Friday, May 22, 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. Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through June 5. Extended hours begin on June 6.
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
- Dempster St. Beach Office
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 or contact 311 (or call/text 847-448-4311).
 Now Hiring Gymnastics Instructors for the 2026–2027 School Year
The City of Evanston is hiring preschool, recreational and pre-team gymnastics instructors at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center for the 2026–2027 school year.
Instructors will help lead drills and activities, support skill development, and create a safe, positive environment for young gymnasts. Candidates should have recent experience in gymnastics, tumbling or dance, experience working with groups of children, and strong organizational and safety skills.
Apply online or contact Kathryn Dolan at 847-448-8680 or kdolan@cityofevanston.org.
 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 23
Shop the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 23, 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: That Pickle Guy, Red Bean, and Chicago Honey. Look for the orange flags at each featured booth.
We’re grateful to this week’s sponsors, Renewal by Anderson and House Doctors, for helping make these vendor coupons possible.
Live Music
Enjoy live music throughout the morning, with David Caplan Cello performing at 8 a.m., followed by Mateo Garcia at 10:30 a.m.
Spud Club
This week’s Spud Club activity invites kids to create garden finger puppets.
Home Grown Artists and Rotating Vendors
Browse handcrafted goods from Anomaly by Amy, CiprianoStudio, Karmon Family Creations, and Crafty Creations. And explore a rotating lineup of part-time vendors including Red Bean & Cocoa, Greco Greens and Good Find Foods.
Event details
Date: Saturday, May 23 (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.
 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.
 Honeybees 101: May 30
Join us in the Ecology Center's Apiary to learn all about honeybees. We will discuss the honeybee lifecycle, their habits, and the basics of starting your own hives. Participants will be provided with beekeeping suits to borrow for entering the apiary.
Event details
Date: Saturday, May 30
Times: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Eggleston Park
Cost: $20 R/$26.03 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Family Campfire: May 30
Join the Ecology Center staff for a Saturday evening of campfire fun to kick off the summer! Enjoy nature-themed outdoor activities and the ever-popular s’mores. Explore a different nature theme each month.
Event details
Date: Saturday, May 30
Times: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Eggleston Park
Cost: $10 R/$13.01 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 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.
 Beach-No-Bummer: June 11
Take an imaginary stroll on the beach while drawing and painting seashells embedded in the sandy beach. You’ll learn how to make a smooth wash for your sky and techniques to create sand texture for the beach. You can choose from a variety of colorful seashells to represent on your beach. This project is good for beginners and intermediate watercolor artists.
Date: Thursday, June 11
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center
Age: 55+
Instructor: Carol Turnoff
Fee: $41LM / $53.36NM
Register
 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
 Glow in the Park: July 10
Glow in the Park returns with an evening of lights, music, and family fun! Don’t miss the newest glow adventure, the Glow Foam Party, a glowing, high-energy foam experience set to music and lights. Bring your glow gear (and a towel) and join us for a night where the park truly comes alive.
Event details
Date: Friday, July 10
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Ingraham Park
Cost: $9
Register
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.
 Pirate Camp: Set Sail for Adventure!
Ahoy, mateys! Young pirates will create their own pirate personas and spend the week exploring the skills, lore and adventurous tales of both real and imaginary buccaneers at Pirate Camp at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center.
Camp runs July 6-10 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston.
Register now and get ready for a week of pirate-themed fun and adventure!
Register now.
 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.
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
 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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