Annual Events
Central Street Restaurant Week
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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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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First Fridays | May 2, June 6, August 1
Save the dates for First Fridays on Central Street! Extended shopping, dining, and entertainment.
When:
Fridays May 2, June 6, August 1 | 5 - 7 PM
Annual Sidewalk Sale | July 24-26, 2025
Come to Central Street for the biggest sale of the year!
*For those who can't resist more bargains, shop indoors at participating businesses on Sunday.
When:
JULY 24-26 | Insidewalk sales on Sunday at participating businesses
Central Street ALIVE BuskerFest | September 20, 2025
The streets come ALIVE on Central Street! 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
Central Street Trick Or Treat | October 25, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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
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 24-25, 2025
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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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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