Friday, May 15, 2026 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's news on the opening of Evanston beaches, Farmers' Market, Summer program registration, upcoming events, and more.
 Evanston Beaches Open for the 2026 Season Memorial Day Weekend
Evanston's public swimming beaches will officially open for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 23, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Certified lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 7 p.m. through the end of the season on Labor Day, Monday, September 7.
All visitors must present a valid beach pass or daily ticket to enter any of Evanston's swimming beaches. IDs alone will not be accepted at beach entrances.
Free for Evanston Residents Residents in ZIP codes 60201 and 60202 can receive free season beach passes for their household. Proof of residency is required. Passes are available at the following community centers during regular office hours:
- Robert Crown Community Center
- Levy Senior Center
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
- Chandler-Newberger Community Center
- Evanston Ecology Center
- Prieto Community Center
Passes also are available at Dempster St. Beach Office from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Non-residents may purchase a season pass or daily ticket at beach entrances or at any of the community centers listed above.
Guest tickets: Evanston residents can also purchase discounted guest tickets ($5 each, up to 20 per household per season) for visiting friends and family.
For full details on admissions, acceptable forms of ID, and beach locations, visit cityofevanston.org/beaches orcontact 311 (or call/text 847-448-4311).
 Dempster Street Beach Office Now Open
The Dempster Street Beach office is now open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and ready to help you get set for summer along the lakefront.
Available passes:
- Swimming beach
- Boat launch
- Dog beach and dog park
Kayak, paddleboard and sailboat rentals will begin in early June.
Learn more about passes, rentals and beach information at City of Evanston Beaches Page
 Evanston Gives Boat Wrap a Second Life Through Great Lakes Recycling Program
For the first time, the Evanston Parks and Recreation Department participated in the Council of the Great Lakes Region Boat Wrap Recycling Program!
Each fall, the Department shrink-wraps vessels to protect them from harsh winter weather along Lake Michigan. While most boat wrap typically ends up in landfills, this program helps give the material a second life instead.
Through the program, we’re helping keep reusable plastic out of our waterways and environment. Small steps can make a big impact for the Great Lakes and our community.
Thanks to our partners, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County.
 Celebrating 26 Years of Aging Well in Evanston
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the City of Evanston’s 26th annual Aging Well Expo at the Levy Senior Center!
In honor of Older Americans Month, older adults and care partners connected with local organizations and resources focused on health and wellness, safety, nutrition, technology, financial planning, legal services, the arts and more.
We’re grateful to all of our vendors, partners and attendees for helping make this year’s celebration such a success and for supporting a community where residents can age well at every stage of life. Discover upcoming activities for people 55 years and older.
 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. Register today.
Upcoming Events
 Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: May 16
Shop the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 16, to stock up on your favorite local farm products, discover new food vendors and artisans, and enjoy live music, kids’ activities and more each week.
Vendor Spotlight
This Saturday, stop by the City of Evanston booth to pick up coupons for our three featured vendors: Yallatizers (hummus, dips, spreads and yogurt), Mint Creek (organic eggs, honey and pasture-raised meats), and Smokin’ Sully’s (farm-to-table barbecue). Look for the orange flags at each featured booth.
We’re grateful to this week’s sponsors, Renewal by Anderson and Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, for helping make these vendor coupons possible.
Live Music
Enjoy live music throughout the morning, with Market Jam performing at 8:15 a.m., followed by Green Eggs and Sam at 10:30 a.m.
Spud Club
This week’s Spud Club activity invites kids to create their own cookbook cover. Once a month, kids will receive a new recipe to add to their book and will collect ingredients around the market.
Home Grown Artists and Rotating Vendors
Browse handcrafted goods from Anomaly by Amy, CiprianoStudio, Velvet Stitch, Karmon Family Creations, and Anguaya. And explore a rotating lineup of part-time vendors including Nuts Over Dates, Greco Greens, Madre Mushroom and Soul Kitchen Chicago.
Event details
Date: Saturday, May 16 (and every Saturday through November 21)
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: University Place at Oak Avenue (New location for our reserved ADA parking spots. They are now on University Place off of Maple Ave.)
Cost: Free
Get info on the Market, vendors, activities and more.
 Spring Sound Meditation: May 21
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, May 21
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.
 Family Fishing Basics: May 22
Have you ever wanted to take family or friends fishing but aren’t sure where to start? Perfect! Bring your enthusiasm and we’ll teach you everything you need to know in this 2-hour introductory course. Instruction, equipment, and bait are provided.
Event details
Date: Friday, May 22
Times: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lovelace Park
Cost: $10 R/$13.01 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Partnership with Evanston Public Library Presents "Gee's Bend": May 23 - June 7
Spanning over 60 years, Gee’s Bend tells the story of Sadie Pettway as she grows up in rural Alabama, joins the Civil Rights Movement, and becomes a celebrated quilter. It is a personal story of family, self-discovery, and artistic expression.
On Sunday, May 24, at 3 p.m., Omega Pi Zeta Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, will host the opening of "Gee’s Bend" to support their scholarship fund. Following the performance, a reception will held providing an opportunity to meet sorority members and the Gee's Bend cast.
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, May 23 to June 7
Times: Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Cost: $33
Purchase tickets
Listing of the 2026 season productions
 Canoe the Canal: May 23 & 24
Join 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.
Date: Saturday, May 23; Sunday, May 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.
 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.
 First Fridays: June 5
Kick off the summer with an evening of free family fun at First Fridays on Friday, June 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mason Park!
Enjoy free food, music, games, bingo, raffles and an obstacle course during this free community event designed for all ages. Bring your friends, neighbors and family for a fun-filled evening to connect and celebrate together.
Event details
Date: Friday, June 5
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Mason Park, Church St. and Florence Ave.
Cost: Free
 Ice Cream Circus: June 7
Get ready for a whimsical, one-of-a-kind performance as Lookingglass Theatre and Actors Gymnasium return to Evanston as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series. The Circus, told without spoken language, blends dance, clowning, and circus arts—making it accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages and language backgrounds. A C&W Ice Cream food truck will be on-site.
Event details
Date: Sunday, June 7
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Tallmadge Park, 927 Noyes St. (In case of inclement weather, the performance will move indoors to the Actors Gymnasium.)
Cost: Free
Learn more about the event.
 Starlight Series Free Concerts & Movies: June 9 - August 29
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.
The first Starlight Concert is on June 9. Butter Chicken Brass Band will take the stage in Tallmadge Park. The band plays Jazz, Funk, and styles inspired by New Orleans.
Event details
Date: Tuesday, June 9
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Tallmadge Park, 927 Noyes St.
Cost: Free
View the full Starlight Series lineup.
 Juneteenth Celebration: June 19
This year, we're celebrating Juneteenth in a stunning new setting — Arrington Lagoon and the lakefront at Dawes Park.
This year's “Youthful” Juneteenth Celebration honors the historic moment in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom — and reflects on the continued journey toward freedom and equality for all Americans.
The celebration is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, bringing the community together through vibrant music, dancing, cultural performances, and meaningful connections. Local food vendors and artisan makers will be on hand, creating a full afternoon of discovery and community spirit.
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Opening Ceremony & Welcome: 12:20 p.m.
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GreenTTea & The Tempos: 1 p.m.
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DJ Corey Bless: 2:15 p.m.
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NAJWA Dance Corps: 2:30 p.m.
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DJ Corey Bless: 3:15 p.m.
Event details
Date: Friday, June 19
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Dawes Park, Arrington Lagoon
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.
 55+ Line Dance Classes
Grab your dancing shoes and join the fun at the Levy Senior Center! Whether you’re brand new to line dancing or ready to sharpen your skills, there’s a class for every level this season. Stay active, learn new steps, enjoy great music and connect with friends along the way.
Classes are designed for adults 55+ and offer a fun way to stay moving all season long.
 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.
 Chicago Bulls Camp
Join the Bulls for this 5-day program designed to improve participants’ basketball skills while providing an unforgettable experience. Open to all skill levels, campers will be split into groups by age and ability, allowing for fine-tuned curriculum and individualized challenges. Participants will practice fundamentals and improve their game through on-court play including skill development and competitions, while also taking part in leadership and teamwork development. Register for the camp.
 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
 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
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