Friday, May 1, 2026  |  View in browser

Good morning, 

Check out this week's news on Starlight Series lineup, Farmers' Market opening, Summer program registration, 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.

Starlight Series Returns: Free Concerts & Movies All Summer

Music, movies and summer nights under the stars are back.

The City of Evanston’s Starlight Series brings free outdoor concerts and movies to parks across the city all season long—perfect for gathering with friends and neighbors.

Just announced: A special partnership with the Evanston Folk Festival

The Evanston Folk Festival and the City of Evanston are teaming up to bring two featured live music events to this year’s series:

• Tuesday, July 7 | 6 p.m.
  Harbert-Payne Park
  Max Subar takes the stage for an evening of live music.
• Tuesday, August 25 | 6 p.m.
  Independence Park
  Join us for an evening with Soft Opening, a band that brings the smooth, nostalgic sounds of ‘70s soft rock to life. Pack a blanket and grab takeout from Central Street's Takeout Picnic.

View the full Starlight Series lineup.

Evanston Honors Natural Area Stewards 

Members of Evanston’s Natural Area Stewards gathered at the Ecology Center on Saturday to unveil the new Natural Area Stewards Way honorary sign—recognizing the volunteers who help care for our city’s parks, open spaces and habitats. The sign is at the corner of McCormick Blvd. and Bridge St.

These dedicated residents play a vital role in maintaining and restoring Evanston’s natural areas, from removing invasive species to supporting native plant growth and protecting local ecosystems. Their work—often behind the scenes—makes a lasting impact on the health and beauty of our community.

The unveiling ceremony brought stewards, City Council members and the community together to celebrate these contributions and honor the passion and commitment that continue to shape Evanston’s natural spaces.

Upcoming Events

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.

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.

New location for our reserved ADA parking spots! They are now on University Place off of Maple Ave.

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.

District 65 Half Day Public Skate: May 6

District 65 students—and the entire community—are invited to enjoy an afternoon of skating at the Robert Crown Community Center. Whether you're practicing your moves or just looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon, this public skate is a perfect midweek activity.

Event details
Date: Wednesday, May 6
Time: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: $10 adults/$6 child/$4 skate rental
For information, call 847-448-8258.

How to Bird: May 8

Unlock your inner citizen scientist and join us in discovering which birds are stopping by your backyard this spring. We will go on a walk through the Lighthouse Beach habitats and practice using binoculars, Cornell University’s eBird app, and NestWatch to identify the birds that we spot.

Date: Friday, May 8
Times: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $10 R/$13.01 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

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.
For information, call 847-448-8254.

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: 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: Through 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
For information, call 847-448-4311.

Community Acupuncture: May 14 & 28

Experience the healing through group acupuncture as modeled by the Lincoln Hospital Detox Program developed by Dr. Mutulu Shakr. Learn about the Lincoln Detox program, common misconceptions about acupuncture, along with any questions. If you do not want to have acupuncture, you can still benefit from the treatment by sitting with the group or having magnets placed on points as an alternative. 

Event details
Date: Thursdays, May 14 and May 28
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: $11 R/$14.31NR
Register online
For information, call 847-448-8254.

Down and Up - Safe Mobility Workshop for Seniors: May 28

Build confidence and move with ease in this hands-on workshop focused on everyday mobility. Practice safe techniques for getting in and out of chairs, beds, and the floor while improving balance, coordination, and core strength. Work at your own comfort level as you gain practical skills to stay active and independent.

Please wear comfortable clothing and secure, closed-toe shoes (no sandals or slippers).

Event details
Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages: 55+
Location: Levy Senior Center
Cost: $25
Register for the workshop.
For information, call 847-448-8250.

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.
For information, call 847-448-8250.

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.

Spanish Summer Camp

Get ready for a summer full of movement, creativity, and language learning! Our Spanish Immersion Camp brings the language to life through games, music, storytelling, dance, and exciting field trips—making learning fun, active, and unforgettable. Register for camp.

Garden Club: May 5-June 2

It’s springtime in the Ecology Center Farmette! Join us after school to work the soil, set roots and get growing in our urban garden. Participants will learn how to use produce from the garden and explore its ecological abundance.

Date: Tuesdays, May 5-June 2
Times: 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center Farmette (Eggleston Park)
Cost: $60 R/$78.08 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

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