Summertime in Evanston is here, and with it, there is no shortage of things to hear, do and see across the North Shore.
Here's a look at some of what's happening.
To Go:
Evanston was chosen as Illinois' best host city for the nationally organized walk, Opal's Walk for Freedom, in honor of Dr. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. The historic celebration will start with an opening ceremony at 9:30 and a step-off at 10:30 at Arrington Lagoon.Â
From there, Dione Sims will lead a two-and-a-half-mile journey along the lakefront, symbolizing the two-and-a-half years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the announcement of freedom.Â
The walk will conclude a community celebration at Arrington Lagoon. The celebration will include live music and cultural performances from GreenTTea & the Tempos and NAJWA Dance corps. Local food vendors, community partners, and businesses will be present with family-friendly activities and children's programming. Educational exhibits and historical displays will also be around the lagoon.
The AUX is celebrating its first anniversary with a sneaker soirée Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Grab your tickets for live music, a drum circle, DJ, food, raffle prizes and more. All ticket proceeds will support the AUX as they continue to grow the wellness hub.
“This first year has been a year of challenges, learning, and growth, and this is a celebration of all of those things,†Tiffini Holmes, one of The AUX codevelopers, said. “It took us five years to build and open, and so the fact that we have survived our first year and are trending in the right direction of growth is really exciting.â€Â
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The Rocky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate will take place on Sunday. The race offers 10K and 5K run/walk options, as well as a youth mile and a half-mile fun run. It will commence at 7:30 a.m. from Floyd Long Field.Â
After the race, Harley Clarke Mansion will welcome the runners and all community members to a Father's Day celebration on the mansion's lakefront lawn with live music, family activities, food and more.
The Race Against Hate was launched by Ricky Byrdsong's family and friends in 2000 to raise awareness and fundraise for the YWCA's racial equity and violence prevention programs.
To watch:
The Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre in Evanston has extended its run of the Broadway musical Damn Yankees to July 12. Tickets are available Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. at the Fred Anzevino Theatre.
Downtown Evanston is hosting Sunday Jazz at the Square every Sunday from 12 to 2 p.m. until July 26. Stop by the north plaza at Fountain Square to hear the next generation of local jazz talent.
To Listen:
The Winnetka Music Festival 2026 will take place this Friday and Saturday. While the two-day pass is sold out, you can still grab individual day tickets to see bands like Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Father John Misty.
Evanston SPACE has an array of musicians and genres to hear in just the next week. Tonight their doors open at 7 p.m. for acclaimed harpist and songwriter Mikaela Davis with Julianna Riolino.
On Saturday, the multi-Grammy Award-winning troubadour, Rodney Crowell, will take the stage. With tickets still available, the doors will open at 6:30 p.m.Â
Sunday, Alejandro Escovedo & The Electric Saints with Jeff Plankenhorn (J. Plank) are taking their country rock talents to SPACE at 7 p.m.
Meaza Joy with Irene Michaels and Hot 8 Brass Band will perform on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
To See:
“Excerpts of Imagination†by Louis De Guzman and “Unrestrained Ambiguity†by Denise Presnell are both on display at Evanston Art Center until June 21 along with the juried exhibition “Thinking through Tapestry†which celebrates works that utilize tapestry techniques which closes June 28.
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