Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's news on Winter program registration, Mayor's Food and Toy Drive, new registration platform, events, and more.
 It's Live! Explore Our New Registration Platform
Evanston Parks & Recreation has launched a new and improved registration platform. The new system makes it easier than ever to:
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Manage your household account
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Find and register for programs
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Explore events and activities
How to Set Up Your Account
1. Existing account holders: In the past week, you've received an activation email titled Welcome to Amilia on behalf of the City of Evanston. Click on the activation link in that email to launch your account on the new platform.
2. New account holders: Sign-up for an account.
Important: Make sure to set up your account before Winter registration opens on Monday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.! In advance of registration, explore our winter programs and events and then add your favorites to your wish list—helping you expedite the registration process.
Need help? Check out our FAQ resources or call 311.
 Winter Registration Opens Soon!
Get ready to fill your winter with fun by exploring classes, events, and activities for all ages in our Winter Program Guide or on our new registration platform—both available at www.cityofevanston.org/recreation.
Identify the programs you want to join before registration opens next week:
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November 10, 9 a.m.: Evanston resident registration opens
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November 17, 9 a.m.: Nonresident registration opens
 Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book, and Toy Drive
Help bring holiday joy to Evanston families in need by donating new, unwrapped toys, books, and non-perishable food items this season!
Donations are accepted November through December 1 at drop-off sites across the city, including community centers, libraries, and local businesses.
Suggested donation items include:
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Toys, games, and books for ages 0–13
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Non-perishable foods like stuffing, mac and cheese, canned vegetables, and cranberry sauce
Monetary donations are also accepted online.
Recipient Information: Register to receive food and toys by calling 311 between November 4 and December 1. Packages will be distributed on December 10 to Evanston residents.
 Play Pickleball at Chandler This Winter
Stay warm this winter and reserve a pickleball court at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center. Indoor courts are available for rent for $20 per hour for up to 5 participants. Call 847-448-8252 for availability.
 Indoor Market: November 8
The Indoor Farmers’ Market kicks off Saturday, November 8, at the Evanston Ecology Center and will continue on select Saturdays thru April. Shop local vendors and enjoy your favorite farm-fresh finds all winter long.
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.
 The Baldwin | Giovanni Experience: November 1-16
Don’t miss The Baldwin | Giovanni Experience — an evocative new work by Tim Rhoze and Bria Walker-Rhoze, directed by Tim Rhoze. This powerful production brings to life an iconic conversation between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni, portrayed through dance, spoken word, and music.
Presented by Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in partnership with the Evanston Public Library, this performance invites audiences to explore themes of race, art, identity, and truth through movement and storytelling.
Join us for this unforgettable artistic experience that celebrates the legacy and voice of two cultural icons.
"A four-star performance....it is a must see!" Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - read the full review.
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 1 thru Sunday, November 16
Time: Saturdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: $32
Tickets
 Autumn Forest Therapy: November 8
Forest bathing is the therapeutic practice of mindfully immersing yourself in nature to support healing and wellness. Join Sarah Abu-Absi, a certified nature and forest therapy guide, for a calming and immersive experience designed to help you reconnect with the natural world.
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 10 p.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $20 R/$26.02 NR
Register
 Family Campfire: November 8
Join the Ecology Center staff for fun-filled fall campfires with nature themes. Each evening includes stories or songs, nature activities, and the ever-popular s’mores. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $10 R/$13.01 NR
Register
 Fall Sound Meditation: November 13
Join sound meditation facilitator Jay Taylor for an hour-long immersive experience. Lie back and relax as the singing bowls enter the sonic landscape. Our session will start with a brief introduction to meditation followed by some light guided breathing, easing you into a meditative state. No prior experience, skills or beliefs are required to participate. Please bring your own yoga mat, blanket, and pillow to make yourself comfortable.
Event details
Date: Thursday, November 13
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $25 R/$32.53 NR
Register
 Outdoor Mushroom Growing: November 13
Discover the wonders of growing your own culinary mushrooms on logs in
this fun, hands-on workshop. Participants will learn about mushroom cultivation, including ideal growing conditions, how to select the right logs, and how to inoculate them with mushroom spawn. No experience is required.
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 15
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $35 R/$45.54 NR
Register
 Ultimate Nerf Showdown: November 14
Ready… aim… fun! Kids ages 6–12 can take part in an epic indoor Nerf battle featuring obstacles, team challenges, and individual competitions. Bring your favorite Nerf blaster (leave the darts at home) and get ready for an action-packed evening. Kids will play in waves by age group, ending with a special kids vs. parents round.
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $12 R /$15 NR
Register
For more information, email vloverher@cityofevanston.org
 Fleetwood-Jourdain Open House: November 15
Discover what’s coming this winter at Fleetwood-Jourdain! Stop by for a fun, free afternoon featuring winter program previews, arts and reading activities, and more family-friendly surprises. Meet staff, explore upcoming classes, and see what makes this community hub a place for everyone.
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 15
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meeting Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Free
 Fall Family Fest at Firemen’s Park: November 15
Join the Evanston Firefighters Association Local 742 for a fun-filled Fall Festival in Firemen’s Park. This free, family-friendly event will feature games, face painting, food, and live music.
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 15
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Firemen’s Park, 2040 Maple Ave.
Cost: Free
 D.A.S.H. & G.O. (Disabled Adult Social Hour & Gaming Opportunity): November 18
Looking for a fun, welcoming way to connect with others in the community? Join D.A.S.H. & G.O. (Disabled Adult Social Hour & Gaming Opportunity) — a free, peer-run gathering for adults (18 and up) who identify as disabled. Bring your favorite game and any adapted equipment you may need, and enjoy an afternoon of connection, laughter, and play.
Event details
Dates: Tuesday, November 18
Hours: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: Free
Note: Staff supervision will not be provided.
This program is presented in collaboration with the Inclusion & Accessibility Division of Evanston Parks & Recreation. No registration required. For more information, email lruiz@cityofevanston.org or call 847-708-7300.
 Flapjacks & Flannels: December 6
Pull on your coziest flannel and join us for a heartwarming winter morning at Flapjacks and Flannel! Families will enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, festive winter crafts, and a chance to meet Santa himself. Be sure to stop by our themed photo booth to capture the memories!
This event is perfect for kids and grown-ups alike—come hungry and ready for some holiday cheer.
Event details
Dates: Saturday, December 6
Hours: 9 a.m.
Meeting Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Kids - $10 R/$20 NR; adults - $15 R/$25 NR
Register
 Are you ready to SEE RED at the United Center?
Join the City of Evanston Parks & Recreation for legendary outings with the Chicago Bulls! Share the excitement of Bulls basketball and the NBA's leading entertainment experience.
Proceeds from each ticket purchased will be donated to the City of Evanston Parks & Recreation Department. Get your tickets now through the links below!
 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: aeberhardt@cityofevanston.org
 Kid Zone After-School Program
The Kid Zone after-school/school days out is packed with enriching activities that blend learning and fun. From homework help and educational games to sports, arts and creative workshops, there's something for every child's interest. We emphasize teamwork, creativity and positive social interactions. Plus we've got you covered on school holidays as well. Available for kids ages 5-12.
Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Days: Monday - Friday
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Register by calling 847-448-8254
 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
 Time Together: Open Play for Little Ones
Looking for a fun and social way to spend time with your little ones? Time Together is the perfect open-play program for children ages birth through 5 years with a parent or caregiver.
Our welcoming spaces are filled with climbing equipment, blocks, soft mats, puzzles, and a cozy book nook. It’s an ideal spot for morning playdates, no-school days, or simply giving your preschooler a place to explore while older siblings are in school. Best of all, Time Together offers opportunities for both kids and adults to make new friends while enjoying safe, active play indoors during the colder months.
Weekly schedule at Chandler Newberger Center:
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Mondays, 4–6 p.m.
Blue Room: Games, puzzles, books, blocks, and more.
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Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
South Gym (Gymnastics): Open gym play with mats, balls, and floor equipment. (Note: Not all gymnastics equipment will be available.)
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Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
North Gym: Indoor playground fun with slides, playhouses, bikes, balls, and books.
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Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Blue Room: Games, puzzles, books, blocks, and more.
Register
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.
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
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.
Donate now
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Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team
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