Please note: The program will run from 9am on Wednesday July 22 until 5pm on Friday July 24.

Local Amenities & Things to Do

Essentials

Whole Foods Market (1640 Chicago Ave) is centrally located in downtown Evanston for groceries and prepared foods. Walgreens, CVS, and Target are also available within the downtown area for pharmacy needs and sundries.

Bookstores

Bookends & Beginnings (1620 Orrington Ave) is a beloved independent bookstore with a curated selection and cozy downstairs reading area. Right next door is Middles Used Books for secondhand finds.The LakefrontEvanston sits on Lake Michigan, and the Northwestern campus features beautiful lakefront paths. A morning or evening walk along the lakefill is a wonderful way to start or end a conference day. Lighthouse Beach and Clark Street Beach are also nearby for those who want to relax by the water. Daily beach passes are available for purchase.

Getting to Chicago

Downtown Chicago is easily accessible via the CTA Purple and Red Lines (approximately 40–50 minutes to the Loop). The city offers world-class museums, dining, architecture, and music. Highlights include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Millennium Park, and the vibrant jazz and blues clubs across the city.

Events in Chicago/Evanston

Ravinia Festival, the longest running outdoor music festival in North America, will feature multiple performances the week of SMPC. The festival is located in Highland Park, an estimated 25-30 minute drive from Evanston, or 40 minutes taking the Metra.Grant Park Music Festival is a free classical music outdoor concert series held at Grant Park in downtown Chicago throughout the summer.

Concerts during SMPC

Thursday, July 23 at 7:30pm

Grant Park Music Festival

Broadway Sings America

More Info

Thursday, July 23 at 7:30pm

Ravinia Festival

Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Mahlers Sixth Symphony

Tickets

Friday, July 24 at 8:00pm

Ravinia Festival

 Chicago Symphony Orchestra - On the Movies

Tickets