Upcoming and Annual Events

Upcoming Events

InSidewalk Sale

InSidewalk Sale

Enjoy extra savings on holiday, fall & winter clearance items at participating Central Street businesses. Stay tuned for a list of participating businesses with special promotions. 

Where: Shops on Central Street
When: January 24 - 25 | During regular business hours
2024 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

2024 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

View the 2024 Central Street Gift Guide for shopping ideas. From games and art to socks and spices, there's something for everyone on Central Street.

Did you know? 90% of Central Street businesses are small and locally-owned. Your ongoing support means...everything! Come shop with us and stop for a break at one of our great food and drink stops during and after your day of shopping.

FREE PARKING!
Enjoy 2 free hours of parking each day through January 1, 2025. Use code HOLIDAY2024 on the ParkEvanston app.

Where: Shops throughout Central Street
When: Holiday 2024
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Storm Print City Presents | Vignettes Photography and Mixed Media Show

Storm Print City Presents | Vignettes Photography and Mixed Media Show

Join Storm Print Studio on December 6 at 2601 Prairie Avenue for a fabulous December photography and mixed media show opening. Show runs December 6 - January 11, Thursdays - Saturdays, 11 AM - 5 PM. Opening night is December 6th from 5 - 9 PM with artists, drinks, music, and bites.  

“Vignettes” brings together three innovative artists using photography and mixed media to create visual expressions – thought-provoking and powerful scenes that leave you wanting more.

  • Mary Claire Griffin’s portraits are raw, mysterious, and captivating stories of self – told by herself. (@maryclaire.griffin
  • Jacob Futhey ( @j.futhey) transforms his printed photographs into canvases, merging paint and a range of materials to create works that encourage viewers to drift off into other worlds.
  • Charlea Taylor’s signature stitch work on found photos celebrates society, strangers, the past, and the present – extending and bringing new life to existing visuals. (@charlea.taylor)

Where: Storm Print City | 2601 Prairie Avenue
When: December 6 - January 11 | 11 AM - 5 PM Thursday through Saturday
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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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Winter Sales & Promotions | January 24-25, 2025

Winter Sales & Promotions | 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
Sweet On Central | Valentine's Day Specials and Promotions

Sweet On Central | Valentine's Day Specials and Promotions

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! - Stay tuned to this page for sweet deals and promotions. -
When: February
Experience Central Street | April 2025

Experience Central Street | April 2025

Enjoy spring shopping and dining promotions and special experiences.
When: April 2025
Takeout Picnic | June 26, 2025

Takeout Picnic | June 26, 2025

On June 26 from 6:30 - 9PM, Central Street Evanston is hosting the fourth annual summer evening Takeout Picnic to support our great Central Street restaurants. Order take out from one of our restaurants, bring it to our event area and pull up a seat at one of our community dining tables.
When: June 26 | 6:30-9pm

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Wellness Wednesdays | June - August, 2025

Wellness Wednesdays | June - August, 2025

Central Street is home to many great health and fitness businesses. June - August, we'll be teaming up with a variety of fitness and wellness studios to bring you "Wellness Wednesdays" a series of free summer classes taking place every Wednesday in Independence Park!
When: June -August | Class times vary
Annual Sidewalk Sale | July 24-26, 2025

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 Trick Or Treat | October 25, 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

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

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

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 12

Late-er Night Thursday on Central | December 12

Shop and dine with us during Later-Night Central on December 12! Enjoy extended shopping hours and dining specials until 7pm. Special promotions at 25+ businesses.
When: THURSDAY | DECEMBER 12

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