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

Getting to Evanston

Evanston is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, immediately north of Chicago. The city is well connected by air, rail, and road, making it accessible from anywhere in the country or abroad.

By Air

We highly recommend flying into Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), as it is the closest major hub, approximately 17 miles west of Evanston (30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic). From O'Hare, you can take the CTA Blue Line to the Howard station, then transfer to the Purple Line to reach downtown Evanston. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) typically cost $30–50.

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is about 25 miles south of Evanston (1–2 hours by car depending on traffic). From Midway, take the CTA Orange Line to the Loop, transfer to the Purple Line Express at various Loop stations. Rideshare costs are typically $40–60.

By Train

Amtrak serves Chicago Union Station, which is about 14 miles south of Evanston. From Union Station, take the CTA Purple Line Express (available during rush hours) or transfer via the Red Line to Howard, then the Purple Line to the Davis or Foster stations in Evanston. This trip takes approximately 45–60 minutes.

Metra Union Pacific North Line runs directly from Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center to Evanston, with stops at Main Street, Davis Street, and Central Street. The ride takes about 30 minutes and is one of the most convenient options from downtown Chicago.

By CTA (Chicago 'L' Train)

The CTA Purple Line terminates in Evanston with several stops in the city, including Davis, Foster, Noyes, and Central. During rush hours, the Purple Line Express runs directly to and from the Loop. At other times, transfer from the Red Line at Howard. A single CTA ride costs $2.50 with a Ventra card.

By Car

From the north or south, take Interstate 94 (Edens Expressway) and exit at Dempster Street or Old Orchard Road, heading east to Evanston. From the west, I-90 connects to I-94. Street parking is available but metered in the downtown area. Several public parking garages are located downtown, including the Sherman Plaza Garage (near Davis Street) and the Maple Avenue Garage (near Church Street). Most hotels offer parking for a fee (typically $18–30/night).

Getting Around Evanston

Downtown Evanston is very walkable. All recommended hotels are within a 10–15 minute walk of each other and of the Northwestern campus. For trips further afield, rideshare services are readily available, and the CTA provides service throughout the area. Divvy bike-share stations are located throughout downtown Evanston and the Northwestern campus.

Please notify us on your registration form of any accessibility accommodations needed for travel between Evanston hotels and Northwestern campus.

Recommended Hotels

Conference Venue: Bienen School of Music, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, 70 Arts Circle, Evanston, IL 60208

All listed hotels are located in downtown Evanston, within walking distance of the Bienen School of Music (the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts) and the Northwestern University campus. We recommend booking early, as rooms fill quickly during conference season. When you register, you will be provided with a discounted rate link for these hotels, and we have also set aside a block of rooms available at the graduate (link below).

1. Graduate by Hilton Evanston

Address: 1625 Hinman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Distance to Bienen: ~0.5 miles (10-minute walk)

Boutique hotel with Northwestern-themed decor, on-site bar and restaurant (The Homestead Room), and a charming front porch with rocking chairs. There is a Home Alone-themed room! The building dates to 1927 and has been fully renovated. We have a block of rooms at this hotel!

🔗 graduatehotels.com/evanston

Room Block Link: https://book.passkey.com/gt/221017352?gtid=88805015d96426af024575ad5357d974

2. Hyatt House

Address: 1515 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Distance to Bienen: ~0.7 miles (~14-minute walk)

Extended-stay hotel with spacious suites featuring kitchenettes. Complimentary breakfast included. On-site parking available.

🔗 hyatt.com — Hyatt House Evanston

3. Hilton Orrington

Address: 1710 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Distance to Bienen: ~0.6 miles (12-minute walk)

Full-service hotel in the heart of downtown Evanston. On-site restaurant (Evanston Corner Bistro) and event space. Valet parking available. The most centrally located of the recommended hotels.

🔗hilton.com — Hilton Orrington

4. Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston

Address: 1818 Maple Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Distance to Bienen: ~0.8 miles (16-minute walk)

Modern hotel with on-site restaurant, indoor pool, and fitness center. Located in downtown Evanston near the Davis Street CTA station.

🔗 hilton.com — Hilton Garden Inn Evanston

5. Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston

Address: 1501 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Distance to Bienen: ~0.9 miles (18-minute walk)

Comfortable, budget-friendly option in downtown Evanston with on-site parking garage. 

🔗 ihg.com — Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston

All distances are approximate walking distances to the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts (Bienen School of Music). Distances sourced from the Bienen School visitor page and Google Maps. Please confirm rates, availability, and amenities directly with each hotel.