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 Enjoy: Evanston markets!
The weather is warming up, which can only mean one thing... Summer is right around the corner and it's time to get outside! What better way to Enjoy Evanston outdoors than by stopping by one of the many upcoming markets?
Downtown Farmers Market: The Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market, which was named "Best Farmers Market - Suburbs" by Better Chicago, will kick off its 49th season this Sat., May 4, with over 50 vendors selling everything from fruit to flowers to baked goods. The Market will be open every Saturday through November 2, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at University Place and Oak Avenue.
Evanston Made Maker's Market: Shop one-of-a-kind items and discover unique treasures from local artisans at the Evanston Made Maker's Market, now in its 6th season! Join us on Sun., May 5, on the 5th floor of the Maple Avenue Parking Garage for a curated selection of handmade goods including art, craft, jewelry, and more!
Church & Dodge Market: Beginning June 9, stop by the southeast corner of Church & Dodge on the second Sunday of the month through October for their annual summer market. Find delicious treats, handmade goods, and more - all while supporting local businesses!
Thursday Night Markets: Now entering its 5th year, Downtown Evanston's Thursday Night Markets showcase artists, makers, and retailers from the local community. Head down to Fountain Square June 6, July 11, August 1, and September 5, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and enjoy live music while strolling the market.
 Celebrate and support local ASPA businesses!
May is Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander American Heritage Month! Did you know that Evanston has over 70 Asian-owned businesses? From restaurants to galleries to automotive shops, there is a wide variety of businesses to support this month and beyond.
There are also many exciting events and activities planned in celebration of Heritage Month. Check out the local activities happening around town.
Umbrella Arts Festival: The Umbrella Arts Festival is a celebration of Asian American history, culture and art. The umbrella symbolizes the Asian American diaspora which includes a diversity of ethnicities from over 40 Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Island countries around the world, and is inclusive of the many intersections of identities that exist in our communities. The festival is free and for all ages and will take place on Saturday, May 11, from noon to 4 p.m., at Fountain Square in downtown Evanston. Bring the whole family out to enjoy performances, food trucks, and over 50 artists and vendors.
See below for upcoming events and start planning your weekends! You can find the full calendar of events on the Enjoy Evanston website.
Downtown Evanston
Main-Dempster Mile
Central Street
Ashland Arts
West Village
Other Enjoy Evanston events
Have a upcoming event?
Help us add to our calendar! We encourage you to submit all your upcoming events through our website.
Please review the following submission guidelines:
- Only public events may be listed
- Cannot be solely retail in nature
- Cannot be solely religious or political in nature
- Cannot be solely fundraisers or networking events
- Should be leisure time or recreational activities
Event eligibility is also evaluated on a case-by-case basis. At this time, we are only able to accept event listings in English.
 Click image to play video
Meet Nina Barrett, Bookends & Beginnings
This past Saturday was Independent Bookstore Day. To celebrate, we're shining a spotlight on Nina Barrett, the proud owner of Bookends & Beginnings, a local bookstore steeped in rich history. Check out our video interview.
We're big believers that every day should be Independent Bookstore Day. Whether you spent time celebrating over the weekend or are in the market for your next read, we encourage you to spend some time exploring the Indie Bookstores throughout Evanston!
 Get to know the Main-Dempster Mile!
This walkable, jam-packed retail district features something for everyone—from vegetarian fare to Detroit style pizza to Argentine gelato. Check out a live show at SPACE or browse the many eclectic retail shops, galleries, and studios that line both Main and Dempster Streets.
Explore all that the Main-Dempster Mile has to offer by attending their upcoming Arts & Craft Beverage Crawl on May 16. Visit pop-up galleries in stores on Main, Dempster, and Chicago Avenue! While you're there, you can taste craft beverages made right there on the Mile!
 Did you know?
There is some pretty amazing history here in Evanston, and the Ashland Arts business district is no exception!
Housed at 2144 Ashland, now the Peacock Lofts, was the Peacock Ice Cream Co. factory. The owner, George Bugelas, was an ice cream aficionado for over 30 years, with ice cream parlors in both Evanston and Glencoe. Their specialty flavor was fresh peach and they created other custom flavors for Ravinia, the Drake Hotel, and other high-end establishments.
Beginning in 1976, George's chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice creams swept all blue-ribbon competitions in the premium ice cream categories at the Illinois State Fair for 13 consecutive years. Bugelas closed all the retail shops in 1981 to concentrate on the wholesale business.
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