Thursday, June 4, 2026 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about Pride Month, Juneteenth Celebrations, free summer meals for youth, the first Starlight Concert, and more.
Heads up: NU's Class of 2026 celebrates Graduation next weekend, with school convocations held at Ryan Field and Martin Stadium and the all-university Commencement on June 14 at the United Center in Chicago. Congratulations to all the graduates and their families!
Community members should expect increased traffic and parking restrictions two hours before and through an hour after designated Northwestern events. Visitors are encouraged to use Metra or the CTA Red/Purple Line. For details, visit the City's parking restrictions page or contact 311.
 Happy Pride Month, Evanston! 
We're proud to celebrate and honor our LGBTQ+ community this month, and every month! Mayor Biss will be issuing a formal Pride Month proclamation at the next City Council meeting.
Looking for ways to celebrate? The Evanston Public Library has a full lineup of Pride Month programs and book lists for all ages. Visit epl.org to check it out. Plus, Evanston faith communities will host their annual Pride Fest in Raymond Park on Sun., June 14, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Resources: The City also has a dedicated webpage with local resources, support services, and information for our LGBTQ+ community.
 Free summer meals available for Evanston youth
The City will host its free Youth Summer Food Program again this year from June 8 to August 7, offering free breakfast and lunch to youth ages 1-18 at multiple locations throughout the city. No sign-ups or income requirements are needed; anyone can drop in!
Meal Schedule: Meals are served Monday through Friday, with breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be no service on June 19 and July 3.
Meal Locations: Meals will be available at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, Robert Crown Community Center, Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center, and Dawes School.
Free meals at the McGaw YMCA: The YMCA is also offering free meals to all kids and teens 18 and under this summer, with no registration required.
 The City's Starlight Series is back!
Enjoy free outdoor concerts and movies in parks across the city from June 9 through August 29. Kick off the season on Tues. June 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tallmadge Park (927 Noyes St.) with the Butter Chicken Brass Band, playing Jazz, Funk, and New Orleans-inspired sounds. Bring your neighbors and enjoy a summer night under the stars.
 Embrace community at our First Friday events
The City's “My City, Your City, Our City” initiative presents First Friday, a community event series featuring free food, music, activities, an obstacle course, and raffles. The kickoff event will take place on Fri., June 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mason Park (Church/Florence).
Wear Orange: Participants are encouraged to wear orange in support of National Wear Orange Day to honor victims and survivors of gun violence and to raise awareness about the importance of safer communities.
 Save the date for Juneteenth celebrations
Join us in honoring the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth on Friday, June 19!
Opal's Walk for Freedom: In place of the traditional parade, Evanston Present and Future, in partnership with Mari Enterprise and Unity Unlimited, will present Opal's Walk for Freedom. The Walk begins at Arrington Lagoon at 10:30 a.m., winding along the scenic lakefront path for 2.5 miles.
Juneteenth Celebration: After the walk, head to the Arrington Lagoon at noon to enjoy vibrant music, dancing, cultural performances, food vendors, and artisan makers. This event is free and open to all.
Participate in Wellness Wednesdays
Wellness Wednesdays | June 10–August 5
Join Central Street Evanston for Wellness Wednesdays, a series of free outdoor fitness classes led by local fitness and wellness studios at Independence Park. Classes run from June 10 through August 5, with varying class times. Registration is required.
More News and Events
Celebrate African and Latin heritage and creativity
Join the Evanston Public Library for Our Roots, Our Story on Sat., June 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Levy Senior Center. Through live performances, this concert-style program explores the connections between Puerto Rican Bomba and West African drumming.
Some roadways are getting a makeover
Over the next three months, the City has contracted road resurfacing work on seven street segments throughout the City. This project involves curb replacement as needed, roadway base repair, sewer work, and replacement of the asphalt surface from curb to curb.
Gee's Bend hits the stage this weekend
Don't miss Gee's Bend this weekend at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre! This beautiful production weaves together the personal story of an Alabama family and the turbulent history of African Americans in the 20th century. Catch it June 7 at 7 p.m. or June 8 at 3 p.m. Grab your tickets today.
First West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes detected
Community Calendar
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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