycling tours hosted by the Evanston Transit Alliance and Chicago Family Biking/Evanston Kidical Mass. The rides are scheduled from June 28 to October 25 and are free for the whole family!
Thursday Night Markets - In its seventh season, Evanston’s Thursday Night Markets showcase artists, makers, and retailers from the regional community at Fountain Square between 5 and 8 p.m. on July 10, August 7, and September 4. Enjoy strolling to live music hosted by the Downtown Summer Sounds, and enter to win a $50 E-Gift card at the Downtown Evanston tent.
Summer Cinema 2025 - Settle into a spot on the Arts Green Lawn to enjoy the family-friendly movie selection hosted by Summer Cinema! Savor complimentary treats like ice cream and popcorn, and take part in fun activities like glitter and caricature artist sessions. This summer, bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and environmentally safe insect repellent to see Wicked on July 17 and A Minecraft Movie on July 27. Learn more and sign up for a free lawn blanket.
Find Waldo in Downtown Evanston - Throughout July, be on the lookout for Waldo, the iconic children’s book protagonist in stripes and black glasses. Grab a Waldo Passport from any one of Evanston’s participating businesses, and begin your search for Waldo among Downtown Evanston’s local businesses. Visit the Downtown Evanston 2025 Annual Events web page for details.
Lunch on the Lake - On August 13 and 20, relax to the music and lake breezes on the Norris University Center South Lawn. Bring your lunch or purchase on site at the Norris food court. Live performances will take place from Noon to 1:15 p.m. Pre-register to receive a complimentary lawn blanket.
Evanston Cars & Coffee - Are you a fan of vintage cars? On July 13 and August 10, purchase a drink from Outside Coffee and explore an incredible lineup of pre-2000 rides at Evanston Cars & Coffee! Hosted in the parking lot behind the Evanston Public Library, Evanston Cars & Coffee is free and open to all.
Sidewalk Sale and Chalk Art Contest - Enjoy checking out art, poking through boutiques, and perusing selections of culinary treats as you explore the vibrant sights and sounds of the Evanston Sidewalk Sale happening on July 27-31. You can pick up a piece of chalk and contribute your artistry to the streets of Evanston in the Chalk Art Contest, a free event open to all ages. Visit the Downtown Evanston 2025 Annual Events web page for details.
Whether you're cycling through downtown Evanston, creating colorful chalk art, or on the hunt for Waldo, there's something fun for everyone. So, grab a friend, colleague, or family member and jump into the vibrant summer spirit that Northwestern and Evanston have to offer!