Thursday, August 14, 2025 | View in browser
Read below for information about wheel tax payments, the end-of-season swimming beach schedule, upcoming community events, and more!
 Pay your 2026 wheel tax today 🚗
Evanston residents can now pay their wheel tax, residential parking permits, and parking passes for the 2026 period: October 1-September 30, 2026. Payments can be made online at cityofevanston.org/wheeltax, by mail to 909 Davis St., or in person at the Morton City Hall or Evanston community centers. The deadline for payment is September 30.
Please note: Failure to pay may result in tickets. Senior discounts and Access Evanston applications must be completed before payment.
 End-of-season schedule for Evanston beaches 🏖️
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.
Schedule: Clark and Greenwood Street Beaches will be the only beaches open to swimming during weekdays at the following times: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Aug. 11-30) and 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Aug. 31-Sept. 1). Clark, Greenwood, and Lee Street Beaches will be open on the following weekends: Aug. 16-17. 23-24, 30-31, and Sept. 1.
Please note: The sand area will remain open at all beaches. Stay informed about the status of the beaches at cityofevanston.org/beaches. For your safety, please remember to only swim while lifeguards are on duty.
 Your guide to upcoming community events
NU Community Movie Night: Community members are invited to a free outdoor screening of Lilo & Stitch (2025) tonight, Aug. 14, at 6 p.m. at Northwestern Medicine Field. Enjoy complimentary snacks and take part in a raffle for sports tickets and other prizes. Bring your blankets or pillows and enjoy the show.
Art & Big Fork Fest returns: The streets of downtown Evanston will play host to the annual Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival this weekend! Join fellow art lovers in browsing thousands of original pieces from 150 juried artists. Plus, enjoy food, try a painting class, or visit the Kids Art Zone.
Music under the stars: Enjoy a Starlight Concert featuring Midnight Sun on Tues., Aug. 19, 6 p.m., at Butler Park. Bring a blanket, enjoy songs from the ’60s to today, and grab a bite from the Cocina Azteca food truck.
 Fall fun is just a click away!🍂
Fall programming registration is now open for Evanston residents, and the Parks and Recreation 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 non-residents on Mon., Aug. 18, at 9 a.m.
More News and Events
Community centers closed on August 19
All City community centers will be closed on August 19 due to a scheduled department-wide training event aimed at enhancing staff skills and service quality. All community centers will resume regular operating hours on August 20, welcoming visitors back to their programs and services.
Apply for the Fall Community Police Academy
Learn how the Evanston Police Department works through 12 weeks of interactive classes, including mock crime scenes, traffic stops, and scenario-based training. The free program meets Tuesdays, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sept. 2 - Nov. 18. Apply by August 25.
Gather to discuss arts and culture in Evanston
Join the Evanston Arts Council on Wed., Aug. 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Five & Dime for an evening with other community members who are passionate about making arts and culture a priority in Evanston. Enjoy refreshments, conversation, and connection.
Evanston Water Bureau will begin upgrading meter systems
The Evanston Water Production Bureau is upgrading its Automatic Meter Information (AMI) system over the next two years, in three phases. Residents will receive a notification letter when work is coming to their area, with instructions to call and schedule an appointment. Learn more.
Embrace the back-to-school spirit
Kick off the school year with an evening of community fun at the annual 'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party. Join in on Thurs., Sept. 4, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at ETHS’ Lazier Field for an evening of games, music, food trucks, and more!
Get the latest Ryan Field updates
Crews are advancing interior work at Ryan Field with concrete masonry, metal framing, fireproofing, ductwork, and electrical overhead. Outside, canopy trusses are being installed, and sewer work continues on-site (south to west) and off-site at Chancellor Street and Asbury Avenue. Additionally, the first canopy sections are now up, designed to focus noise and light on the field. Visit the Ryan Field website for weekly updates.
Discover opportunities. Change our community.
VolunteerEvanston, hosted on the Upsquad platform, makes it easy to connect with local volunteer opportunities. This free online hub helps community members find ways to give back, support causes they care about, and make a difference right here in Evanston. Sign up today!
August is National Immunization Month
With back-to-school and fall respiratory virus season right around the corner, August is the perfect time to highlight the importance of vaccines!
Frequently cited as one of the top ten public health achievements of all time, immunizations have had a huge impact on the health of our nation. Here are just a few:
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Many diseases that were once common childhood illnesses, such as rubella, diphtheria, and polio, are extremely rare in the US.
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One disease, smallpox, which used to kill approximately 30% of those infected, has been completely eradicated due to vaccination.
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The CDC estimates that vaccination of children born in the U.S. between the years 1994 and 2023 will: prevent more than 500 million illnesses, avoid more than 1 million deaths, and save nearly $3 trillion in medical costs and nonmedical costs.
All vaccines go through rigorous safety and efficacy testing before licensure, and even after a vaccine has been approved, data continues to be collected and reviewed for rare side effects. The Evanston Health and Human Services Department encourages all residents to stay up-to-date on vaccinations. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or a local travel clinic to find out if there are recommended vaccines you or your children need based on age, travel, medical conditions, or other risk factors.
Community Calendar
Say "cheese"! 📸
Evanston staff celebrated City Hall Selfie Day on Tuesday. Organized by ELGL, City Hall Selfie Day is a celebration of public service showcasing pride in local government institutions.
With a new City Hall and a shiny new fire tower truck, we had to step up our selfie game this year…and we delivered! Thank you to our incredible staff across all departments for the work you do, and for smiling for the camera while doing it.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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