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 Enjoy: Bikes!
What better way to get out and enjoy the beautiful summer weather than by going on a bike ride! Evanston boasts a series of bike routes and lanes that make cycling an enjoyable way to get around the city. It is also home to several bike shops. Whether you need a tune-up, accessories, a new bike, or a clinic, these shops can get you saddled up to ride.
Mack's Bike and Goods | Central Street: Whether you're in the market for a new bike, need to fix a flat or are looking for a full tune-up, Mack's has you covered! They are your full-service bicycle shop, ready to help for all types of adventures! You'll receive not only top notch technical expertise, but also friendly service in a cozy, community-oriented space, where you can grab a house-made espresso drink and hang out!
Bucephalus Bikes | West Village: Bucephalus Bikes is a local, family owned shop dedicated to the idea that it is great to get around on a bicycle. Located in Evanston since its opening in 2009, they offer outstanding service and support the cycling needs of everyone. And don't throw away that old bike, Bucephalus welcomes the opportunity to give them new life!
Wheel & Sprocket | Downtown: Inspired by family and community, Wheel & Sprocket got their start as a small shop that continued to grow based on their belief that bikes make life better. They are committed to finding sustainable and inclusive brands, and only carry products they believe in. Stop in and experience their passion!
The Pony Shop | Main-Dempster Mile: A neighborhood bike shop in every sense of the word, they cater to a wide range of cyclists. From a child’s first bike, to adult recreation and even competitive racing - The Pony Shop will steer you in the right direction. Pun absolutely intended!
Looking for some fun group rides? Check out Evanston Rides, a series of monthly bike rides that promise fun, fitness, and a whole lot of community spirit! See the next family ride featured below.
 Soul & Smoke in 10 Most Anticipated Restaurants
Soul & Smoke has been named one of Eater Chicago's 10 most anticipated restaurants and it's easily our #1. From a food truck with big dreams to their growing Ashland Arts Evanston location and spots in Avondale and West Loop, we're following anywhere that Chef D'andre Carter and Heather Bublick lead us.
Hot Tip: Bring a friend and order a little of everything to share.
 The Starlight Movie & Food Truck Fest is back!
Get ready for a deliciously magical evening at the City’s Starlight Movie and Food Truck Fest on Sat., June 29, at Ingraham Park. Starting at 6:30 p.m., we'll be screening the blockbuster hit "Barbie" (2023, ASL). Come early to enjoy over ten mouth-watering food trucks that will begin serving at 5:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by Evanston Folk Fest.
 Evanston Rides: Family Ride June 29
THIS SATURDAY! Join Downtown Evanston for Kidical Mass, a hyperlocal family-friendly bike ride that is perfect for meeting neighbors, riding with kids as cargo, and for new two wheeled riders (training wheels not recommended).
Bring the little ones and join us for a bike ride tailored for all ages and skill levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
This ride will leave from the Robert Crown Community Center at 10:15 a.m. (please arrive at 10 a.m. to get situated). The Evanston Parks & Recreation Department will be on-site with free giveaways for riders, as well as information on local bike routes and general bike safety!
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
West End
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.
 Meet Cheryl Judice Powell, Hecky's Barbecue!
Meet Cheryl Judice Powell, owner of Hecky's Barbecue, located at 1902 Green Bay Road. From their famous sauce to the philanthropic endeavors of the owners, Hecky's has become an institution in Evanston. But let's not forget about the amazing food made fresh daily! If you haven't tried it already, make sure to stop on by. And what's better for the 4th of July than barbecue??
Read the full interview here.
KB: Hecky's has a long history in Evanston. Can you share some of that history?
CJP: Hecky’s Barbecue opened on October 13, 1983, at its current location, 1902 Green Bay Road, Evanston. The restaurant started with one storefront and over the years expanded to four storefronts. The restaurant specializes in barbecued and Southern-style foods including ribs, rib tips, chicken, hotlinks, macaroni and cheese, red beans and rice, greens, baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. Throughout Hecky’s nearly 41 years in business, the restaurant has won numerous food awards from various sources. Most recently, in April 2023, Hecky’s won the ‘Reader’s Choice Award’ from the Chicago Tribune for best Chicago-style barbecue.
KB: What can folks expect if they come to Hecky's?
CJP: Good food prepared fresh daily, and a warm welcome from the restaurant staff.
KB: How do you set yourself apart from other restaurants?
CJP: Hecky Powell and Cheryl Judice Powell both come from social service backgrounds. As a result, the restaurant was established with one of the goals being the training of young people for positions in the restaurant industry while instilling the work ethic. Over the restaurant’s history, Hecky’s has hired and trained 300+ young people. Hecky’s believes that a good business should operate for the benefit of the owners and the community.
KB: Any specials or services you’d like people to be aware of?
CJP: The busiest day of the year at Hecky’s is the Fourth of July. We start cooking early that morning to accommodate barbecue lovers. Hecky’s also has a strawberry soda to honor Juneteenth.
KB: What is your favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston?
CJP: Evanston has always been very supportive of Hecky’s Barbecue. This is a wonderful community in which to do business.
 Get to know Downtown!
Downtown Evanston features the city’s most diverse mix of shopping, over 60 restaurants, and vibrant rooftop bars with a view. Its world-class arts and entertainment—including Evanston’s cinema, Fountain Square, and historic Nichols Concert Hall—are ripe for (re)discovery.
Only a ½ mile from the shores of Lake Michigan and Northwestern’s campus, you can see why over 6 million people visit downtown every year.
 Photo credit: PRINT
Did you know?
Crush International Inc. was headquartered at 2201 Main Street in the 1960s and 1970s. The plant bottled both Orange Crush, created by a scientist, as well as Hines Root Beer, concocted by a pharmacist.
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