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REVIEWS

See what our attendees and artists say about First Night Evanston. And because Yelp charges for comments and at a very expensive rate, we're not on there anymore. $450 a month would take too big a chunk out of the budget.

Send us your comments and we will update this page. firstnightevanston@gmail.com

January 1, 2018

We love First Night, a big thanks for bringing the Maxwell Street Kleizmer Band; they were greatly missed before. 

Mike O., January 1, 2018

A fantastic way to celebrate our community. Thankful to be a part of it

Lynne J. December 2017

So excited! The first place I lived on my own, where I went to college and where I first started singing with a band? Evanston! Always in my heart!  2017 yeah!!

Emily, December 3, 2017

This event is the best thing in town on New Year’s Eve. Close to 30 hours of programs for a mere $25. I've attended since it started in 1992, served on the board for many years and the evening never disappoints.

Catherine S., January 25, 2016

Nice variety of entertainment for a fun filled night! Wish there were more food trucks.

Robert S., December 9, 2016

Howard Levy is a generous performer, simply put. I always catch myself with my jaw dropped when I hear him. When you’re there, look around, you’ll see I’m not the only one.

​Anonymous, First Night New Year’s Eve 2013

We went to First Night Evanston and it was GREAT. So glad they brought it back....and now they're talking about next year (well, actually this year) and fireworks.... the quality of the music acts was top notch and the music venues were awesome, especially the First Presbyterian Church...pretty magnificent actually.... they figured they had 3000+ attending all the venues… IMO, there are a few bugs to work out for next time, such as staggering the musical acts and having more stuff in the park and more local business participation.... and for anyone who thinks this shindig is for the families to get out before the real NYE celebration is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG....

Originally posted on https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g35972-i2416-k7081712-New_Years_Eve-Evanston_Illinois.html

Howard Levy December 30, 2014

I played at last year’s First Night with my group Acoustic Express at the First Presbyterian Church and it was great. I was never inside there before and it was just beautiful. That’s one of the great things about First Night – all these churches are really wonderful places to play music and I was pleasantly surprised.

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WHAT WE DO

Music Institute of Chicago in Nichols Hall, Evanston hosts the event again this year.

FREE PARKING ALL OVER TOWN

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Parking is free at all City lots using the parking app and entering Holiday2025.

3 levels of parking at the Holiday Inn, right behind the Institute at 1501 Sherman.

First Presbyterian Church, 1427 Chicago Ave.:  their parking lot is just one  block south.

Bank of America, 1336 Chicago, is also one block south.

CITY GARAGE, 2 short blocks north. at Chicago and Church.

CITY LOT, 1706 Chicago Ave., next to the Woman's Club.

Again use the app for free parking.

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First Night relies on the generosity of local businesses, institutions, civic associations and individuals to support this annual tradition. Their contributions and yours enable us to keep the ticket prices reasonable.

First Night Evanston, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit Illinois corporation.

OUR SPONSORS

First Night Evanston strives to make the event affordable,  accessible and welcoming.

Without significant support from these sponsors, the ticket price would be about $75.

Thanks to Romano Wealth, Byline Bank,  Northwestern University, and Kiwanis Club.

Loyal supporters also contribute to help keep the ticket price at a reasonable level. Please consider helping out.

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CONTACT US

Questions? Contact us.

EMAIL: firstnightevanston@gmail.com

TWITTER:
@firstnightev

WEBSITE:

www.firstnightevanston.org

PHONE:

847-867-4826

MAILING ADDRESS:

1003 Dobson, Evanston 60202

 

Our Privacy Policy:

https://www.firstnightevanston.org/privacy-policy

© Copyright 2021 First Night Evanston, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Doors open at 7 pm.

Music Institute of Chicago,

1490 Chicago Ave. Evanston. 


8 pm   Chris Carter (The Mentalist) starts the evening with stunning and hilarious demonstrations of thought reading and mental influence. Ask anyone who was
there last year.
short intermission
8:30   Much missed bluegrass will
enhance the evening thanks to Chip Covington and his crew.
short intermission
10:45   Our favorite headliner, Corky
Siegel, will ring in the new year as only
he can do. 

© Copyright 2025 First Night Evanston, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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