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 Enjoy: Arts in Evanston
Evanston boasts a vibrant public art scene, with numerous murals and artworks that enrich the city's cultural landscape. As a city full of artists, we welcome the public murals, artwork, and dynamic public spaces that elevate the community's history, diversity, and creativity.
If you’re hoping to get inspired, here are a few of our favorite murals and places to check out:
Evanston Mural Arts Program (EMAP)
Initiated in 2017 by Art Encounter, EMAP aims to transform Evanston through large-scale public murals. By partnering professional artists with community groups, the program has produced artworks that resonate with local narratives and aesthetics. Take yourself on a tour using the interactive mural map.
Check these out:
Location: 824 Noyes Street
Artist: POSE (Jordan Nickel)
Partners/Sponsors: Union Pacific Foundation, City of Evanston
Chicago artist POSE, also known as Jordan Nickel, drew inspiration from his childhood near Evanston to create this striking mural. Layering bold colors, text, and images reminiscent of comic books and graffiti, POSE brings energy and vitality to the Noyes Street neighborhood. His dynamic design reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the community, blending the local with the personal.
Location: 909 Davis Street
Artist: Max Sansing
Partners/Sponsors: City of Evanston, Downtown Evanston, and 909 Davis/Lincoln Property
In conjunction with the recent dedication of City Hall, the City proudly commemorated the Lorraine H. Morton Mural Wall. This mural project was installed in 2024, concurrent with City offices moving downtown. With project leadership from Lea Pinsky and Dustin Harris of Art Encounter, the mural was designed and painted by exemplary Chicago artist Max Sansing and pays tribute to former Mayor Morton and her legacy.
Central Street Mural Tour
The vibrant, electric business district features 10 murals, each with a story of its own. Some are tucked in alleyways, others behind buildings, but the journey of finding them is almost as fun as finally viewing them all. Get started with the mural map.
Check this out:
Location: 2608 Green Bay Road Alley
Artist: Theresa Parod
Spools of Thread plays homage to the adjacent sewing shop. Did you know Evanston has an amazing network of small businesses specializing in fabric, quilting, sewing, and the fibre arts. The mural’s brightly-colored spools of thread and sewing tools grace the alley.
Shorefront Legacy Center
Shorefront is an archival institution dedicated to illuminating the rich tapestry of Black history on Chicago’s suburban North Shore. Founded on the three core principles — Collect, Preserve, and Educate — we aim to create a dynamic space for reflection and growth. A few years ago, Shorefront Legacy partnered with EMAP to create a mural titled “100 Years of Women Leaving a Legacy.”
Location: Clark Street and Benson Avenue
Artist: Sholo Beverly
Partners/Sponsors: Evanston History Center, Shorefront Legacy Center, Evanston Arts Council, Union Pacific Foundation
Created by Sholo Beverly with the assistance of artist Susan Volk, this mural celebrates the contributions of women in Evanston over the past century. “100 Years of Women Leaving a Legacy” honors their resilience, leadership, and the impact they have made on Evanston's history and community. Through vivid depictions, this mural serves as a tribute to the women who have shaped the city’s future.
First Saturday Evanston Art Events
To immerse yourself further in Evanston's art scene, consider participating in the First Saturday Evanston Art Events hosted by Evanston Made. These self-guided tours offer a glimpse into the city's creative community, showcasing art displays, handmade goods, and opportunities to meet local artists.
Beginning Saturday, April 5, and continuing on the first Saturday of every month through the end of the year, metered parking will be free from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. During these designated hours, parking meters will not require payment, and a message will be displayed on the ParkEvanston app to inform drivers.
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Exploring these murals and art initiatives provides a deeper appreciation for Evanston's commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural environment.
 City Grant Information Session
The Evanston Chamber and the City's Economic Development Division will host a free virtual informational session about the small business grant opportunities available through the City of Evanston on Tuesday, April 15 at 4 p.m.
During the session you'll learn about each program, how to apply, funding amounts available, important deadlines, and more. Plus, attendees are invited to submit your questions in advance so the presenters come ready with the information you want most.
 First Saturday Free 3-Hour Parking Pilot
The City has launched a First Saturday Free 3-Hour Parking Pilot to help support local businesses. Through December, metered parking will be free from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month. This excludes parking garages and parking along the lakefront.
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
Central Street
Main-Dempster Mile
Ashland Arts
West Village
West End
Howard Street
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.
 Crafted now open in the Main-Dempster Mile!
A haven for the inspired and the curious, Crafted celebrates the beauty of the one-of-a-kind. Here every piece tells a story. From hand-thrown pottery and evocative artworks to rare vintage finds, handmade jewelry, international treasures and bespoke furniture, their collection is as unique as the individuals who create it.
Make sure to stop by Crafted, located at 822 Dempster Street — where everything is created with purpose and chosen by you.
 What do YOU enjoy about Evanston?
With ten unique business districts, there is something for everyone to enjoy! We want to hear about your faves. Tell us about your favorite places for health and fitness, your favorite store or art gallery to explore, or your favorite place to eat! Send us an email about your favorite spots at hello@enjoyevanston.com.
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