Events in Evanston today

Presented by the Village of Norridge with Damore Motorsports and Kenosha R/C, this inaugural Cruise Night RC Racing Series blends classic muscle cars, music, and food trucks with competitive radio-control action. The program runs as a five-race points series. Drivers can enter multiple classes, with fees set at $20 for the first class and $5 for each additional. Participants should bring a table, chairs, and extension cords. Power is not supplied on site, a generator will be available, and extra generators are welcomed. The lineup includes Rookie, Losi NASCAR (Box Stock), ARRMA Mojave (Box Stock), Stock Super Trucks using brushed 2WD Traxxas Slash or ARRMA Fury platforms, and Vintage Trans-AM. Rookie and Box Stock share the same technical rules, with the Spektrum SLT2 throttle limiter set to 50 percent for Rookie and 100 percent for Box Stock. For Losi NASCAR, the tub chassis must remain unmodified with no added weight, and stock electronics are required, including the Spektrum SLT2 radio, Spektrum 2-in-1 ESC/receiver, SX110 servo, a 1400 mAh battery, and the 28T 380 brushed motor, paired with the 59T spur and 19T pinion. A 25 mm motor fan is permitted without shrouds, shocks may use any oil with original black springs and no internal limiters, differentials must stay free-spinning, and approved Losi or Pro-Line stock car bodies are required with racing numbers on the roof and doors; sidewall gluing and specified small hardware or heat sink and servo horn upgrades are allowed. ARRMA Mojave GROM runs on the Mojave GROM chassis in stock form and allows any Spektrum radio paired to the stock 2-in-1 system. It uses the ARRMA 28T 380 brushed motor with 59T and 19T gearing, permits upgraded ARRMA metal gear differentials while keeping diffs free, and requires the body in the stock position with full interior and driver figures. Stock Stadium Trucks race brushed 2WD Slash or ARRMA Fury with stock gearing, stock ESC and servo, any hard-case 2S battery, and either the Traxxas 12T Titan or ARRMA 28T 380 brushed motor, with open radio choice and allowance for tire sidewall gluing or taping. Vintage Trans-AM uses 4WD touring cars with a minimum 5 mm ride height and 1400 g race weight, ROAR-approved blinky ESCs, hard-case 2-cell LiPo from 7.4 to 7.6 volts up to 6000 mAh and 8.40 V maximum, specified Protoform or Gravity VTA tires on matching vintage wheels, late 1960s to early 1970s pony car bodies with deck-lid spoilers only and a three-dimensional driver figure, and the Gravity GRC2025 25.5 motor with no internal modifications; external clip-on fans and heatsinks are allowed.

One Piece TCG Locals at Gamers World Old Orchard centers on a constructed format tournament for the One Piece TCG. The entry fee is $10. Participants register through the Bandai app.

Pub Trivia USA brings a free, in-person trivia night to Village Inn Pizzeria Sports Bar and Grill, where players can test their knowledge for a chance at nightly rewards like Village Inn gift certificates. The organization also runs area tournaments that award significant cash prizes to local teams. It is an easy way to spend time with friends over food and drinks, meet new people and have fun.

Experience live jazz at Sabor a Café Steakhouse Niles with the Shelley Yoelin and Gabriel Datcu Jazz Quintet. The group features Shelley Yoelin on saxophone, Gabriel Datcu on guitar, Sam Robinson on trumpet, Caleb Drake on bass, and Rick Shandling on drums. Musicians are welcome to sit in, adding a spontaneous, collaborative edge to the performance.

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.

Son Volt brings Jay Farrar’s enduring alt country vision to Evanston SPACE, tracing a journey from his trailblazing work with Uncle Tupelo to a revitalized band that continues to evolve. After three celebrated albums and a long pause that yielded three solo records, Farrar assembled a new lineup and has since added nine more releases to the catalog. The newest, Sound Signal Serenades, arrived as a special Record Store Day limited edition LP. Known for songs that engage with America’s discordant and forgotten corners while pointing toward a better future, this performance highlights thoughtful storytelling, grit, and melody.

Find bargains for every room and every age at a large indoor sale featuring children’s items such as clothing and toys, along with housewares, seasonal decor, books, music, luggage, linens, art, collectibles, sporting goods, tools, games, and a wide selection of men’s and women’s apparel. A dedicated Boutique Area offers higher-end finds for collectors. Please note that gold items and pieces with precious gemstones will not be available. A popular bake sale runs on both days with homemade cakes, pies, cookies, and muffins, ready to enjoy while you shop or to take home. Cash, Zelle, and PayPal are accepted. Parking is available on the street on Friday and in the Village Hall lot on Saturday, and the church is accessible by public transportation. This sale supports the local community through low prices and by directing proceeds to St. Peter’s and other area charities. Past efforts have included sharing vases with Inspire Through Flowers and sending unsold items to Goodwill, Salvation Army resale stores, the Jesse Brown VA, the Niles Township Respite Center, Refugee One, and other nonprofit partners. Donations of non-perishable food for the Mini Pantry are welcome. For more information, call 847-673-8166 or email office@stpeteruccskokie.org. Sneak peeks of sale items are shared on Facebook and Instagram at @stpeteruccskokie.

A longtime staple of the local Magic community, Friday Night Magic brings players together to reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and play Magic. The format is Modern Constructed with three Swiss rounds. Rules are enforced at Regular level and decklists are not required. Entry is $10 or 150 prize tix. Each participant receives a standard promo pack while supplies last. Players who finish 3-0 earn 5 play boosters or 250 prize tix, 2-1 earns 3 play boosters or 150 prize tix, 1-2 earns 2 play boosters or 100 prize tix, and 0-3 earns 1 play booster or 50 prize tix. Suggestions for other Friday formats are welcome.

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.

Born out of the 2021 sea shanty wave that swept the internet, The Wellermen have grown into a standout force in contemporary folk. Their live show blends American folk roots with British musicianship and a theatrical spark, all unified by rich five-part harmonies. Expect stirring vocals, engaging storytelling, and a modern folk sound at North Shore Center.

Facilitators from Ahimsa School of Sound lead a gentle sound-based meditation that invites participants to rest, explore moments of resistance, cultivate acceptance, and ease into relaxation. No experience, specific skills, or particular beliefs are required. For comfort, wear loose clothing, bring a yoga mat, blanket, or pillow, and consider eating only a light meal beforehand. Price is $35, or $25 for Ahimsa Yoga members.

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.

The Wilmette French Market takes place every Saturday throughout the summer season.

Explore a community rummage and bake sale filled with variety. The gym is already brimming with children’s items like clothing and toys, plus housewares, decorations, books, music, luggage, linens, art, collectibles, sporting goods, tools, games, and an extensive selection of men’s and women’s clothing. A boutique section highlights higher end pieces for collectors, and gold or precious gemstones are not offered. Homemade treats from church members are a highlight, with cakes, pies, cookies, and muffins available to enjoy while you browse or to take home. Payments can be made with cash, Zelle, or PayPal. Parking is available, and the church can be reached by public transportation. The sale emphasizes budget friendly prices and supports the local community, with proceeds benefiting St. Peter’s and aiding other area nonprofits through donations of goods. Non perishable food items for the on site Mini Pantry are welcome.

Kidical Mass offers a neighborhood-focused, family-friendly bike ride suited to connecting with neighbors and building confidence on two wheels. It welcomes families with little ones along for the ride and newer riders who are off training wheels. The group will pedal through Evanston at an easy pace to make cycling enjoyable for all ages. The ride departs from Raymond Park and covers about 2.8 miles one way, heading to Independence Park. Participation is free. Plan to arrive a bit early to get settled, give kids time to play, and allow adults to socialize. Bring helmets for everyone.

This free Blocktoberfest in downtown Glenview brings together live music, food, beverages, and family fun. Headlined by Los Lobos, the lineup also includes Altered Five Blues Band, Beyond the Blonde, Zydeco Voodoo, Northside Nikki O’Neill, Groove X, Echoes of the Alps, Band of Very Ordinary Musicians, and a Kpop Dance Party. A full day of performances and community spirit fills the heart of Glenview.

Held at Ahimsa Yoga Studio, this course invites participants to explore how sound shapes human experience through a clear, science-based lens. It focuses on how frequencies interact and how that interplay can influence mood, physiology, energy levels, the nervous system, and states of consciousness. The curriculum also examines intention as a vital part of the healing process. Hands-on learning is central. Participants will use the scientific method to conduct experiments on resonant frequency, cymatics, entrainment, and related topics, then connect their results to the practice of sound meditation and the mechanisms behind it. Everyone will design and run an experiment to better understand how sound meditation can affect participants, and the Meaning Response and the science of intention will be part of the discussion. There are no prerequisites. The fee is $250 for non-members and $215 for Ahimsa members. Singing bowls will be provided for use during the course, with the option to purchase a selected bowl at the end, including 20% off bowls and 10% off other instruments. Instruction is led by Justin Peterson, a musician and educator who emphasizes self-care alongside musical craft. His background includes yoga, meditation, ethnobotany, and sound, and he holds a degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With 25 years of performances spanning classical, jazz, and rock, he co-created Jazz Out The Box and performs with Chicago-based groups including Steve Knight Trio, Here & Now Ensemble, Maxx Hunter McGathey Orchestra, and Wills McKenna Path Quintet. For questions, email the school director at ahimsasoundschool@gmail.com.

Celebrate community at a block party on the St. Mary Church campus. Breweries Sketchbook and Double Clutch are participating, and the menu features German and Mexican food. There will be live music, interactive games and activities for every age group, and a raffle. The event welcomes everyone and honors a diverse community.

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.

Enjoy casual Commander play in groups of three or four at Gamers World Old Orchard. Participation is free, and promotional packs will be available once they arrive. Check in by registering through the WPN network.

ERIK’S hosts a group bike ride in Skokie. The ride is set at a brisk pace, averaging roughly 20 to 21 mph. Participants should bring a helmet and their own bike. Plans are dependent on weather conditions.

Sunny War appears at Evanston SPACE. Her brand new album, Armageddon in a Summer Dress, has drawn major acclaim, with The Bluegrass Situation lauding it as an anarcho punk roots standout that deepens her already expansive catalog, and American Songwriter praising its compelling, singular approach and calling it her strongest work to date.

Sporcle Live presents a trivia competition where you can play solo or team up with friends to challenge other groups for a Village Inn gift certificate. Enjoy pizza at half price during the event.

Choose from 60,000 songs supported by pro sound. Pair the music with $3.50 steak tacos and drink specials.