Friday, July 4, 2025 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on Free movies, summer programs, upcoming events, and more.
 July 4 Beach and Boat Launch Hours
Evanston beaches, including Greenwood, Lighthouse, Lee Street and South Boulevard, will be open for swimming on Friday, July 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Clark Street Beach will be closed the entire of day of the 4th of July due to fireworks display setup and the firework show. A safety perimeter will be set up in the area of Clark St. Beach, Evanston Dog Beach, and Centennial Park. Please stay out of the saftey perimeter. The Evanston Dog Beach will open from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on July 4.
The Church Street Boat Launch will close to traffic at 2 p.m. on July 4 and reopen after the fireworks show.
 Wicked Good Night: Starlight Fest Shines Bright at Ingraham Park
Hundreds of community members came out on June 27 to enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars at our Starlight Movie & Food Truck Fest at Ingraham Park
From delicious eats by local food trucks to the magic of the blockbuster Wicked on the big screen, it was a perfect summer celebration of food, film, and community. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we loved seeing your blankets, lawn chairs, and smiling faces filling the park!
Big shoutout to all our incredible food vendors: 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 & more.
Stay tuned for more free summer fun as the Starlight Series continues. Our next event is a free Starlight Concert Series featuring the Radio Free Honduras on Tuesday, July 8 at 6 p.m. at Leah LoMar Park, 1411 Mulford St..
See full schedule: cityofevanston.org/starlight
 Families Frolic at Nature Tots & Tunes – More Events Coming Soon!
Thank you for joining us for Nature Tots & Tunes at Larimer Park! What a magical evening of music, animals, and outdoor fun. Families gathered under the trees for live tunes by Gloria Leung of the Old Town School of Folk Music, met some amazing critters, and explored nature through hands-on play.
We'll host two more Nature Tots & Tunes this summer:
- July 24, 5–7 p.m. – Baker Park
- August 21, 5–7 p.m. – Harbert-Payne Park
Perfect for kids 8 and under! Bring a blanket, pack your snacks, and join us for more Free family fun in the parks.
 Join the Evanston Gymnastics Team
The Evanston Gymnastics Team is growing—and we’re looking for talented athletes to join our competitive program! We’re currently accepting new Compulsory and Xcel gymnasts with previous competitive experience.
Think you’re a good fit? We’d love to see what you can do!
Submit a request form today to schedule your evaluation.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of a dynamic, high-energy team that trains hard, supports one another, and shines in competition!
 Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: July 5
Join us every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at University Place & Oak Avenue for the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market, featuring live music, local vendors, fresh produce, and fun for the whole family.
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.
New at the Market—coupons!: We have a limited number of coupons for $5 off on select market items. Stop by the nonprofit tent to pickup a coupon while supplies last.
And mark your calendars for July 12—we’re hosting a “New to You” Cookbook Giveaway! Have gently used cookbooks you’d like to donate? Drop them off at the City tent this Saturday, July 5.
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
Live entertainment
8 a.m.: Eileen Doan
10:30 a.m.: Angry Ankles
 Startlight Concert: July 8
Join us for a summer evening of Latin beats at the next installment of Evanston’s free Starlight Concert Series featuring the Radio Free Honduras.
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 8
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Leah Lomar Park, 1411 Mulford St.
Cost: Free
Food truck: La Cocinita
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
Nature Play Date: July 11
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, July 11
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.
 Pinewood Derby Day: July 12
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: Saturday, July 12
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Lovelace Park Picnic Shelter
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR per set of supplies
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Unplug IL Day—Kick Off the 2025 Evanston Nature Passport Program: July 12
Celebrate Unplug IL Day by stepping away from screens and connecting with nature! Join us on Friday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., as we launch the 2025 Evanston Nature Passport program with free, family-friendly activities across Evanston’s natural areas.
Enjoy guided experiences including fishing, birding, scavenger hunts, plant ID hikes, and stewardship projects. Then, continue your adventure all summer long with the self-guided Nature Passport program, running July 12 through August 21.
Explore eight natural areas, playgrounds, and community gardens around Evanston. Complete each passport activity and collect a nature stamp at every stop. Submit your completed stamp page by August 21 at any City of Evanston community center or Evanston Public Library location for a chance to win exciting prizes!
Prize winners will be announced at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, a free community event at James Park on Friday, August 22, from 7–9 p.m.
Learn more and view the full activity schedule at cityofevanston.org/naturalareas, or call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256.
Pick up your free Evanston Nature Passport at any Evanston Parks and Recreation Community Centers as well as both Evanston Public Library locations until August 21.
 Environmental Equity Workshop: July 16
This interactive workshop will highlight key findings, include hands-on activities, and offer a chance to connect with neighbors. Together, we can advance environmental equity—ensuring everyone in Evanston has the same opportunities for health and prosperity. Learn more and get involved in building a greener, more equitable Evanston for all.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, July 16
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center, Bobby's Room
Cost: Free
 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:
-
Paddleboard: $30 R /$40 NR
-
Kayak: $35 R /$45 NR
-
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.
 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.
 |
|
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.
|
 |
|
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.
|
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:
-
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.
 Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings
- Dementia Friendly Committee: July 8 at 3 p.m., Levy Center
- Commission on Aging & Disabilities: July 10 at 3 p.m., Morton Civic Center
- Parks & Recreation Board: July 17 at 6 p.m., Levy Center
- ADA Committee: July 24 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
|
