Friday, June 6, 2025  |  View in browser

Good morning, 

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

News

Summer Camp Kicks Off on June 9

We’re thrilled to welcome you to Evanston Parks and Recreation’s Summer Camps! Get ready for a season full of fun, learning, and adventure.

Don’t Forget: Health Forms Are Required!
To ensure a safe and smooth start, all campers must have a completed health form on file before attending camp. Children without a completed health form will not be allowed to participate.

Camp Manuals & Info
Families should have already received a general camp manual, and section-specific details will be emailed at least 10 days prior to your camp’s start date. If you haven’t received this information, please contact us at recreation@cityofevanston.org.

We can’t wait for a fantastic summer with your camper!

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

Reopening of Independence Park on June 14

Let the play begin! Join us at 10 a.m. on June 14 for the official reopening of Independence Park, located north of Central Street and east of Stewart Avenue. City leaders will be present for a ribbon cutting. The park has been closed for the past several months and the City renovated the park to include a new playground, new pathways, new LED lighting, new site furnishings, streetscape improvements and landscaping.

Upcoming Events

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, live music, outdoor games, BINGO, basketball, an obstacle course, raffle prizes and more.

Event details
Date: Friday, June 6
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Mason Park (Church Street and Florence Avenue)
Cost: Free

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.

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: June 7

Join us every Saturday for the Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market, which was named Best Farmers Market – Suburbs by Better Chicago, featuring:

• 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.

Event details
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m (early shopping for seniors & those with disabilities starts at 7 a.m.)
Location: University Place & Oak Ave, behind the Hilton Garden Inn
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

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 a.m.–12 p.m. 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 at Tallmadge Park. 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.

Event details
Starlight concert: J. Davis Trio
Date: Tuesday, June 10
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Tallmadge Park, 927 Noyes Street
Cost: Free

Science with Seniors: June 12

Join us for a fascinating afternoon of discovery at Science with Seniors, featuring engaging presentations by Northwestern University researchers. Learn how light can be used to power chemical processes and explore the challenges and innovations shaping the future of computing.

Event details
Date: Thursday, June 12
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center 
Cost: Free

Jamming Jean Concert – June 13

This high-energy band blends R&B, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Blues, and Soul, creating a sound that captivates audiences across the country. With powerhouse vocals and incredible musicianship, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for a great time under the summer sky. Grab a bite from Cocina Azteca, serving up delicious, authentic Aztec cuisine available for purchase onsite.

Event details
Date: Friday, June 13
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center in James Park
Cost: Free

Summer Sound Meditation: June 13

Join sound meditation facilitator and musician Jay Taylor for an hour-long immersive experience in the Levy Center courtyard. Lie back and relax as you listen to the singing bowls. The session will begin with a brief introduction and some light guided breathing. Following the meditation, the instructor will share some final thoughts on the experience. No prior experience or skills are required. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, and pillow (if you would like), to make yourself comfortable during this program.

Event details
Date: June 13
Hours: 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Levy Center Courtyard
Cost: $25 R/$33 NR
Register

Herb Your Enthusiasm—Container Garden Workshop: June 15

A Divine Nine Juneteenth: June 21

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music, culture, community, and celebration as we honor Juneteenth and the legacy of the Divine Nine!

Special live performances Include:

• The Cooke Book: The Music of Sam Cooke, featuring Darrian Ford
• Ayodele All Female Drum & Dance
• Spoken Word Artists Ollie “Hood Raised” Woods & Shameeka “Darlin’ Mikki” Adams
• Divine Nine (D9) Strolling & Stepping

Also featuring:

• Dozens of artisan and food vendors
• Kiddie play zone and face painting
• D9 scavenger hunt
• Present & Future Freedom Parade: kicks off at 11 a.m. at ETHS and leads into the festivities at Ingraham Park.

Event details
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Ingraham Park
Cost: Free

Dementia Care Workshop: June 24

Join us for Challenges and Strategies for Good Communication, a part of the Dementia Care Workshop Series. In this workshop, we’ll explore how family dynamics between caregivers and care receivers can complicate communication—and share science-based strategies to help overcome these challenges. The workshop will be led by Dasha Kiper, who has over a decade of experience supporting dementia caregivers. 

Topics include:

• Why communication becomes difficult in dementia care
• How brain changes affect family dynamics
• Practical tools and tips to foster more effective communication

Event details
Date: Tuesday, June 24
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Evanston Public Library – Falcon Room, 3rd Floor
Cost: Free
View event flyer
Registration isn't required but recommended by calling 847-448-8620.

Food Truck Fest and Wicked: June 27

Join us for a Starlight Movie and Food Truck Fest at Ingraham Park. The feature film will be the blockbuster hit "Wicked" (2024), which will begin at 6 p.m. Food trucks will be on-site beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy food from:

• Firehouse Grill & Bluestone
• Yum Dum
• Pinoy Grill
• Culinary Gangster
• The Fat Shallot
• La Cocinita
• Bumbu Roux
• Good Stuff Eats BBQ
• Soul & Smoke
• El Zorro Tacos
• And more

Starlight movie: Wicked
Date: Friday, June 27
Time: Food trucks arrive at 5:30 p.m.; movie starts at 6 p.m. 
Location: Ingraham Park, 2100 Ridge Ave.
Cost: Free

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. Starting Saturday, June 7, beaches are open from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.

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 8 p.m., the Clark Street Beach office from 10:30 a.m. to 7:45 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

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

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.

Play Time and Drop-in Activities

Ecology Birthday Parties

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

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

• Dementia Friendly Committee: June 10 at 3 p.m., Levy Center 
• Commission on Aging & Disabilities: June 12 at 3 p.m., Evanston Public Library
• Parks & Recreation Board: June 12 at 6 p.m., Levy Center
• ADA Committee: June 26 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