Paid Post: Shoppers, get ready to hit the sidewalks of downtown Evanston and the Main-Dempster Mile! Independent retailers and national chains offer too-good-to-resist deals on the sidewalks of both districts Friday, July 29, through Sunday, July 31.
Expect to find great deals on apparel, shoes, one-of-a-kind accessories, home goods and decorative arts, including the best in specialty and hand-crafted goods.
Local artists have been invited to be a part of the action in downtown Evanston on Saturday and Sunday on Sherman Avenue between Church and Davis streets, displaying paintings, jewelry, accessories, clothing and more for the public to peruse, enjoy and purchase.
In addition, Downtown Evanston is providing fun, free entertainment throughout the weekend. Challenge a friend to a game of ping-pong at the plaza outside of American Apparel on Friday or Saturday. Stop by Fountain Square on Saturday and Sunday to play big games (Jenga, Chess and Scrabble), and participate in a chalk party and Envelope Exchange, a creative way to spread positive messages.
On Saturday, the Main-Dempster Mile is hosting events at the parking lot just north of Chicago/Dempster. Grab a bagel and coffee from 9am to 12pm and enjoy live music by the School of Rock beginning at 1 p.m. Looking to get an early start? Secret Treasures will open at 7 a.m.
Downtown Saturday there’s a Harry Potter celebration, featuring a costume contest, readings and release party at Bookends & Beginnings and Barnes & Noble.
Pedi-cabs will connect the shopping districts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, with stops at Church Street and Maple Avenue, in the alley between the Metra and CTA stations on Main Street and in the parking lot just north of Dempster Street on Sherman Place.
On Sunday at 2 p.m., LYFE Kitchen hosts storyteller Lisa Dennison who combines a blend of original music with on-the-spot storytelling and, at the same time, Close Knit, located at 1630 Orrington Ave., hosts a free pom-pom making workshop.
While you’re out and about in downtown Evanston, take part in the “Here” Photo Contest! Look for these posters in stores, restaurants, salons, fitness studios and take a photo of includes the poster. Bonus points awarded to photos that feature an activity, product, food, or service you purchased! Tag @downtownevanston and share on Instagram or Facebook. Three winners will receive a $50 Downtown Evanston gift card.
Deals and discounts downtown
Here are some of the deals being offered at stores in downtown Evanston. Look online for other deals downtown and on the Main-Dempster Mile.
Bottle and Bottega, 1016 Davis St. — 16×20 original paintings for just $10! Stop by to browse the collection and check out the upcoming painting events for adults and a new art camp for kids!
Uncle Dan’s: The Great Outdoor Store, 901 Church St. — Save up to 50 percent off on past seasons’ outerwear, apparel, footwear and gear!
Ayla’s Originals, 1511 Sherman Ave. — Beads for $3 or 10 for $20. Shop items to support your beading, like racks and containers. Inside, take 20% off all products for your home.
Asha SalonSpa, 1604 Sherman Ave., 2nd Floor — Stop by for a free “mani touch-up” outside the salon and go upstairs for great deals on a variety of products.
Coucou & Olive, 1716 Sherman Ave. — It’s more than just a sidewalk sale! Coucou & Olive will have spring and summer clothing accessories and jewelry at 50-75%, a selection of fantastic vintage finds and a full rack of gently used clothing ranging from $5-40! To top it all off, you can shop special purchase items from Coucou & Olive’s featured brands at greatly reduced prices.
Gigi Bottega, 612 Davis St. — Step inside of Gigi Bottega to shop 50-75% off select merchandise and $5 accessories!
Urban Outfitters, 921 Church St. — Take an additional 50% off of all marked sale items after downloading and creating an UrbanID on the Urban Outfitters app.
2nd Time Around, 900 Church St. — Take advantage of the mid-season sale – 10% off new arrivals and 50% off everything else”.
Exhale Spa, 1890 Maple Ave. — Exhale Spa is offering fantastic discounts on gear and classes. All retail items are buy 1 get the second for half-off, $99 summer membership, and 25% off all class packages.
Benefit Cosmetics, 1625 Sherman Ave. — Spend $75 on products and enjoy a free makeover and goody bag!
Spice & Tea Exchange, 1615 Sherman Ave. — Enjoy free Iced Tea Samples. Make a purchase of four 1 oz. blends or grinders, receive a 5th 1oz. blend or grinder for free.
Close Knit, 1630 Orrington Ave. — Stop by on Sunday at 2 p.m. to learn how to make a pompom! Free and open to all ages — great kids’ activity!
Becky & Me Toys, 620 Grove St. — Stop by on July 29 or 30 for great toys, books, games, novelties, and more marked down 20-50%! Plus, check out the $1, $2, $5, and $10 bins with items that are up to 90% off the original prices!
Stepping Out on Faith, 1632 Orrington Ave. — Take an extra 20% off everything inside and outside the store! Opening at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11am on Sunday!
Market Fresh Books, 700 Church St. — Stop by to check to stock up on books from the 99 cent tables!
Oska, 1590 Sherman Ave. — Select items will be priced at 70% off the outlet price! Note that items will be inside the store.
Pure Barre, 910 Church St. — Up to 50% off of accessories and apparel.
Lemoi Ace Hardware, 1008 Davis St. — Great deals on a variety of products for your garden, home repairs, and more!
Getting here
The Sidewalk Sale is accessible via public transit. To get to downtown Evanston take the CTA Purple Line to Davis or the Metra to the Davis stop, to get to Main-Dempster Mile take the Purple Line to Dempster or Main or the Metra to the Main stop.
Or, try out Divvy bikes to get you from downtown to Main and Dempster.