Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on the August 19 closure of all City of Evanston community centers, Fall Parks and Rec program registration, upcoming events, and more.
All City of Evanston community centers will be closed on August 19 due to a scheduled department-wide training event aimed at enhancing staff skills and service quality.
The community centers that will be closed are listed below:
- Chandler-Newberger Community Center
- Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
- Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center
- Levy Senior Center
- Noyes Cultural Arts Center
- Robert Crown Community Center
On August 19, the Levy Senior Center will not be holding any classes, clubs, or offering access to the fitness room. The lobby will also be closed for use, and no lunch will be served that day. However, we want to assure our visitors that DMV walk-ins will be permitted to enter the facility for access to DMV services.
All community centers, will resume regular operating hours on August 20, welcoming visitors back to their programs and services.
For more information, please contact 847-448-4311 or simply dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston.
 Fall Program Guide Is Here; Registration Opens Monday, August 11
Our Fall Program Guide is now live! From engaging classes and seasonal events to enriching after-school programs and exciting school day-off adventures, there’s something for everyone this fall.
Important Dates:
Plan ahead and sign up early—our most popular programs fill quickly!
 Zombie Scramble Registration Now Open
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? Register now.
 New Display Highlights History of Beach Tokens
A new historical display at the Dempster St. Beach Office invites community members to reflect on Evanston’s beach token system and its legacy.
Curated by Laurice Bell, Executive Director of Shorefront Legacy Center, and Tim Carter, Lakefront and Athletic Division Manager, the display showcases beach tokens (now called beach passes) issued by the City from 1932 to the present. While originally introduced to fund beachfront maintenance and lifeguards, the system in practice excluded Black residents for many years.
The display includes a thoughtful summary of the system’s origins and the racial and economic inequities it perpetuated. “This history is not just about displaying the physical tokens,” said Carter. “It’s about recognizing who was intentionally not welcomed in public spaces along Lake Michigan."
The City of Evanston remains committed to making the lakefront an equitable, welcoming space for all. This effort is part of a broader partnership with Shorefront Legacy Center, whose mission is to preserve and share the histories of Black residents on Chicago’s suburban North Shore.
Special thanks to the late Capt. Harold E. Cowell, Sr. for preserving many of the tokens on display.
View the display during regular hours at the Dempster St. Beach Office, 1251 Lake Shore Blvd. Learn more.
 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
 Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: August 9
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 9
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
 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.
 Pinewood Derby: August 10
Join us this Sunday for a Pinewood Derby program, where you'll build and race your own wooden car on our pinewood derby track. Each participant enrolled will receive supplies for their own pinewood derby car to decorate, race, and take home. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned pro, we're looking forward to cheering each other on as we race to the finish line. All children must be accompanied by an adult, as they can work together on the same car or on separate cars to race.
Event details
Date: Sunday, August 10
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center (Reading Garden Patio)
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR per set of supplies
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 Pass Over, 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
 Registration Opens for Sussical Jr. Auditions: August 11
Evanston Children’s Theatre invites young performers to audition for Seussical Jr.—a whimsical musical adventure bringing your favorite Dr. Seuss characters to life. Everyone who auditions gets a part, so don’t miss your chance to join the fun!
Registration details
Date: August 11
Register on August 11
Information: Visit ECT website, call 847-448-8263 or email ect@cityofevanston.org.
Audition dates
Tuesday, August 26, 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Thursday, August 28, 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Performance dates
Friday, November 21, 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 22, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 7 p.m.
 Summer Beach Bash: August 15
Join us for an evening of island fun as The Barefoot Hawaiian brings the sights and sounds of the tropics to Clark Street Beach. Enjoy a fun performance filled with authentic Polynesian music and hula dancers right by the lake. Bring a blanket or beach chair and get ready for a lively, family-friendly celebration of Hawaiian culture - no passport required!
Event details
Date: Friday, August 15
Hours: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Clark Street Beach
Cost: Free
 Pottery and Art Studio Tour: August 17
Discover the creativity happening right here in Evanston. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the Robert Crown Community Center’s pottery and art studios.
Event details
Date: Sunday, August 17
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: Free
 Startlight Concert: August 19
Join us for a summer evening at the next installment of Evanston’s free Starlight Concert Series featuring Midnight Sun.
Bring a blanket, grab a bite, and enjoy an evening of uplifting music from the '60's to today. Don’t miss this free night of music and community under the summer sky.
Event details
Date: Tuesday, August 19
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Butler Park, Hartrey Ave. and Foster St.
Cost: Free
Food truck: Cocina Azteca
Learn more
 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: $40 R/$49 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
Jr. Wildkits Summer Skates Free Hockey Sessions: August 30 and August 31
Get back on the ice before the season starts!The Evanston Jr. Wildkits are offering two free summer skate opportunities at Robert Crown Community Center. These sessions are a great way to sharpen your skills, connect with teammates, and get ready for the upcoming season.
Saturday, August 30 – JrW Summerskate
9:30 a.m., Rink 1
Sunday, August 31 – JrW Positional Skate
8:10 a.m., Rink 2
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: Free
More info: email wildkits.youth@evanstonhockey.com
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
Registration for our Fall programming opens August 11 for Evanston residents and August 18 for non-residents at cityofevanston.org/recreation. View all our upcoming classes, camps, workshops, school days off activities, and special events in the Fall Program Guide.
 4th and 5th Grade Cross Country
Our co-ed cross country program for 4th and 5th graders introduces young runners to the fun and fundamentals of distance running. Through practices and meets, students will build endurance, improve running form, and develop teamwork and perseverance. Biweekly meets will take place, with race distances ranging from 1 to 1.5 miles. Register now.
 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Flag Football League
Coaches and school organizers are volunteers from respective schools who are responsible for scheduling their team practices. All players must be registered by September 4. Games will be played on Saturdays between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Register:
3rd-grade league
4th-grade league
5th-grade league
 Girls Middle School Flag Football League
Join one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation—girls flag football. In-season skill development sessions are led by expert ETHS coaches to help players unlock their full potential. The season includes five regular-season games followed by positional playoffs in the final week. Games are held on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and noon, with each game lasting approximately one hour. All players are encouraged to attend the evaluation held at Robert Crown fields on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 5-6 p.m. Register now.
 School’s Out? Cool Out!
Make the most of your day off from school at the Robert Crown Community Center! Kids ages 5–12 can enjoy a full day of fun, including field trips, arts and crafts, ice skating, and games.
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Register in person at Robert Crown
More information: aeerbhardt@cityofevanston.org
 After School Adventure at Robert Crown
Blast off into an afternoon of fun and learning with After School Adventure at the Robert Crown Community Center! Students will enjoy a variety of enrichment activities that keep them active, engaged, and inspired, including homework help, arts and science activities, snacks and cooking classes, ice skating, and more.
Who We Serve
Students in District 65
Ages 5–12
Hours
3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday–Friday
11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on School Improvement Days
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Register in person at Robert Crown
More information: aeerbhardt@cityofevanston.org
 Beaches Are Open—Get Your Beach Passes!
Beaches are open from 10:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. thru August 30.
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 thru August 28.
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:
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Paddleboard: $30 R /$40 NR
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Kayak: $35 R /$45 NR
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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.
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:
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Residents: $10 per child, $7 for each additional child
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Non-residents: $13 per child, $10 for each additional child
 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.
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
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Support Evanston Parks & Recreation
Your donation will help support lakefront upkeep and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater.
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Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team
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