Spring is within the air, which implies Evanston’s thrilling summer competition season is simply across the nook.
From May by means of October, the town is residence to greater than two dozen festivals, fairs, and different festivities for revelers of all ages. In addition to the tried and true, equivalent to Evanston ASPA’s Lantern Festival, Art & Big Fork Festival, and ‘Kits, ‘Cats & Kids Block Party, there are a variety of new additions to the calendar this 12 months.
Grab an ice chilly lemonade and prepare for summer within the metropolis!
Noyes Street Fest, July 21-28. This inaugural competition will happen at Tallmadge Park, simply exterior of Noyes Cultural Art Center at 927 Noyes St. Guests can anticipate household-pleasant actions equivalent to face portray, stay leisure and interactive video games, in addition to native meals and drinks. Organized by Tiffany Fortin, bar supervisor at Stacked & Folded, the free occasion goals to showcase the generally-neglected space within the coronary heart of Evanston. “We wanted to bring the community together and showcase how beautiful the neighborhood around Noyes (Street) is. There will be something for everyone, with a large section for the kids, performances by Chicago Ballet Arts, local artist vendors and live music throughout the day,” Fortin mentioned in a telephone name. Stay updated with Fortin’s not too long ago launched podcast concerning the competition.
Out of Space, July 26-28. While not precisely new, the favored music competition produced by Evanston’s Space strikes this 12 months to North Field at Illinois Science & Technology Park in Skokie. The lengthy weekend options headliners Courtney Barnett, Thee Sacred Souls, Guster, and St. Paul & The Broken Bones, in addition to performances by Bob Mould, The Lone Bellow, Devon Gilfillian and Jeremie Albino. The new location is well accessible for walkers and bikers on the Skokie Valley Trail, is steps from the CTA Yellow Line, and affords a sprawling garden for concertgoers. “In the six years since we launched Out of Space, we’ve been delighted to see the enthusiasm our neighbors have to enjoy acclaimed artists outdoors in the summertime, with picnics, friends, top notch food and beverage offerings, in a setting with a very mellow, family-friendly, and enjoyable vibe. We’ve had our eyes on this unique location for several years, and can’t wait to see how Out of Space continues to evolve in Skokie,” mentioned Jake Samuels, government director of Space Presents, in a press launch.
Evanston Folk Festival, Sept. 7-8. The staff at Space can also be launching Evanston Folk Festival this summer, going down in scenic Dawes Park. Samuels mentioned that EFF goals to be a celebration of the wealthy folks music custom that has robust roots within the Evanston group. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to bring an event like this to our beloved hometown. What could be better than gathering incredible musicians and songwriting luminaries with Lake Michigan in the background?” Samuels shared in a press launch. Over two days, three music levels will host 30 artists, together with Sierra Ferrell, Patty Griffin, Hiss Golden Messenger, Sarah Jarosz and Madi Diaz, in addition to native favorites Nora O’Connor and The Sullivan Sisters. The weekend additionally options an In-Conversation Tent for panel discussions, audio system and interviews with thought leaders and visionaries together with Jeff Tweedy, Ann Powers and Greg Kot. Like most Space occasions, friends can even anticipate household programming, an array of native meals and beverage distributors, and after exhibits each nights. Tickets go on sale May 3, and folks can discover up-to-date info on Space’s website.
Rotary Main Street Fallfest, Oct. 20. With Main Street present process severe renovation this summer, this household-pleasant competition will probably be a chance to have fun the neighborhood’s new look. Sponsored by Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club, the afternoon will supply carnival rides for the children, a number of stay music acts, and loads of native meals and drink. Planning committee member Dan Coyne mentioned the group’s purpose is to carry the group collectively to help the world on the Main Dempster Mile. “This is a chance to get together outside one more time before the winter hits. We are partnering with Evanston Latinos and local churches to showcase gospel and Latino music, as well as a folk-inspired headliner. There will be wagon rides, family-friendly activities, and a variety of food options, including an offering from the Evanston Latino’s new community kitchen,” Coyne mentioned in a telephone name. The occasion is free to the general public.
Custer Fair, June 23, 2025. OK, this isn’t taking place till subsequent summer, however the return of Custer Fair will probably be definitely worth the wait. Since its inception in 1972, the long-lasting South Evanston competition was a Father’s Day weekend custom for your entire group. Political controversy, tensions over rising charges and different points precipitated the honest to stop in 2020, however a devoted group of Evanston residents and enterprise homeowners is bringing it again subsequent 12 months. While nonetheless within the early planning levels, Coyne mentioned that friends can look ahead to a plethora of distributors, artists, performances and in fact meals. “This newly envisioned Custer Street Fair will stay true to many favorite memories, while supporting the local community as much as possible,” Coyne mentioned in a telephone name. Stay tuned!