Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's news on Summer Camp registration opens February 7, Spring program registration opens February 9, ice skating at the Lagoon, upcoming events, and more.
 Summer Camp Registration Opens Feb. 7! Prep Now to Avoid Delays
Evanston 2026 Summer Camp registration opens online for Evanston residents on Saturday, February 7 at 8 a.m. Make sure your camper secures a spot in their favorite camp by preparing for registration early!
Save time at checkout by filling out the Camp Emergency Form and uploading a picture of your camper now! To complete registration each camper needs:
- Photo
- Allergies or medical conditions
- ADA accommodations
- Authorized pick-up person(s)
- Emergency contacts
Prepare for payment
On Saturday, February 7 at 8 a.m., online registration will open on the Parks and Recreation registration website.
At check out, you’ll be given two options:
- Pay in full
- Select Installment Plan to pay required $25 deposit at checkout and the remaining balance by May 4.
It’s important to know how you’re going to pay before registration because if you remove an item from cart before checkout to change your payment or camp selection, you may lose your spot for that camp
(Payment note: Resident discounts, fee assistance and coupon codes are calculated at checkout.)
Registration dates:
- February 7 at 8 a.m. – Online registration opens for Evanston residents
- February 9 at 10 a.m. – In-person registration opens for Evanston residents
- February 16 at 10 a.m. – Registration opens for nonresidents
Questions? Call 311 at 847-448-4311 or email recsupport@cityofevanston.org
 Spring Program Registration Opens February 9
Registration for Evanston Parks & Recreation 2026 Spring Programs opens for Evanston residents on February 9. Prepare in advance by exploring our online catalog and creating your wish list.
To create a wish list:
- Click the heart icon next to the activity in the online store
- Click on the Wish List icon in the top navigation bar to view your saved activities.
- When registration opens, click add to cart icon and continue to check out
Registration dates:
- February 9, 9 a.m.: Registration opens for Evanston residents
- February 16, 9 a.m.: Registration opens for Non-residents
Get ready at cityofevanston.org/register
 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.
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.
 Aromatherapy - Natural Cleaning Solutions & Stovetop Potpourri: February 7
Energize your home this winter with aromatherapy! We will learn about fun ways to incorporate smells into your home or workspace with natural cleaning solutions and stove potpourri ideas that will engage your senses. This aromatherapy centered class will focus on making your own cleaning solutions and stove-top potpourri that both smell good, are sustainable, and are good for you. Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.
Event details
Date: Saturday, February 7
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $22 R/$28.63 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Frets Away Sing & Play Ensemble Jam @EPLibrary’s Repair Cafe: February 14
Enjoy this free concert....and get stuff fixed at the Repair Cafe! Sing along with our adult music students, enjoy the class setlist. Our March Frets Away music classes will be available on our registration site when Spring registration opens on February 9.
Event details
Date: Saturday, February 14
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Robert Crown Center Atrium
Cost: Free
 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
 Winter Sound Meditation: February 19
Add relaxing sounds to your winter, as musician and sound meditation facilitator, Jay Taylor, leads 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 is required to participate. Please bring your own yoga mat, blanket, and pillow to make yourself comfortable.
Event details
Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $30 R/$39.04 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Owl Prowl: February 20
Join us for a night hike in search of owls in the Ladd Arboretum. You’ll learn about how specialized ears, eyes and feathers help owls survive the night and how to best search for them in the wild. Then enjoy s’mores around the campfire. Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.
Event details
Date: Friday, February 20
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $15 R/$19.52 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 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:
-
Dejah Gomez, vocalist and author
-
Melissa Blount, textile artist and writer
-
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
 Las Caras Lindas Exhibit: Thru March 24
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.
Event details
Date: Thru March 24
Time: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center Upstairs Gallery
Cost: Free
 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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