Thursday, October 2, 2025 | View in browser
Read below for information about an art-filled weekend, Halloween festivities throughout October, Cook County programs, and more!
 Get artsy in Evanston this weekend 🎨
Evanston's Big Art Weekend has returned, turning the city into an arts destination with 150+ artists. Enjoy free, citywide events for all ages.
Peruse handmade goods: Check out the Maker's Market in Downtown Evanston on Sun., Oct. 5, from noon to 5 p.m. Head to the 5th Floor of the Maple Avenue Parking Garage to shop hundreds of unique and one-of-a-kind handmade goods. Plus, enjoy free art-making and artist demos.
Tour artists' studios: Participate in Evanston Made's Annual Artist Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. Explore artists' studios, meet artists, learn about their work, and start your art collection.
Discover Evanston's art scene: Enjoy a free self-guided tour of Evanston’s creative community. See art on display, shop for art and handmade goods, meet small business owners, and much more.
 Halloween festivities are around the corner 🎃
It’s officially October...which means spooky season has arrived! The City has a full lineup of Halloween fun planned all month long, plus plenty of community celebrations you won’t want to miss. Check out everything that's going on.
 Learn about two helpful Cook County programs
Apply for the Cook County Catalyst Grant: Through Cook County's Catalyst Grant, up to 88 growing businesses will have the opportunity to advance to their next stage of development. Whether it's addressing workforce needs, improving operations, or upgrading facilities, this $100,000 grant will help businesses scale. Apply by October 31.
Apply for the Homeowner Relief Fund: Cook County has launched a $15 million Homeowner Relief Fund to provide one-time $1,000 grants to homeowners who have been disproportionately affected by recent property tax increases and meet eligibility requirements. Apply through October 10.
 Photo from: "A Bright Night for the Arts" 2023
Shine a spotlight on local artists/organizations ✨
The Evanston Arts Council is accepting nominations for the 47th Annual Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, honoring artists and arts organizations that have made significant contributions to the community.
How to submit a nomination: Complete our online nomination form, including a short statement explaining why your nominee deserves recognition, by October 20.
A Bright Night for the Arts: Winners will be celebrated at “A Bright Night for the Arts” on November 19, 6 p.m., at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. The event is free and open to the community.
A Message About Mosquitos from Health & Human Services
If you are experiencing increased mosquito activity, it is most likely the Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito), an invasive species of mosquito in this area.
Aedes albopictus has only recently become more abundant in Evanston. These medium-sized mosquitoes with distinctive black and white striped legs are very aggressive biters, even during the day. They are capable of transmitting several diseases, including West Nile virus.
What you can do to help reduce the populations of Aedes albopictus.
We're asking the community to help us reduce the number of breeding sources available to this mosquito. Aedes albopictus lay their eggs on the sides of containers, particularly smaller items that are commonly found around one’s home or business.
Residents should inspect their properties for anything that can hold water and eliminate it. This will help to reduce Asian Tiger mosquito abundance. These mosquitoes do not travel very far from where they emerge, typically 100 yards or less. Please remove all items that can hold even the smallest amount of water around your home. Adult mosquito sprays (barrier treatments) will not be effective in reducing populations of this species of mosquito; removing their breeding sources will.
You can contact the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) for assistance by using their online service request form or via phone at 847-446-9434. For additional information, contact the Evanston Health and Human Services Department via email at health@cityofevanston.org or call/text 847-448-4311.
More News and Events
Help us shape the 2026 Starlight Concert & Movie Series
Did you enjoy a summer night under the stars with us this year? Whether you came for the music, the movies, or both, we’d love your feedback. Your input helps us make next summer even better. Share your thoughts!
Protect your car by getting its catalytic converter marked
Join the Evanston Police Department for a free Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Marking event on Sat., Oct. 11, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Jiffy Lube on Dempster Street. Officers will spray-mark catalytic converters on Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai vehicles to deter theft and aid recovery. This event is free, but pre-registration is required.
Look for blue trucks coming this fall
Starting November 1, the City will transition refuse and yard waste collection haulers from Groot to Illinois-based LRS. You'll spot their blue trucks rolling through Evanston. Recycling will continue to be collected by the City’s Public Works Agency. Don’t worry, collection days and billing will stay the same, and rates are expected to remain stable.
Support the Evanston Animal Shelter at its annual gala
Celebrate a decade of caring with the Evanston Animal Shelter at the Tales About Town Gala on Sat., Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Orrington. Enjoy a reception, dinner, host bar, and heartwarming stories honoring the lives of animals and the Evanston community. Get your tickets today!
The Stretch Energy Code is now in effect
On February 24, the City became the first in Illinois to adopt the Illinois Stretch Energy Code, raising standards for building energy efficiency in support of CARP goals. The code took effect on October 1, applying to all new permit applications. Resources and staff support are available online. The City is proud to lead on energy efficiency and hopes others will follow.
Share your input with District 65
On September 29, the District 65 School Board presented its scenarios for school closures and consolidation. The District is hosting Structural Deficit Reduction Plan (SDRP) Community Listening Sessions to gather input from families, staff, and community members. Learn more and provide your feedback through their online survey.
Provide your thoughts on the Housing4All draft plan
The City is seeking your feedback on the draft strategic housing plan, Housing4All! Submit your housing feedback form available online or in person at several City locations by October 12.
Get involved in environmental equity in Evanston
Join the City for the final Environmental Equity Public Workshop on October 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ebenezer AME Church. City staff will present key findings and recommendations and lead a discussion on next steps.
Temporary compost drop-off location
Due to solar panel construction at the Robert Crown Center, compost drop-off totes will be temporarily relocated to the old Civic Center Parking Lot at 2100 Ridge Ave. Clear signage will guide visitors, and community members can continue using the containers at this temporary location.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
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Department of Veteran Affairs Benefits and Services Clinic, Oct. 4
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Evanston Farmers' Market, Oct. 4
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NU Football vs. ULM, Oct. 4
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Step Up for Recovery, Oct. 5
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Big Bite Night, Oct. 5
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Josita Morita: Nurtured by Nature, Oct. 5
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First Congregational Church of Evanston: Music First Concert, Oct. 5
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FAN Zoom Event - Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef, Oct. 9
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Evanston Vet Center: Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Veteran Program, Oct. 10
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Evanston MashUp, Oct. 14
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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