With spring rolling around and Evanston’s winter chill fading away, there is a wide variety of local events to explore this April across Evanston. These events are all free to attend, aside from Central Street Restaurant Week, and many of the events dive into the heart of the local community, whether that’s learning about local sustainability efforts or local Indigenous culture.

Central Street Restaurant Week from Monday, April 7 to Sunday, April 13
Central Street will hold its first Central Street Restaurant Week from April 7-13. Central Street restaurants, including Backlot Coffee, Ten Mile House and The Fat Shallot will be participating. Restaurants will be offering special items and menus throughout the week. This will take place in participating restaurants on Central Street.

Talks@EHC: Evanston’s First Passive House on Tuesday, April 8
Architect Nate Kipnis and homeowner Margaret Stender will speak Tuesday about the first certified Passive House in Evanston at the Evanston History Center. A Passive House dramatically reduces the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling throughout the year. Stender’s home is a fully certified Passive House, and she will talk about her experience living in Evanston’s first Passive House for the past year. This event will be held at the Charles Gates Dawes House at 225 Greenwood Street.

Eco Art Supply Sale from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13
Evanston Art Center will sell new and gently used art supplies on April 11-13 at its Eco Art Supply Sale. The center plans to sell a wide variety of supplies, ranging from paint to unused canvases. The sale will be hosted at the Evanston Art Center at 1717 Central Street.

Free Day at Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum on Friday, April 18
The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum has free entry on April 18. The Free Day will be accompanied by an Indigenous Artists Pop-Up Market with different local Indigenous artists. The museum is located at 3001 Central Street.

Writers Fest from Monday, April 21 to Wednesday, April 23
Northwestern’s English Department will host its 17th annual Writers Fest on April 21-23 in the Guild Lounge. Writers Mary South, Eric Dean Wilson and Tracy Fuad will be presenting a craft talk and a reading during the event. The lounge is within Scott Hall, located at 601 University Place.

Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 26
Evanston’s Ecology Center will hold a festival to celebrate Earth Day on April 26, at the Ladd Arboretum, which is on 2024 McCormick Boulevard. This community event will include hands-on activities and opportunities to learn more about Evanston’s environmental organizations.

2025 Earth Day Clean-Up on Sunday, April 27
Downtown Evanston, The Woman’s Club of Evanston and Brightview Landscaping will host an Earth Day Clean-Up event on April 27. Participants will gather at Fountain Square at the intersection of Davis Street and Sherman Avenue in Evanston to check in. Participants will be given gloves, bags and maps before they set off on assigned routes to pick up litter.

Email: s.serota@dailynorthwestern.com
X: @SarahSerota

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