Events in Evanston, IL

This group ride covers about 42 miles over roughly two and a half hours, with three pace options so riders can match their comfort level. Group A rolls at 25 mph or faster and is a drop ride. Group B targets 20 mph or faster, and Group C maintains 17 mph or faster. The ride sets off from Miami Woods. Cyclists of many backgrounds take part, and a route is provided.

Donate blood at a community drive coordinated with the American Red Cross. Hospitals and patients rely on ongoing donations, and a single appointment that usually takes less than an hour can help save lives close to home and beyond. Those who meet donor eligibility are welcome, and every blood type is needed. The donation site is next to Nordstrom.

Deep Blue Something takes the stage with 90s-inspired alternative rock, highlighting favorites such as Breakfast at Tiffany's. The set leans into nostalgia and upbeat energy, offering a spirited concert experience.

Young performers ages 3 to 12 can dive into an imaginative summer theatre camp that celebrates friendship, self-confidence, and finding a unique voice. Inspired by the world of Wicked, campers will learn and perform songs from the show while building creativity through storytelling, music, movement, games, and dramatic play. The program emphasizes collaboration and stage presence, and it welcomes beginners as well as those with experience. Each session offers morning, afternoon, and full-day options and concludes with a mini showcase for family and friends at City Kid Theatre.

Enjoy casual Commander games at Gamers World Old Orchard, organized in pods of three or four. There is no entry fee. Promo packs will be available once they arrive. Sign up on the WPN network for check in.

Guitarra Azul returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden with an intimate concert featuring the full band in the garden’s natural setting. As part of the GA Summer Tour, the group will premiere the new album Desert Highway. Last year’s concert drew more than 1,100 attendees.

Mark Hummel brings his Chicago Blues Blowout to Evanston SPACE, teaming with featured guests Billy Flynn and Oscar Wilson for a celebration of powerhouse harmonica and classic blues. A Grammy-nominated harmonica player as well as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, author and impresario, Hummel has appeared on more than thirty recordings since 1985. His Blind Pig Records project Remembering Little Walter, captured during one of his Blues Harp Blowouts, earned a Grammy nomination and won two Blues Music Awards. His 2018 Electro-Fi release Harpbreaker is an all-instrumental set that showcases the expressive range of the harmonica, and his memoir Big Road Blues: 12 Bars on I-80 shares stories from life on the road. His work has drawn praise from outlets including the New Yorker and the Chicago Sun-Times. Billy Flynn, the Grammy-winning guitarist heard on Cadillac Records and on Beyoncé’s version of At Last, brings deep credentials, with credits on more than 200 blues recordings and collaborations with artists such as Kim Wilson, the Cash Box Kings, the Legendary Blues Band, Pinetop Perkins, Jimmy Dawkins, Otis Rush, Jimmy Rogers, Keith Richards, James Cotton and Eric Clapton. He is also a Delmark Records artist and a versatile multi-instrumentalist. The lineup further features Brazilian bassist Rodrigo Mantovani, a four-time BMA nominee now based in Chicago and noted for upright blues, and Chicago drummer Patrick Seals, recognized for work with Curtis Salgado, Nick Moss and others.

ERIK’S offers a fast paced group ride in Skokie for cyclists comfortable averaging around 20 to 21 mph. Riders should bring a bike and a helmet. The plan is to hold Tuesday morning outings during the months of April through September, weather permitting.

Back-to-school season brings a hands-on session with the Pennies Kids Club, where children create a thoughtful gift to thank their new teacher. Participants are asked to reserve spots for both adults and children. A small donation per participant helps Pennies support families in need in the community and covers craft materials, and additional contributions further the club’s philanthropic efforts around Park Ridge. This is not a drop-off program. A parent or guardian must remain on site and assist children so they stay focused and treat the shared space with care.

Enjoy a spirited concert that blends favorite rock anthems with recognizable classical themes. Inventive mashups weave in Bach with nods to Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin, delivering a fresh twist on music you know. Expect energetic arrangements that make familiar tunes feel brand new. Pack a lawn chair and bug spray for comfort.

At Harp & Fiddle, Tarik Shahzad shares the story of his back-to-back Cook County Big Year birding quests from 2024 and 2025, when he aimed to spot as many species as possible within each year. He offers practical tips for getting into birding, highlights the region’s varied natural areas, discusses the significant decline in local bird populations, and explores ways to safeguard birds for future generations. Drawing on his work with The Nature Conservancy in Illinois on government relations, he connects field experiences with potential policy and advocacy approaches to address biodiversity loss. Attendees can bring a friend and meet new people, and Green Drinks welcomes everyone.

Put your knowledge to the test with Sporcle Live Trivia. Participate on your own or team up with others to compete against fellow teams for a Village Inn Gift Certificate. A Half Price Pizza Deal is available.

Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle bring a Cincinnati-rooted sound that balances tradition with a modern edge. Drawing from folk, old-time, early country, and bluegrass, they fold in psych rock influences and high-energy showmanship to create a live experience that recalls old tent revivals and invites quiet moments of reflection on the human condition. Strong lead vocals from drummer Casey Campbell and guitarist Matt Wabs Wabnitz carry stories across lilting harmonies and bold counter-melodies. Multi-instrumentalists Scott Risner and Bill Baldock move between banjo, fiddle, and electric guitar, guiding a set that resists simple genre labels. With added voices and layers, the group sometimes expands to a six-piece, and the interplay of instruments and four-part harmonies keeps the performance full of momentum and surprise.

Each Wednesday brings fresh bargains during a rotating weekly sale at Marketplace On Oakton in Skokie. Prices shift and the selection changes, so there is always something new to explore, from premium halal meats and fresh seafood to crisp produce, deli staples, and international groceries. The offerings are entirely halal, kept fresh every day, and the setting is welcoming for families.

Mark Old Orchard Mall’s 70th year with a guided walk that looks back at the shopping center’s past and the wider story of how malls have influenced American life. Along the way, hear about the roles of the Edens Expressway, Skokie’s Fun Fair amusement park, and Niles North High School in shaping local history. The route is about a mile at a relaxed pace with frequent pauses to view building exteriors. Seating is available at many stops, though not everywhere. Recommended for ages 12 and up. The fee is $25 per person, and children younger than 12 are free with a paid adult. Meet outside the west entrance to Macy’s at Old Orchard Mall, with parking available in the green garage. Advance registration is available, and walk-ins are accepted as space allows. The walk proceeds in light rain. In more severe weather, an indoor version may be offered at the Skokie Heritage Museum or the tour may be rescheduled.

Compete in a Yu-Gi-Oh! Advanced Format event at Gamers World Old Orchard. Entry is $5. The current ban and restricted lists apply. Each participant receives a current OTS Pack upon seating, with additional OTS Packs awarded as prizes.

The Ryan Cohan Quartet appears at Evanston SPACE with a performance led by the pianist and composer known for uniting writing and improvisation at a high level. Praised by the Chicago Tribune for inventive, virtuosic artistry, Cohan has built a catalog that spans solo piano pieces to orchestral works. His recordings of original music include One Sky, Another Look, and The River, along with the large-ensemble album Originations on Origin Records, which blends Middle Eastern and other global influences with classical elements and improvisation and earned a DownBeat Editors Pick as well as recognition on the Chicago Tribune list of Best Jazz Recordings of 2020. His most recent project, Prism, debuted at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival in 2025. Cohan has toured internationally as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. Department of State in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center, collaborating with musicians across Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. His performance history includes work with Freddie Hubbard, Randy Brecker, Joe Locke, Kurt Elling, Andy Narell, Paquito D’Rivera, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Orbert Davis’s Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. He was a close collaborator of Ramsey Lewis for more than seven years, contributing over twenty compositions and arrangements and writing the theme for the television series The Legends of Jazz. Additional credits include orchestral writing for Joe Locke’s Wish Upon a Star and commissions for the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. Honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship and the George Duke Commissioning Prize from the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra, along with awards and grants from Chamber Music America, New Music USA, the Sundance Institute, the Aaron Copland Fund, and the Illinois Arts Council. As an educator, he has held residencies and faculty roles at institutions such as the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Skidmore Jazz Institute and continues to mentor students in the United States and abroad.

Downtown Summer Sounds brings The Windy City Ramblers to Evanston's Fountain Square for a free, family-friendly concert that blends New Orleans spirit with Chicago musical heritage. Expect soulful grooves, creative energy, and a community-focused live music experience. The event is presented in partnership with the Evanston Divine 9, with tents sharing information about the work of these historically Black fraternities and sororities. Free children's art activities will be offered by the Ridgeville Park District.

This locals event for the One Piece Trading Card Game at Gamers World Old Orchard features constructed format play. The entry fee is $10, and registration is managed through the Bandai app.

A debut show arrives at Double-Clutch Brewing Company, marking the first performance at this venue.

One of These Nights brings the signature sound of the Eagles to the Norridge 250th USA Celebration. The free show features favorite songs, lush harmonies, and a summer night of live music for the whole community.

Real-time trivia meets lively competition, with delicious food, refreshing beverages, and good company.

Kona Ice will be coming to Station Park in Winnetka, IL. The menu includes a Klassic for $5 (12 oz.), a King for $6 (16 oz.), and a Kolor-Change option for $7 that comes in a 16 oz. souvenir cup with $4 refills.

Evanston Aikido Center celebrates its twentieth anniversary with a special event showcasing a rare lineup of senior Shihan and instructors. Online registration is open.

Downtown Evanston transforms into a lively celebration of creativity at the Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival, where art enthusiasts can explore thousands of one-of-a-kind works. One hundred fifty juried artists showcase painting, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, photography, and more. Between artist booths, visitors can pause for a personalized poem and bring little ones to the Kids Art Zone for activities such as art fest bingo, spin art, sand sculpture, coloring, and drawing. Face painting and henna add a playful way to become part of the art. The Big Fork area serves up a wide variety of food and drinks from food trucks and local favorites, complemented by live music. Admission is free and parking is available nearby. The festival is accessible, easy to navigate on foot, and conveniently close to the Davis St. Metra and CTA stations.

The Assyrian Food Festival highlights traditional cuisine alongside music and dance, creating a welcoming space to experience Assyrian culture. It aims to educate the broader community and keep heritage alive by passing customs to the next generation. Visitors can meet people connected to a homeland long regarded as a cradle of civilization and learn more about their history and traditions.

Chicago's Own Piano Man BAND brings its 8-piece ensemble to the stage for a performance honoring America's 250th anniversary.

As part of Northfield Park District's Centennial, Kona Ice will be at Clarkson Park in Northfield, Illinois. Choose a Klassic 12 oz for $5 or a King 16 oz for $6. The Kolor-Change 16 oz souvenir cup is $7, with $4 refills.

Gather with Michael Taylor and a community group for a rhythmic drumming experience designed to help you relax and let go. Guided drumming leads participants into a yoga nidra state that quiets the mind and calms the body, creating space for personal truth, creativity, and joy. The session also includes a brief standing practice to shake out tension and invite a smile. Advance admission is $44, $55 at the door, or $66 when bringing a friend.

The annual ANIRBAN event will be held at the Centennial Activity Center. Admission is $10 per person. Food will be available for purchase from Rannaghor Jindabad.

The Ally Venable Band delivers a high-energy blend of blues and rock, led by a guitar virtuoso known for powerful vocals and electrifying solos. Expect a fresh spin on classic blues, charged with Texas grit and rock intensity. Fans of dynamic live music can look forward to a set packed with driving rhythms and fiery guitar work.

Jersey Girls take the stage at the Harwood Heights and Norwood Park Festival with a high energy set of popular songs and rich harmonies, presented in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary. This concert offers a lively soundtrack for a community celebration of the American spirit.

A lakeside yoga class welcomes participants of all experience levels, led by a rotating lineup of instructors. Please bring your own mat and any props you prefer. Regular class pricing applies, and 30 percent of proceeds supports the Evanston Environmental Association. Advance reservations are available through Mindbody Online.

Tone and Toast brings together elite fitness ambassadors from Vuori, Fabletics, and Lululemon alongside top instructors for a high-energy, full-body workout designed for all levels, followed by refreshments and special giveaways. Expect an inclusive atmosphere that lifts your mood while you learn new techniques and feed off the group’s energy. After the sweat session, enjoy a signature toast with fresh-pressed juices, bubbly kombucha, and healthy bites. This session is hosted by Vuori. Weather permitting, activities take place outdoors by the glass cube on the green. Dress for an active workout, and consider bringing a water bottle, towel, and a yoga mat if needed.

Taking place at Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation, this brunch features a conversation with ABC7 Chicago anchor Ravi Baichwal. A multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist, he will share behind-the-scenes stories from his career, discuss the changing world of news, and answer audience questions during a live Q&A. Brunch is included. Admission is $25 per person. RSVP is requested.

Starlight City delivers a high-energy live show that fuses pop and dance with the drive of a modern rock concert. With both male and female lead vocalists, the band moves from today’s chart favorites to throwbacks from the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s. Their EDM and DJ-inspired approach blends mashups and remixes into seamless, themed sets that echo the vibes of stations like KISS FM, B96, The MIX, and Q101. Alongside inventive medleys, they also perform full versions of major hits by artists such as Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj, P!NK, The Killers, Backstreet Boys, Elton John, Panic! At The Disco, and Toto. With an ever-growing playlist, the performance invites plenty of singing along and dancing throughout the night.

An after-hours networking mixer brings multiple chambers together at John Plunkett Interiors in Winnetka. Chamber members, business owners, and professionals from across the North Shore can mingle, exchange ideas, and grow their networks in a friendly setting. Bring business cards and be ready to make new connections.

Presented by the Village of Norridge with Damore Motorsports and Kenosha R/C, this inaugural Cruise Night RC Racing Series blends the energy of a community car night with competitive radio control racing. Expect classic muscle on display, music in the air, food trucks nearby, and a track buzzing with action as racers chase points across a five‑event monthly series. Competition spans multiple classes to welcome a range of skill levels, including Rookie, Losi NASCAR box stock, ARRMA Mojave box stock, stock short course trucks using Traxxas Slash or ARRMA Fury, and Vintage Trans‑Am touring cars. Entry is 20 dollars for the first class and 5 dollars for each additional class. Participants should bring a table, chairs, and extension cords since power is not supplied. A generator will be available, and additional generators are appreciated. Box stock and Rookie divisions share the same specifications with throttle limits set for each class, and detailed rules outline permitted chassis, electronics, tires, and bodies to keep the racing fair and fun throughout the series.

Retrospect returns to Moretti's Morton Grove with an evening full of food, drinks, and back-to-back hits. The music covers decades, flowing from Motown greats to today’s favorites for a lively, feel-good soundtrack. Plan to grab a table early, then settle in and enjoy a full night of entertainment.

Enjoy an upbeat night with the Summer of Sound concert series as Smash Mouth takes the stage. Bring friends and soak in the lively scene while purchasing beverages from Roka Akor and Bar Siena. The performance area is set outdoors near Bloomie’s Court by Alo. Seating is limited, and no check-in is required. Shoppers who spend at least $200 during the concert week can present receipts at the show for a chance to win a meet and greet with the band.

The first edition of HystericalFest: Women+ Act Out is a short comedy festival centered on women and people of traditionally marginalized genders and the realities of living with invisible disabilities. Experience it live at the ADA-certified Piven Theatre Workshop or watch online, with an on-demand recording available for a suggested donation of $10. Each performance features the same program and runs about two hours with an intermission. General admission is $30, with $15 advance tickets offered for every show. Accessibility is built into the design of the event. Different live performances incorporate features such as ASL interpretation, open captioning, and audio description. One performance requires masks for the audience, with performers using respirators that include transparent panels, and WellBefore KN95 and N95 masks are provided. The venue offers ramp access, including an entrance with a chair lift. Asynchronous streaming is available so audiences can watch from home on a flexible schedule across time zones. The festival also supports artists with invisible disabilities by providing paid opportunities and including pre-recorded monologues from participants who work remotely, including immunocompromised artists. It is produced by Violet Surprise Theatre, Terri Lynne Hudson as consulting producer for accessibility, and Paula Kamen/Hysterical Productions, with partial funding from the Evanston Arts Council. The lineup brings together new shorts and monologues that reclaim narratives long dismissed as “hysteria” and highlight the absurdities, challenges, and humor of chronic illness and difference. Works include 1900s Women Bonding by Catherine Weingarten, inspired by The Yellow Wallpaper, Invisiblish by Donna Latham about a disability that toggles between visible and unseen, The Side Effect (or Fecal Attraction) by Paula Kamen about an unconventional Crohn’s solution that goes hilariously awry, Task Paralysis by Pearlie Blue Leaf on executive dysfunction, Proud of My Name by Bruce Karp about a woman of color confronting bias during a police encounter, scenes from The Body Play by Madison Wetzell where Mind and Body share the role of one protagonist, My Friend Endo by Emily Golden about finally being heard in a medical setting, A Blind Lesbian Walks Into a Bar by Iris Sowlat on the intersection of queerness and visual impairment, Heard Mentality by Allison Fradkin reframing a first date through a hearing-impaired perspective, and Live a Little by Allie Costa, where a hospital administrator hiding a chronic condition and a young nurse share a revealing conversation. The ensemble features a mix of in-person and remote performers. Free and metered street parking is available, along with a small lot that has metered spaces.

Jim Messina takes the stage with his band, the Road Runners, for a show that reflects on a decades-spanning career across Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and the partnership Loggins & Messina. His early chapter included performing with Buffalo Springfield while also taking on producing and engineering roles, then helping launch Poco as a founding member. He later teamed with Kenny Loggins, a collaboration that sold more than 20 million albums and delivered hits such as Danny's Song, Your Mama Don't Dance, House on Pooh Corner, and Angry Eyes.

Rod Tuffcurls performs a single set at Skokie's Backlot Bash.

Kona Ice will be at Station Park in Winnetka, IL. The menu features the Klassic for $5 in a 12 oz cup, the King for $6 in a 16 oz cup, and the Kolor-Change for $7 in a 16 oz souvenir cup with $4 refills.

An evening at Golf Mill Park offers free entertainment for all ages, with food trucks, family friendly activities, fireworks, and more.

Country rock and Americana return to Landmark Pub in Harwood Heights, a classic Northwest Side spot near Cumberland and Foster just off the Kennedy. The venue features a friendly staff, an outdoor area suited for live music, and an upbeat atmosphere.

A trio of bands powers a night of hard-hitting cover music, with tribute acts honoring Incubus and Alice in Chains performing throughout the evening. Entry is $10.

Celebrate the close of summer with Guitarra Azul in downtown Evanston, an uplifting open air performance that sends the season off in style. These renowned musicians bring spirited, soul-soothing sounds that stir the heart and make you want to dance. Enjoy vibrant music under the sky in the company of friends.

Golfers and supporters of the GI Research Foundation gather at The Glen Club for the Annual Golf Classic presented by Belmont Bank. PGA Tour winner Chip Beck returns to lead a pre-round clinic, spend time on the range, and take part in the 19th Hole Reception. Individual golfers are welcome, with early pricing available and sponsorship opportunities offered. Participation helps advance critical research for people living with IBD and other digestive diseases.

Celebrating its 43rd year, the Drive Fore Hope golf outing is on the horizon. Tickets will be released, and those interested in sponsorship opportunities or in reserving a foursome early can email mireyaleilani.sanders@hopeignites.org.

Antibalas arrives with music forged through a tumultuous stretch that began in early 2020. Only a few weeks into a yearlong world tour behind the Grammy-nominated Fu-Chronicles, everything paused. After a period of isolation, loss and new beginnings, the band regrouped in Brooklyn in the fall of 2021 to shape new compositions, then brought those pieces to festivals across North America, Europe and North Africa. The following year they captured that momentum live over two spirited days at Studio G in Greenpoint with eight-time Grammy winning engineer Joel Hamilton, a short walk from the group’s roots. Those sessions spotlighted the reach of an eleven-piece touring ensemble led by founding baritone saxophonist Martín Perna with Marcos García, Reinaldo DeJesus, Timothy James, Justin Kimmel, Marcus Farrar, Drew Vandewinckel, Andrew McGovern and Michael Pallas, along with featured performances from Stuart Bogie, Jordan McLean, Domenica Fossati, Jackie Coleman and Lynn Ligammari. The result is a powerful large-ensemble sound filled with deep grooves, rich horn lines and collective energy.

Kona Ice will be at New Trier High School serving icy treats to support the arts. Twenty-five percent of every sale goes to New Trier's Music & Theatre. Choose a Klassic 12 oz for $5, a 16 oz King for $6, or the 16 oz Kolor-Change souvenir cup for $7 with $4 refills.

Now in its seventh year, Downtown Evanston's Thursday Night Markets bring regional artists, makers, and retailers to Evanston's Fountain Square. More than 30 vendors offer a wide variety of goods, and admission to browse is free. Visitors can chat with sellers to learn about their businesses. The Suite Mollie Band sets the soundtrack with a blend of R&B, funk, rock, and a touch of jazz. Beer and wine tents, food trucks, and children's art activities provided by Ridgeville Park District round out the experience. Vendors include anavlis54, Celesse Tea Cottage LLC, Chanda., Claybration, Emaloe’s Thingys, HASKINesque, JushShop, Kai-isms, Karen's Kuties, Kilik Artisanal Shop, Laura's Handmade Crochet, Lexsdartist, Lily Freedman Design, Lucky Goose Glassworks, Madison Grace, Meraki Design Studio, Minimalplusone, Mosaic Reflections, Northwest Midwest, PureFoldsVw, Purple Door Goods, The Charmed Garden, Shower Blooms, Simple Bee Decor LLC, Storybooks & Gardens, and Uoo Art. After the market and the music, consider planning dinner in Downtown Evanston. Sponsors include Byline Bank, Chicago Stars FC, American Vintage Home, and Local Pastures.

Spartan DEKA and Rally Point Endeavors host a Northbrook fitness challenge that gamifies training and highlights progress. DEKA STRONG includes ten functional zones, with a 160 meter run before each station for a total of one mile of running. Participants can set a DEKA STRONG mark and use it as a step toward DEKA FIT 2026. Space is limited.

Mad Bread will be at Evanston Farmers Market for this event.

The Saratogas return to a favorite music spot to party like it is 1979, bringing a nostalgic celebration of the era.

Chicago's Own Piano Man Band headlines the Maria SS Laurentana Italian Festival in Niles with an energetic, rock-ready set.

Kavabanga Depo Kolibri, also known as KDK, brings its Kharkiv-rooted Ukrainian sound to Passage NightClub. The group blends hip hop and rap with melodic, atmospheric production, creating emotionally charged songs with introspective lyrics that explore love, isolation, and personal growth. Their signature approach has cultivated a devoted following across Ukraine, the CIS, and beyond. This event highlights their reflective storytelling and immersive sound.

Registration is open for the third edition of From Ana Banana With Love, a 5K run and walk plus a 1 mile fun run now taking place at Linne Woods Forest Preserve. Centered on honoring Ana’s memory, the event encourages movement that benefits both body and spirit and supports families facing pediatric cancer. After last year’s field sold out two weeks before race day, organizers have increased the number of participants. The Ana Molnar Foundation is focusing this year on helping two families who are currently navigating childhood cancer. Community support already includes DJ Cipri Pop, New Explode Construction as the main sponsor for a second year, and Adore Sweets, and additional sponsors and supporters are being welcomed to help broaden the effort.

Evanston Folk Festival returns to the lakefront at Dawes Park for a two-day celebration of the folk music tradition rooted in the Evanston community. The festival features three stages with more than 30 artists along with pop-up performances, local food and beverage options, family friendly programming and activities, and a scenic setting with views of Lake Michigan. Children 11 and under receive free admission. Ages 12 to 16 need a half priced youth ticket, available for purchase at the entry gate even if advance tickets are sold out.

This recurring gathering at Grind N' Gears blends coffee, boba tea, and bikes, taking place on the second Sunday of each month.

Evanston Folk Festival returns to the lakefront at Dawes Park for a weekend celebrating folk music rooted in the Evanston community, set along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Across three stages, more than 30 artists perform with additional pop-up sets throughout the event. Local food and beverage options are available, and the program includes family friendly activities. The lakeside setting offers a scenic backdrop for a full range of performances. Children under 12 receive free admission. Ages 12 to 16 require a half-priced child ticket, which can be purchased at the entry gate even if advance tickets are sold out.

A guitarist will present a solo fingerstyle performance at Northbrook Library.

Monkeys On a String delivers the country’s only genuine tribute to Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, focusing on acoustic chemistry, precision playing, and an intimate concert vibe. Formed in 2017 in Texas, the group has reached audiences nationwide with spot-on interpretations of beloved songs and intricate twin-guitar work that brings to mind the feel of a live Dave and Tim performance.

Valeriy Zhidkov presents a new stand-up set, Suitcase, Station, Miami, blending razor-sharp jokes with candid, ironic reflections on beginning again, losing what matters, and discovering something new. Known for his work with Kvartal 95 and acclaimed television projects, he brings a thoughtful style that favors substance over easy laughs. The result is clever, uncompromising comedy that invites reflection while delivering plenty of laughs.

Glenbrook Fest brings together art, music, and culture to support the Glenbrook South Alumni Association and to increase awareness of resources that promote community health and wellness.

Kona Ice makes a stop at Clarkson Park in Northfield, Illinois. Guests can choose the Klassic 12 ounce for $5, the King 16 ounce for $6, or the Kolor-Change 16 ounce souvenir cup for $7 with $4 refills.

Petty Kings presents a faithful salute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, capturing the feel and sound of his celebrated catalog. Fronted by vocalist Bob Vasilou and supported by a lineup of veteran Chicago musicians, the group brings spirited renditions of favorites like American Girl, Free Fallin', I Won't Back Down, and more. Tight, true-to-the-record performances honor the timeless songs of a beloved rock artist.

Knorrwood: Over the Shire and Far Away presents a rock and roll storytelling salute to Led Zeppelin and the world of The Lord of the Rings. Drawing on Zeppelin’s bold energy and Tolkien’s expansive mythology, this live performance intertwines progressive rock, global folk influences, and cinematic narrative to create an immersive concert experience. Brothers Wes and Joey Knorr perform with inventive instrumentation, rich acoustic layers, theremin, and driving percussion.

Son Volt brings its alt country legacy to Evanston SPACE. Led by Jay Farrar, whose early work with Uncle Tupelo helped shape the genre, the band released three albums in the 1990s before pausing while he made three solo LPs. Farrar revived the group in 2004 with a new lineup and has put out nine albums since. The latest, Sound Signal Serenades, arrived as a limited edition Record Store Day LP. His songwriting often explores overlooked chapters of American history and looks ahead to a better future.

Head East marks five decades of classic rock with a powerhouse set featuring favorites like "Never Been Any Reason" plus music from their album Flat As A Pancake. Part of North Shore Center's 30th Anniversary season, this upbeat concert blends big energy with nostalgic moments that resonate with rock fans of every generation.

Nefesh Mountain delivers a roots-forward sound that unites Americana with folk and bluegrass, highlighted by layered harmonies and story-centered songs. The performance balances deep respect for tradition with fresh creative spark, resulting in a lively and uplifting concert.

Don McLean brings an intimate concert to Skokie’s George Van Dusen Theatre. A highly regarded American songwriter, he shares music that has stayed with listeners for generations, shaped popular culture, and inspired many fellow artists. Experience these signature songs performed live in a close theater setting.

The Ramblin' Band returns to Whiskey River Bar & Grill in Glenview for a performance at a leading live music spot in the nearby northern suburbs.

Ridgewood HS Band Boosters host the first annual mattress sale fundraiser at Ridgewood High School. This one-day event transforms the space into a full showroom of high-quality mattresses, with each mattress made to order after the fundraiser. The selection features brands such as Simmons Beautyrest, Purple, Helix, and Malouf, and many models are made in Illinois. Warranty options include 10, 12, 15, and 20 years, and choices range from traditional styles to adjustable beds and split king sleep systems. Every purchase benefits Ridgewood High School band students through the Booster Organization.

Alicia Witt presents an album release performance at Evanston SPACE celebrating Between Heaven and Earth, her eighth release on Thirty Tigers. Cut live in New York City with producer Joe Henry and a handpicked band, the record captures an in-the-room feel that balances transcendence with intimacy and centers on unconditional love. Shaped by her enduring connection to David Lynch that began with her early role in Dune, the songs explore longing, fate, healing, surrender, nostalgia, gratitude, and connection. The album features the title track alongside Artifacts, Kindred, Build Me A Dream, Freeze Frame, Test Drive, Blue Moon, Thank You, Love Anyway, and The Director, which she frames as a conversation with Lynch after his passing. Known widely for her work in film, television, and stage, Witt is also a classically trained pianist and songwriter, and this show spotlights that creative throughline. A limited pre-show meet and greet is available, including autographs for up to five personal or merchandise items and a photo with Alicia.

Settle into a deeply restorative sound journey as layers of gongs, singing bowls, hand pan, chimes, flutes, and other instruments wash over you. This immersive session is designed to quiet the mind, soothe the nervous system, and help you release stress while reconnecting with a sense of balance. Guided by Simon Jay Cervania of Harmonic Waves Healing, the experience weaves energetic cleansing, grounding, and intention setting to support emotional release, deep relaxation, and self-care. For comfort, bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, eye mask, water, and wear comfortable clothing. Capacity is limited.

World Ballet Company brings Swan Lake to the stage, weaving a story of destiny and enchantment in a timeless struggle between good and evil. Fifty dancers from around the world perform in more than 150 meticulously sewn costumes against handcrafted sets. Highlights include the Dance of the Little Swans and the Black Swan’s sequence of 32 fouettés, set to Tchaikovsky’s score. The performance runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20 minute intermission and is for ages 5 and over. Based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company tours beloved classics across the nation, appealing to both first time attendees and longtime ballet fans. The ensemble features professional artists from over ten countries and has appeared in more than 300 cities for audiences totaling more than 500,000.

Dial M for Murder is presented in a new adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher from Frederick Knott’s original. The story popularized by Alfred Hitchcock is given a contemporary turn as a botched crime ignites a desperate search for the true culprit before time runs out. What begins as a calculated plan quickly unravels into a taut pursuit filled with surprises and rising stakes. This heart-pounding play builds suspense as each clue surfaces. Will the trail lead to the right suspect, or will an innocent person bear the blame?

Explore the real story of Mary Shelley, daughter of social revolutionaries William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, wife of Romantic poet Percy Shelly, and the creator of Frankenstein and his monster. The event moves beyond a sweeping picture of love that defies convention and a life of travel to the hardships she endured... abandonment, disownment and betrayal, the deaths of her husband and children, and pressure from creditors and so called friends. The narrative reaches 1848, when she is finally on stable financial ground, her newest book has been well received, and her only surviving son is close to marriage. This event is free and open to the public. Registration information is available through the library's event calendar.

Relive the original Ghostbusters with a big-screen presentation as a live orchestra plays the score in sync with the film. This live-to-film experience blends comedy, action, and memorable music to create an engaging evening at the theater. Welcoming fans of every age, it offers a nostalgic way to revisit a timeless favorite with the added excitement of music performed right before you.

Two seasoned tribute performers share the same piano on stage to honor the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, recreating the look and sound that fans know. Levittown, NY native Mike Santoro leads the Billy Joel portion with his band The Stranger, moving from brisk piano runs to the microphone for high-energy favorites like Uptown Girl and Only the Good Die Young. In the second half, Ronnie Smith steps into Elton John’s signature sunglasses and sparkly suits, tracing styles from the 1970s to today with songs that range from the reflective Rocket Man to the playful Crocodile Rock and the storytelling of Bennie and the Jets. The show is interactive throughout, and both artists focus on channeling the spirit of the originals. The performance lasts about three hours.

Chicago's Own Piano Man Band brings a lively, high energy performance to the Niles Art Festival, adding an upbeat spark to the festivities.

Deadfest Band brings live music and dancing to Goat Village in Norridge. There is a $15 cover at the door.

Celebrate the spooky season early at Whiskey River Bar & Grill. This pre-Halloween party encourages attendees to test-drive costume ideas and enjoy a few drinks in a fun, spooky atmosphere.