Friday, May 16, 2025  |  View in browser

Good morning, 

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on free lunch program, Summer programs, beach passes, upcoming events, and more.

Top Stories

Evanston Staff Suit Up for Safety on “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day”

City of Evanston staff are joining in the fun—and promoting safety—by participating in Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day 2025—taking place today, May 16. The event is part of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness initiative that reminds boaters to enjoy the water responsibly by always wearing a life jacket.

From offices to worksites, staff members proudly showed off their life jackets to help spread the message that safety comes first—on and off the water.

Watch the video to see how Evanston staff celebrated and learn more about boating safety practices.

Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens

This summer, Evanston is offering free breakfast and lunch for youth ages 1–18 at convenient locations across the city—no sign-up or income requirements needed! Just drop in!

Dates: June 9 – August 8
Days: Monday–Friday
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
No service on June 19 and July 4

Meal Sites:

• Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
• Robert Crown Community Center
• Mason Park
• Dawes School
• King Arts

Help spread the word to ensure every child in our community has access to healthy meals this summer.

Levy Center Free Class Week: May 27 - June 1

Discover your new favorite way to stay active! From May 27 through June 1, the Levy Senior Center is offering a full week of free fitness classes—including strength training, cardio, Zumba, SilverSneakers, tai chi, and yoga—for those 55 years and up.

No registration is needed to attend in person—just show up and join the fun. View class descriptions.

Prefer to participate virtually? Registration is required for hybrid classes. Simply call the Levy front desk at 847-448-8250 or stop by to sign up.

Glow in the Park: 1st 100 registrants Get a Swag Bag

Join us for Glow in the Park – a nighttime dance party like no other! First 100 people to register get a FREE swag bag!

Black lights, neon paint, and rockin' music combine for a glowing good nighttime dance party! Dance to the beat, paint yourself with glow paint, and take a photo in a blacklight photo booth.

Event details
Date: Friday, July 11
Time: 7–10 p.m.
Location: Ingraham Park
Cost: $6R / $8NR
Register: https://bit.ly/glow-park-2025

Upcoming Events

Flea Market: May 17

Dive into a world of treasures—whether you're on the hunt for vintage fashion, handmade crafts, antiques, books, tech gadgets, or quirky collectibles, this market has something for everyone. It's the perfect opportunity to support local vendors and find one-of-a-kind items at great prices.

Event details
Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown tennis courts (street parking on Lee Street or Robert Crown Parking Lot)
Cost: Free

Honeypot: May 17 – June 1

Presented by the Wirtz Center at Northwestern University and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Honeypot is a powerful and poetic stage adaptation of E. Patrick Johnson’s groundbreaking book, adapted by D. Soyini Madison and co-directed by Madison and Tim Rhoze.

Blending oral history with magical realism, Honeypot gives voice to the real-life stories of Black Southern women who love women. Through vivid storytelling, original music, and choreography, these women’s experiences—ranging from coming out and love to faith, family, and activism—unfold in a deeply moving exploration of identity, resilience, and joy.

Performance schedule: 
Saturday, May 17, 7 p.m. – Preview
Sunday, May 18, 3 p.m. – Opening
Saturday, May 24, 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 25, 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 31, 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 1, 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Cost: Students - $10; general admission - $30
Get tickets

Coffee with the C.A.R.E. Team: May 20

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, community members are invited to attend Coffee with the C.A.R.E. Team. This special event offers a chance to meet the City’s dedicated C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance Response and Engagement) Team members and learn how they support mental health and well-being across Evanston. Free coffee provided.

Event details
Date: Tuesday, May 20
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: Free

Aikido 4 Life: May 21

Join us for a free information session on Aikido 4 Life: A Martial Art for a Better World. Led by Dr. Antonio Terrone, this engaging session explores Aikido’s philosophy as more than just self-defense. Learn how this modern Japanese martial art fosters harmony, nonviolence, and personal growth—teaching participants how to redirect aggression and neutralize conflict both physically and mentally.

Event details
Date: Wednesday, May 21
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Evanston Public Library
For more information: call 847-448-8254

Cardio Drumming: May 22, June 12

Looking for a fun and energizing way to stay active? Join us for Cardio Drumming at the Levy Senior Center. This upbeat class combines drumming with cardio exercises to improve coordination, boost heart health, and reduce stress—all while having a blast. No experience is needed, and all equipment is provided.

Event details
Date: Thursday, May 22 and June 12
Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center
Cost: $22 Levy members / $30 non-members
Register

Spring Flower Pressing: May 24

Learn how to turn nature into art! In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore flower pressing techniques and discover which plants work best for this timeless craft. After practicing the basics, you'll create your own preserved flower bookmarks and art to take home.

Event details
Date: Saturday, May 24
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR
Register

Spring Watercolors Hike: May 24

Join us as we take a hike through the habitats of Lighthouse Beach in search of spring colors to paint and plants to identify. Participants will use cardstock viewfinders and watercolors to capture the colors we see throughout our hike. Along the way, we will discuss the importance of the natural areas and the native flora and fauna of the area. Water colors and materials will be provided.

Event details
Date: Saturday, May 24
Time: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach
Cost: $15 R/$20 NR
Register

Canoe the Canal: May 25

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a canoeing adventure on the North Shore Channel. Canoes, paddles, PFDs, and basic paddling instruction will be provided. Each boat will also have a river scavenger hunt provided, as we will look for signs of wildlife, including: herons, belted kingfishers, turtles, white-tailed deer, and more. Please dress for the weather. Any children need to be accompanied by an enrolled adult.

Event details
Date: Sunday, May 25
Time: 9:30am-11:30am & 12:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Dammrich Rowing Center
Cost: $22 R/$29 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Honeybees 101 Workshop: May 31

Join us for Honeybees 101, an engaging, hands-on introduction to the world of honeybees! Learn about these essential pollinators and their role in our ecosystem. Participants will get up close with a beehive and gain beginner beekeeping knowledge.

Event details
Date: Saturday, May 31
Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Eggleston Park
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR
Register

Evanston Rides: May 31, June 3

Downtown Evanston is teaming up with Evanston Transit Alliance and Chicago Family Biking/Evanston Kidical Mass to bring a full season of community bike rides from May through October 2025.

The Evanston Rides series features two monthly ride options designed for all ages and experience levels:

• Adult rides led by Evanston Transit Alliance

• Family rides led by Chicago Family Biking and Evanston Kidical Mass

Each ride will start, end or pass through Downtown Evanston. All rides are free, but participants are asked to register in advance to help organizers prepare. Helmets are required.

First Rides of the Season:

• Family Ride, Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.
• Adult Social Ride, Tuesday, June 3, 5:30 p.m.

Explore ride schedule and register.

Blissful Sound Meditation: June 4

Join us on Wednesday, June 4 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a peaceful 90-minute acoustic sound meditation with Preston Klik. Held in the Levy Senior Center courtyard, this immersive experience features soothing tones from gongs, crystal bowls, flutes, and more. This is designed to gently guide you into deep relaxation. All equipment is provided, just bring yourself.

Event details
Date: Wednesday, June 4
Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center
Cost: $45 R/$59 NR
Register

First Fridays: June 6

Head to Mason Park for Evanston's “My City, Your City, Our City” First Friday event. This free, family-friendly community-building event hosted by the Evanston the C.A.R.E. team, will feature food, music, outdoor games, BINGO, basketball, an obstacle course, raffle prizes and more.

Event details
Date: Friday, June 6
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Mason Park (Church Street and Florence Avenue)
Cost: Free

Summer Jam and Lit Fest: June 7

Join us for the Summer Jam and Lit Fest for a lively afternoon filled with live music, food, creativity and fun activities for all ages. Come jam with us and celebrate community, culture, and creativity.

Event details
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Free, but please register online

Lakefront News and Activities

Get Ready for Summer: Beach Passes Available 

Evanston’s public swimming beaches will officially open for the season on Saturday, May 24—and beach passes are now available.

To ensure all community members have access to our beautiful lakefront, the City of Evanston is offering free season beach passes to Evanston residents (ZIP codes 60201 & 60202). Residents can pick up passes for their household by providing proof of residency.

Passes will be available at Dempster Street Beach office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and during regular business hours at the following locations:

• Robert Crown Community Center

• Levy Senior Center

• Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center

• Chandler-Newberger Community Center

• Prieto Community Center

New for 2025: Families who live outside of Evanston but have students enrolled in School District 65 or ETHS are now also eligible to receive free season beach passes.

Non-Evanston residents who are not eligible for free passes must purchase a season pass or daily beach ticket to enjoy Evanston’s swimming beaches.

For more information on beach hours, rules, and pricing, visit our online beach resources.

Serve Up Some Summer Fun at Clark Street Beach

Looking for a fun and competitive way to enjoy summer evenings? Register now for Evanston’s Co-Ed 6v6 Beach Volleyball Recreational League at Clark Street Beach. Whether you're a seasoned player or just looking to have a great time with friends, this league offers sun, sand, and spirited play in a welcoming environment.

Ages: Adults 18+
Location: Clark Street Beach
Season: June 24–August 17
Prizes: Trophy and prize money awarded to the top team!
Register by May 21 online or by calling 847-448-8252.

Accepting Applications for Church Street
Boat Launch

Get ready for boating season! Submit your application to secure your spot at the Church Street Boat Launch. Complete an online application and a City of Evanston Recreation staff member will reach out to you for payment. Permits are available at the Dempster Street Beach Office May 10 -Labor Day. The beach office will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 10-June 6, and then 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting June 7. Learn more.

Guest Beach Tickets Now Available for Evanston Residents

Planning a beach day with out-of-town friends or family? Evanston residents can now purchase discounted daily guest beach tickets for just $5 each to share the summer fun!

Key details:

• $5 per ticket

• Limit of 20 guest tickets per household per season

• Only residents in ZIP codes 60201 or 60202 are eligible

• Tickets must be purchased directly by the Evanston resident

• Proof of residency is required at the time of purchase

Guest tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of your visit.

Questions? Call 311.

Arrington Lagoon Café Hours

Grab a bite by the beach! Evanston’s Arrington Lagoon Café, 1631 Sheridan Road, is now open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by for your morning coffee, a sweet treat, or a lakeside lunch while soaking in those beautiful Evanston views!

Downtown Evanston Farmer's Market

Farmer's Market Open Every Saturday thru November 1

Join us every Saturday through November 1, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (early shopping for seniors & those with disabilities starts at 7 a.m.) at University Place & Oak Ave, behind the Hilton Garden Inn.

• Named Best Farmers Market – Suburbs by Better Chicago, this season is packed with: 70+ local vendors
• Live music every market day
• New collaborations with Evanston Made and Likhaya
• Spud Club Takeover Days with Evanston Art Center
• Fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, baked goods & more

Shop local, eat fresh, and celebrate 50 years of Evanston tradition. Learn more.

Starlight Movies and Concerts Schedule

2025 Free Starlight Concert and Movie Series Begins in June

Evanston's 2025 Starlight Concert & Movie Series will feature six outdoor concerts and four outdoor movies at park locations throughout the summer. 

Starlight concerts will kick off on June 10, and take place on specified Tuesdays, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Starlight Movies return on Friday, June 27, with a special screening of Wicked (2024, PG) and the annual Food Truck Fest. 

Community members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. 

For more information visit cityofevanston.org/starlight or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.

After School and Days Off Programs

Registration for 2025-2026 Afterschool Programs Now Open!

Registration is now open for afterschool programs for the 2025-2026 school year. We offer two outstanding programs: Kid Zone at Fleetwood-Jourdain and Afterschool Adventure at Robert Crown. To register, contact Robert Crown at 847-866-5949 or Fleetwood at 847-449-8254.

Summer Camp Spotlight

Early Childhood Arts Camp at Noyes Cultural Arts Center

Give your little ones a summer of creativity and fun! The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is offering its Early Childhood Arts Camp, specially designed for children ages 3.5 to 5.5 years.

This four-week camp is packed with imaginative experiences, including themed stories, painting, crafts, water play, and time in a big maker space. It offers all the artistic exploration of the Immersion in the Arts Camp, but tailored for younger campers. Register now.

Camp Kaleidoscope

Give your child a summer full of creativity, exploration and fun at Camp Kaleidoscope, held at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center. Designed for children ages 3.5 to 5.5, the camp encourages young participants to express themselves, build independence and ease into the structure of a camp setting. Register now.

Superheroes Dance Camp

It’s a bird... it’s a plane... it’s a dancing superhero! This nonstop, hip-hop inspired summer camp is designed for the boundless energy of kids — our everyday heroes.

Campers will show off their hip-hop dance moves while enjoying a fun-filled week that includes dance classes, art projects, a superhero skit, and games such as scavenger hunts and obstacle courses. It’s your child’s chance to save the day! Family and friends are invited to a special performance on Friday. Register now.

Beginning Gymnastics Camp 

Get ready to roll, jump, and flip into summer with Beginning Gymnastics Camp at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center! This fun and engaging camp is designed for children ages 5–12 and welcomes all skill levels—including those with no prior experience.

Campers will learn and perfect basic gymnastics skills on bars, beam, floor, and vault through age-appropriate drills and activities. This camp is ideal for students in Beginning I, Beginning II, or Tumbling I. Register now.

Preschool Gymnastics Camp Returns to Chandler 

Help your little ones build confidence, coordination, and skills this summer at the Preschool Gymnastics Camp, hosted by the Chandler-Newberger Community Center.

Designed for children ages 3.5 to 5.5 years, this engaging camp focuses on improving balance, flexibility, and general motor skills in a fun and safe environment. Campers will be introduced to basic skills on bars, beam, floor, and vault, with instruction tailored to young learners. Register now.

Accessible Recreation Gaming Camp

Get immersed in the world of tabletop role-playing with Multifaceted Worlds: Gaming Connections. With a focus on fostering accessible, diverse and equitable environments—both in our imaginations and in the real world—participants will explore character creation, apprentice with professional dungeon masters, and take on costume quests and prop building.This program helps develop gaming skills, confidence and leadership. Register now.

Spanish Summer Camp

Spanish Summer Camp offers a fun and immersive experience where children explore Spanish through games, music, art, and interactive activities. Campers will gain confidence in speaking Spanish while enjoying a dynamic and engaging environment. Register now.

Classes & Programs

Registration for our Spring programming is still open. View all our upcoming classes, workshops, school days off activities, and special events.

Evanston Summer Registration Open

Looking for fun and engaging activities this summer? Registration for Summer classes and activities is open for Evanston residents and non-residents.

We offer everything from arts and athletics to outdoor adventures and family-friendly events—perfect for making the most of the summer season.

For more information and to view the guide when it becomes available, visit cityofevanston.org/recreation.

Introductory Martial Arts for Women

Looking to build confidence, strength, and self-defense skills in a welcoming environment? Join Introductory Martial Arts for Women this summer at the Levy Center. This non-competitive Taekwon-do class is designed for women ages 12 and up, with a focus on empowerment, safety, and fun. Taught by experienced black belt instructors Ellen Lonnquist (she/her) and Yseult Presto (she/they), this program offers both mental and physical benefits in a supportive space. Register now.

Play Time and Drop-in Activities

Ecology Birthday Parties

Drop-in Fitness at Robert Crown

Looking for a fun and flexible way to stay active? Robert Crown Community Center is now offering drop-in fitness classes—no pre-registration required!

Cardio Strength for Adults – Jump-start your day with a high-energy workout on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. Cost is $20 per class.

Active Play for Kids – Let the little ones burn off some energy with engaging activities on Saturdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per class.

Join us for a great workout—just drop in and get moving!

Let’s Play Drop-In

Looking for a fun and flexible activity for your kids? The Prieto Community Center offers Let’s Play Drop-In, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We’ve recently lowered prices to better support families.

Pricing:

• Residents: $10 per child, $7 for each additional child
• Non-residents: $13 per child, $10 for each additional child

Stop by and let your kids enjoy a day of play while you enjoy the savings. No registration required—just drop in and let the fun begin.

Time Together Drop-In Play

Looking for fun and connection? Join Time Together at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This open-play program is for ages birth through 5 years with a parent or caregiver. Our play spaces have climbing equipment, blocks, soft mats, puzzles and a book nook. 

Bring your little ones for playtime while you connect with other parents or catch up with friends. The best part? Your first visit is free! Call 847-448-8252 for more information.

Tennis/Pickleball Outdoor Court Reservations

The outdoor tennis/pickleball court nets are up, and so is our online court reservation system. Secure your spot in advance at cityofevanston.org/courts. The courts are still available for free play on a first-come, first-served basis.

Get Involved

Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings

• Commission on Aging & Disabilities: May 8 at 3 p.m., Evanston Public Library
• Dementia Friendly Committee: May 13 at 3 p.m., Levy Center 
• Parks & Recreation Board: May 15 at 6 p.m., Robert Crown
• ADA Committee: May 22 at 3 p.m., Evanston Public Library

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
Prieto Community Center: 847-859-7697

Support Evanston Parks & Recreation Your donation will help support lakefront upkeep and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater. Donate now

Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,

The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team