Friday, March 27, 2026  |  View in browser

Good morning, 

Check out this week's news on Spring programs, Summer camps, upcoming events, and more.

News

Summer Camp & Spring Program Registration Is Open!

Registration for Evanston Parks & Recreation Summer Camps and Spring Programs is open. Visit cityofevanston.org/register to select your activities. Discounted resident pricing is automatically applied at checkout.

Upcoming Events

Natural Egg Dyeing: March 28

One of the oldest art forms, dyed eggs have been part of many cultural traditions for thousands of years. Whether used to symbolize the spring, the New Year, harness the power of the sun, or celebrate religious occasions, dyed eggs have been widely associated with springtime and a hopeful sense of rebirth by many cultures. Following a short interpretive hike in the Lighthouse Beach habitats, we will learn traditional egg dyeing techniques using all natural materials.

Event details
Date: March 28
Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $18 R/$23.43 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Spring Celebration Campfire: March 28

Celebrate the start of spring with a campfire at Lighthouse Beach, complete with s’mores! We will participate in spring equinox traditions that incorporate nature and celebrate the return of longer days, flowers, birds, and the growing season.

Event details
Date: March 28
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $10 R/$13.01 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Arboretum Egg Hunt: April 4

Join us for a fun-filled day of springtime activities at the annual Arboretum Egg Hunt! Search through the Ladd Arboretum to see if you can find all of the hidden eggs. After the egg hunt, families will enjoy a variety of festive activities. Please register all children; accompanying adults are free.

Event details
Date: Saturday, April 4
Available times: 12:30 p.m. & 1:15 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $12 R/$15.62 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Indoor Farmers' Market: April 4

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, April 4
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.

Coffee With CARE: April 7

Join Evanston's CARE Team for coffee and conversation on April 7 at Hoosier Mama Pie Company. Let's discuss issues and build relationships, one cup at a time.

Event details
Date: Tuesday, April 7
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Hoosier Mama Pie Company, 1618 W. Chicago Ave., Evanston
Cost: Free

Spring Play Date: April 10

Come out to our spring family fun night! We will have our Let's Play area open as well as some springtime crafts! Pizza and drinks will be provided! Pre-registration is required and is per person.

Event details
Date: Friday, April 10
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $15 R/$19.52 NR
Register

K-Pop Demon Hunter Pop-Up: April 11

Get ready for a high-energy adventure at our one-day K-Pop Demon Hunter Pop-Up Camp created just for little stars ages 3–8!

Inspired by the bold music, colorful characters, and exciting dance moves of K-Pop Demon Hunter, this camp brings big imagination to little dancers. Campers will learn fun, age-appropriate K-Pop–style choreography, play movement games, and create their very own “hero” character through crafts and storytelling.

Our instructors guide the children through upbeat dance activities that build confidence, coordination, and creativity in a supportive and playful environment. The day is packed with music, teamwork, and lots of smiles and families are invited to watch a special end-of-day performance where our little hunters take the stage!

Event details
Date: Saturday, April 11
Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $75 R/$97.61 NR
Register

Evanston Ice Synchro Activities: April 7, 11, 19

Ready to take your skating to the next level? The Robert Crown Community Center is inviting skaters to explore the exciting world of synchronized skating and see if it’s the right fit for you.

• Parent Information Meeting
  Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m. (Room A)
  Learn about the program, expectations and team structure.
• Synchro Clinic
  Saturday, April 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  Get on the ice, try synchro skating and build your skills.
  Register
• Tryouts for 2026–2027 Season
  Sunday, April 19, 4 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.
  Register

Aspire: Skaters must be 7 and older and passed the Basic 6 level and higher.

IJS: Skaters must have passed the Pre-Juvenile Skating Skills/MIF. 

Free Gardening Workshop: April 12

Ready to dig in? Join free, hands-on gardening workshops at Fleetwood-Jourdain led by Evanston Grows’ Master Gardeners. Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your skills, these sessions will help you build a thriving garden—right at home.

Upcoming workshops:

• Beginning Gardening
  Sunday, April 12, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  Learn the basics through a hands-on garden design activity—and take home seeds to start your own garden.
• Buzz & Bloom: Planting for Pollinators
  Saturday, May 9, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  Discover how to design a vibrant native garden that supports bees, butterflies, and a healthier ecosystem.
• Save Your Seeds
  Sunday, September 13, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  Make the most of your harvest—learn which seeds to save and how to store them for next season.

All workshops are free, but registration is required.

Old Lady Project Staged Reading: April 13

Attend a staged reading of Lost Virginity Tour by Cricket Daniel, this year's winner of The Old Lady Project. The Old Lady Project seeks to encourage development of scripts and screenplays featuring significant roles for female identifying characters over 55, a demographic mostly unseen in mainstream media. 

Event details
Date: Monday, April 13
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Piven Theatre, Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: $10
Get tickets

James Park Pickleball Courts Grand Opening: April 18

Join us for a grand opening celebration of the new pickleball courts at James Park. The event will include a ribbon cutting and open play.

Event details
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: James Park Pickleball Courts
Cost: Free

Reservations are open!
We're now accepting reservations for our new James Park pickleball courts. Reservations are available daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reserve now.

Sip, Swirl and Paint: April 24

Unleash your inner artist at Prieto's first paint and sip event! Join us for a relaxing and creative evening full of laughter and good company. Whether you're an experienced artist, looking for a way to relax, or even looking for a fun date night, this is the event for you! Registration is per person and will include one acloholic beverage and light snacks. Additional alcohol will be available for purchase. 

Event details
Date: Friday, April 24
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $38 R/$49.45 NR
Register

Spring Program Spotlight

Spring program registration is now open! Browse all offerings in our online catalog, and check out a few highlighted programs below to get inspired for the season ahead.

Adapted Pickleball

This beginner, adapted program will teach you the skills and basic rules of the sport that is ever-increasing in popularity. Adapted equipment will be provided and we’ll get our friendly competition on in an environment that focuses on fun, socialization, and increasing our physical activity. Register now.

Musical Theater for Vintage Performers

Have you ever wanted to be in a musical like Singing in The Rain? Now is the time! This no cut program is specially designed for any community elder- everyone who signs up gets a part and we present an enhanced staged reading at the end with costumes and lights but no memorizing! Director Brianna Borger, of Northwestern University will be bringing in a group of Music Theatre students to help out and cheer us on! No experience necessary. Final performance is May 31. Register now.

Fitness Foundations

Build strength, increase endurance, and boost your energy in this dynamic full body workout designed for all fitness levels. This class targets major muscle groups through a combination of strength training, cardio intervals, and core conditioning to deliver a balanced, results-driven session. Participants can expect a motivating environment with guided instruction, proper form coaching, and modifications to meet individual needs. Register now.

After School and School Days Off

Master of Magic Camp

Students will learn magic tricks and performance skills. At the end of the week, with a really fun Magic show that parents, siblings, and friends can attend. Register Now.

Vacation Adventure Spring Break Camp

”Take Off” from the Robert Crown “airport” for a fun-filled vacation of  active play and exploration. We’ll create passports and explore countries  to learn about their food, art, and culture. Each day we will create an art  project, sample food, and listen to music representative of the country we  are visiting. A snack will be provided. Please pack a nut free lunch. Register Now.

Vacation Adventure Jr. Spring Break Camp

In our "junior" edition of Vacation Adventure, our smallest explorers will be introduced to the "around the world" experience through play based exploration of music, art, dance, food and culture from lands afar. Small groups are formed to promote individualized attention and social distancing. Please bring a nut-free lunch. PM snack will be provided. Children 3 and older must be toilet trained. Register Now. 

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

Other News

Dog Beach Passes Available 

Located just south of Clark Street Beach, the Evanston Dog Beach will open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., beginning March 2.

Pick up your pass: Remember, a valid dog beach pass is required for entry to the Evanston Dog Beach. Passes will be available in person at City community centers on weekdays starting February 16. Learn more. 

Get Involved

Calling All Food Trucks & Local Eats! Showcase Your Flavor at Evanston’s Park Events

The City of Evanston is seeking food trucks and restaurants to participate in special events throughout the spring and summer. Priority will be given to Evanston-owned businesses, with additional consideration for restaurants located in different wards. Whenever possible, we aim to feature a food truck or restaurant from the same ward as the park hosting the event.

Restaurants without a food truck must be able to operate in an outdoor park setting without access to electricity. Generators are permitted, provided they do not disrupt the concert or movie. All food vendors must supply their own generators.

Questions about the application, submission policy, or process can be directed to adagostino@cityofevanston.org.

Apply now.

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

Support Evanston Parks & Recreation

Your donation will help support lakefront upkeep and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater.

Donate now

Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,

The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team