The best things to do in Evanston

23 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Evanston’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Bakeries & Sweets · Nightlife · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Parks & Outdoors · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Arts & Culture · Health & Wellness · Home & Garden · Cafes · Sporting Goods · Pets

Pinned in Evanston today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Evanston — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Entertainment · 23 places · showing the latest additions first

Ridge Country Club is one of the only private country clubs in the city, bringing classic Beverly charm with a well-maintained course,…

10522 S California Ave (Chicago)

Ridge Country Club is one of the only private country clubs in the city, bringing classic Beverly charm with a well-maintained course, relaxed dining, and social spots. If you're weighing membership or planning a banquet-worthy event, the family-friendly vibe and scenic greens make it an easy yes. Check it out.

From the Chicago newsletter, September 17, 2026

Website ↗

Round up your crew for brainy, private adventures at Lock Chicago Escape Rooms - Evanston, the North Shore’s original escape room since…

2510 Green Bay Rd

Round up your crew for brainy, private adventures at Lock Chicago Escape Rooms - Evanston, the North Shore’s original escape room since 2015. Choose from rescuing a kidnapped silverback, sneaking through a thieves’ lair, or rebooting a jungle-overgrown space station...

From the Evanston newsletter, September 15, 2026

Website ↗

Whether you’re chasing a quick after work loop or dialing in your irons on grass, Marquette Park Golf Course delivers a scenic, par 36, 9…

6700 S Kedzie Ave (Chicago)

Whether you’re chasing a quick after work loop or dialing in your irons on grass, Marquette Park Golf Course delivers a scenic, par 36, 9 hole test with spacious fairways, strategic water, and a full size grass driving range and practice center. Join league play, groove a swing, let Southwest Side vibes do the rest.

From the Chicago newsletter, August 4, 2026

Website ↗

With lake views, covered heated mats, two slick synthetic putting greens, and a newly refreshed 18-hole mini course full of playful…

141 W Diversey Pkwy (Chicago)

With lake views, covered heated mats, two slick synthetic putting greens, and a newly refreshed 18-hole mini course full of playful hazards, Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf is perfect for an after-work bucket this week or a casual putt-off with friends. Lessons are there if you want a tune-up.

From the Chicago newsletter, August 7, 2026

Website ↗
Run a Evanston business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Skokie Sports Park

Entertainment

Skokie Sports Park is a fun weeknight reset for Evanston folks. It’s one of the top 50 golf ranges in America with TrackMan, grass tees and…

3459 Oakton St (Skokie)

Skokie Sports Park is a fun weeknight reset for Evanston folks. It’s one of the top 50 golf ranges in America with TrackMan, grass tees and an automatic tee-up system, plus 27 holes of adventure mini-golf, batting cages, and The Bunker indoor simulator to keep your swing sharp when the lake breeze wins.

From the Evanston newsletter, August 20, 2026

Website ↗

This vintage postcard-inspired mural near the elevated tracks incorporates iconic local images.

2226 N Milwaukee Ave (Chicago)

This vintage postcard-inspired mural near the elevated tracks incorporates iconic local images.

Website ↗

Evanston Golf Club

Entertainment

Established in 1898 and shaped by Donald Ross, Evanston Golf Club pairs a classic course with a lively social scene, from holiday…

4401 Dempster St (Skokie)

Established in 1898 and shaped by Donald Ross, Evanston Golf Club pairs a classic course with a lively social scene, from holiday traditions to pool days and racquets programs. Thinking membership or planning an event this week? This is where North Shore friendships and great shots happen.

From the North Shore newsletter, August 17, 2026

Website ↗

Edgebrook Golf Course winds through Chicago’s forest preserves along the Chicago River, a short 18-hole track with mature trees and low-key…

6100 N Central Ave (Chicago)

Edgebrook Golf Course winds through Chicago’s forest preserves along the Chicago River, a short 18-hole track with mature trees and low-key vibes that make quick rounds feel like mini getaways for your swing. Perfect when you want neighborhood golf without sacrificing your Saturday.

From the Chicago newsletter, September 23, 2026

Website ↗

Harborside International Golf Center packs the Port and Starboard 18-hole courses plus an award-winning practice facility, so you can chase…

11001 S Doty Ave (Chicago)

Harborside International Golf Center packs the Port and Starboard 18-hole courses plus an award-winning practice facility, so you can chase birdies or just fix that fade. Chicago’s home for golf since 1995, with The Pier at Harborside to debrief after, and Starboard on Golfweek’s 2025 Best list.

From the Hammond newsletter, August 18, 2026

Website ↗

South Shore Golf Course recently reopened after a bunker refresh, and those shoreline views still deliver major calm. Perfect for a quick,…

7059 S South Shore Dr (Chicago)

South Shore Golf Course recently reopened after a bunker refresh, and those shoreline views still deliver major calm. Perfect for a quick, low-stress round that feels like a mini escape from Gary traffic, plus they host events when you want golf energy without the swing.

From the Gary newsletter, August 14, 2026

Website ↗

Welsh Ryan Arena

Entertainment

Whether you want a loud college-hoops vibe or just an excuse to cheer with neighbors, Welsh Ryan Arena brings Northwestern basketball and…

2705 Ashland Ave

Whether you want a loud college-hoops vibe or just an excuse to cheer with neighbors, Welsh Ryan Arena brings Northwestern basketball and other campus athletics to life right in our backyard. Pick a game, throw on your school colors, and let a midweek tipoff instantly upgrade your evening.

From the Evanston newsletter, September 6, 2026

Website ↗

The 606

Entertainment

Set above the streets, The 606 centers on the elevated Bloomingdale Trail linking four neighborhood parks and art installations, turning…

1805 N Ridgeway Ave (Chicago)

Set above the streets, The 606 centers on the elevated Bloomingdale Trail linking four neighborhood parks and art installations, turning runs, rides, and strolls into a mini urban adventure. If this week needs fresh air and perspective, this is your no-fuss reset.

From the Chicago newsletter, August 26, 2026

Website ↗

Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

2828 N Clark St (Chicago)

Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

Website ↗

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

1711 Maple Ave

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

Website ↗

If your Crystal Lake routine needs a shake-up, Jackson Park Golf Course delivers a historic, fully renovated 18 holes with mature trees…

6401 S Richards Dr (Chicago)

If your Crystal Lake routine needs a shake-up, Jackson Park Golf Course delivers a historic, fully renovated 18 holes with mature trees guarding fairways, a lakefront breeze, a driving range to tune up, and lessons when the slice gets sassy. Feels classic, plays legit.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 6, 2026

Website ↗

Work on that draw without leaving the city at Indian Boundary Golf Course, an 18-hole championship track woven through Schiller Woods with…

8600 W Forest Preserve Ave (Chicago)

Work on that draw without leaving the city at Indian Boundary Golf Course, an 18-hole championship track woven through Schiller Woods with surprising quiet and wildlife. Sneak in a quick nine, join a league, or book a lesson and actually stick that new grip this week.

From the Chicago newsletter, August 15, 2026

Website ↗

Short on time but want real golf? The Evans at Canal Shores is a 3,600-yard, par-60, not-for-profit gem that zigzags through trees, trains,…

1030 Central St

Short on time but want real golf? The Evans at Canal Shores is a 3,600-yard, par-60, not-for-profit gem that zigzags through trees, trains, and glimpses of the Bahá’í House of Worship, with community-first vibes and youth caddie programs that make every round feel like you did something good.

From the Evanston newsletter, September 11, 2026

Website ↗

The Logan Theatre

Entertainment

Built in 1915 with vintage charm and a full bar, The Logan Theatre is a perfect this-week pick with late-night screenings, movie trivia,…

2646 N Milwaukee Ave (Chicago)

Built in 1915 with vintage charm and a full bar, The Logan Theatre is a perfect this-week pick with late-night screenings, movie trivia, and open mic comedy. Grab a cocktail, soak up the old-school ambiance, and remember why going to the movies still hits different.

From the Chicago newsletter, August 12, 2026

Website ↗

Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course is a public, scenic 9-hole track right along Lake Michigan, perfect when you want real views and a quick…

3701 N Recreation Dr (Chicago)

Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course is a public, scenic 9-hole track right along Lake Michigan, perfect when you want real views and a quick loop. Open year-round, weather permitting, with rental carts and gear, plus leagues and lessons if you’re trying to tighten up that mid-iron tempo.

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 2, 2026

Website ↗

City Mini Golf

Entertainment

City Mini Golf sits in Maggie Daley Park and leans into Chicago flair with new themed obstacles added almost every season, including a…

337 E Randolph St (Chicago)

City Mini Golf sits in Maggie Daley Park and leans into Chicago flair with new themed obstacles added almost every season, including a Portillo's hot dog finish on 18. A low-stress hang when you want a killer backdrop and a little friendly trash talk with friends.

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 10, 2026

Website ↗

Cteen Mural

Entertainment

Painted by Skokie teens with pop artist Yitzchok Moully, the Cteen Mural splashes neon color and Hebrew letters from an open book that…

4043 Dempster St (Skokie) · ✓ checked Aug 28

Painted by Skokie teens with pop artist Yitzchok Moully, the Cteen Mural splashes neon color and Hebrew letters from an open book that practically jumps off the wall. Quick hit of joy, thoughtful meaning, and a reminder that local art can spark big conversations.

From the North Shore newsletter, September 1, 2026

Website ↗

Evanston’s own Grosse Point Lighthouse offers seasonal guided climbs up 141 spiral steps to the lantern, delivering fresh Lake Michigan air…

2601 Sheridan Rd

Evanston’s own Grosse Point Lighthouse offers seasonal guided climbs up 141 spiral steps to the lantern, delivering fresh Lake Michigan air and sweeping views. It’s a National Historic Landmark with wildflower and butterfly gardens, ideal for a quick reset when you need vacation vibes close to home.

From the Evanston newsletter, August 28, 2026

Website ↗

Keep it local this week at Columbus Park Golf Course, a links style par 35 on the near West Side with wide open fairways, receptive greens,…

5701 W Jackson Blvd (Chicago)

Keep it local this week at Columbus Park Golf Course, a links style par 35 on the near West Side with wide open fairways, receptive greens, and a chill pace that suits both rusty swings and brag ready birdies. Expect a fun mix of par 3s to par 5s without the scene.

From the Chicago newsletter, August 20, 2026

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →