Friday, Aug. 15, 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.

News

All City of Evanston Community Centers Closed on August 19

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.

Registration Open for Fall Programs

Registration is now open for Evanston residents and our Fall Program Guide is 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.

Registration opens for nonresidents on Monday, August 18 at 9 a.m.

Sign up early—our most popular programs fill quickly!

End-of-season Beach Hours

With the return of seasonal lifeguards and beach staff to school, the City has adjusted end-of-season beach operations to ensure proper staffing for public safety.

Swimming is available on weekdays at Clark Street Beach and Greenwood Street Beach during the following hours:

Upcoming Events

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

Family Campfire: August 15 & 16

Join the Ecology Center for a Family Campfire program, as we learn all about "Bats at the Beach"! Each evening includes fun nature activities, a game, a craft, and a story, as we learn about the different species of bats that live in Evanston. We will discuss their amazing adaptations, where they live, and why they are beneficial, before ending our evening with the ever-popular s’mores.

Event details
Date: August 15 & 16
Hours: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $10 R/$13 NR
Register

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: August 16

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 16
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.: Pierce Crask
10:30 a.m.: Parsnip Factory

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 The 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

Nature Tots & Tunes: August 21

Join the Ecology Center and musicians from Old Town School of Folk Music at Harbert-Payne Park this Thursday! 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. This month's theme is the "Big Nature Scavenger Hunt", as we will walk along the Harbert-Payne Park nature trail together.

Event details
Date: Thursday, August 21
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Harbert-Payne Park
Cost: Free, but registration is required
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

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 (2-person tents are available to rent for an additional $10 fee)
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

Get a sneak peek: Watch Jeremy Denny, owner of Evanston’s Ward Eight, mix up a basil gin smash using the five key elements that make a perfect cocktail.

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: wildkits.youth@evanstonhockey.com
Register

Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with an afternoon of fun, culture, and community. Enjoy family-friendly activities including face painting, piñatas, open gym time, arts and crafts and more. Plus, Evanston Latinos will be providing raspados.

Event details
Date: Friday, September 5
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
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.

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

Outdoor Adventure Trips

Explore the great outdoors through the Ecology Center’s partnership with the Bus for Outdoor Access and Teaching (BOAT). These guided group trips are designed for all skill levels and include transportation, food, equipment, and camping supplies—just bring your personal items and clothing, and get ready for an adventure!

Youth Day Trip to Rock Cut State Park  (Ages 9-13)
Date: Sept 23
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Meeting Location: Lighthouse Beach
Cost: $75 R/$98 NR
Register

Adult Overnight Canoe Trip on Rock River
Date: Oct 4-5
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Meeting Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: $336 R/$437 NR
Register

Adult Backpacking Trip on the Manistee River Trail
Date: Oct 10-13
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Meeting Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: $487 R/$633 NR
Register

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.

Fall Classes

Registration for our Fall programming is open for Evanston residents and opens 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.

Registration Open for Sussical Jr. Auditions 

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!

Register now
Information: 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.

Little Dough-Nuts

Little hands, big imagination: In this fun class, kids squish, roll, and shape dough to make all kinds of creations. Along the way, they’ll explore animals, colors, shapes, and more—building skills while they play. At the end, they’ll make a special project to take home and share. Four-class sessions start on September 12 and October 10. Register now.

Bitty Ballet

Learn the basic positions of ballet and have fun dancing and singing along in this beginning-level class run by Chicago Loves Dance. Register now.

Jamberry Music

Bond with your child through nursery rhymes, circle songs, movement, puppets, and instrument exploration! Activities will introduce musical concepts, self-regulation, and motor skills. Note: Child must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. 
Register now for Chandler classes.
Register now for Prieto classes.

Gymnastics with a Grownup

With a parent/guardian and our instructors’ assistance, your tot will enjoy free play on the gymnastics equipment, explore new obstacle
courses, and be introduced to various age appropriate gymnastics skills each week. This class is a great way for your little one to climb and play with supervision. Parents/guardians must attend with their child. Register now.

Adult Gymnastics

No experience necessary! In this class for ages 16 years and up will warm up together, then students will be grouped by ability to work on different tumbling skills each week, ranging from cartwheels and handstands to handsprings and slatos. Register now.

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, September 10 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Register now.

After School and School Days Off

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

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

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.

Dementia Friendly Tips: August Information on how to advocate for those living with dementia and their caregivers.

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