Friday, April 24, 2026  |  View in browser

Good morning, 

Check out this week's news on Summer program registration, Earth Day Fest, upcoming events, and more.

News

Summer Registration is Open!

The Summer 2026 Evanston Parks & Recreation Program Guide is open! Evanston residents can register for events by visiting our online catalog.

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

Spaces still available in Summer Camps

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

New Emergency Communication Bracelet Program

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, the City of Evanston is launching a new Emergency Communication Bracelet Program to support residents with disabilities during emergency situations.

Designed for Autistic individuals, individuals with dementia, and individuals with other kinds of hidden disabilities, the voluntary program provides a light blue bracelet with a unique ID number linked to confidential information accessible only to first responders. This allows emergency personnel to quickly understand communication needs, contact information and other important details—helping ensure safer, more effective interactions.

The program is a collaboration between the Police Department, Fire Department, CARE Team and Parks & Recreation’s Inclusion & Accessibility Division, and builds on the City’s Premise Alert and Hidden Disability Sunflower programs.

Apply now by completing the Emergency Communication Bracelet Program Request Form. The Inclusion & Accessibility team will follow up after submission. For assistance or an accessible application, contact: Lauren Ruiz, CTRS, ADAC, lruiz@cityofevanston.org, 847-424-5496

Evanston Earns Clean Marina Certification

With Earth Week underway, Evanston is celebrating a major milestone for its lakefront. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has awarded the City certification through the Illinois Clean Marina Program, recognizing its commitment to protecting Lake Michigan and promoting responsible boating.

As part of this achievement, both the Church Street Boat Ramp and Dempster Street Beach Launch Facility are now designated as certified Clean Marina sites.

The voluntary program encourages marinas and boat launches to adopt environmentally responsible practices that reduce pollution and protect water quality. With boating on the rise, these efforts play a critical role in keeping Evanston’s shoreline clean and healthy.

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to a clean, safe and sustainable lakefront for all,” said Tim Carter, Lakefront and Athletics Division Manager.

Upcoming Events

Earth Day Activities: April 24 & 25

Join us for our final Earth Week events, which feature 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!

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 Earth Week at our Earth Day Fest, with nature activities, Earth-friendly resources, mulching, litter leagues and a kids zone. No registration needed.

Natural Area Stewards Way Honorary Sign Unveiling: April 25

The Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to celebrate the volunteers who help care for Evanston’s natural spaces at a special Natural Area Stewards Way honorary sign unveiling. These dedicated stewards play a vital role in maintaining and restoring parks, open spaces and habitats across the city. This event recognizes their lasting contributions and the impact of their work—past, present and future.

Event details
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Circle drive in front of the Ecology Center
Cost: Free

Indoor Farmers' Market: April 25

Join us for our final Indoor Farmers’ Market of the season at the Evanston Ecology Center. Shop local vendors and enjoy your favorite farm-fresh finds all winter long.

Event details
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.

Nature Play Date: May 1

Schedule a play date with nature at the Ecology Center! You and your child will explore the wonders of nature 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. Come late or leave early. Each month is a different spring nature theme. Pre-registration is required. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.

Event details
Date: Friday, May 1
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $20 R/$26.03 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Full Moon Fireside Forest Therapy: May 1

Celebrate the full moon and May Day with a guided experience led by a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. Enjoy a sensory meditation, quiet reflection, and time to wander the Lighthouse Beach dunes and gardens, with warmth from an outdoor fire. The session is relaxed, guided, and adaptable to all comfort levels. Please dress for the weather and bring a blanket or chair to sit on. 

Event details
Date: Friday, May 1
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach
Cost: $20 R/$26.02 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Spring Flower Pressing: May 2

Learn to press flowers to preserve and create art! Participants will learn flower pressing techniques and about the best plants to use for this craft. We will practice pressing techniques together before making our own preserved flower art. 

Event details
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $20 R/$26.02 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

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 through 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 through 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 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: Saturday, May 23; Sundays, May 10 & 24
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: Thursday, 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

Painting and Drawing Butterflies, Birds, and Plants: May 28

This one day workshop can add a little panache to your paintings.  You will learn a new technique in our themed project.  Explore both wet on wet and wet on dry painting, along with printing with plants.  You will create a close up of a butterfly, or a bird amongst spring foliage.

Event details
Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center
Cost: $41LM/ $53.36NM
Register for the class.

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.

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.

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.

Volunteer to Support Your Parks and Recreation Team

Looking for ways to support your Parks and Rec team? We're looking for help with events and drop-in activities. We need help with:

• Special Events
• Outdoor Stewardship
• Coaching for Youth Sports
• Program Support
• Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market
• Adopt a Park
• Scout Services

Check out all opportunities on the Parks volunteer web page or thru our volunteer calendar.

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. 

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

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