Friday, July 25, 2025  |  View in browser

Good morning, 

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on Fall Parks and Rec program registration, upcoming events, and more.

News

All City Community Centers Closed on August 19

All city of Evanston community centers will be closed on Tuesday, August 19 for staff training. Facilities will reopen on August 20. Please call 311 on August 19 for any Parks and Recreation needs. 

Evanstons parks and beaches will remain open on August 19.

Fall Fun Starts Here: Key Dates You Need to Know

Mark your calendars—our Fall Program Guide drops on August 4! From engaging classes, activities, and seasonal events to enriching afterschool programs and exciting school day-off adventures, we have something for everyone this fall.

Important Dates:

• August 4: Fall Program Guide will be available online.

• August 11: Registration opens for Evanston residents.

• August 18: Registration opens for nonresidents.

Plan ahead and be ready to sign up early—popular programs fill fast!

City Dedicates Community Center to Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto

On Saturday, July 19, officials, community members, and the Prieto family and friends gathered to formally rename the South End Community Center (formerly Little Beans Café, 430 Asbury Ave.) as the Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center. 

Dr. Jorge Prieto, who settled in Evanston in 1956, dedicated his medical career to providing compassionate care to low-income and immigrant communities. Luz Maria played a critical supporting role—translating, advising on childcare, and assisting his house calls. Both were active in civil rights and social justice efforts.

Mayor Daniel Biss opened the ceremony, emphasizing Evanston’s cherished sense of community and the Prietos’ role as exemplars for civic action. The Prieto family and friends reflected on their legacy of service, inclusion, and love—a legacy the newly named community center will now carry forward. 

Explore classes, events, accessible recreation, and open play at cityofevanston.org/prieto.

View video highlights of the event.

Upcoming Events

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

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: July 26

Sweet, ripe, and ready—don’t miss this Saturday’s Evanston Farmers’ Market, where the season’s best fruits and fresh finds await.

Event details
Date: Saturday, July 26
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.: Eric Lugosch
10:30 a.m.: Quinn Michael

First Fridays: August 1

Celebrate summer with an evening of fun, food, and community spirit at Mason Park! First Fridays brings neighbors together for a lively mix of activities, music, free food, and a raffle—all in one vibrant outdoor gathering. Bring your friends, family, and picnic blankets for a feel-good Friday night in Evanston.

Event details
Date: Friday, August 1 
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Mason Park, Church Street and Florence Avenue
Cost: Free

Nature Play Date: August 1

Schedule a playdate with nature! 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 month is a different theme. Caregiver and pre-registration are required.

Event details
Date: Friday, August 1
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Harbert-Payne park
Cost: $20R/$26NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Treasure Hunt: August 1 & 2

Ahoy, mateys! Join our pirate crew, as we search for the treasures of Lighthouse Beach in this pirate-themed nature scavenger hunt. Once you solve all of the clues, gather 'round the fire for tales of the high seas and s'mores by the beach. Pirate costumes are heartily encouraged! Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Event details
Date: Friday, August 1 & Saturday, August 2
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach
Cost: $15 R/$20 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

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
"Toy Story": Movie begins at 5:30 p.m.
"Inside Out": Movie 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

Verses & Vibes Open Mic: August 8

Join us for an inspiring Open Mic Night featuring poetry, short stories, and live music from Evanston’s vibrant local talent. Whether you’re performing or part of the audience, this event offers a welcoming space to honor diverse voices and experiences.

Event details
Date: Friday, August 8
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
Cost: Free

Astronomy in the Parks: August 9

Reconnect with the night sky, as we look through the Chicago Astronomer’s telescope at the August full moon ("Sturgeon Moon") and other summer celestial delights. Come prepared with any questions you have about the night sky, as our guide will give us a tour of the wonders beyond our planet. Then enjoy marshmallows and other festivities around the campfire. All family members attending must register (children and adults). Rain date is August 23.

Event details
Date: Saturday, August 9
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Clark Square Park
Cost: $15 R/$20 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Garden to Cocktail Workshop: August 23

Shake things up at this hands-on cocktail (or mocktail!) workshop where fresh garden ingredients take center stage. Guided by a skilled bartender from Evanston's Ward Eight, you'll learn how to craft seasonal cocktails and make your own syrups and infusions. As you mix and sip, enjoy perfectly paired hors d’oeuvres in a relaxed garden setting.

Event details
Date: Saturday, August 23
Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Ecology Center Garden
Ages: 21 years and up
Cost: $75 R/$98 NR
Register

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!

Beach hours are changing on August 2. Beaches will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. thru August 30.

From August 2 - 28, the Dempster Street Beach office will be open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the Clark Street Beach office from 10:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

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

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.

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

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