Friday, April 17, 2026  |  View in browser

Good morning, 

Check out this week's news on Summer program registration, winning playground designs, Café au Lake opening, Earth Week, upcoming events, and more.

News

Summer Registration is Opens!

The Summer 2026 Evanston Parks & Recreation Program Guide is open! Evanston residents can register for events by visiting our online catalog. Registration for non-residents begins Monday, April 20 at 9 a.m.

Please note: discounted Evanston resident pricing is automatically applied at checkout.

Spaces still available in Spring programs and Summer Camps

There's still space available in Evanston Parks & Recreation Summer Camps and Spring programs. Spaces are filling up fast so register today.

Café au Lake Opens April 18

Cafe au Lake opens for the season on Saturday, April 18! Stop by the cafe at Arrington Lagoon in Dawes Park for breakfast and lunch. Hours thru the end of April: Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Summer hours coming soon!

Community Picks Three Playground Designs for Upgrades

Aquatic Camp Sale: 15% Off June Sessions

Make a splash this summer with our Aquatic Camp—now 15% off June sessions for a limited time! 

Campers will enjoy an action-packed experience on and off the water, rotating through activities like sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing (based on daily conditions). When they’re back on shore, the fun continues with Nukem, capture the flag, relay races, sandcastle competitions, and more.

• Eligible sessions: June 8–12 and June 15–26 (pending availability)
• Offer valid: April 6–19 (view terms and conditions)
• Use code 15off at checkout.
• Code is case sensitive and not valid for those already registered.

Camps included in the sale:

• Youth Aquatic Camp - Morning - June 8-12
• Youth Aquatic Camp - Afternoon - June 8-12
• Youth Aquatic Camp - Morning - June 15-26
• Youth Aquatic Camp - Afternoon - June 15-26

Purchase Your Church St. Boat Launch Permits

Get ready for the season, submit your application today to secure your spot at the Church Street Boat Launch. Complete an online application and a City of Evanston Recreation staff member will reach out to you for payment. Permits can be pick-up at the Dempster St. Beach Office from May 9 through Labor Day. 

Upcoming Events

Indoor Farmers' Market: April 18

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 18 and every Saturday in April
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.

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 a court now.

Family Campfire: April 18

Join the Ecology Center staff for a Saturday spring evening of campfire fun! Enjoy nature-themed stories, outdoor activities, and of course, the ever-popular s’mores. Each month is a different theme.

Event details
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $10 R/$13.01 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Make Your Own Terrarium: April 18

Join us to make your own terrarium – a mini-Earth in a jar! All supplies for your terrarium will be provided, including a variety of plants, stones, and eco-friendly decorations. You will learn about how living things interact with their environment and how ecosystems function. At the end of the class, you’ll leave with your own beautiful, self-sustaining mini-world to take home. Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.

Event details
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $24 R/$31.23 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Earth Week Activities: April 20-25

Join us April 20–25 for a full week of hands-on activities, nature experiences and community fun—all hosted by the Ecology Center. Whether you're planting, crafting, learning or repairing, there’s something for everyone. All activities are at the Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd.

All events are free! But please register for sessions. Come for one day or join us all week as we celebrate sustainability, community and our planet. 

Monday, April 20, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Plant & Pollinate 
Kick things off with lasagna composting and planting, a plant walk and with a tree giveaway, plus a nature craft. Register

Tuesday, April 21, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Water & Wetlands 
Explore local ecosystems with a drop-in macroinvertebrate workshop and rain garden tours. Register

Wednesday, April 22, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Wildlife & Habitat 
Learn about bird safety and habitats through workshops, drop-in sessions and guided bird walks. Register

Thursday, April 23, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Farm to Fork 
Get your hands dirty with a worm compost workshop and fun vegetable scrap crafts. Register

Friday, April 24, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Repair Café 
Give items a second life! Volunteers will help repair clothing, jewelry, bikes, electronics, eyeglasses and more. Register

Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Earth Day Fest 
Wrap up the week at with tree plantings, mulching, litter leagues and a kids zone. No registration needed.

Volunteers needed!
Looking for a hands-on way to support your community and the environment? Volunteers are needed for Evanston’s Earth Day of Action on April 25 at the Ecology Center. Volunteers help greet guests, guide activities, distribute materials, and keep the event clean and organized.

Grab a friend and volunteer with us.

Spring Sound Meditation: April 23

Join sound meditation facilitator Jay Taylor for a serene, hour-long immersive experience at the Ecology Center. Relax as the soothing tones of singing bowls fill the air. We will start the session with some light guided breathing, easing you into a meditative state. No prior experience needed. Please bring your own yoga mat, blanket, and pillow to make yourself comfortable.

Event details
Date: Thursday, April 23
Times: 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.

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 alcoholic 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 for Sip, Swirl and Paint.

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: Opening May 2

The Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market returns May 2 and runs every Saturday through November 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at University Place at Oak Avenue. Shop your favorite local farms, discover new food vendors and artisans, and enjoy live music, kids’ activities and more each week. 

New this year: We’re extending the Market until November 21 for a new Evanston tradition: Holiday Shopping at the Market. Stay tuned for more details later this year.

Event details
Date: Saturday, May 2 (and every Saturday thru November 21)
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: University Place at Oak Avenue
Cost: Free
Get info on the Market, vendors, activities and more.

Free Gardening Workshop: May 9

Ready to dig in? Join a free, hands-on gardening workshops at Fleetwood-Jourdain led by Evanston Grows’ Master Gardeners. Discover how to design a vibrant native garden that supports bees, butterflies, and a healthier ecosystem in the Buzz & Bloom: Planting for Pollinators workshop.

Event details
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Free but registration is required.

Canoe the Canal: May 9, 10, 23, 24

oin us for our popular canal canoe trips on the North Shore Channel! Canoes, paddles, PFDs, and basic paddling instruction will be provided. Each boat will also have a river-themed scavenger hunt, as we will work together to look for signs of wildlife. May 9th will be Birding By Boat-themed.

Date: Saturdays (May 9th & 23rd); Sundays (May 10th & 24th)
Times: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. &  12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Dammrich Rowing Center
Cost: $22 R/$28.63 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

The Rhythm of the Natural World Exhibit: Thru May 11

Rooted in traditional Asian painting techniques, this exhibition reflects a deep reverence for nature's balance and simplicity. Through brush, breath and space, these works seek to create moments of calm connection.

Event details
Date: Thru May 11
Time: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: Free

Program and Camp Spotlight

Spring and Summer Camp 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.

Frets Away Music Classes

Frets Away music classes are designed for adults ready to jump back in — whether you’re picking up where you left off or looking to play with others in a fun, supportive setting.

Register for Frets Away: Guitar and Ukulele Skills: Perfect for returning players, this hands-on group class helps you refresh the basics while building new skills. Practice strumming, chords and fingerpicking — and even learn to sing while you play.

Register for Frets Away: Sing & Play Music: (Guitar/Ukulele, Acoustic Ensemble): Ready to take it further? Join this creative, folk-style ensemble for continuing students. Play alongside others, build confidence and bring your sound to life with a mix of instruments and voices.

Community Gospel Choir

Led in partnership with the Northshore Choral Society, and under the direction of their own Medomfo Owusu, a Northwestern University master’s candidate, participants will learn songs, explore vocal techniques, and build confidence while singing in a welcoming and supportive environment. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your voice and join a vibrant community celebrating music, culture, and connection.

Free program! Only 20 spots available. Register for the Community Gospel Choir.

Summer Pickleball Workshops for Ages 50+

Carl Rosenthal returns to the Levy Senior Center to lead our popular pickleball workshops. Designed for adults 50+, these small-group sessions (max 12 participants) focus on improving skills, strategy, and confidence on the court. All workshops are held in the Levy Center gym. The 5-week sessions are held on Wednesdays.

Register for intermediate and advanced workshops.

Parent-Toddler Sports

Looking for ways to spend quality time with your toddler? We offer a host of sports programs for you and your tots. The focus is on building coordination, following directions and sharing the joy of movement.

Programs include:

• Basketball
• Sports and Games
• Soccer
• Fit, Leap & Fun

Register for parent-toddler sports.

Evanston Soccer School (Ages 4–6)

Kickstart your child’s love of the game! Evanston Soccer School is the perfect introduction for young players to build skills, confidence and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment.

Led by experienced instructors, kids will learn the basics of soccer through engaging drills and play—designed just for ages 4–6.

Program details:
Session 1: April 13 – May 18 (Mondays) – Robert Crown
Session 2: April 14 – May 19 (Tuesdays) – James Park
Time: 4–5 p.m.

Register for Evanston Soccer School.

Tennis Classes for All Ages

Ready to hit the court? Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, our tennis classes at Lovelace Park have something for everyone.

From Pee Wee players to adult beginners and advanced athletes, our experienced instructors will help you ace your game—one swing at a time.

Class options include:

• Pee Wee
  
• Youth Beginner
• Youth Intermediate
• Adult Beginner
• Adult Intermediate/Advanced

Register for tennis classes.

Adult Pickleball Classes

Ready to take your pickleball game to the next level? Whether you’re new to the court or looking to refine your skills, our adult classes offer the perfect mix of instruction, strategy and play.

Enjoy personalized training, on-court practice and guidance from friendly, experienced coaches—all in a fun, supportive environment.

Class highlights:
• Personalized training sessions
• Game strategy and real play experience
• Professional, welcoming coaches

Classes available Wednesdays and Fridays. Register for pickleball classes.

Other News

Beach Passes Available 

Evanston beach passes will be available starting Monday, April 13, with the City’s public swimming beaches opening for the season on Saturday, May 23—just in time for summer fun along the lakefront.

Free passes for Evanston residents
Residents (ZIP codes 60201 & 60202) can pick up free season beach passes for their household with proof of residency during regular office hours at the following locations:

• Robert Crown Community Center
• Levy Senior Center
• Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
• Chandler-Newberger Community Center
• Evanston Ecology Center
• Prieto Community Center

Passes also available at our seasonal Dempster and Clark beach offices when they open in May.

Please note: Beach passes are not available at Morton City Hall.

For non-residents
Non-Evanston residents must purchase a season beach pass or daily beach ticket to access swimming beaches. (Students and family members who reside outside of Evanston but attend ETHS or a District 65 school are eligible for free passes.)

Get all the details and plan your visit.

Enrollment Open for Prieto Early Learning Center

Give your child their first independent learning experience in a warm, nurturing environment at the new Prieto Early Learning Center. The center features our Explorer Two’s program, which is designed to gently ease young children from home to school while building confidence, curiosity and essential preschool skills.

Explorer Two’s provides a supportive introduction to early learning, helping your child build the skills they need for preschool and beyond.

Learn more and register: call 847-448-8167 or email kerrybauer@cityofevanston.org

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.

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

Get Involved

Volunteer to Support Your Parks and Recreation Team

Looking for ways to support your Parks and Rec team? Check out  volunteer opportunities including:

• Litter Leagues: Litter Leagues is a friendly litter clean up competition to pick up trash and have fun while doing so. 
• Tree Mulching: Work with City Foresters and Greenways crew to care for the trees in the arboretum. 

Check out all volunteer opportunities.

Vendors Needed for Juneteenth Celebration

We’re seeking multi-cultural artisan vendors to participate in the Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Register now for a free vendor space. 

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