Friday, July 18, 2025  |  View in browser

Good morning, 

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on Glow in the Park, Disco in the Park, Prieto Community Center renaming, upcoming events, and more.

News

You're Invited: Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center Renaming Ceremony

Join the City of Evanston, the Prieto family, and community partners to celebrate the official renaming of the Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center

Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.

Help us honor the lasting legacy of Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto with a morning of reflection, community, and celebration. The event will feature keynote remarks, a ceremonial sign unveiling, and community engagement opportunities.

Upcoming Events

Glow in the Park: July 18

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 18
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Ingraham Park, Leonard Place and Asbury Avenue
Cost: $6 R/$8 NR
Register

Disco in the Park: July 18

Get your groove on for Disco in the Park — a free evening of your favorite '70's hits spun by local DJ Michael Stinson. Bring your lawn chairs, friends, and beverages for this free, all-ages outdoor dance party. All are welcome.

Event details
Date: Friday, July 18
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: James Park Soccer Field, next to the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
Cost: Free

Pizza Play Party: July 18

Join us for a fun-filled summer evening at the Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Center. Bring the whole family for a night of:

• Pizza 
• Open play space and crafts
• An exciting obstacle course

Event details
Date: Friday, July 18
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.
Cost per person: $10 R/$13 NR
Register

Family Campfire: July 18 & 19

Join the Ecology Center staff for a fun campfire focused on celebrating the wonders of Our Great Lake...Lake Michigan! Each evening includes nature activities and stories, as we explore the formation of the lake, learn about its biodiversity, and gain an appreciation of how unique and precious this resource really is. We will end our evening with the ever-popular s’mores. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Event details
Date: Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $10 R/$13 NR per set of supplies
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Summer Sound Meditation: July 18

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: July 19

Soak up the sweetness of summer at the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market. Summer is at its peak, and so is the flavor! Join us this Saturday at the Evanston Farmers’ Market for a celebration of fresh, local bounty—juicy cherries, sun-ripened peaches, plump raspberries, and more seasonal favorites.

Event details
Date: Saturday, July 19
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
Time: 8 a.m.: Green Eggs & Sam; 10:30 a.m.: ~Nois

A Board Above Charcuterie Tasting Tent
Craving something savory? Stop by our tasting tent and sample the best in local cheeses, honey, artisan bread, and more, featuring Chicago Honeybee Company, The Cheese People, Fred’s Bread Bakery & Café, Hook Point Fisheries, and Glas All Naturals.

Startlight Concert: July 22

Join us for a summer evening at the next installment of Evanston’s free Starlight Concert Series featuring Finom.

Bring a blanket, grab a bite, and enjoy an evening of high-energy Rock music. Don’t miss this free night of music and community under the summer sky.

Event details
Date: Tuesday, July 22
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Kamen Park West, 583 Asbury Ave.
Cost: Free
Food truck: Fork N Fry Mobile Poutinerie and El Zorro Tacos
Learn more

Nature Tots & Tunes: July 24

Join the Ecology Center and musicians from Old Town School of Folk Music at multiple parks throughout the city this summer. Bring a blanket and your favorite snacks and get ready to meet live animals, sing along to family-friendly music, and experience nature in the park through free play activities.

Event details
Date: Thursday, July 24
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Baker Park, Keeney St. and Forest Ave
Cost: Free, but registration is required
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Amazing Moths: July 26

Celebrate National Moth Week and discover the fascinating world of the "butterflies of the night". We will use black lights and make a moth bait recipe to attract moths for close-up viewing and identification. Participants will learn about the habits and importance of these mysterious nocturnal pollinators. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Event details
Date: Saturday, July 26
Time: 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $15 R/$20 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

FJT Presents Passover: July 26 - August 10

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Evanston’s celebrated company devoted to presenting dynamic Black American and African Diaspora-centered storytelling, presents Passover, a play by Antoinette Nwandu, July 26 to August 10. The play, directed by FJT artistic director Tim Rhoze, explores the lives of Moses and Kitch as they dream of their promised land—until a stranger wanders in with their own agenda and threatens their plans. 

Event details
Date: Saturday, July 26 thru Sunday, August 10
Time: Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.
Cost: $32; $10 for students
Tickets

Disability Pride Panel: July 26

Join us for a powerful and inclusive conversation as local Evanston residents with diverse disabilities share their lived experiences and explore what disability pride means to them. This welcoming and supportive panel is a safe space to learn, ask questions, and grow together as a community.

For questions, accommodation requests, or more information, contact: Lauren Ruiz,lruiz@cityofevanston.org, 847-708-7300

Event details
Date: Saturday, July 26 
Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.
Cost: Free

Starlight Movie Double Feature: August 2

Join us for a free, family-friendly evening under the stars with a showing of the animated classic “Toy Story,” followed by the heartfelt hit “Inside Out.”  Don’t forget to come hungry—local food trucks Firehouse Grill and Bluestone will be serving up delicious eats.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and the whole crew for a perfect summer evening of film, food, and community.

Event details
Date: Saturday, August 2
Time: 5:30 p.m. ("Toy Story" begins at 5:30 p.m. and "Inside Out" begins at 7:20 p.m.)
Location: Bent Park, 2524 Cowper Ave
Cost: Free
Food trucks: Firehouse Grill; Bluestone

National Night Out: August 5

Celebrate National Night Out (NNO) with a special "Touch-A-Truck" event at Ingraham Park.

National Night Out is an annual nationwide community-building campaign that promotes public safety, community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie to help make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places.

Hosted by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department and the Evanston Police Department, this free, family-friendly evening will feature:

• A hands-on Touch-A-Truck experience with a variety of City vehicles
• Music, Let’s Play games, and interactive activities from local vendors
• Community resources from local organizations
• NNO giveaways from Evanston Police Officers
• Food available for purchase on-site
• A Sensory Quiet Hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Residents are also encouraged to turn on their porch lights that evening.

Event details
Date: Tuesday, August 5
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (sensory quiet hour: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Location: Ingraham Park, Leonard Place and Asbury Avenue
Cost: Free

Nature Passport Program: thru August 21

Join the 2025 Evanston Nature Passport program for free, family-friendly activities across Evanston’s natural areas 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.

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. 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.

Community Programs

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: Weekdays thru August 8
Days: Monday – Friday
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Meal Sites:

• Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
• Robert Crown Community Center
• Mason Park
• Dawes School

Free Access to Fishing thru August 23

Dementia Friendly Evanston Tip Sheet Summertime tips for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Explore tips.

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.

Take a Dive into Creativity at Undersea Camp

Calling all young ocean explorers! This summer, kids ages 6–10 are invited to plunge into a week of imagination and creativity at Undersea Camp. From mermaids to Poseidon to the Loch Ness Monster, we’ll explore the legends and creatures of the sea through storytelling and art. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss the boat! Register now.

Create and Discover at the Art of Science Camp

Does your 8–14 year old love to invent, tinker, and make things? This summer, they can channel their creativity at The Art of Science camp at Noyes Cultural Arts Center! From hands-on experiments to imaginative art projects, this program blends science and creativity for a week of discovery and fun. Register now.

Womens Adult Softball

Step up to the plate and join the City of Evanston’s Women’s Adult Softball League this fall! Gather your team—or sign up solo—and enjoy a fun, competitive 8-game season at James Park. Don’t have a team? No problem! Add your name to the “looking for list” to be matched before the season begins. Register now.

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!

Play Time, Drop-in Activities, and Rentals

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.

Tennis/Pickleball Outdoor Court Reservations

Tennis and Pickleball courts can be reserved online by community members. If a court is reserved, the person or group with the reservation has priority at that time — even if the court is in use. When no reservation is scheduled, courts are open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard “rack-up” rules apply. Secure your spot in advance at cityofevanston.org/courts.

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

Get Involved

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