Annual Events
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
