Enjoy Evanston: Try Something New this Summer!

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 07/11/2025 03:50 PM CDT

Friday, July 11, 2025 | View in browser

Try a Thing!

We are almost at the midpoint of summer and soon we shall witness the changing season and the falling leaves. For the rest of summer, we encourage you to make the most of happenings in the city, to discover new hobbies, places and venues.

This edition is dedicated to trying "something new". Unearth your hidden talents and explore businesses in Evanston doing the work of providing vibrancy to our city.

This is the final installment of a three-part series that showcases ways to heighten your summer experience in Evanston and all powered by local retail establishments who can provide you with everything you need. #buy-local.

4th Annual: Evanston Plein Air Festival

Evanston Made presents the 4th Annual Evanston Plein Air Festival: July 16 to 20. This citywide summer arts festival invites the community to plein air art events and competitions hosted in every neighborhood, accessible and free for all!

Watch competing artists paint in the Plein Air style, capturing Evanston’s beauty.

Click here to register to compete.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

July 16 - 19, Paint Outs. Paint Outs are “quick paint” competitions for competing plein air painters! Watch painters work during the painting time and join us for award ceremonies. Check back for details.

Friday, July 18 - Plein Air Festival Block Party. Hosted by the Main Dempster Mile, everyone is invited to meet the competing artists, view the Paint Out competition, shop the plein air art market, enjoy live music and delicious drinks and bites! Main Street, between Hinman and Chicago Avenues. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 20, Plein Air Festival Grand Finale. Join us for an afternoon of art, awards, a plein air cafe and an Outdoor Art Market where artists will sell their work “off the easel”. Rotary’s Café International will have delicious food and wine for sale, with outdoor seating to relax and enjoy the festival. Hosted by Evanston Made and Rotary International, this event is FREE to attend.

Hosted at Rotary International, Downtown Evanston, 1560 Sherman Ave., 12 to 4 p.m.

Image owned by Northwestern Sailing

Try a Thing: Northwestern Sailing Classes

Northwestern University Sailing Center offers sailing classes, windsurfing, paddle boarding, and spectacular views of Chicago. Open to everyone, Northwestern community and general public alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner, the Northwestern University Sailing Center caters to all levels. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, our experienced staff is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all. From lessons with knowledgeable instructors to high-performance sailboats, discover the thrill and relaxation of sailing and windsurfing this summer! For more info

Photo owned by Artem Pop Up Gallery

Try a Thing: Paint your own Trinket Dish & Candle Holder with Sarita Kamat

Unleash your creativity in this fun and relaxing workshop where you’ll learn to paint your own one-of-a-kind trinket dish and candle holder! Sarita will guide you through the process of designing and painting on on glass and porcelain using vibrant, non toxic glass paints.
Once the piece is complete, it needs to cure for 24 hours before being heat-set in a kitchen oven at 375°F for 60 minutes. This ensures your artwork becomes durable and ready for everyday use.
You’ll leave your painted pieces with us at the end of the session. They’ll be oven-fired and ready for pick-up after 48 hours. Prefer to have them shipped? We’re happy to mail your items for an additional shipping fee.

Saturday, July 12, 2025: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Artem, 1625 Sherman Ave.

No experience needed—just bring your imagination! Register here.

Try a thing: A Dance Class at DIME

Marcus Brown is the founder of DIME (Dance Is My Everything) in Evanston. He co-owns it with his fiancé Jordan Frye. DIME is a company that currently specializes in dancing for adults and students at all skill levels and abilities. Much more than your ordinary dance company they go above and beyond to teach life skills and to boost students' confidence, love and awareness of self and others. Their goal is to make a positive impact on the students their team comes across and help lead the next generation to a better and healthier future than the one we had.

DIME dance studio is a locally owned and located at 1904 Greenwood St. For more information

Try a thing: Take a Martial Arts Class

Tap into your inner warrior at Lakeshore Aikido Club. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Aikido is a form of martial art that strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, and nurtures a peaceful spirit. Within a safe and welcoming environment, the Center’s classes encourage you to develop practical skills for self-protection and conflict resolution in a smart, respectful, and non-violent way.

See below for local upcoming events! In addition, you can find the full calendar of summer events on the Enjoy Evanston website.

Enjoy: Events around town

Art & Wine, July 12, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Coffee and Cars, July 13, noon to 2 p.m.
Sunday Jazz on the Square, July 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Bastille Day Celebration La Tour, July 14, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Live Americana Music with Pierce Crask at Celtic Knot, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Not the Same Old Story: Retellings and Reimaginings(virtual) July 15, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Downtown Evanston Mural Tour by Art Encounters July 19 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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.

Info Session - Business Funding & Growth Resources

SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, Aug 5, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Join the Evanston Chamber of Commerce for this FREE, virtual informational session about funding opportunities, business support programs, workforce development and other resources available through Cook County and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

Many local businesses don't know about the funding programs and support opportunities available through the state of Illinois and Cook County, so this session shines light on valuable options business owners don't want to miss. Attendees will hear from several presenters about key services available for businesses that can advance your work today, and in the future. Register here

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.