Downtown Evanston hosts several events throughout the year to bring people together in our beautiful downtown. Most of these events take place at Fountain Square, which is a City of Evanston park. Downtown Evanston produces and organizes events that the Board of Directors decides are beneficial to our goal of creating a fun and exciting place for residents and visitors. Downtown Evanston are not silent partners or event planners for any other organization.
If a business, organization or other entity is interested in hosting an event at Fountain Square or one that would require street closures, please reach out to the City of Evanston Parks & Recreation to apply for a special event permit.
Click here to learn more about the process.
Contact Laura Brown at
lbrown@downtownevanston.org or 847-866-6319 if you have any questions.
2023 EVENTS
Flower Power | April 22-May 8
Floral themed window decorating contest, spring shopping and dining promotions, Sip 'N Stroll on May 7, and floral installation at Fountain Square.
View details.Thursday Night Markets | June to September Outdoor market at Fountain Square for retail shops, artists, makers on June 1, July 6, August 3 and September 7 from 4-8pm. There will also be music, craft beer and other food vendors.
Sidewalk Sale & Chalk Art Contest | July 21-23Businesses move sale items to the sidewalk for the weekend! All businesses invited to participate in the Chalk Art contest where they work with an artist or family to decorate the sidewalk in front of their business.
Evanston en Blanc | September 16Downtown Evanston and Black Women of Evanston are hosting the first-ever Evanston en Blanc, a BYO dinner and decor event at Fountain Square.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Stroll | October 28Businesses offer candy or another treat to trick-or-treaters.
Small Business Saturday |
Saturday, November 25Shopping and dining deals offered throughout downtown Evanston. Downtown Evanston organizes a Shopping Passport Program with giveaways for shoppers that spend a certain amount.
Warm Bevvy Walk | Thursday, December 14 Enjoy warm beverages as you stroll throughout downtown stopping at local businesses to shop for holiday gifts!
Holiday Tree Lighting | Saturday, December 2Annual lighting of the holiday tree at Fountain Square with Mayor Biss, Santa and Mrs. Claus and special performers.