 
Friday, November 14, 2025 | View in browser
Winter made its dramatic arrival with such flair that it had many us scrabbling to find our winter gear and snow boots. While you might not be ready for it, there is still so much to see and do to Enjoy Evanston!
In fact, it's time to warm-up with soups from the plethora of cozy eating spots that dot our city and to check out all the Arts and Culture that's thriving in Evanston to stave off impulses to hibernate. Here's what we have for you!
Mayor's Annual Bright Night Awards
Join us for the celebration!
Evanston Arts Council presents A Bright Night for the Arts which recognizes and honors artists or arts organizations who have made significant contributions to the arts in Evanston. The awards were established in 1979 by former Mayor Jay Lytle.
Come out for an evening of creativity and community as Mayor Biss announces this year’s 2025 awardees. Enjoy live performances and presentations, connect with fellow creatives, and spark new collaborations that keep Evanston’s arts community shining bright.
Evanston’s arts scene is in the midst of a major glow-up—and we invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible artists and arts organizations who make it all happen.
When: Wednesday, November 19 at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.
RSVP here
For more information about the Mayor's Award for the Arts and the Evanston Arts Council, email artscouncil@cityofevanston.org. For general information, call/text 847-448-4311 or simply dial 311 in Evanston.
Evanston Soups Spots: Let's Get Warm & Cozy
Pozole Amarillo Soup courtesy of La Principal
Celebrating Soups and Warming Our Bones
As the temperature drops, we all long for a mouth-watering bowl of steamy hot soup to warm-up our insides. We did all the work in scouting locales across Evanston to get you a dose of joy in a bowl.
Founded in Evanston, Illinois, in 1999, Heartwood Center opened its doors in downtown Evanston with a community of twelve healing professionals. Since then, our center has grown into a new location with more than twice the space and more than forty practitioners and teachers. We offer a wide array of therapies and classes to provide a truly integrative approach to health.
ARTS & CULTURE CORNER
Theatre: Strange Fruit
By E. Patrick Johnson
Performed by Jamar Jones
Directed by Joseph Megel
Originally written and performed in 1999 by Northwestern School of Communication Dean E. Patrick Johnson, this autobiographical work unfolds in eight movements, tracing Johnson’s journey as a queer Black man coming of age in the American South.
Approximate run time: 90 minutes, no intermission
Suggested ages: Intended for Mature Audiences
When: November 19-21, 2025 | 7:30 pm
Where: Wirtz Theater (Room 203)
Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for Performing and Media Arts, Chicago Campus
Abbott Hall
710 N. Lake Shore Drive
Tickets here
artwork by Julie Cowan
Evanston Printmakers brings together artists dedicated to the craft of printmaking in Evanston. “Visit Evanston” is a project that invited artists to create posters centered on the theme, “VISIT EVANSTON.” These are on view in the new City Hall building lobby.
Drawing inspiration from Evanston’s unique environment, architecture, community narratives, and history, each artist created a hand-printed poster that contributes to the city’s ongoing cultural dialogue.
The nine artists featured are Beth Adler, Ben Blount, Melissa Blount, Julie Cowan, Chris Froeter, Socorro Mucino, Leslie Riley and Joseph Taylor.
Opening event : Friday, November 14, 2025
When: 5pm - 7pm
Where: 909 Davis, building lobby
This project was funded by the Evanston Arts Council Special Grant
For more information
Flip the Script: The Young Choreographers Project
It’s a switch up! The dancers of The Evanston Dance Ensemble have stepped into the role of choreographer in our biennial production of The Young Choreographers Project. The next generation of dance makers is taking the stage and we’re thinking Who’s in charge here!?
Artistic Director Enid Smith and Assistant to the Director Macala Bartucci welcome guest artists Zach Bird and Joey Castillo who are rounding out our team as we celebrate these young creative voices.
When:
- November 15: Program A—4:00 pm Program B—7:00 pm
- November 16: Program B—4:00 pm Program A—7:00 pm
Where: Studio5 Performing Arts Center, 1934 Dempster
* LIMITED number of tickets at the door
Happy 140th Birthday, McGaw YMCA!
Gather in the Chinnock Lounge on November 17 from 5-7PM with President & CEO Monique Parsons for an evening of history, community, and connection.
Shorefront Legacy Center Founder Morris (Dino) Robinson will discuss the newly revised second edition of Gatherings: The History and Activities of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA. This comprehensive work traces the Emerson Street Y’s history, from its founding and enduring legacy to the circumstances that led to its closure and demolition, and the ongoing journey toward community healing. A book signing will take place immediately after.
Enjoy birthday cake and YMCA swag (while supplies last), sign a giant birthday card, and celebrate this milestone moment with us.
When: November 17 | 5pm-7pm
Where: McGaw YMCA Chinnock Lounge, 1000 Grove Street
This event is free and open to the public!
Email: give@mcgawyma.org
You’re invited to Evanston Made’s Evanston Made Member Mixer Hosted at Curt's Cafe.
Beverages, light bites are provided and a curator’s tour of Evanston Made’s premier exhibit at Curt's Cafe featuring art by Cie Bond, Fran Joy, Liz O’Connor-Bolich and Ren Picco-Freeman. Click here to see and shop for the exhibit online.
Not a member of Evanston Made? Click here to learn more about membership benefits with Evanston Made. If you're curious, come to the mixer and learn more about our mission to connect artists to new patrons and art friends.
Basic Money Management For All: A Free YWCA Financial Wellness Workshop
Money management isn’t always about having more—it’s about making the most of what you have. YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s free Basic Money Management workshops provide the tools and knowledge to help you feel more in control of your financial future.
We know that talking about money can feel overwhelming, intimidating, or even bring up past financial trauma. This is a judgment-free zone where our trained staff understands the emotional side of money and are here to support you with empathy and practical solutions.
✔ Free financial guidance—no judgment, no pressure
✔ Practical tips you can use right away
✔ Light refreshments & a raffle for gift cards!
Free | Register here
Join the Evanston Chamber of Commerce at Curt's Café for a networking event designed specifically for the nonprofit community.
At the event, you’ll get to share your mission, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections with others who are making a difference in Evanston.
Plus, enjoy delicious pastries from Curt's Café while growing your network with fellow nonprofit professionals.
At the Event:
- 8:30–8:45 AM | Arrival & light bites
- 8:45–9:15 AM | Elevator pitches from all attendees
- 9:15–10:00 AM | Open networking with potential partners, clients & customers
Bring your business cards, your passion, and your appetite—let’s network, inspire, and grow together!
Register required here.
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.
 See below for local upcoming events! In addition, you can find the full calendar of summer events on the Enjoy Evanston website.
Enjoy other Events around town
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The Baldwin | Giovanni Experience - Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, 7:00pm Saturday and 3:00pm Sunday
- Indoor Farmers' Market, Evanston Ecology Center, 8:00am - 12:00pm
- Eydís Evensen at SPACE, Tues, November 18, 2025 , 7:30pm
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Dyani White Hawk and Caroline Kent in Conversation, Block Museum, Wednesday, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
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Annual Post 42 American Legion Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, Sat, Nov 15, 2025 , 7:00am-12:00pm
 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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