Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's news on Summer Camp registration, Spring program registration, ice skating at the Lagoon, upcoming events, and more.
 Create Your Summer Camp Wish List Online!
Parents and guardians can now browse the online Summer Camps catalog and begin adding camps to your wish list at cityofevanston.org/register.
Creating a wish list in advance will make registration faster and easier when online registration opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, for Evanston residents.
What to know before registration opens: Here are some helpful reminders to prepare families for registration day
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Wish list how-to: Log in to your account, browse activities, and click the heart icon to save camps to your wish list. On registration day, you can quickly add wish list items to your cart and check out.
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Camp Emergency Form: Each camper must have a 2026 Summer Camp Emergency Form completed online, including required health information and a child’s photo. Campers will not be allowed to participate until this form is submitted.
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Payment options: Families may choose to pay in full or select an installment plan, which requires a $25 deposit at checkout with the remaining balance due by May 4. For full details, visit cityofevanston.org/summercamps.
Registration dates: Mark your calendar for these important registration upcoming dates.
- February 7, 8 a.m. – Online registration opens for Evanston residents
- February 9, 10 a.m. – In-person registration opens for Evanston residents
- February 16, 10 a.m. – Registration opens for nonresidents
Questions? Call 311 at 847-448-4311 or email recsupport@cityofevanston.org
 Spring Program Guide Available February 2
It might be the coldest week of 2026, but the Spring season starts at Evanston Parks & Recreation on Monday, February 2 with the release of the 2026 Spring Program Guide and registration opening on February 9.
- February 2: Program Guide available
- February 9, 9 a.m.: Registration opens for Evanston residents
- February 16, 9 a.m.: Registration opens for Non-residents
The program guide will be live at cityofevanston.org/recreation by 10 a.m. on Monday, February 2.
 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.
 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.
 Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program Job Fair: February 28
Evanston youth ages 14 to 18 years are encouraged to find their perfect summer job by participating in the 2026 Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP). This year, to enhance the hiring experience for youth and employers, the City will host its job fair well in advance of the summer season, allowing participants to secure summer employment early.
The MSYEP is open to all Evanston youth ages 14 to 18 who reside within the boundaries of Evanston Township High School District 202. Participants must register in advance to take part in the job fair.
Event details
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: Free
Learn more
Are you an employer interested in hiring for summer 2026?
Last year, over 40 employer partners helped to provide over 300 summer job opportunities for Evanston youth. This year, the City is encouraging even more local businesses to participate in the program. Interested employers must complete the 2026 MSYEP Job Request Form.
 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.
 Las Caras Lindas Opening Reception: February 1
The exhibition, which is featured at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center Gallery through March 24, draws inspiration from the lyrics of "Las Caras Lindas" by Catalino Curet Alonso, capturing the vibrant essence of the West African diaspora in the Americas. The exhibition highlights the shared heritage and cultural vitality of communities in Cuba and the United States.
Opening reception
Date: Sunday, February 1
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: Free
The exhibit is available for viewing through March 24.
 Coffee with CARE: February 3
Join Evanston’s CARE Team for Coffee with CARE at Brothers K, 500 Main St on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Stop by for coffee, conversation, and connection—one cup at a time.
Event details
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 3
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Brothers K Coffee House, 500 Main St,
Cost: Free
 Cupcakes and Cuties: February 6
Celebrate your favorite person with a fun-filled evening of cupcake decorating, pizza, crafts for all ages, and playtime in our Let’s Play space. Registration is per person and includes dinner, a cupcake, and Let’s Play access.
Event details
Date: Friday, February 6
Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $15 R/$19.52 NR
Register
 Nature Play Date: February 6
Explore winter wonders with the Ecology Center! You and your child will explore the winter-scape through games, crafts, stories and outdoor play. This free-style play date allows your child to discover which activities they like best and go at their own pace. Each month is a different winter theme with indoor activities in the nature classroom before our outdoor adventures. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Event details
Date: Friday, February 6
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $20 R/$26.02 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
Indoor Farmers' Market: February 7
 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, February 7
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.
 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 "That Art Thing We Do": February 21
Join Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre for an evening of conversation, creativity and community as Black History 24/7/365 returns with “That Art Thing We Do” – Part III.
This installment features a dynamic conversation with Black Evanston artists:
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Dejah Gomez, vocalist and author
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Melissa Blount, textile artist and writer
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Ben Blount, designer and letterpress printer
The discussion will be moderated by Laurice Bell of the Shorefront Legacy Center and explores how art, identity and lived experience intersect in creative practice. This is a free, community-sharing event, followed by an afterglow reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres. All are welcome.
Event details
Date: Saturday, February 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Center
Cost: Free
 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
 Learn-to-Row Camps
Learn the fundamentals of rowing from North Channel Community Rowing professional staff. Camps are offered June 15-19, June 22-26, and July 6-10 for rising 7th and 8th graders. Register and learn more.
Accessibility for all
The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a City-wide culture of accessibility and inclusion. To request an accommodation for a program, service, activity, or to request materials in an alternative format, please make an ADA service request by calling 847-866-2919 or submitting a 311 request 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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