Evanston New Year's Eve Events: 2021 Guide

Jonah Meadows
Updated ·3 min read

EVANSTON, IL — Where do you plan to ring in 2022? From extravagant galas to live music to cozy cocktail parties, there’s something for everyone in and around Evanston this New Year’s Eve.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 infections due to the fast-spreading omicron variant, some celebrations may be going virtual again even as 205 million Americans are fully vaccinated and more than 67 million have received booster doses — something health officials say is critical to protect yourself and others around you from the virus.

Still, there are likely to be more in-person celebrations this year, and if you’re among those hoping to get out this New Year’s Eve, here’s a sampling of events happening in or near Evanston.

Noon Year's Eve
This family-friendly countdown to 12 p.m. and ball drop is set to feature a DJ, hot cocoa, sweet treats and a festive photo booth. Pre-registration and masks at the event. It is sponsored by local business association Downtown Evanston, which also provided a list of New Year's Eve specials at local restaurants and retailers.

First Night Evanston Virtual Variety Show
The 25th anniversary of the New Year's Eve music event will be held remotely. Hosted by Holly and Corky Siegel, the all-ages online event will include performances by Alvy Ray Smith, Billy Branch, Blair Thomas with Michael Smith, Chamber Blues, Corky Siegel, Dorothy Scott, Howard Levy, Last Word Quintet, Phil Bimstein, Sones of México, Sons of the Never Wrong, Toronzo Cannon, Lynne Jordan, Ernie Watts, Wayne Baker Brooks, John Primer, Chihsuan Yang and Will Tilson. A contribution of at least $35 is recommended.

Happy Brew Year
Sketchbook Brewing Company is hosting its first-ever New Year's Eve celebration in Skokie at its 3901 Main St. taproom from 8 p.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday. The event is set to feature a DJ, dancing and the Soul & Smoke food truck. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Proof of vaccination is required and no outside food or drinks are permitted.

NYE 2022
Good to Go Jamaican Cuisine and Event Space is hosting a celebration with a live DJ, a complimentary midnight champagne toast and party favors. The kitchen at the 711 Howard St. eatery is set to remain open for small plates until midnight. Tickets are $20.

Despite this year’s planned festivities, many Evanston residents may opt to stay home as the state experiences a surge in daily coronavirus cases thanks to the fast-spreading omicron variant.

For the seven days ending Dec. 23, there were 839 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Evanston, compared to 311 the week before, according to city staff. The positivity rate had risen to 6.64 percent.

As of Dec. 23, there were a total of 85 people hospitalized at St. Francis, Evanston and Glenbrook hospitals, the most at any point in the prior 30 days.

Several events have been canceled or postponed, including concerts at Evanston Space and a New Year's Eve revue at Studio5.

Still, if you’re vaccinated and take the necessary precautions, you should be able to gather this New Year’s Eve with little risk of severe illness from a COVID-19 infection.

Public health guidelines for safer holiday celebrations include recommendations to avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces and favor outdoor environments. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that people take a self-administered rapid antigen test before attending an indoor gathering with people outside of their household.

"A negative self-test result means that you may not have an infection," according to the CDC holiday guidelines. "Repeating the test with at least 24 hours between tests will increase the confidence that you are not infected."

This article originally appeared on the Evanston Patch