Thursday, June 26, 2025 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about the Starlight Movie & Food Truck Fest, the annual "Evanston Recycles" event, volunteering for the 4th of July celebrations, and more!
 The Starlight Movie & Food Truck Fest is back!
Join us at Ingraham Park on Fri., June 27, for a wicked good evening under the stars. Starting at 5:30 p.m., treat yourself to tasty bites from a lineup of local food trucks, including Firehouse Grill & Bluestone, Pinoy Grill, La Cocinita, Soul & Smoke, C&W Ice Cream Parlor, and more. Then, cozy up with a blanket for a free outdoor screening of Wicked (2024) beginning at 6 p.m. Don’t miss this fun, food-filled summer night that will defy gravity!
 “Evanston Recycles” returns June 28 ♻️
The City’s annual "Evanston Recycles" event will take place this Sat., June 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at Evanston Township High School. This free, drive-up, drop-off event allows community members to recycle and donate a variety of items, as well as securely shred documents.
Items accepted include: electronic waste, documents for shredding, and unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications only.
 Summer vibes head to Main Street on Saturday
Celebrate summer at the Main Street Fair on Sat., June 28, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the 700 block of Main Street! This free, family-friendly event features 100+ artisans, live music on three stages, local food and drinks, a Youth Marketplace for young makers, and fun activities for kids and teens.
Presented by: Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club, Evanston Made, Art Makers Outpost, Main-Dempster Mile, and Around Evanston.
 Celebrate Independence Day in Evanston 🎆
Evanston's beloved 4th of July celebration is just around the corner! Hosted by the Evanston Fourth of July Association, community members can look forward to a full day of activities, including morning games, a Fun Run for kids, a parade, a concert, and fireworks.
Volunteers needed: Help make the celebrations happen! The Association needs volunteers for morning games, the Fun Run, and parade marshals. All ages welcome! Marshals get a t-shirt, buttons, lunch, and a quick training on July 1. Sign up at evanston4th.org or call 847-637-5236.
Lawn chairs: Chairs may not be placed along the parade route until 6 a.m. on July 1. Items are not permitted on sidewalks or in the right-of-way.
Fireworks: Keep yourself and others safe by not using fireworks. Fireworks are prohibited in Evanston because they are dangerous and can be distressing to individuals and pets who are sensitive to loud noises.
 Construction season is upon us...
Stay up-to-date on current construction projects in Evanston using our interactive construction map! Check out a couple of highlighted projects:
Sidewalk improvements: Beginning the week of June 30 and continuing for approximately eight weeks, deteriorated sidewalk slabs will be replaced and some ADA ramps reconstructed on blocks adjacent to multiple schools.
Road resurfacing: The City has contracted road resurfacing work on eight street segments to take place over the next nine weeks. This project will include curb replacement, repairs to the roadway base, new asphalt paving from curb to curb, and select ADA sidewalk upgrades.
Hazardous tree removal: Beginning June 30, the City's Forestry Division and Evanston-based Arborgreen Tree Services will begin the removal of hazardous trees at the Ladd Arboretum. The Arboretum path will be closed daily during work hours from June 30 through approximately mid-July.
More News and Events
Free clothing & household item pickups
Evanston residents can schedule free pickups of clothing and small household items through Simple Recycling at SimpleRecycling.com or 866-835-5068. Items must be in clearly marked waterproof bags or boxes and set out by 7:30 a.m. Accepted items include clothing, shoes, accessories, kitchenware, toys, tools, and books.
It's officially mosquito season 🦟
While the risk is low, community members are encouraged to take personal protection measures, including using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent. Additionally, wearing proper clothing and eliminating or draining items that can hold stagnant water around your property can further reduce risk.
Benchmarking data deadline and reporting reminders
The deadline to submit benchmarking data is June 30.
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The website to report benchmarking data and ask questions from the help desk is available for all covered buildings.
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The City will never require you to submit payment or pay for services to benchmark. Benchmarking can be completed for free, with professional verification required every three years. Request pro bono professional verification. If you receive emails/mailers that seem suspicious, email benchmarking@cityofevanston.org.
Love Your Block programs kick off across Evanston
A few Love Your Block grant programs have recently launched, including an Elks Park Neighbors Block Party, a Toddler Adventure Camp, and a Community Landscaping and Mentorship Program. Stay tuned for additional Love Your Block program announcements in the coming weeks!
Check out some lakefront summer safety tips
1) Follow our swim flag warning system to understand conditions. Red = swim ban, Yellow = swim advisory, Green = no restrictions 2) Only swim when lifeguards are on duty 3) Stay off of break lines, rocks, and other shoreline structures 4) Life rings are located at each swimming beach entrance as well as the Dog Beach and the Church St. Boat Launch.
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Community Calendar
Butterfly mural blooms at Chute Middle School 🦋

Gifted artist and teacher Mario Mena completed the installation of this beautiful mural for the Okano Butterfly Garden at Chute Middle School earlier this month. The mural was made possible through a partnership with Art Encounter, Chute Middle School teachers and students, and grant funding from Healing Illinois.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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