Evanston Sidewalk Sale next weekend

Next week is the Evanston Sidewalk sale. Independent retailers and national chains will set up shop with specials on the sidewalks throughout downtown.

I am teaming up with Sara Jane at See Jane Sparkle to scatter more sparkle into the world.

I will have a table outside with newly created sparkle sets from 10 am to 4 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Sara Jane will have special offers on her own designs and likely some nibbles and bubbles.

It’s been fun to use the sparkle beads I picked up at the Bead & Button Show last month and come up with new designs.

I’ve been coiling away.

Some Sidewalks along Chicago Avenue are undergoing a makeover, but there will still be plenty of room to stroll. Check out the calendar event here.

The Evanston Sidewalk Sale is held along the Main-Dempster mile and in downtown Evanston throughout the weekend.

There will be discounts and special offers on apparel, shoes, one-of-a-kind accessories and decorative arts, including specialty and hand-crafted goods. Not all retailers will have items on the sidewalk per se but go inside to check out goodies.

Depending on weather, you can peruse my wax and wire creations inside the See Jane Sparkle Boutique.

An “Artists Row” will be set up on Sherman Ave. between Davis and Church Streets, displaying paintings, clothing, jewelry, home goods, accessories and more for all to peruse, enjoy and purchase.

Artists will display their wares in downtown Evanston on Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to shopping and art, there will be games and kid-friendly art activities set-up in Fountain Square. Challenge friends and family to a match of ping-pong, life-sized chess, giant Jenga and Scrabble or take part in a massive chalk art.

Then, head over to Hyatt House located at 1515 Chicago Ave. to check out the outdoor terrace and enjoy a complimentary, cold glass of lemonade (regular and spiked!).

To get to See Jane Sparkle you can take the CTA Purple line to Dempster St. or on the weekends, the CTA Red Line to Howard St. and then the Purple Line to Dempster Street.

You can also take the Metra UP-N Line to the Dempster St. station. Downtown Evanston is just a few blocks from Dempster St. and a few more from Main St. so you can easily walk between the districts.

If you’re driving, there are three City of Evanston parking garages in downtown Evanston, there is metered parking on the streets and free parking on side streets (like Hinman Ave.). Parking is $1/hr and it is free on Sundays.

Visit the Main-Dempster Mile Facebook page to learn about the deals at participating stores and other fun activities on Dempster Street, Main Street and Chicago Avenue.