Upcoming and Annual Events

Upcoming Events

Late-er Night Thursday on Central Street | December 12

Late-er Night Thursday on Central Street | December 12

We know the holidays are hectic, so we're giving you a little extra time to shop. Businesses on Central Street are staying open late-er on Thursday, December 12 to make sure you find the perfect gift for that special someone on your list! Many shops will be staying open until 7pm.

Come for the shopping and stay for the dining. Thanks for supporting our local business community.
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Free Parking!
The City of Evanston is making local holiday shopping easier this year by offering a “Holiday Parking: Free for 2024” promotion. Community members and visitors to Evanston’s business districts will enjoy up to two hours of free parking daily from November 27, 2024 to January 1, 2025. 

Download the Park Evanston App and enter the code "Holiday2024". This offer is valid for app users once per day per account.
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Current List of Participating Businesses offering special promotions. Promotions announced closer to December 12.

SHOPPING PROMOTIONS
Alicia Mohr | 2014 Central Street
Beer on Central | 1930 Central Street
Christian Science Reading Room | 1936 Central Street
Evanston Art Center | 1717 Central Street
Follow Your Nose | 2016 Central Street
Gym 1801 | 1801 Central Street
Heaven Meets Earth Yoga | 2746 Central Street
Heroines & Heroes | 2026 Central Street (Books and games)
Mack’s Bike & Goods | 2948 Central Street
Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony | 1901 Central Street
MyEyeDr | 2000 Central Street
Parlor On Central | 2002 Central Street
Sew On Central I 1937 Central Street
Shower Blooms | 1917 Central Street
Stella | 2116 Central Street
The Alchemists Wife | 1810 Central Street
Then again… | 2016 Central Street
The Spice House | 1941 Central Street
YWCA Shop For Good | 2122 Central Street
Walsh Natural Health | 2116 Central Street

DINING PROMOTIONS
Comida Cantina Evanston | 1928 Central Street
Great Harvest Bread Co. | 2126 Central Street
Parlor On Central | 2002 Central Street
Pinto Thai | 1931 Central Street
Ten Mile House | 1700 Central Street
The Fat Shallot | 2902 Central Street

Where: Shops on Central Street
When: THURSDAY | DECEMBER 12
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Backlot Coffee Gingerbread House Workshop | 2006 Central Street

Backlot Coffee Gingerbread House Workshop | 2006 Central Street

On December 12 from 5-7 PM, join Backlot Coffee during Late-er Night Thursday for the very first Gingerbread House Workshop! Build and decorate a gingerbread house with icing, candies, cookies and holiday cheer! The workshop is open to all ages, but children under the age of 8 will need to be accompanied by their guardian. Backlot’s own elves will be available to help create your masterpiece!

*Reserve your kit for $55 by emailing emily@backlotcoffee.com.
You can request your house be pre-made for decorating.

Walk-ins accepted while supplies last!

Each participant will also receive a complimentary kids beverage and a surprise treat.

Raffle drawing for the Gingerbread Treehouse at 6:30pm that same evening. Ask one of our baristas about purchasing a ticket for $5 anytime leading up to the drawing! 

Where: 2006 Central Street
When: December 12 | 5 - 7 PM
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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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Ethereal Complexions | Botox Party

Ethereal Complexions | Botox Party

Join Ethereal Complexions for a Botox Party this Saturday, December 7 from 2 - 5 PM! 
Botox at a discount and the chance to win 45% off treatments, CBD Skin Products, and a free facial.

Where: Ethereal Complexions | 1732 Central Street
When: Saturday, December 7 | 2 - 5 PM
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Annual Winter Arts and Craft Expo 2024 | Evanston Art Center

Annual Winter Arts and Craft Expo 2024 | Evanston Art Center

Get your holiday shopping done in style! 🛍️🎁 Get ready for the Evanston Art Center's 22nd Annual Winter Arts and Craft Expo—a one-of-a-kind showcase of local artists, crafters, and makers. Mark your calendars! 

Preview Party: November 22nd, 6-9 pm (Purchase tickets on our website!)
General Shopping Dates: November 23 - December 20

Where: Evanston Art Center | 1717 Central Street
When: November 23 - December 20
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Annual Events

Small Business Saturday | November 30

Small Business Saturday | November 30

Light the way to your holidays on Central Street! Shop small on Central Street November 30, 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 30
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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Central Street Holiday Stroll | November 16

Central Street Holiday Stroll | November 16

Get into the holiday spirit early this year! Spend the day shopping and dining on Central Street Saturday, November 16! Enjoy shopping and dining specials and holiday festivities.
When: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Central Street Trick Or Treat | October 26

Central Street Trick Or Treat | October 26

Family fun awaits! Celebrate Halloween on Central Street, Saturday, October 26. Trick-or-treat at participating Central Street businesses, enjoy Halloween-themed crafts, and more.
When: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 | 11 AM - 1 PM
Central Street Annual Meeting | October 24

Central Street Annual Meeting | October 24

RSVP for Central Street Evanston's Annual Meeting. Gather with other Central Street businesses and celebrate the business district highlights from 2024, 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 24 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

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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 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!

Winter Sales & Promotions!

Enjoy seasonal sales and promotions by participating Central Street businesses.
When: JANUARY

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Sweet On Central | Valentine's Day Specials and Promotions

Sweet On Central | Valentine's Day Specials and Promotions

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. 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
Takeout Picnic | June 20

Takeout Picnic | June 20

On June 20 from 5:30 - 8PM, Central Street Evanston is hosting the third 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. Celebrate the Summer Solstice with and family-friendly activities at 2100 Central Street and Stewart Avenue.
When: June 20 | 5:30-8pm

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EXPERIENCE CENTRAL STREET | APRIL 18-20

EXPERIENCE CENTRAL STREET | APRIL 18-20

In honor of spring and Earth Month, come explore Central Street...the best place on earth! Enjoy spring shopping and dining promotions, special experiences, and pre-Earth Day celebrations at participating businesses.
When: April 18-20

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Wellness Wednesdays | June - August

Wellness Wednesdays | June - August

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! This series will run every week on Wednesdays at select Central Street locations. Note: Independence Park is getting a facelift, so classes will be held at select locations throughout Central Street.
When: June -August | Class times vary

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Annual Sidewalk Sale | July 25-27

Annual Sidewalk Sale | July 25-27

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 25-27 | Insidewalk sales on Sunday at participating businesses

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