Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's news on Summer Camp registration, warming centers, ice skating at the Lagoon, upcoming events, and more.
 City Warming Centers For This Weekend's Extreme Cold
A cold front is expected to remain in the area through Saturday evening. The following City facilities will be available as warming centers:
Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St.
Open daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 N. McCormick Blvd.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Those in need of information or shelter outside of these hours should call/text Evanston 311 at 847-448-4311 or the Evanston Police Department's non-emergency service desk at 847-866-5000 (open 24/7). https://bit.ly/4r5psUM
 Make Camp Registration a Breeze!
Want a faster checkout on registration day? Complete your camper’s Camp Emergency Form on Amilia before February 7. Forms not completed in advance must be completed during checkout before payment.
Each camper needs:
- Photo
- Allergies or medical conditions
- ADA accommodations
- Authorized pick-up person(s)
- Emergency contacts
Mark your calendar for these important upcoming dates.
- February 7 – Online registration opens for Evanston residents
- February 9 – In-person registration opens for Evanston residents
- February 16 – Registration opens for nonresidents
Questions? Call 311 at 847-448-4311 or email recsupport@cityofevanston.org
 Submit Your Special Event Permits by January 31
Planning a special event in Evanston? Submit your Special Event Permit Application by Saturday, January 31. This includes all outdoor events on City property or those significantly impacting the City. Approval is required from the Special Events Committee and, in some cases, the City Council.
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Art Opening Rescheduled
The opening reception for the Las Caras Lindas exhibit at Noyes Cultural Arts Center scheduled for today, Friday, January 23, will be rescheduled due to extreme weather. We'll announce a new date soon.
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 Sip and Skate This Weekend at The Lagoon
The Arrington Lagoon Outdoor Ice Rink at Dawes Park is open during the winter when conditions permit. With cold temperatures expected to continue this week, we’re excited to invite you out for some winter fun!
This Saturday and Sunday, we’re planning to open Café au Lake along with the warming room from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. so you can take a break from the ice and enjoy a hot drink or snack while staying warm.
To help you plan your visit:
Check rink and concession status anytime using the Statusfy mobile app or web page — search for “Evanston Parks and Recreation.” (Download the app for iPhone or Android.)
Sign up for text or email alerts on Statusfy to receive automatic updates when the ice rink conditions or hours change — and you can choose which park locations matter most to you.
You can also call 847-448-0034 for the latest recorded status before heading out.
Learn more about outdoor skating at Arrington Lagoon and check its status.
 Celebrating Youth and Dr. King’s Legacy
Celebrating Youth and Dr. King’s Legacy! On January 17, the City of Evanston, the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center hosted a powerful MLK Day Celebration honoring the bravery and contributions of young activists during the Civil Rights Movement. Nearly 200 community members gathered for performances by local youth groups — including the Evanston Children’s Choir, The Musical Offering, Ayodele Drum & Dance, MC4 Music, and singers Treasure and Jayla — that highlighted the spirit of unity and community.
The event’s theme, “Honoring the Brave Young People of the Movement,” was brought to life through stories shared by keynote speaker and NU student Brooks Lansana, who reflected on the courage of figures like Emmett Till, Ruby Bridges, and the children of Birmingham’s Children’s Crusade. Evanston’s Mayor also spoke about the importance of youth leadership today, inspiring attendees to carry forward Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and hope for the future.
(Photos courtesy of Joerg Metzner of the Evanston RoundTable)
 Wild Night Out - "Nature Superheroes": January 23
Parents can enjoy a fun night out, as kids enjoy an evening of activities together with the Ecology Center! This month's theme is "Nature Superheroes", as we will discover the superpowers of animals for inspiration to create our own natural superheroes. We will enjoy games, crafts, critter visits, and outdoor exploration before making s'mores around the fire pit. Kids should be fed prior to drop off and we will provide s'mores.
Event details
Date: Friday, January 23
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $33 R/$42.94 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Indoor Farmers' Market: January 24
The Indoor Farmers’ Market at the Evanston Ecology Center continues on select Saturdays thru April. Shop local vendors and enjoy your favorite farm-fresh finds all winter long.
Event details
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.
In between shopping for fresh foods, you can take fun winter classes at the Ecology Center starting at 10 a.m. Register at link below.
 Kintsugi Workshop: January 24
Participants will be introduced to the delicate and meditative process of kintsugi—an ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, emphasizing beauty in imperfection and the value of restoration with local artist Sharon Meyers who continues to study this art form with elders in Kyoto.
Event details
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: $85 R/$110.62 NR
Register
 Create Your Own Plushie: January 31
Children will learn to sew and create their own stuffed animal toy in this fun and empowering class! We will also talk about mending toys and how kids can make some sustainable choices with toys and clothes.
Event details
Date: Saturday, January 31
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $33 R/$42.94 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.
 All That Glows: January 31
Join us as we gather around a campfire, make s’mores, and go on a glow-in the-dark scavenger hunt in the Ladd Arboretum! We will also learn about adaptations of nocturnal animals and about bioluminescent nature. If there is enough snow, we will use snowshoes on our hike. Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.
Event details
Date: Saturday, January 31
Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $15 R/$19.52 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.
 K.I.S.S. Dance (Kids Invite Someone Special): February 15
Join our Kids Invite Someone Special Dance, where kids and their favorite
grown-up can twirl, laugh and make unforgettable memories together.
Dress up, hit the dance floor, and enjoy sweet treats, music and fun.
Event details
Date: Sunday, February 15
Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: $30 per couple
Register
 Black History Month Family Game Night: February 27
Bring the whole family out for a night of fun, laughter, and learning! Celebrate Black History Month with games that highlight culture, history, and community pride. Enjoy trivia, team challenges, and music, while connecting with friends and neighbors. It’s an evening of joyful celebration for all ages.
Event details
Date: Friday, February 27
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Free
 Community Garden Lottery is Open
Registration is open for Evanston’s Community Garden Lottery. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is your chance to grow fresh produce, connect with neighbors, and enjoy Evanston’s community gardens. Register thru March 3. Questions? Call 847-448-8256.
 S'Mores on the Square: March 7
Warm up with s'mores over fire pits at Fountain Square.
Event details
Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Fountain Square
Cost: Free
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. There still is availability for late winter classes, events and workshops.
 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: aeberhardt@cityofevanston.org
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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