Enjoy Summer Activities On and Around Campus
Are you looking to make the most of the warm months? Having plenty of summer fun makes our chilly winters bearable, so whether you live near Evanston or are looking for a new way to disconnect from work, there is no shortage of happenings on and around campus.
Check out the events below to attend by yourself, with a colleague, or your friends and family.
Activities on Campus
School’s out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean events and activities available on campus for staff come to a halt.
10th Annual All-Staff Golf Outing
Fore! – Northwestern’s 10th annual All-Staff Golf Outing is back, and all staff members are invited to attend the event. This is an annual scramble-style event open to golfers of all levels. The outing is on Thursday, July 18, but prior registration is required no later than Monday, July 1. See registration and payment details.
Summer Cinema at Norris
Summer showings include E.T., Labyrinth, and Toy Story. Each screening includes a free activity like caricature or balloon artists. No registration is required, but you’ll receive a free blanket if you do. Find details about the August 7, 14, and 21 dates.
Lunch on the Lake
Step away from your computers and head over to the Norris South Lawn for free live performances and lake breezes on August 14 and 21. No registration required but if you do, you’ll receive a free blanket. Learn more.
Dearborn Observatory
Spend your Friday nights stargazing. The Dearborn Observatory is open for public viewing every Friday night from 9 to 11 p.m. during the spring and summer months. The sessions are free and open to all. Reservations are required for the first hour, but walk-ins are welcome after that. Find out more.
White Light Therapy
Human Resources and various campus partners have collaborated to provide free white light therapy lamps at varying locations on campus. White light therapy can be a safe, effective way to treat symptoms of depression, season affective disorders and mood disorders. Registration in advance required. See additional details.
Activities near Campus
Evanston is home to many summer programs and events on weeknights and weekends – enough to keep you busy the whole season.
Evanston Night Market
The fifth annual night market is back and features a showcase of artists, makers, and retailers from the local community. It’s free to stroll the market, but there will be a wide range of items for sale. Learn more about the July 6, 11, August 1, and September 5 nights.
Evanston Folk Festival
The first-ever Evanston Folk Festival will take place on the lakefront at Dawes Park in early September with three musical stages and more than 30 artists and performers. Advance ticket purchase required. Get tickets for the September 7-8 festival.
Downtown Evanston Summer Sounds
This free outdoor concert series runs from July 11 to September 26 at Fountain Square. Downtown Evanston has collaborated with local nonprofits to ensure the bands reflect the community's diversity and feature a wide range of musical genres and performances. Learn more about the acts.
Evanston Farmers’ Market
The Farmers’ Market is back and in full force. Swing by on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on University Avenue at Oak Street. Free parking is available in the Maple Avenue Garage. Visit the City of Evanston website for additional details.