Evanston Folk Festival 2025: Where Folk’s Spirit Meets the Lakefront

Folk isn’t just a sound—it’s a spirit. And this September 6–7, 2025, that spirit comes alive as the Evanston Folk Festival returns for its second year, setting up camp on Chicago’s North Shore at the iconic Dawes Park.

More than 30 world-class artists will take the stage with Lake Michigan’s glittering horizon as the ultimate backdrop, creating a two-day celebration that feels equal parts timeless and electric. This isn’t just about the music—it’s about the stories. Thanks to Chicago Public Media, the festival digs deeper with in-person interviews, panels, and intimate conversations with authors and cultural luminaries.

When the sun dips below the lake, the energy doesn’t stop. Cahn Auditorium will host late-night sessions—up-close, raw, and unfiltered—where folk legends and rising stars trade melodies with the intimacy only Evanston can offer.

Because here’s the truth: a folk festival doesn’t exist without its people. The fans, the storytellers, the community. So grab your weekend or single-day passes, bring your voice, and join the chorus. The Evanston Folk Festival 2025 is more than a concert—it’s a movement.

More info here.

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