Thursday, May 21, 2026 | View in browser
Good evening,
Read below for information about Memorial Day Holiday schedule changes, the opening of swimming beach season, AAPI Month events, and more!
Heads up! Evanston is in the national spotlight this weekend as Northwestern hosts the 2026 NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship (the first time the event has been held in the Midwest) at Martin Stadium. Semifinals are Friday, May 22, with the championship on Sunday, May 24, at noon on ESPN.
Residents should expect increased traffic and crowds near campus both days. Allow extra travel time and consider taking public transit.
 Memorial Day holiday schedule announced
The City has announced service changes for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. All City community centers and the Morton City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25.
Refuse collection reminder: No Collection services take place on recognized City holidays, including Memorial Day. All waste services will be postponed by one day.
Memorial Day Ceremony: Join the Evanston American Legion Post 42 for a Memorial Day community reflection and ceremony honoring America's fallen heroes at Fountain Square on Mon., May 25, at 10:30 a.m. Assembly will begin at 10 a.m.
Swimming beaches open this weekend 
Ready to feel the sand between your toes and take a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan? Evanston beaches open for the season this Saturday.
Evanston residents: Beaches are free for you again this year. However, all beach patrons must present a season beach pass or a daily ticket to enter. Pick up your passes at community centers with proof of residency.
Non-Evanston residents: Access to Evanston's swimming beaches requires either a season beach pass or a daily ticket. Season passes are available at any City community center during office hours, or in person at the Dempster Street Beach Office. Daily tickets can be purchased at the beach entrance through a gate attendant or at the Dempster Street and Clark Street Beach offices.
 Celebrate Asian-American Heritage Month
Celebrate Asian American culture and creativity: Join Evanston ASPA for their annual Umbrella Arts Festival, a celebration of Asian American culture on Saturday, May 30, from noon to 5 p.m. at Fountain Square. This festival features Asian American artists, cultural performances, hands-on art activities, and diverse Asian cuisines.
In The Absence of Space exhibition: This group exhibition explores how artists respond to exclusion and invisibility by imagining and building spaces of presence, connection, and community. Head to the Grove Gallery (619 Grove St.) anytime between May 30 and June 28.
Check out more events and activities happening throughout Evanston to close out Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
The Health and Human Services Department, in partnership with Chicago Internal Medicine Practice and Research (CIMPAR) and in consultation with IDPH, is expanding access to free COVID-19 and flu vaccines for eligible Evanston residents. Keeping up-to-date on these vaccines is an effective way to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Saturday, May 30
9:30 a.m. to Noon.
Robert Crown Community Center, Room D
Vaccines are free for eligible community members. Advanced registration is encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome. Community members may choose to receive one or both vaccines. A confirmation email will be sent after registering; please bring a copy to the event.
For more info, call 847-448-8289 or email health@cityofevanston.org.
More News and Events
Opening weekend at the Fleetwood Jourdain Theatre
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, in partnership with the Evanston Public Library, presents Gee's Bend. This sweeping six-decade story follows Sadie Pettway from her rural Alabama roots through the Civil Rights Movement to her recognition as a celebrated quilter. Performances run Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., May 23 - June 7. Grab your tickets today!
Snag a free tress next Friday!
The City's Public Works Agency is giving away free trees to Evanston residents this Fri., May 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the old civic center parking lot (2100 Ridge Ave.). No registration is required; just show up with an Evanston address and choose from a variety of shade and ornamental trees. First-come, first-served, while supplies last.
May is National Bike, Walk, Roll Month
Whether you're pedaling to work, strolling through the neighborhood, or rolling along one of Evanston's scenic paths, there's no better time to embrace human-powered movement. So dust off your bike, lace up your sneakers, and join the community in celebrating all the ways we can get around without a vehicle. Check out more ways to celebrate.
District 65 Community Conversations
District 65 will host community conversations on May 27 and 28 focused on gathering ideas and feedback related to the future of the Kingsley and Bessie Rhodes properties. For those unable to attend, an online feedback form is also available through June 1.
Apply for guaranteed income
Evanston's final round of guaranteed income will provide 102 qualifying families with $500 per month in unrestricted cash assistance for six months, supporting low-income seniors and families with children in second grade or younger. Review your eligibility, and attend an upcoming information session to learn more and apply.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
 This week is Public Works Recognition Week! Join us in thanking the incredible staff who keep Evanston running, from maintaining our roads and parks to managing water systems and waste collection. Our Public Works team works tirelessly behind the scenes—often before sunrise and in all kinds of weather—to ensure our community is safe, clean, and thriving.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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