Fall Workshops
Mini Courses workshops typically consist of just 1–2 sessions, each lasting a few hours. They’re a great low-commitment way to learn something new.
Explore Fall session workshops below:
Find multi-week classes on our Fall Courses page.
Arts/Crafts Workshops
Section A: Saturday, October 17th - Date Night Special
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Registration fee (2 tickets): NU $109, Public $119
Section B: Saturday, October 24th
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $59, Public $69
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $59, Public $69
Instructor: Sylvia Tan
Want to dip your hands in a little clay? Come join us for a two-hour workshop where you'll learn the fundamental steps of throwing. Participants will get to throw as much as they can, but will only be choosing one piece to keep. Participants will get to choose from 4 different glaze colors to match their perfect creation. Projects will be available for pick up two weeks from the workshop's completion. No experience is required!
Supplies are included.
Saturday, November 7th
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $59, Public $69
Instructors: Amy and Dominic Esquibel (Owners of Botanik Culture, Inc.)
Discover the joy of flower design! Join us to create stunning seasonal bouquets with the guidance of local florists. In this workshop, you’ll begin to master the basics of floral design, working with a variety of fresh, seasonal flowers and learning unique techniques to craft your beautiful bouquet.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Saturday, October 17th
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Instructor: Iliana Cardona
Come experiment during this hands-on workshop where materials collide into one composition. You will be using a variety of paper fodder to create fun collaged backgrounds, layering those to enhance areas that interest you, and then using a plethora of fun art materials to pull forward your creative vision.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Saturday, October 17th
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $32, Public $42
Instructor: Rebekah Sigman
Students will be introduced to the principles of cross-stitching (supplies, technique, and pattern reading) as well as the endless ways this craft can be customized. This workshop will focus on students reading a cross-stitch pattern and completing a cross-stitch project from beginning to end. We will begin the workshop with an overview of cross-stitching and viewing completed projects and end the workshop by introducing students to the process of creating their own patterns.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
Join Mini Courses for a cozy ceramics hand-building workshop where you’ll craft a special keepsake to celebrate the season. Choose between a charming mini pumpkin or a warm, votive-style decoration—perfect for adding a festive touch to your home. Open to families and kids aged 12+. No experience is necessary.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Saturdays, October 17th and November 7th (2 Sessions)
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $69, Public $79
Instructor: Anne Howard
Knitting is a calming, creative, and portable art that lets you design things in just the right color and size. If you'd like to make useful handmade items while you watch tv, ride the bus, or listen to a lecture; if you need a creative outlet; or if you're looking for a meditative daily activity, then knitting is for you. In this two-session class, students will learn the four basic elements of knitting (plus a few extras) and will learn how to choose a pattern and yarn for their first project.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Saturday, November 7th
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Instructor: Iliana Cardona
Come create a handmade journal. We'll add pockets, foldouts, and use a variety of papers, scraps, and stickers to make it uniquely yours. Best thing is there are no rules, no wrong moves, no trying to make anything perfect, just a carefree space to create and play. You have a green light to use what you have on hand, cut, tear, fold, stick, write, scribble, and on and on. It is a brilliant form of self expression, self care, and relaxation and who doesn’t need a bit of that?
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Saturday, November 7th
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Instructor: Carolyn Angelopoulos
Learn how to make a zipper pillow cover to dress up your sofa. You will learn how to measure, cut, pin, and sew a pillow cover. We will be installing a ZIPPER in this class, so you won't spend any (more) time fearing it! At the end of the class, you’ll take home a completed cover you’ll be proud to display. No prior experience required.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Food/Drink Workshops
Saturday, October 17th
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Instructor: Bradley Davey
Join us as we explore the world of coffee in this hands-on tasting and brewing workshop. Over two hours, you’ll sample a lineup of special and experimental coffees, learn how flavor changes with grind, water, and brew method, and practice making your own perfect cups. No experience needed, just curiosity and a love of coffee.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Tuesday, October 27
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $59, Public $69
Instructor: Mark Gruber
The Whiskey Seminar, a limited one-time workshop, will cover several of the world's great whiskies: Bourbon, Rye, and Single Malt Scotch. The history, personalities, lore, distillation, and aging will be discussed. Cocktail recipes will be shared. Tasting samples of each whiskey will be available for attendees.
*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Thursday, October 22
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Instructor: Lexi McKean
Enjoy a guided tasting experience with carefully selected red and white wines, perfectly complemented by cheese and chocolate pairings.
*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Monday, November 2
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Instructor: Lexi McKean
Embrace the holiday season this November with a guided tasting of fine red and white wines, perfectly complemented by cheese and chocolate pairings.
*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Special Interest Workshops
Tuesdays, October 13th and October 20th (2 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $39, Public $49
Instructor: Margaret Lo
Students will learn basic self-defense techniques in an encouraging environment. Instructor Margaret Lo is a Shotokan karate instructor with many years of experience who is also certified to teach self-defense by RAD Systems, http://rad-systems.com/. The classes will address the psychological underpinnings of self-defense as well as basic escapes and strikes.
Saturday, October 17th
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $75, Public $85
Instructor: Krystal Williams
Elevate your dining skills and make a lasting impression at any business meal, social gathering, or formal event! This engaging and hands-on workshop is designed to take the mystery out of dining etiquette while keeping the experience fun, interactive, and practical.
Through live demonstrations, group activities, and real-world scenarios, you'll gain the confidence to navigate multi-course meals, handle tricky dining situations, and engage in polished table conversations. Whether you're attending a corporate dinner, networking over lunch, or simply want to refine your table manners, this workshop will ensure you dine with grace and confidence.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Saturday, October 17
1:00 - 3:30 pm
Registration fee: NU $39, Public $49
Instructor: Nick Winters
Learn to play two of the world's oldest known board games! In this workshop we will play the game of Senet from ancient Egypt and the Royal Game of Ur from ancient Mesopotamia. As we play, we will gain a glimpse into the daily lives of people 4,000 years ago or more, and we will learn a bit about the work of archaeologists, historians, and game theorists who rediscovered these games.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Saturday, October 17th
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $39, Public $49
Instructor: Christine Wolf
Whether you’ve known periods of overwhelm, trauma, or significant difficulty, it’s important to process these experiences in healthy ways. In this course, you’ll learn the evidence-based technique of expressive writing to help process difficult emotions to help you get “unstuck”. The practice of Expressive Writing, pioneered by Dr. James Pennebaker in 1986, is a remarkably straightforward and FREE way to acknowledge your most troubling memories and create a framework of language that can help to move unresolved thoughts out of your head and onto the page (or even into the air).
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Saturday, November 7th
10:00 am - 3:00 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $79, Public $89
Instructor: Christine Wolf
Ready to stop thinking about your Substack and actually build it? In this hands-on full-day bootcamp, you'll go from curious to launched, with a clear plan, a working knowledge of the platform's most powerful (and overlooked) tools, and the confidence to grow an audience that's truly yours. We'll cover everything from the basics to the backend: Notes vs. Posts, Substack Live, the Recording Studio, and the strategy behind sustainable growth. No tech background needed — just bring your laptop, your lunch, and your questions.
Click here to go to Box Office and register for the workshop!
Section A: Thursday, October 22nd (Chicago campus)
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Formal lessons and guided play
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Open play
Section B: Saturday, November 7th (Evanston campus)
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Formal lessons and guided play
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Open play
Instructors: Dennis Nguyen and Dalton Huey
Registration fee: NU $15, Public $19
Come learn and play Hong Kong style Mahjong! This introductory course will focus on the basics of play to get you started. This will be followed by open play with coaching to immediately practice your new skills. Open to all, no prior experience is required. All materials are provided.
Tuesdays, October 13 - October 27 (3 sessions)
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Registration is free. Sign up here!
Build your financial knowledge and personal development skills in this three-part series presented by U.S. Bank. Attend the first session in person, then continue your learning through two convenient online sessions.
Tuesday, October 13th at 6:00 p.m: In-person in Norris
Smart strategies for stretching dollars: Join this session to empower yourself to maximize your dollars with strategies around budgeting, saving, managing debt, accessing resources, and building positive financial habits. We’ll share practical tips and help you discover where you can find additional support.
Tuesday, October 20th at 6:00 p.m: Virtual
Credit Wellness: How do you define credit wellness? Do you feel confident about your financial path? Build your knowledge about how credit works, what can impact your credit score, the different ways your score can impact lending decisions, and some tips on improving or building your credit responsibly.
Tuesday, October 27th at 6:00 p.m: Virtual
Take ownership series: Time management: We focus on the relationship we have with our most valuable commodity: our time. If you want to feel more empowered and take ownership of your own time to achieve the goals you've set for yourself, you will leave this webinar better positioned to move confidently into the future you envision for yourself.
Saturday, October 10th, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Block Museum Plaza in front of the Block Museum. 40 Arts Cir Dr, Evanston, IL 60208
Sponsored by: the Norris Mini Courses, City of Evanston, and the Recyclery.
Instructor: The Recyclery, a nonprofit bicycle education organization.
Registration is free. Sign up here!
This workshop, City Cycling 101 will cover key skills needed to use a bicycle for transportation. This course is geared toward those who already know how to ride a bike and want to become more comfortable on the road. This is a mostly on-bike course, with the first portion focused on off-street drills and bike assessment skills, and the second part focused on on-street group riding.