Friday, July 26, 2024 | View in browser
Good Morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information about summer camp openings, plays and performances, free movies and concerts, and more.
 Looking for a Late Summer Camp or Class?
We just opened new youth tennis classes for August 5 - 15 at Lovelace Park for ages 7 - 14. Register now or call 847-448-8252 for more information. View flyer.
We also have availability in several summer camps, including Renaissance Camp, Full Day Basketball Camp, Chess Mini Camp, RoboThink Robotic Camp, Improv Comedy Character Creation Camp, Basketball 101 and many more.
Check out all available summer classes and camps at our registration page.
Disco in the Park: July 26
What brings Boomers and Millennials together? A disco dance party! Join us on July 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Disco in the Park. The party takes place at the Levy Center, outside in James Park.
Location: Levy Center, outside in James Park
Date: Friday, July 26
Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Event flyer
Family Campfire "Flight of the Fireflies": July 26
Enjoy a fun night around the Lighthouse Beach fire circle with a Family Campfire program. The evening will include stories, s’mores, and nature-themed activities. To register for this program, call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Location: Lighthouse Beach
Date: Friday, July 26
Time: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: $9 residents/$12 non-residents
Event flyer
Amazing Moths: July 27
Come to this program like a moth to a flame and explore Lighthouse Beach nature at night, as we celebrate National Moth Week! National Moth Week is held during the last week of July to celebrate the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths around the world. We will learn about these "butterflies of the night" and the importance they play as pollinators and food sources in our ecosystems. We will use UV lights and bait to attract moths for viewing. To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Location: Lighthouse Beach
Date: Saturday, July 27
Time: 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 residents/$13 non-residents
Event flyer
Starlight Concert & Movie Series
Evanston's 2024 Starlight Concert & Movie Series features nine free outdoor concerts and 11 free outdoor movies at park locations throughout the summer. Community members will enjoy a range of talented artists and musical genres, from jazz to classic soul, to Southern rock and blues. The concert and movie schedule is available at cityofevanston.org/starlight.
Upcoming Starlight concerts are:
- July 30, 6:30 p.m., Kamen Park West: The Howard Levy 4
- August 13, 6:30 p.m., James Park - sled hill: Chicken Bone
- August 24, noon, James Park - near Levy Center: Ivy Ford Blues Band
Upcoming Starlight movies are:
- July 27, 7 p.m., Mason Park: The Color Purple (2023) (NOTE: There won't be a food truck at this event. Bring your own picnic!)
- August 6, 6 p.m., Dawes Park at Arrington Lagoon: PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023)
- August 17, 3:30 p.m., Robert Crown Fields 1 & 2: Wonka (2024)
- August 31, 5:15 p.m., Leah LoMar Park: Wish (2023)
- August 31, 7 p.m., Leah LoMar Park: The Goonies (1985)
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enough: Performances thru Aug. 4
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enough by Ntozake Shange is filled with passion, humor, and raw honesty. Legendary playwright/poet Ntozake Shange’s form-changing choreopoem tells the stories of seven women of color using poetry, song, and movement that speaks to our world today about women’s struggles, strength, desires, resilience, and the sanctified magic of love and possibility.
Purchase tickets at www.fjtheatre.com
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.
Date: Saturdays and Sundays thru August 4
Time: 7 p.m. on Saturdays, 3 p.m. on Sundays
Cost: $32
Event flyer
Sunrise Paddleboard Yoga: July 30, Aug. 6, Aug. 13
Join Cyd from The Yoga Post for a morning of Sunrise Paddleboard Yoga at Dempster Street Beach. Register here!
Location: Dempster Street Beach
Dates: July 30, August 6, August 13
Time: 6 a.m.
Cost: $25 residents/$33 non-residents
Event flyer
Howard Levy 4 Concert: July 30 — New Location!
We're moving our July 30 starlight concert to a larger venue! The dynamic, multi-styled Howard Levy 4 band, led by Grammy-Award winning diatonic harmonica master, pianist and composer Howard Levy, will now be at Kamen Park West. Join us for an amazing night with this Chicago-based band.
Location: Kamen Park West, on South Blvd., east of Asbury Ave.
Date: Tuesday, July 30
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Summerween Party: July 31
Getting anxious for cooler weather and Halloween activities? Take part in our Summerween Party. We'll host a costume content, watermelon carving, games and more. A beach pass is required to participate.
Location: Lee Street Beach
Date: Wednesday, July 31
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Event flyer
Treasure Hunt: August 3 and 4
Ahoy, matey! Join our pirate crew, as we search for the treasures of Lighthouse Beach in this pirate themed nature scavenger hunt! Dress in your best pirate-themed attire, as we work together to find the buried treasure. If our crew is successful in finding a treasure chest, we will celebrate with s’mores, stories, and a pirate song by the campfire. Pirate costumes are encouraged! An enrolled adult needs to accompany each child. For more information or to register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256 or register online.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Date: August 3 and 4
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: $9 residents/$12 non-residents
Event flyer
National Night Out: August 6
We’re excited to invite you to our community’s National Night Out! National Night Out is a fantastic opportunity to meet your neighbors, strengthen community bonds, and promote safety and awareness in our neighborhood. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Fun Activities for Kids & Adults
- Movie Night (begins 6pm) & Entertainment
- Meet Local Police Officers
- Face Painting
- Food Trucks
This is a family-friendly event, so bring your kids, friends, and neighbors for a night of fun and community spirit. Let’s make our neighborhood a safer, happier place together!
Location: Centennial Park, 1631 Sheridan Rd.
Date: Tuesday, August 6
Time: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Event flyer
Nature Tots & Tunes: August 8
Join the Ecology Center, Evanston Public Library, and Evanston Early Childhood Council in exploring parks throughout Evanston, as we meet live animals, read nature stories, make crafts, sing along to music, and enjoy nature in the parks through free play activities. Each program will have a different nature theme.
Families are encouraged to bring a blanket and food for these evening hangouts throughout the summer. This series is recommended for children ages 8 and under. For more information or to register for this free program, please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256 or register online.
Location: Twiggs Park, 1901 Simpson St.
Date: August 8
Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
End of Summer Beach Party: August 9
Celebrate summer at a beach party at Clark Street Beach. The party will feature food, games, and a hula performance and music by Barefoot Hawaiian.
Location: Clark Street Beach
Date: August 9
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Event flyer
Portal Theatrical Event: August 11
The LookingGlass Theatre in association with The Actors Gymnasium is presenting a live theatrical event, Portal, an immersive performance experience full of circus, dance, and puppetry.
Date: Sunday, August 11
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Tallmadge Park, 937 Noyes St.
Cost: Free
Event flyer
Evanston Nature Passport: thru August 21st
Pick up your Evanston Nature Passport at any Evanston Community Center or Evanston Public Library location from now until August 21. Once you receive your Nature Passport, your adventure begins. Your mission will be to visit different natural areas in Evanston throughout the summer, complete fun nature activities at each location, and search for the hidden stamp boxes to stamp your passport. Activities are for all ages and participants can work together in teams.
Find more information on how you can participate in the Evanston Nature Passport program online or call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256. Register online with the Ecology Center to reserve your free Nature Passport and to receive any updates on the program.
Cost: Free
Event flyer
Chicken Bone Band Reschedule: August 13
We're thrilled to announce the new date for our Starlight Chicken Bone concert! We can't wait to bring you an incredible evening of funk!
Date: Tuesday, August 13
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: James Park - Mt. Trashmore (east side of the Park, near the playground)
Cost: Free
Double Feature Movie Night: August 31
Get ready for an epic movie night on August 31. We’re hosting a Double Feature Movie Night!
We’ve got an amazing lineup for you:
"Wish" (2023): Dive into a magical world where dreams come true and adventures await. This enchanting new release is perfect for dreamers of all ages!
"The Goonies" (1985): Join Mikey, Brand, Chunk, and the gang on a nostalgic treasure hunt that’s full of excitement, friendship, and classic 80s fun!
Bring your favorite snacks, chairs, and cozy blankets!
Date: Saturday, August 31
Times: Wish at 5:15 p.m., The Goonies at 7 p.m.
Location: Leah LoMar Park
Cost: Free
Book an Ecology Center birthday party at Evanston's new South End Community Center. Rental includes a 2-hour party featuring an instructor-led program, critter visits and lots of birthday fun! Schedule at party by calling 847-448-8256.
View flyer
 City Swimming Beaches Are Open
Dempster St. Beach Watercraft Rentals
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Make a reservation online for a kayak, sailboat or paddleboard or at the Dempster St. Beach Office at 1251 Lake Shore Blvd.
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Beach Concession Stands Now Open
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Stop by Clark Street beach and Dempster Street beach concession stands for a refreshing treat throughout the summer. |
Free Meals for Youth: Summer Food Service Program
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The City's Summer Food Program provides free cold breakfasts and lunches, Monday through Friday, to ages 1 to 18 at multiple locations. |
Farmer's Market
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The Downtown Evanston Outdoor Farmers' Market is open Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. thru November 2 at University Avenue at Oak Street. Learn more. |
Free Access to Fishing
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This free program is open thru August from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lovelace Park. Program includes equipment and bait. Children under the 16 don't need a fishing license but must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing licenses can be purchased online. |
July 2024 Dementia Friendly Evanston Tip Sheet
Are you a care giver, family or friend to a person with dementia? Check out our monthly tips. This month, we focus on traveling with a person with dementia.
Now Hiring Gymnastics Coaches and Instructors!
The City of Evanston has a variety of gymnastic positions available. Apply online. 
Share your skills and teach classes
Our Parks & Recreation team invites individuals from diverse backgrounds to showcase their incredible talents. If you're a budding artist, fitness guru, cooking maestro, or tech wizard - we want you to share your unique talents with our vibrant community.
Join us in creating a tapestry of skills at our Parks & Recreation Centers. You can share your love for music and performing arts, visual arts and crafts, fitness and wellness, culinary delights, or technology and innovation.
We welcome all creative proposals and ideas that are not listed. Let's transform our community spaces into lively hubs of learning and fun. Your passion could be the spark that ignites new hobbies and friendships.
Submit your program proposal today and bring your unique talents and skills to our community.
Accessibility for all
The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or complete a request form online.
Facility Locations and Phone Numbers
Chandler-Newberger Community Center: 847-448-8252
Levy Senior Center: 847-448-8250
Robert Crown Community Center: 847-448-8258
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center: 847-448-8254
Ecology Center: 847-448-8256
Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team
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