North Shore Do List August 2022

Music bursts out from fab festivals, events and shows all across the North Shore this August. Catch international superstars and local legends in outdoor concerts, art fairs and world-class gardens. You’ll find gorgeous art and other handmade items, too, all when you enjoy What’s There to Do in Chicago’s North Shore. Do it!
 

Out of SPACE, Canal Shores Golf Course, Evanston

Out of Space Outdoor Concert Series
1030 Central St, Evanston
Aug. 4–7; 7:00 pm (doors open at 5:00 pm)
Pack your picnic baskets, blankets and camp chairs for a night under stars. This exciting concert series fills Canal Shores Golf Course with a rousing summer festival on the beautiful, tree-lined first two holes of the course. Out of Space — presented by live music venue SPACE — features Jenny Lewis and Trampled by Turtles (Aug. 4), Elvis Costello & The Imposters (Aug. 5), Lucinda Williams co-headlining with Waxahatchee (Aug. 8) and Buddy Guy (Aug. 7). Beer, wine and cocktails available, as well as plenty of food options. Get tickets in advance.
 

Evanston Makers Market

Evanston Makers Market
Sun., Aug. 2; Noon–5:00 pm
Maple Parking Garage, 1800 Maple Ave., Evanston
The creative community arts group Evanston Made gathers a great big gaggle of talented local artists, artisans and makers for your shopping pleasure. Technically outside, but weather-proof in a covered parking garage, this fun monthly market is bustling with hundreds of unique and one-of-a-kind, handmade goods: art, crafts, wearables, candles, jewelry, stationary, handbags, hot sauce and more. The strong variety of dozens of sellers at all price points makes it a really fun market to shop. A great gals outing!
 

Northbrook Days

Northbrook Days
West Metra Commuter Lot, Northbrook Train Station, 1401 Shermer Rd., Northbrook
Aug. 3–7
Each year, volunteers across the Northbrook community come together for five days to put on an exciting festival for local residents and all the neighboring towns. The fest includes colorful carnival rides, games for the whole family, food, beer/wine and a Grand Prize Raffle. It's been a summer tradition for decades. Live music happens every night this year featuring favorites from high energy 80's music with The Breakfast Club to Chicago’s jam band Mr. Blotto to Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials.
 

Zorro the Musical, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Zorro the Musical
Music Theater Works, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
Aug. 11–21
Brace yourself for extraordinary aerial acrobatics, spectacular sword-fighting and incredible magic as Music Theater Works tells the tale of the legendary swordsman and defender of justice, Zorro, in a thrilling original musical. Don Diego de la Vega, a wealthy caballero, lives a double life as a masked hero entangled in adventure and romance, fighting to protect his people from tyranny and win the love of beautiful Luisa. In association with Ensemble Español, this regional premiere dazzles with its choreography and a captivating Flamenco-based score by international pop sensations, Gipsy Kings!

Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival

Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival
Downtown Evanston, 800 Church St., Evanston
Aug. 19–21
If you want to experience (and purchase) high-end artwork, don’t miss this incredible festival with 130+ juried artists from around the country. Perfect for experienced collectors or those looking for something special for their home, traditional mediums such as painting, sculpture and photography will be showcased alongside unique, usable art, including handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind furniture and home accessories. See the masters at work with live art demonstrations. Situated in Downtown Evanston amongst a variety of specialty shops and restaurants, the free festival compliments a day of shopping, eating and browsing for all.
 

Skokie Backlot Bash

Skokie Backlot Bash
5200 Oakton St., Downtown Skokie
Aug. 26–28
Skokie’s legendary street festival returns with live music from Old School hip hop with Kid ‘n Play and Too Hype Crew (Aug. 26), Chicago singer/songwriter Michael McDermott (Aug. 27) and fan favorites Tributosaurus becomes The Kinks (Aug. 28). The bash boasts a large carnival midway, a 5K Run in the morning, a children's stage, kid's activities, classic films, an auto show, bingo, a resource fair, exhibits at the Skokie Heritage Museum, a Sunday pancake breakfast, farmers market and yet…more! You’ll have to see this one to believe it.
 

Ravinia Festival, Highland Park

Ravinia Festival
200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park
Multiple shows, dates
The summer highlight of the North Shore, Ravinia’s August shows are offering up superstars and perennial favorites like Sting, Culture Club, Pitbull, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Gipsy Kings, Ziggy Marley and more.… just to namedrop a few. Picnicking is an art form here, but Ravinia’s Dining Pavilion also has you covered with two seated restaurants and two locations for quick bites and bar service. Ravinia Market shines with mini restaurants serving burgers, paninis, tacos, pizza and barbeque with mobile ordering option and QR codes.
 

Music on the Esplanade, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Music on the Esplanade
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Multiple shows, dates; 6:00 pm–7:30 pm
Picnic and sip cocktails while enjoying live music and summer evenings alongside sparkling lakes and colorful display gardens. This month features rock ‘n’ roll from Generation (Aug. 1), Saturday June Band (Aug. 3), Sushi Roll (Aug. 8) and Gen FuZe (Aug. 20). The Donna Herula Band (Aug. 17), Brass From the Past (Aug. 22) and Petra Van Nuis (Aug. 24) bring blues, soul and jazz respectively to the scene. And the idyllic surroundings fill with Mexican folk music from Ida y Vuelta (Aug. 10) and Latin/Flamenco from Guitarra Azul (Aug. 15). Free with Garden admission which visitors can enjoy until 8:00 pm.