Upcoming and Annual Events

Upcoming Events

Central Street ALIVE BuskerFest | September 20, 2025

Central Street ALIVE BuskerFest | September 20, 2025

Please join us for Chicago North Shore's Central Street ALIVE! Busker Fest, showcasing local and traveling street performers on September 20 from 2 - 6 PM! A celebration of street performance throughout Central Street Evanston, Busker Fest will entertain audiences with musicians, dancers, hula-hoopers, jugglers, poets, comedy, and more. This event is free and open to the public. Performers will accept donations.

Apply to be a a performer! Here's a link to the application.
Be a day-of event volunteer (event experience preferred)! Contact angela@centralstreet-evanston.com.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ripple Public Relations - info@ripplepublicrelations.com / 847.432.6000

Where: Throughout Central Street
When: Saturday | September 20, 2025 2 - 6 PM
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Burl + Mack's Bike & Good's Grill Out | September 13, 12 - 4 PM

Burl + Mack's Bike & Good's Grill Out | September 13, 12 - 4 PM

Restaurant Burl is teaming up with @macksbikeandgoods for a neighborly Saturday grill out at Mack's Bike & Goods 2948 Central Street! Join them on September 13, from 12–4 PM, for good food, drinks, and company. Family-Friendly!

Menu highlights (cash + venmo only):
Grilled Roti with Gyro Sausage, funky peach sauce, cucumbers & lots of herbs — $12
Grilled Peppers with Parmesan Sauce — $5
Free N/A beverages available: Recess, Ghia Soda, sparkling waters. Otherwise, BYOB—but be cool. 

There will be games and tunes! With the Northwestern game earlier that morning, think of this as the post-game tailgate. 

Where: Mack's Bike & Goods | 2948 Central Street
When: Saturday, Septmeber 13 | 12 - 4 PM
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Alicia Mohr 1 Year Anniversary Party | September 18, 5 - 7 PM

Alicia Mohr 1 Year Anniversary Party | September 18, 5 - 7 PM

Alicia Mohr is celebrating 1 year on Central Street! Join Alicia Mohr on 9/18 from 5-7pm for dancing and cake to celebrate! Also, between now and 9/18 each day you stop in our Central St shop, you can enter to win one of 15 chances to select a complimentary item from our VIP rack. One entry per person per day between now and 9/18 (closed Sundays & Mondays). Drawings occur on 9/19 and you can win more than once so be sure to fill out your tickets when you stop in to shop. 

Where: 2014 Central Street, Evanston
When: September 18 | 5 - 7 PM
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Bluestone Happy Hour | Monday - Friday 4-7 PM

Bluestone Happy Hour | Monday - Friday 4-7 PM

Happy Hour Monday through Friday 4-7 PM. $5 select drafts, wines, and apps and margaritas.

Where: Bluestone | 1932 Central Street
When: Monday - Friday | 4-7 PM
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Celtic Knot Weekly Happier Happy Hour Specials

Celtic Knot Weekly Happier Happy Hour Specials

Get happier during Happier Happy Hour from 3 - 5 PM! Monday through Friday. 

Where: Celtic Knot Public House | 2022 Central Street
When: Monday - Friday | 3 - 5 PM
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Pierce Crask at the Knot | Tuesdays at 5 - 7 PM

Pierce Crask at the Knot | Tuesdays at 5 - 7 PM

Join Master musician Pierce Crask on Tuesday nights at the Celtic Knot! 5 to 7 pm, never a cover at your local pub.

Where: Celtic Knot Public House | 2022 Central Street
When: Tuesdays | 5 - 7 PM
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Weekly Wine Tastings at Vinissimo Wine Shop | 2120 Central Street

Weekly Wine Tastings at Vinissimo Wine Shop | 2120 Central Street

Free wine tastings every Friday night from 5 - 6:30 PM and every Saturday from 3 - 5 PM.
*Excluding July 4th


Where: Vinissimo Wine Shop | 2120 Central Street
When: Fridays: 5 - 6:30 PM & Saturdays: 3 - 5 PM
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Celtic Knot Public House - Sundays | 2022 Central Street

Celtic Knot Public House - Sundays | 2022 Central Street

Irish music session every Sunday from 3 - 5 PM. Bring your instruments! All skill levels welcome. 

Where: Celtic Knot Public House | 2022 Central Street
When: Sundays | 3 - 5 PM

Annual Events

Central Street Mural Tour

Central Street Mural Tour

Central Street is a vibrant, eclectic and artistic neighborhood business district. Did you know there are 10 public art murals tucked away throughout the entire Central Street Business District? Take a self-guided tour and view the murals!

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4th Annual Takeout Picnic | August 26

4th Annual Takeout Picnic | August 26

Save the date! On August 26 from 6 - 8 PM, Central Street Evanston invites you to join us for the 4th annual summer evening Takeout Picnic in our newly-renovated Independence Park. Come early to grab your seat and support the local Central Street community by ordering a takeout special from one of our many Central Street restaurants. In partnership with Evanston's Starlight Concert Series.
When: August 26 | 6 - 8 PM

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Central Street ALIVE BuskerFest | September 20

Central Street ALIVE BuskerFest | September 20

The streets come ALIVE on Central Street September 20 from 2 - 6 PM! Experience a myriad of entertainers in the streets, from musicians to artists, sampling, strolling, sipping and more to stimulate all the senses!
When: Saturday | September 20, 2025 2 - 6 PM

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Central Street Trick Or Treat | October 25

Central Street Trick Or Treat | October 25

Family fun awaits! Celebrate Halloween on Central Street, Saturday, October 25 from 11 AM - 1 PM. Trick-or-treat at participating Central Street businesses, enjoy Halloween-themed crafts, and more.
When: Saturday, October 25 | 11 AM - 1 PM
Central Street Annual Meeting | October 23

Central Street Annual Meeting | October 23

RSVP for Central Street Evanston's Annual Meeting. Gather with other Central Street businesses and celebrate the business district highlights from 2025, thank outgoing Board Members, welcome new Board Members, enjoy a sneak peek of what's to come, and share a glass of wine to toast a great year. We'll be hearing from Ripple Public Relations, Central Street's PR firm, who will share updates about what they are working on.
When: Thursday, October 23 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Central Street Holiday Stroll | November 15

Central Street Holiday Stroll | November 15

Get into the holiday spirit early this year! Spend the day shopping and dining on Central Street Saturday, November 15! Enjoy shopping and dining specials, and holiday festivities. Tree lighting in Independence Park at 5 PM.
When: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Small Business Saturday | November 29

Small Business Saturday | November 29

Light the way to your holidays on Central Street! Shop small on Central Street November 29, and show your support in a big way. When you invest your dollars at a local business, you are also investing in your local community.
When: November 29, 2025
Late-er Night Thursday on Central | December 11

Late-er Night Thursday on Central | December 11

Shop and dine with us during Later-Night Central on December 11! Enjoy extended shopping hours and dining specials until 7pm. Special promotions at 25+ businesses.
When: THURSDAY | DECEMBER 11

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Annual Sidewalk Sale | July 24-26

Annual Sidewalk Sale | July 24-26

Come to Central Street for the biggest sale of the year! Thursday - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM *Sunday indoors at participating businesses from 11 AM - 4 PM.
When: JULY 24-26 | 10 AM - 5 PM

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Central Street Restaurant Week | April

Central Street Restaurant Week | April

Join us for a flavor adventure during the first annual Central Street Restaurant Week featuring specials and special menus from 14 businesses, including: Backlot Coffee, Celtic Knot Public House, Comida Cantina, Curt’s Cafe, DeSalvo’s Pizza, Foodstuffs, Great Harvest Bread Co., Hartigan’s Ice Cream Shop, Jilly’s Cafe, Leonida’s, Parlor on Central, Pinto Thai, Ten Mile House, and The Fat Shallot.
When: April 7 - 13, 2025

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Sweet On Central | Valentine's Day Guide to Central Street

Sweet On Central | Valentine's Day Guide to Central Street

From cards to gifts and all things sweet, we also have restaurants for date night on our beloved Central Street. Give a gift from the heart and support a local business!
When: February

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InSidewalk Sale | January

InSidewalk Sale | January

Enjoy extra savings on holiday, fall & winter clearance items at participating Central Street businesses.
When: January 24 - 25 | During regular business hours

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