Friday, January 9, 2026   |   View in browser  

News and Updates 

2026 is here! Some of us are already sprinting toward our New Year’s resolutions… and some of us are still trying to stay warm.

Here in Economic Development, we have one big resolution for the year ahead: Help you enjoy Evanston more!

We got resolutions too! In 2026, we’re committing to being a better SNIFFER  (you know… sniffing out all the good stuff happening around town), including:

• Showcasing arts & culture happenings across the city.
• Creating and sharing more ways to shop locally.
• Highlighting city life and neighborhood gems.
• Spotlighting food & drink spots.
• Amplifying music and live performances happening across the city.
• Sharing places to move, sweat, play, and stay active.

Whether you’re a longtime Evanstonian or just discovering Evanston, we’re here to help you explore, experience, and fall in love with the city all over again.

 Ditch Your Kitchen Table!

Coworking Spaces in Evanston

Over the past six years, the way we work has shifted dramatically with the rise of the gig economy and aftermath of the pandemic. This evolution has fueled new productivity models that prioritize work life balance, sparking startup innovation, and birthing entrepreneurial ventures.

Evanston is home to a range of dynamic coworking spaces designed to help ideas grow and businesses thrive. If you’re ready to ditch the kitchen table and work alongside a creative community, check out these local spots:

• Regus

• CoLab Evanston

• Enclave Central

• Office 805

• Creative Coworking

• Industrious

Creative Coworking Celebrates 15 Years!

Credit: Carrie Jackson

Angela Valavanis, founder of Creative Coworking , located in downtown Evanston is celebrating 15 years in our downtown!

They are celebrating 15 years  and we are so happy that they play an integral role in the Evanston art ecosystem. This weekend, they will host a Gallery Night featuring David Bender & Robyn McMurray Hurtig

When: Jan 10, 3pm - 6pm

Where: Creative Coworking | 922 Davis St.

Experience a variety of fine art by 30+ local artists, enjoy a glass of wine, meet the artists, and enjoy a Q&A session.

Elevate your evening with art, wine, and discussion! 

Arts & Culture Corner

Exhibitions

image owned by Eli Williams

The Evanston Art Center (EAC) is excited to welcome the public to their upcoming exhibition by Eli Williamson, Fellowship.

In Fellowship, South Side Chicago native and photo essayist Williamson visually explores the sacred spaces where Black men and boys learn, grow, and heal in each other’s presence. Through imagery, the exhibition asks: Where are the rituals that teach manhood? Fellowship is an installment of Williamson's ongoing series, The Four Virtues, a four-part monograph that cements the virtue of Black men and boys through images and writing.

Dr. Eli Williamson is a South Side Chicago native, organizational executive, and photo essayist whose work sits at the intersection
of service, storytelling, and community. He co-founded Leave No Veteran Behind, an Illinois-based nonprofit that builds real opportunities for veterans through education, workforce development, and community support.

When: Opening Reception: Sun, Feb 1, 2026, 1–4 pm

           Exhibit from Jan 24 - Mar 1, 2026.

Where: Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St.

 A Legacy in Miniature: Rotary’s Fight to End Polio

To honor Rotary’s decades-long commitment to eradicating polio, miniature artists from around the world were invited to recreate powerful moments from this historic global effort.

The pieces are currently on display at One Rotary Center, and the public is invited to view the art and learn more about the fight to end polio worldwide.

When: now through through Jan 14, 2026 | Mon-Fri| 9am-5pm

Where: 1560 Sherman, Lobby

MLK Commemoration Keynote 2026

Northwestern image

The MLK Commemoration 2026 Keynote will feature a panel of experts comprised of Northwestern faculty and community leaders.

The panel will be moderated by Sylvester Johnson (Chair and Professor of Black Studies, Northwestern University), in conversation with Leslie Harris (Professor of History, Northwestern University), Kate Masur (John D. MacArthur Professor of History, Northwestern University), Morris “Dino” Robinson (Production Manager, Northwestern Press and Founder, Shorefront Legacy Center), and Laurice Bell (Executive Director, Shorefront Legacy Center).

The Keynote will break down the concept, practice and possibilities of “Beloved Community” and be live-streamed from the Evanston Campus to Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

When: January 20, 2026 at 5:00pm CST, with a reception to follow

Where: Mary B Galvin Recital Hall,
70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208

Event is free and open to the public! 

Live Music

Amythyst Kiah

Are you up for a musical adventure?

We encourage you to check out Amythyst Kiah at Evanston SPACE!

Amythyst has made waves disrupting the Blues genre by adding her fingerprint on the Blues canon.

In her words, " With all of my music, I’d love to leave people with the feeling that it’s okay to go off the beaten path and to structure your life in a way that feels right to you,”

When: Sat, Jan 10 | Doors open at 7PM

Get your tickets here

Speed Networking

Start the new year by building meaningful connections and expanding your professional network at Speed Networking, hosted by the Evanston Chamber of Commerce.

This fast-paced, structured networking event is designed to help you meet a wide range of professionals in a comfortable, efficient format. In just one afternoon, you’ll rotate through multiple rounds of introductions, share your elevator pitch, exchange business cards, and spark new business opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to grow your client base, strengthen community connections, or simply meet more Evanston-area professionals, this event is the perfect way to start 2026 engaged, energized, and connected.

When: Thurs, Jan 22 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Where:  Location: Evanston Corner Bistro | 703 Church Street, 

Bring:

• Your elevator pitch
• Plenty of business cards
• A positive, high-energy attitude

Registration includes lunch and refreshments

Register 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.

What do YOU enjoy about Evanston?

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