Upcoming and Annual Events

Upcoming Events

Late-er Night Thursday - December 11 | Shops stay open until 7 PM!

Late-er Night Thursday - December 11 | Shops stay open until 7 PM!

Come enjoy extended shopping hours until 7 PM during Late-er Night Thursday. With more than 20+ special promotions, we're giving you extra time to shop for that special someone. Come for the shopping and stay for dinner at one of our outstanding restaurants. When you shop local, you are supporting someone's dream. When you support local businesses, you are supporting someone's dream. More than 90% of the businesses on Central Street are local. When you shop and dine on Central, you're supporting a lot of dreams :-)

Where: Shops and Stops Along Central Street
When: Thursday, December 11 | Through 7 PM
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Abdoulaye Conde Art & Live Music at Storm Print City | Dec. 12, 5 - 9 PM

Abdoulaye Conde Art & Live Music at Storm Print City | Dec. 12, 5 - 9 PM

Abdoulaye Conde has been nominated for @chicago_reader “Best of 2025” World Music Act, and Friday is your chance to see him live – surrounded by his second collection of paintings since coming to the U.S. – and right here in Evanston!

Joined by special guest @psycheexmachina on the violin in an intimate gallery setting, @abdoulayecondeart will talk about his journey, teach you about the Kora, give you all the feels, and make you want to get up and dance. Space is limited with minimal seating to keep it a casual, chill vibe. Gallery opens at 5 where you can meet the artists and view the work. Music starts at 6 and we’re not stopping till you do.

We’re honored to be hosting this amazing experience and to provide the community with an opportunity to meet Abdoulaye and collect his work.

Link to RSVP!

Where: Storm Print City Gallery | 2601 Prairie Avenue
When: Friday, December 12 | 5 - 9 PM
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Celtic Knot Public House Annivesary Party | Dec. 12, 9 - 11 PM

Celtic Knot Public House Annivesary Party | Dec. 12, 9 - 11 PM

Join Celtic Knot for their one-year anniversary celebration on Central Street! Friday December 12 from 9 - 11 PM. Live music by Late Breaking News. Come in to help Patrick and Liz celebrate and enjoy some great food, great libations, and an absolutely splendid vibe. No cover, just a lot of fun! 

Where: Celtic Knot Pub | 2022 Central Street
When: Friday, December 12 | 9 - 11 PM
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Free Holiday Parking - 2025

Free Holiday Parking - 2025

Free holiday parking is back for the Holiday 2025 season! Shop local this season with up to two hours of free parking daily in Evanston’s business districts.

The City of Evanston is making local holiday shopping easier this year by offering a “Holiday Parking: Free for 2025” promotion. Community members and visitors to Evanston’s business districts enjoy up to two hours of free street parking daily, November 26 through January 1, 2025. This offer is valid for app users once per day per account.

HOLIDAY PARKING
Nov. 26, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026!
Step 1: Download the Park Evanston App, available for both iOS and Android devices
Step 2: Start your parking session through the app
Step 3: Tap "Redeem" and enter the validation code: Holiday2025
Support local Evanston businesses, enjoy stress-free parking, and celebrate the holidays with family and friends!

Where: Street Parking throughout Central Street Evanston
When: Through January 1, 2026
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Central Street Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Central Street Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Light the way to your holidays and shop local on Central Street. Whether you shop in person or online, you can find something for everyone on your holiday wish list. More than 90% of our Central Street businesses are independent and locally owned. Your ongoing support means...everything!

Don't forget to stop for a break at one of our great food and drink stops during and after your day of shopping. 

Where: Shops on Central Street
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23rd Annual Winter Arts & Craft Expo | Evanston Art Center

23rd Annual Winter Arts & Craft Expo | Evanston Art Center

The Evanston Art Center's Winter Arts & Crafts Expo is one of the largest and most celebrated shows in the Chicago area. The Annual Expo showcases arts and crafts by over 150 selected artisans, featuring original, handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed-media, and more.

Monday - Friday: 9 AM-6 PM, Saturday - Sunday: 9 AM- 4 PM

Where: Evanston Art Center | 1717 Central Street
When: Through December 20
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There's always something to do on Central Street. Enjoy live entertainment, escape room adventures, fun and games, arts and culture, and more. 

Live Music and more at Celtic Knot: Click here to view the schedule.

Where: Central Street Evanston Businesses
When: December
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Enjoy weekly specials throughout Central Street Evanston! From wine tastings to happy hour specials, family meal deals and more. There's something for everyone!

Where: Central Street Evanston Businesses
When: Weekly
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Annual Events

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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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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Central Street Mural Tour

Central Street Mural Tour

Central Street is a vibrant, eclectic and artistic neighborhood business district. Did you know there are 9 public art murals tucked away throughout the entire Central Street Business District? Take a self-guided tour and view the murals! *Note: Due to construction, our Birds of Concern mural is covered to keep it safe and secure.

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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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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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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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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 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. Enjoy a sneak peek of what's to come, and share a glass of wine to toast a great year.
When: Thursday, October 23 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
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 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 ceremony 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