New fairs promise a fun and festive summer

Spring is in the air, which means Evanston’s exciting summer festival season is just around the corner. 

From May through October, the city is home to more than two dozen festivals, fairs, and other festivities for revelers of all ages. In addition to the tried and true, such as Evanston ASPA’s Lantern Festival, Art & Big Fork Festival, and ‘Kits, ‘Cats & Kids Block Party, there are a number of new additions to the calendar this year.

Grab an ice cold lemonade and get ready for summer in the city!  

Noyes Street Fest, July 21-28. This inaugural festival will take place at Tallmadge Park, just outside of Noyes Cultural Art Center at 927 Noyes St. Guests can expect family-friendly activities such as face painting, live entertainment and interactive games as well as local food and beverages. Organized by Tiffany Fortin, bar manager at Stacked & Folded, the free event aims to showcase the sometimes-overlooked area in the heart of Evanston. “We wanted to bring the community together and showcase how beautiful the neighborhood around Noyes is. There will be something for everyone, with a large section for the kids, performances by Chicago Ballet Arts, local artist vendors and live music throughout the day,” Fortin said in a phone call. Stay up to date with Fortin’s recently launched podcast about the festival. 

Out of Space, July 26-28. While not exactly new, the popular music festival produced by Evanston’s Space moves this year to North Field at Illinois Science & Technology Park at 4900 Searle Parkway in Skokie. The long weekend features headliners Courtney Barnett, Thee Sacred Souls, Guster,and St. Paul & The Broken Bones, as well as performances by Bob Mould, The Lone Bellow, Devon Gilfillian and Jeremie Albino. The new location is easily accessible for walkers and bikers on the Skokie Valley Trail, is steps from the CTA Yellow Line and offers a sprawling lawn for concertgoers. “In the six years since we launched Out of Space, we’ve been delighted to see the enthusiasm our neighbors have to enjoy acclaimed artists outdoors in the summertime, with picnics, friends, top notch food and beverage offerings, in a setting with a very mellow, family-friendly, and enjoyable vibe,” said Jake Samuels, executive director of Space Presents in a press release. “We’ve had our eyes on this unique location for several years, and can’t wait to see how Out of Space continues to evolve in Skokie.” 

Evanston Folk Festival, Sept. 7-8. The team at Space is also launching Evanston Folk Festival this summer, taking place in scenic Dawes Park, Sheridan Road and Church Street. Samuels said that EFF aims to celebrate the rich folk music tradition that has strong roots in the Evanston community. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to bring an event like this to our beloved hometown. What could be better than gathering incredible musicians and songwriting luminaries with Lake Michigan in the background?” Samuels shared in a press release. Over two days, three music stages will host 30 artists, including Sierra Ferrell, Patty Griffin, Hiss Golden Messenger, Sarah Jarosz and Madi Diaz, as well as local favorites Nora O’Connor and The Sullivan Sisters. The weekend also features an In-Conversation Tent for panel discussions, speakers and interviews with thought leaders and visionaries including Jeff Tweedy, Ann Powers and Greg Kot. Like most SPACE events, guests can also expect family programming, an array of local food and beverage vendors and after shows both nights. Tickets go on sale May 3, and people can find up-to-date information on the festival website. 

Rotary Main Street Fallfest, Oct. 20. With Main Street undergoing serious renovation this summer, this family-friendly festival will be an opportunity to celebrate the neighborhood’s new look. Sponsored by Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club, the afternoon will offer carnival rides for kids, a variety of live music acts and plenty of local food and drink. Planning committee member Dan Coyne said the group’s goal is to bring the community together to support the area on the Main Dempster Mile. “This is a chance to get together outside one more time before the winter hits. We are partnering with Evanston Latinos and local churches to showcase gospel and Latino music as well as a folk-inspired headliner. There will be wagon rides, family-friendly activities, and a variety of food options, including an offering from the Evanston Latino’s new community kitchen,” Coyne said in a phone call. The event is free. 

Custer Fair, June 23, 2025. OK, this isn’t happening until next summer, but the return of Custer Fair will be worth the wait. Since its inception in 1972, the iconic South Evanston festival was a Father’s Day weekend tradition for the entire community. Political controversy, tensions over rising fees and other issues caused the fair to cease in 2020, but a dedicated group of Evanston residents and business owners is bringing it back next year. While still in the early planning stages, Coyne said that guests can look forward to a plethora of vendors, artists, performances and of course food. “This newly envisioned Custer Street Fair will stay true to many favorite memories, while supporting the local community as much as possible,” Coyne said. Stay tuned!