Public Events

Northwestern University is a vibrant place offering a wealth of ways to learn, participate, and be entertained – and many events are free and open to the public. Each month, Neighborhood & Community Relations curates a calendar brimming with exciting on-campus experiences. Discover captivating performances by world-class musicians, family-friendly fun for all ages, thrilling Big Ten athletic competitions, and insightful lectures on topics spanning the humanities and sciences.

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2026 Stephen H. Davis Lecture: Dr. Sidney Nagel on "Memory Formation in Particle Packings" Dr. Sidney Nagel explores how memory can form in disordered solids by studying stable particle packings, energy landscapes, and the behavior of materials far from equilibrium. October 19 Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center, ITW (Room 1.350), 2133 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL Speakers, Lectures, Presentations
Anthropology Colloquium: Rhea Rahman, Brooklyn College Rhea Rahman examines how race, religion, and humanitarianism intersect through the global work of Islamic Relief, exploring its political challenges, limitations, and approaches to social change. October 19 2001 Sheridan Road, Room 1105, Evanston, IL Speakers, Lectures, Presentations
Jazz Small Ensembles Enjoy a jazz performance celebrating the music of legendary artists McCoy Tyner and John Coltrane, featuring works that highlight their lasting influence on jazz. October 19 Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, McClintock Choral and Recital Room, 70 Arts Circle, Evanston, IL Arts
Harbor: A Mid-Week Worship Experience A midweek Catholic worship experience featuring Adoration, Praise & Worship, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, followed by food, friendship, and community. October 21 Sheil Catholic Center, Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University / Newman Center, 2110 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL Sports, Health and Wellness
WED@NICO SEMINAR: Andreia Sofia Teixeira, Northeastern University London "Human Relational Ecology and Conversational AI: From Social Actor to Asymmetric Co-Regulation" Explore how conversational AI may shape human relationships, emotions, behavior, social connections, and sense of agency through the concept of “asymmetric co-regulation.” October 21 Chambers Hall, Lower Level, 600 Foster St, Evanston, IL Speakers, Lectures, Presentations
2026 NSAIL Conference on AI & National Security Experts in AI, cybersecurity, and national security explore how artificial intelligence can predict threats, strengthen cybersecurity, support diplomacy, and address emerging security challenges. October 22 Norris University Center, Louis Room, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL Speakers, Lectures, Presentations
Curator’s Talk: Modernity in the Making Eduardo Bello explores how art, photography, and urban culture shaped modernity, drawing on works from The Block’s collection and the creative communities that make cities thrive. October 22 Block Museum of Art, Mary and Leigh, Main Gallery, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL Arts
MSLOC Webinar - Leading Change Without Authority: A Conversation with Phil Gilbert Phil Gilbert shares insights on leading large-scale organizational change without formal authority, exploring design thinking, building buy-in, and creating lasting transformation. October 22 https://northwestern-sesp.my.salesforce-sites.com/EventListing?eventId=701Nv00000i5Cf7IAE Speakers, Lectures, Presentations
Xiao-Li Meng — NNCI Distinguished Speaker Series Hear from renowned statistician and data scientist Xiao-Li Meng on statistical science, data analysis, uncertainty, and interdisciplinary research in an increasingly data-driven world. October 22 Deering Library, The Devereaux Room, 1937 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL Speakers, Lectures, Presentations
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory Explore the night sky at Dearborn Observatory during a free public viewing session. Reservations are required for the first hour, with walk-ins welcome afterward. October 30 Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL Arts

Public Events

2026 Stephen H. Davis Lecture: Dr. Sidney Nagel on "Memory Formation in Particle Packings"

Anthropology Colloquium: Rhea Rahman, Brooklyn College