EPR e-News: Summer free lunch, beach news, summer programs, upcoming events, and more

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 05/30/2025 10:06 AM CDT

Friday, May 30, 2025 | View in browser

Good morning,

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

News

Summer Free Lunch Program Begins June 9

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

Upcoming Events

Honeypot: May 31 & 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 31, 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 1, 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Cost: Students - $10; general admission - $30
Get tickets

Family Campfire: May 30 & 31

Join Ecology Center staff and other families for our fun-filled family campfires with a variety of nature themes! Each evening includes stories or songs, nature activities, and the ever-popular s’mores.

Event details
Date: Friday and Saturday, May 30 and May 31
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $10 R/$13 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 Ecology staff answers common questions about bees on our Instagram, Facebook and Youtube channels.

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

Nature Play Date: June 6

Schedule a play date with nature at Harbert-Payne Park. You and your child will explore the wonders of nature through games, crafts, stories and outdoor play. This free-style play date allows your child to discover which activities they like best and go at their own pace. Come late or leave early. Each week is a different theme. Pre-registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Event details
Date: Friday, June 6
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Harbert-Payne Park
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Pond Lab: June 6

Kids can dive into science and fun at Lovelace Park pond! Explore the aquatic web of life with aquatic science tools like nets, microscopes, binoculars, and fishing rods to discover the fascinating animals and plants that live in pond environments. This is a kids' drop-off program.

Event details
Date: Friday, June 6
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Lovelace Park
Cost: $14 R/$18 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

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

Summer Forest Therapy: June 7

Ease into summer with forest therapy! Forest therapy helps us reduce stress, increase focus, and remember our interconnectedness to nature, ourselves, and each other. Certified Guide Sarah Abu-Absi will lead a sensory meditation and some slow wanderings along a forested path. Bring a blanket, chair or mat, and dress for the weather.

Event details
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Harbert-Payne Park
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Free Access to Fishing: June 7 - August 23

Join us on Saturdays this summer for free fishing in Evanston. This popular program is a great way to introduce children ages 4 years and up to “catch-and-release” fishing. Equipment, bait, and fishing expertise are provided. Drop by on Saturdays from June 7 through August 23 from 10 AM–12PM at Lovelace Park (Gross Point Road and Thayer Street). Kids under age 16 don’t need a fishing license but must be accompanied by an adult. Illinois fishing licenses can be purchased at www.illinois.gov.

Event details
Date: Saturdays, June 7-August 23
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Lovelace Park Pond
Cost: Free, no registration required
More information: Please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256.

Pinewood Derby Day: June 8

Get ready for a fun-filled day of racing, creativity, and friendly competition! We’re excited to invite you to join us for the Pinewood Derby – a fun event where you’ll get to design and build your very own wooden car to race down a long track. This event is all about creativity, teamwork, and friendly competition. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned pro, we can’t wait to see your creations and cheer you on as you race to the finish line! Register for each set of car supplies.

Event details
Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Levy Center Courtyard
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR per set of supplies
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

2025 Free Starlight Concert and Movie Series Begins June 10

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

Starlight concerts kick off on June 10, with garage jazz and hip hop band the J. Davis Trio and take place on specified Tuesdays, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tallmadge Park, 927 Noyes Street. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks and enjoy food from the Soul and Smoke food truck.

Starlight Movies return on Friday, June 27, with a special screening of Wicked (2024, PG) and the annual Food Truck Fest.

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

Glow in the Park: July 11

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: $6 R/$8 NR
Register

Lakefront News and Activities

Beaches Are Open—Get Your Beach Passes!

Evanston’s public swimming beaches are open for the season—and beach passes are available.

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.

Guest beach passes: Evanston residents can now purchase discounted daily guest beach tickets for just $5 each to share the summer fun! Guest tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of your visit.

No Throw Zones: This summer, "No Throw Zones" have been expanded at all swimming beaches. These designated areas offer a quieter space free of airborne recreational equipment like balls, frisbees, and kites. Signs and mobi-mats (blue accessible paths) will mark the zones. For more details, visit the City’s Accessibility web page.

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

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 thru Labor Day. The beach office is 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.

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
Spud Club
Fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, baked goods & more

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

Summer Classes and Camps Spotlight

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

Below are some camps and classes that have availability.

Early Childhood Arts Camp

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. Register now.

Camp Kaleidoscope

For children ages 3.5 to 5.5, the camp at Chandler-Newberger Center encourages kids to build independence and ease into the structure of a camp setting. Register now.

Superheroes Dance Camp

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. Register now.

Beginning Gymnastics Camp

Campers ages 5–12 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.

Accessible Rec Gaming Camp

Get immersed in the world of tabletop role-playing with Multifaceted Worlds: Gaming Connections. Campers will explore character creation, apprentice with professional dungeon masters, and take on costume quests and prop building. Register now.

American Sign Language Class

This six-week introductory course is taught by a Deaf instructor from the Chicago Hearing Society and will cover the basics of ASL in a supportive and engaging environment. Register now.

Martial Arts for Women

This non-competitive Taekwon-do class is designed for women ages 12 and up, with a focus on empowerment, safety, and fun. Register now.

Muay Thai

The “art of eight limbs” has found a new home at Fleetwood Jourdain. Muay Thai is an excellent way to strengthen your body, widen your social circle, improve self-confidence and have a great time doing it. Register now.

Play Time and Drop-in Activities

Ecology Birthday Parties

Give your kids a thrill by having their birthday party at the Prieto Community Center! We offer nature-themed experiences—and free play—for an unforgettable birthday experience. We are now booking May-July birthday parties. Call 847-448-8256 for information or fill out a party request form at: Ecology BirthdayParty at Prieto Community Center Request Form.

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.

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

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.

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

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.