If catching a live show within your neighborhood sounds like music to your ears, Evanston is the place to be.
We are proud of our local venues that host some of the best national touring performers and the stages that showcase up-and-coming students and local professional artists and musicians. You will find world-class sound systems, easy parking, convenient public transportation, tasty nearby restaurants, and memories you’ll cherish forever.
So, whether you are looking for your next date night spot, bars with live music, or just something to do in the evening, here are the spots to catch live entertainment in Evanston. Enjoy!
Actor’s Gymnaseum: Not only is the Actors Gymnasium one of the nation’s leading circus and performing arts training centers, it is your place to catch breathtaking performances that blend theater with the daring physical circus skills of their high-flying aerialists, the mishaps of their smile inducing clowns, and the gravity-defying display of acrobatics of their tumblers, all in an intimate venue. hello@actorsgymnasium.org or 847-328-2795. Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Suite 110.
Cahn Auditorium: Located on the campus of Northwestern University at the edge of Downtown Evanston, Cahn Auditorium, which seats 1,000, is a popular destination for touring artists. It has hosted such performers as Tegan and Sara, Indigo Girls, Herb Alpert, John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett, Mavis Staples, Shawn Colvin, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Cat Power, Joe Jackson, Gillian Welch, Rufus Wainwright, Steve Earle, Cowboy Junkies, Graham Nash, Rickie Lee Jones, Los Lobos. Many of the shows in the venue are produced by Evanston Space (see below) and the rest by Northwestern themselves. For details on the SPACE produced events: info@evanstonpace.com or boxoffice@evanstonspace.com; or call 847-492-8860. And for the Northwestern produced events: Call 847-491-7282. 600 Emerson Street.
Celtic Knot Public House: It wouldn’t be a true Irish pub without lively music. This neighborhood bar is well-known for their live Irish music on Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Even better, they never charge a cover. If Americana is more of your jam, go on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. And be sure to check the “events” tab on their website for information on even more live music sessions. 847-425-0025. 2022 Central Street.
Evanston SPACE: This live music hall is considered one of the best music venues by the Chicago Tribune, DownBeat Magazine, and 93XRT for good reason. Just blocks away from downtown Evanston, SPACE hosts local and national touring acts, such as The Lumineers and Alabama Shakes. If you like to start your week on a high note, be sure to check out their Blue Monday’s, featuring blues artists from Chicago and beyond. Shows are all ages, unless otherwise indicated. Finally, for trivia buffs, SPACE stands for Society for the Preservation of Art and Culture in Evanston. They are the folks who bring you the Evanston Folk Festival and Out of Space concert series. info@evanstonpace.com or boxoffice@evanstonspace.com; or call 847-492-8860. 1243-1245 Chicago Avenue.
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at Noyes Cultural Arts Center: For inspirational, thought-provoking, community-led storytelling, check out The Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. Their plays are inspired by stories of the African Diaspora and African American perspectives, spanning original works to Broadway productions. Want to be in the know? Their monthly newsletter “The Fourth Wall” shares performance details and updates. fjtheatre@cityofevanston.org or 847-866-5914. 927 Noyes Street.
Local Note Jazz Club: Experience the finest local and regional jazz talent as well as expertly crafted cocktails, all in an intimate venue. Thursdays from 6 p.m. to midnight and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. feature performances. Also, Sundays from 6 to 11 p.m. will feature open jam sessions. chris@localnotejazz.com. Down the alley at 1716 Sherman Avenue.
Nichols Concert Hall: To hear classical music and jazz in an acoustically superior venue, check out this on the Nichols Concert Hall in the Evanston campus of the Music Institute of Chicago. In addition to the professional performances, they host student recitals, family-friendly programs, master classes and workshops. There’s truly something for everyone. Chamber music sings in this venue, as it’s a restored church with beautiful acoustics. Pro tip: bring seat cushions, you’ll be sitting in the original church pews for every show. contactus@musicinst.org or 847-905-1500. 1490 Chicago Avenue.
Northlight Theatre: The largest and longest-running nonprofit theatre in Chicago has returned to Evanston! This world-class professional theatre company started in Evanston in 1974, but then moved to Skokie in 1997. Be sure to see one of their five mainstage productions, or more. The brand new theatre is located at 1012 Church Street. 847-563-8400.
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall: There are endless opportunities to see world-class classical music on Northwestern University’s campus. From touring musicians to student recitals, the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall is the home for captivating performances. Their Skyline Piano Artist and Segovia Classical Guitar series offer ongoing performances of various genres. And if you’ve ever been curious about piano music, Keyboard Conversations dives deep into piano masterpieces and concludes with a Q & A session. Be sure to buy tickets early. Many of their performances sell out quickly. events.music@northwestern.edu or 847-467-4000. 50 Arts Circle Drive.
Piven Theatre Workshop: From renowned youth performance companies to staged readings of new work to productions from other theatre companies that rent space at Piven, there is always something exciting to see on their stage. Just think: It’s where Rosanna Arquette, Joan Cusack, John Cusack, Jamie Gertz, Jeremy Piven, Aidan Quinn, and many other future famous youths gained their acting chops. info@piventheatre.org or 847-866-6597. 927 Noyes Street.
Studio5: For those who want to pick between going to dance performances, jazz concerts, full theatrical productions, or film screenings, Studio5 is your place. They offer it all, so you’ll find it there, whether you’re in the mood to tap your feet or be moved by dance. Don’t miss their Live at Studio5! series, showcasing Chicago’s best jazz musicians every Friday night. With a cozy, intimate atmosphere, Studio5 is perfect for a date night. info@studio5.dance or 847-328-6683. 1934 Dempster Street.
Theo: If life’s a cabaret, then you must go to Theo. Formerly known as the Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, this group has performed highly acclaimed plays and musicals for more than 25 years. They perform in “cabaret style”, which means that they get up close and personal with audience members. Talk about an immersive experience! info@theo-u.org or 773-939-4101. 721 Howard Street.
Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center: As mentioned above, Northwestern University is where many leading actors started on their way to fame and fortune. So, perhaps catching one or more of the 40 student productions a year at Northwestern’s Wirtz Center is where you will see another future star. It boasts four venues: the 439-seat Ethel M. Barber Theater, the 288-seat Josephine Louis Theater, the 100-seat Hal and Martha Hyer Wallis Theater, the 100-seat Mussetter-Struble Theater. wirtz@northwestern.edu or call 847-491-7282. 1949 Campus Drive.
Ward 8: This charming cocktail lounge hosts live jazz music on Thursday evenings, led by the Stephen Parisi Trio. The welcoming interior creates an intimate atmosphere for jazz lovers. Be sure to arrive early, since they don’t take reservations. jeremy@wardeight.com 847-420-7353. 629 Howard Street.
Our wonderful entertainment venues are just part of what makes our community so special. So, if we didn’t include one, please let us know. We love supporting our community and highlighting the best Evanston has to offer.
But it’s not just your ability to see a world class show and then walk home on tree-lined streets that makes Evanston so amazing. There is plenty else to love about our community, from our lake front to the North Shore canal and beyond into Skevanston. If you’re interested in all that the city has to offer, be sure to check out our other Everything Evanston posts.
And if Evanston hits all the right notes for you, we at Jackie Mack & More can help you find your perfect home. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime. As your Evanston Experts, we’re here to help.
