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Good morning, 

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on Zombie Scramble registration, 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!

Zombie Scramble Registration Opens Today, August 1

Celebrate a decade of the undead at the 10th Annual Zombie Scramble! This thrilling event challenges you to make it through a zombie-infested course with your “lives” — represented by flags on a flag football belt — still intact. As you navigate the haunted trail, zombies will try to snatch your flags.

To commemorate 10 years of heart-pounding fun, our Presenting Sponsor, Anchorfish Printing, will be on site creating and selling limited-edition shirts exclusively for this milestone event. Don’t miss your chance to grab one and show off your survivor (or zombie) pride!

Are you ready to run for your life? Registration opens today, August 1 at 9 a.m. at cityofevanston.org/register.

Celebrating One Year of the C.A.R.E. Team

July marked the one-year anniversary of Evanston’s Crisis Alternative Response Evanston (C.A.R.E.) Team—a groundbreaking, community-centered approach to crisis response.

Launched in July 2024, the C.A.R.E. Team was built on a vision of empathy over enforcement, providing support for residents experiencing mental health challenges, substance use crises, housing instability, and emotional distress. In just 12 months, the team has responded to 1,968 calls for service.

With just four responders, the C.A.R.E. Team—led by Jeron Dorsey, Deputy Director, Parks, Recreation and Community Services—has become a model for cities nationwide, offering an effective, compassionate alternative to traditional emergency response. They have partnered closely with Evanston Police, emergency services, and community organizations to ensure people in crisis are met with care and dignity.

More than just numbers, the team’s impact is reflected in the lives they’ve touched—residents who now feel safer, supported, and heard.

As Evanston enters year two of this innovative program, the C.A.R.E. Team remains committed to deepening community ties, reducing stigma, and expanding access to care. Thank you to the responders and supporters who’ve made this possible. 

Exciting Improvements Coming to Beck Park!

Starting this month, the City of Evanston will begin a yearlong renovation project at Beck Park. The improvements will include new playgrounds, updated walking and biking paths, a redesigned parking lot, a new pavilion, enhanced lighting, and more.

These upgrades are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to creating safe, accessible, and engaging outdoor spaces for all residents to enjoy.

Upcoming Events

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

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 2": Movie begins at 7:20 p.m.
Location: Bent Park, 2524 Cowper Ave
Cost: Free
Food trucks: Firehouse Grill; Bluestone

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: August 2

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, August 2
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
10 a.m.: Eileen Doan

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

Summer Sound Meditation: August 8

Join sound meditation facilitator and musician Jay Taylor for an hour-long immersive experience in the beautiful Levy Center garden courtyard. Lie back and relax, as you listen to the singing bowls at sunset. The session will begin with a brief introduction and some light guided breathing. Following the meditation, the instructor will share some final thoughts on the experience. No prior experience or skills are required. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, and pillow (if you would like), to make yourself comfortable during this program.

Event details
Date: August 8
Hours: 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Levy Center Garden Courtyard
Cost: $25 R/$33 NR
Register

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.

FJT Presents Passover: thru 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. 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: Saturdays and Sundays thru 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

Family Campout: August 22-23

Introduce your family to camping close to home by spending the night under the stars at Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses! We’ll have a campfire, s’mores, nature activities and breakfast in the morning. Two-person tents are available upon request for a $10 fee; supply is limited. In case of severe weather, the program will be canceled. All family members attending must register (children and adults).

Event details
Date: August 22-23
Hours: 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach
Cost: $30 R/$39 NR
Register

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.

Now on View at Noyes Upstairs Gallery: In This Moment

Step into a space of reflection and imagination with In This Moment, a powerful new exhibit by Jennifer Taylor of Sparkle House. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful symbolism, Taylor explores the pause between events—the breath before the transformation.

On View: thru September 9
Gallery Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St

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