Friday, June 27, 2025 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on Food Truck Fest, free movies, summer programs, upcoming events, and more.
 Evanston Celebrates Freedom and Black Excellence at A Divine Nine Juneteenth
Joy, culture, and legacy lit up Evanston’s A Divine Nine Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21. Despite the extreme heat, hundreds came out to Ingraham Park to celebrate freedom, culture and community.
From powerful performances and D9 stepping to delicious food, music, and family fun—this unforgettable afternoon honored Juneteenth and Black excellence. Thank you to everyone who showed up, showed out, and celebrated with us.
 Food Truck Fest and Wicked: June 27;
Dennis the Menace: June 28
Evanston's free 2025 Starlight Concert & Movie Series features six outdoor concerts and four outdoor movies at park locations throughout the summer. Join us for free movies and the Food Truck Fest in just.
On June 27, we'll host the Starlight Movie and Food Truck Fest at Ingraham Park. The feature film will be the blockbuster hit Wicked, 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
On June 28, we'll screen Dennis the Menace and Uncle Buck, at Baker Park, as part of our Evanston on the Big Screen movie theme.
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
Starlight movie double feature—Dennis the Menace followed by Uncle Buck
Date: Saturday, June 28
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Baker Park, 605 Forest Ave.
Cost: Free
 Family Campfire: June 27 & 28
Join the Ecology Center staff for a fun campfire, as we explore the amazing science of fireflies. Each evening includes stories, nature activities, and the ever-popular s’mores. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Event details
Date: Friday and Saturday, June 27-28
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.
 New Art Exhibit—In This Moment: Opening Reception on June 27
The Noyes Upstairs Gallery is proud to present In This Moment, a new exhibition featuring works by Jennifer Taylor of Sparkle House. This evocative collection explores the fleeting but powerful moments that exist between thought and transformation.
Exhibit Dates: June 27 – September 9, 2025
Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St
Gallery Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE Opening Reception
Join us on Friday, June 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a community celebration and preview of the exhibition.
Interested in getting more involved in our arts community? Register for our Community Art Workshop:
Date: Saturday, July 26
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Register online or call 847-448-8263
 Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: June 28
This Saturday, June 28, Likhaya—an Evanston-based nonprofit artist incubator—is taking over the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market! Join us for a special day of creativity, community, and fresh finds.
In addition to our 70+ local vendors offering everything from produce to pastries, enjoy live performances by Dan Jackson, Daydream Archives Band, and Evanston’s School of Rock. Kids can stop by the Spud Club for a fun “draw your future self” activity hosted by Likhaya. Don’t forget to visit Likhaya's booth to learn more about their work supporting local artists.
Named Best Farmers Market – Suburbs by Better Chicago, our market is the place to shop local, eat fresh, and celebrate 50 years of Evanston tradition. Learn more.
Event details
Date: Saturday, June 28
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
 Starlight Concert: July 1
Join us for a soulful summer evening at the next installment of Evanston’s free Starlight Concert Series featuring the Chris Greene Quartet.
Bring a blanket, grab a bite, and enjoy an evening of high-energy jazz with one of Chicago’s most dynamic saxophonists and his talented quartet. Don’t miss this free night of music and community under the summer sky.
Event details
Date: Tuesday, July 1
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Harbert Payne Park, 1135 McDaniel Ave.
Cost: Free
Food truck: Bumbu Roux
Learn more
 Canoe the Canal: July 6
Enjoy 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, July 6
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Dammrich Rowing Center
Cost: $22 R/$29 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Glow in the Park: July 11
Join us for Glow in the Park – a nighttime dance party like no other! 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
 Beaches Are Open—Get Your Beach Passes!
Evanston’s public swimming beaches are open for the season—and beach passes are available. 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.
 Lakefront Rentals: Kayaks, Paddleboards, Sailboats
Make a splash this summer with Evanston’s lakefront rentals, available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through August 17. Whether you're looking for a relaxing paddle or a breezy sail, we’ve got you covered with paddleboards, kayaks (single or double), and Barnett 1400 sailboats.
2025 Rental Rates:
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Paddleboard: $30 R /$40 NR
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Kayak: $35 R /$45 NR
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Sailboat: $40 R/ $50 NR
Each additional hour is $15
Ask about 10-hour punch passes for extra savings, and give us a call if you're interested in lessons.
Reservations can be made online or by calling 847-866-4167.
 Stay Safe at the Beach
With hot weather ahead, a dip in Lake Michigan might sound perfect—but safety comes first! Before you wade in, remember:
- Swim only when lifeguards are on duty (10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.).
- Stay off rocks, break walls, and shoreline structures.
- Never swim alone or leave children unattended.
- Follow beach rules and the flag system.
- Life jackets save lives—wear one if needed.
- Call 911 or alert lifeguards in an emergency.
For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/beaches.
 Free Summer Food Program
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 July 4
Meal Sites:
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
- Robert Crown Community Center
- Mason Park
- Dawes School
 Free Access to Fishing thru August 23
You can fish with us for free this Saturday and all summer long at Lovelace Park. 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. 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.dnr.illinois.gov.
Event details
Date: Saturdays thru August 23
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Lovelace Park Pond (Gross Point Road and Thayer Street)
Cost: Free, no registration required
More information: Please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256.
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.
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Grown Up Camp
At last—a camp for adults! Unleash your inner kid and explore creativity at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. Meet on Fridays between July 11 and August 1. Register now.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Planning a Party, Meeting, or Special Event? We’ve Got the Perfect Space
Whether you're hosting a birthday bash, baby shower, community meeting, or family celebration, Evanston’s Parks & Recreation rental facilities offer flexible, affordable spaces to fit your needs.
Choose from a variety of rooms, community centers, and party packages across the city — perfect for both small gatherings and big milestones.
Looking to celebrate a child’s birthday? Check out our birthday party packages featuring fun themes and activities at select locations.
Spaces book up fast — plan ahead and secure your ideal date today.
Explore rental options and book online
For more info, call 847-448-4311 or email recreation@cityofevanston.org.
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:
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Residents: $10 per child, $7 for each additional child
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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.
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
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Support Evanston Parks & Recreation
Your donation will help support lakefront upkeep and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater.
Donate now
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Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team
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