Friday, July 31, 2026 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's news on Fall registration, Choose Your Parks & Rec Adventure Mission #003, Starlight movies and concerts, upcoming events, and more.
News
 Fall Is On the Way — Get Ready for a New Season of Fun!
This fall, Evanston Parks & Recreation is bringing back favorite programs and introducing new opportunities for all ages—from sports, fitness and arts classes to nature programs, special events, 55+ activities and more.
Mark your calendar:
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Fall Program Guide available: Monday, August 3, 9 a.m.
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Fall registration opens for residents: Monday, August 10, 9 a.m.
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Fall registration opens for nonresidents: Monday, August 17, 9 a.m.
Visit cityofevanston.org/recreation beginning August 3 to browse the Fall Program Guide and start making your wish list before registration opens.
 Parks and Rec Community Centers Closed August 18
Our Parks and Recreation Community Centers will be closed for staff training on Tuesday, August 18. They'll reopen on Wednesday, August 19.
Parks and beaches will remain open on August 18. Thanks for your understanding!
 Mission #003: Lights. Camera. Adventure. Complete Mission #003 by August 5!
This week's Choose Your Parks & Recreation Adventure invites you to experience one of Evanston's favorite summer traditions: free Starlight Movies!
Join us on Saturday, Aug. 1, for a Dino-mite Night Double Feature at Lovelace Park (Gross Point Road & Thayer Street), featuring The Land Before Time at 5:30 p.m. and Jurassic World Rebirth at 7 p.m.
Your Mission:
- Attend the FREE movie night on Saturday, Aug. 1, snap a photo, and share it in our Facebook or Instagram Mission #003 posts.
- Can't make it? Visit cityofevanston.org/parks-events, explore our upcoming marquee events, and tell us on social which one you're most excited to attend.
- Complete this mission by Aug. 5 for a chance to win 25% off any Evanston Parks & Recreation fall program! Fall registration opens Aug. 10.
For more information, visit our Choose Your Own Adventure page.
Upcoming Events
 Willy Wonka Jr.: July 31
Join Evanston Children’s Theatre for a free, one-night-only performance of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr. Follow Willy Wonka and his young guests through a magical chocolate factory filled with memorable characters, colorful adventures and plenty of surprises.
Event details
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Date: Friday, July 31
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Time: 7 p.m.
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Location: Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
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Admission: Free
 Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: August 1
Shop the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market on Saturday, August 1, 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: Naked Truffle, Suzie Teas, and Tea Workshop for the orange flags at each featured booth.
We’re grateful to this week’s sponsors, One Compassionate Home Care and Chiro One for helping make these vendor coupons possible.
Live Music
Enjoy live music throughout the morning, with Tim and Liesel Duggan at 8 a.m., followed by Grazia Quartet at 10:30 a.m.
Spud Club
Make balloon animals with The Infant and Child Development Center at Northwestern University.
Home Grown Artists and Rotating Vendors
Browse handcrafted goods from Anomaly, Anguaya, Bela Ponyi, CiprianoStudio, and Karmon Family Creations. And explore a rotating lineup of part-time vendors including Chicky’s, Greco Greens, Red Bean & Cocoa, and Suzie Teas.
Event details
Date: Saturday, August 1 (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.
 Treasure Hunt: August 1
Set sail for adventure at Lighthouse Beach with a pirate-themed nature scavenger hunt! Discover hidden ecological treasures as you follow the clues. Afterward, gather by the fire for stories and s’mores. Pirate costumes are encouraged.
Event details
Date: Saturday, August 1
Times: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $13 R/$16.92 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Dino-mite Starlight Movie Double Feature: August 1
Join us under the stars for a free double feature of The Land Before Time (1988) and Jurassic World Rebirth (2025) as the Starlight Concert & Movie Series continues at Lovelace Park. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and your favorite movie snacks for a fun summer evening with family and friends. Food will be available for purchase from Firehouse Grill, and the City of Evanston Mobile Food Program will offer beer and wine for adults.
Event details
Date: Saturday, August 1
Location: Lovelace Park, Gross Point Rd. & Thayer St.
Time: 5:30 pm - The Land Before Time; 7 pm - Jurassic World Rebirth
Access the full Starlight Concert & Movie Series lineup and event details.
 Pinewood Derby Day: August 2
Join us for the Pinewood Derby, where you’ll design, build, and race your very own wooden car down a long race track. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned pro, this event is all about creativity, teamwork, and fun.
Event details
Date: Sunday, August 2
Times: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $20 R/$26.02 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Paddle, Bonfire & S'mores: August 5 and 14
Enjoy a beautiful summer evening with a sunset paddle on the water! After some time on Lake Michigan, you will be greeted back on land with a crackling bonfire. Kick back in our comfy Adirondack chairs, enjoy some music by the fire, and indulge in all the s’mores you can eat!
Begin with an on-land orientation, covering types of paddle strokes and the rules of the water. Kayak or paddleboard for up to 1.5 hours and then end the evening by the fire until 8:30 pm! All kayaking equipment and s’mores fixings are included.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, August 5 and Friday, August 14
Time: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Dempster Beach Launch Facility
Cost: $50,16 yrs and older/$30,15 yrs and younger
Register
 First Fridays: August 7
Enjoy an evening of free family fun on Friday, August 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mason Park. The event features 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, August 7
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Mason Park, Church St. and Florence Ave.
Cost: Free
On your way to First Fridays, check out the grand opening of Foster Elementary School, 1600 Simpson, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
 Twilight Bat Hike: August 8
Summer is a great time to see the amazing flying mammals of the night…bats! We will learn about these amazing creatures, as we go on an hour-long adventure in search of the different bat species that live in Evanston. Using specialized ultrasonic detectors, families will listen to and identify flying bats and learn about their important ecosystem roles while enjoying a scenic sunset hike. This program will be led by Ecology Center staff that have coordinated the Lincoln Park Zoo's Urban Wildlife Institute bat tracker community science program in the past.
Event details
Date: Saturday, August 8
Times: 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $15 R/$19.52 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 In The Continuum: Thru Aug 9
In the Continuum puts a human face on the devastating impact of AIDS in Africa and America through the lives of two unforgettably courageous women. Living worlds apart, one in South Central LA and the other in Zimbabwe, each experiences a kaleidoscopic weekend of life-changing revelations in this story of parallel denials and self-discoveries. In the Continuum was a nominee for the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. "Moving, smart, spirited, and powerfully funny": The New York Times.
Event details
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, thru - August 9
Times: 7 p.m. on Saturdays, 3 p.m. on Sundays
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: $33 NR
Purchase tickets
 Starlight Concert - Cecy Santana Band: August 11
The Cecy Santana Band will perform bossa nova style music at Leah Lomar Park as part of our free Starlight Concert series. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and your favorite movie snacks for a fun summer evening with family and friends. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from the City of Evanston Mobile Food Program.
Event details
Date: Tuesday, August 11
Location: Leah Lomar Park, 1411 Mulford St
Time: 6 p.m.
Access the full Starlight Concert & Movie Series lineup and event details.
 Summer Sunsets Painting Workshop: August 13
Reflect on your summer while painting a dramatic sunset. Learn how to use the wet on wet watercolor process to paint a colorful sunset. Then create a silhouette of your choice (beach, forest, concert or city scene) to frame the sunset. This is a good project for people new to watercolor painting and those with some experience who want to learn more.
Event details
Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
Ages: 55+
Cost: $41LM/$53.36NM
Register
 Growing Healthy Minds Gardening Workshop: August 14
An interactive workshop exploring the science behind gardening, movement, and wellness. Together, we’ll discuss how working in the garden naturally builds strength, balance, and mobility while supporting lifelong health and helping reduce the risk of falls and osteoporosis as we age. Additionally, we'll explore how gardening helps promote a positive state of mind. As an added bonus, you will also plant your own herbs to take home, leaving with practical tools to nurture both yourself and your garden.
Event details
Date: Friday, August 14
Time: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
Ages: 55+
Cost: $20LM/$32.54NM
Register
 Free Access to Fishing: Thru August 22
This popular free program is a great way to introduce children ages 4 years and up to “catch-and-release” fishing. Equipment, bait, and fishing expertise are provided! Drop by on Saturdays from June 6 through August 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Lovelace Park. Kids under age 16 don’t need a fishing license but must be accompanied by an adult. Illinois fishing licenses can be purchased at www.illinois.gov.
Event details
Dates: Saturdays, thru August 22
Times: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Lovelace Park
Cost: Free
Call the Ecology Center for more information: (847) 448-8256.
 Starlight Concert - Soft-Opening: August 25
Soft-Opening will perform soft rock style music at Independence Park as part of our free Starlight Concert series. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and your favorite movie snacks for a fun summer evening with family and friends. Alcohol will be available for purchase to adults.
Event details
Date: Tuesday, August 25
Location: Independence Park, 2627 Stewart Ave.
Time: 6 p.m.
Access the full Starlight Concert & Movie Series lineup and event details.
 Starlight Movie - Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure: August 29
Our final free, Starlight Movie of the season is 1989's Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and your favorite movie snacks for a fun summer evening with family and friends. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from the City of Evanston Mobile Food Program.
Event details
Date: Saturday, August 29
Location: Leider Park, 600 Asbury Ave.
Time: 7 p.m.
Access the full Starlight Concert & Movie Series lineup and event details.
Fall Sports Leagues
 Flag Football Leagues: Grades 2-5
Registration is open for the City of Evanston’s fall flag football leagues! Boys and girls in grades 2–5 can build their skills, learn teamwork and have fun competing in a supportive environment.
Practices begin the week of September 7, with coaches selecting the day and time. Games will be played Saturdays, September 19 through October 24, at the Robert Crown Community Center fields. Register now.
 Cross Country: Grades 4-5
Registration is open for the City of Evanston’s fall cross country program! Fourth- and fifth-grade students can improve their running skills, stay active and experience the fun of competing as part of a team.
Practices begin the week of September 7, with coaches selecting the day and time. Meets will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on September 23, October 7 and October 21 at Twiggs Park. Register now.
Late Summer Camps
 Aviation & Aerospace Camp
This camp, in partnership with Global Bird Aviation introduces 6th–12th grade students to the world of aviation and aerospace through hands-on learning and immersive STEM activities. Participants will explore real industry pathways, experience flight simulations, learn the science of flight, and discover careers from engineering and piloting to drone technology and mission control. The program blends exploration, teamwork, and career-ready skills to inspire the next generation of aerospace innovators. Register now
 Registration Open for After School Programs
Make after-school care easier with Evanston Parks & Recreation! Our programs provide a safe, welcoming environment where children can learn, create, play and connect with friends after the school day ends.
Even better, enrollment includes supervised care on every District 65 school day off and school break.
Choose from three programs:
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Kid Zone: Ages 5–11 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
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Beyond the Bell: Grades 6–8 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
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After-School Adventure: Ages 5–11 at Robert Crown Community Center
Programs meet Monday through Friday on District 65 school days from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from noon to 6 p.m. on early-dismissal days.
Space is limited. For Fleetwood programs, contact Shackeena Sands, ssands@cityofevanston.org, 847-448-8255. For Robert Crown, contact, Adam Eberhardt, aeberhardt@cityofevanston.org, 847-866-5949.
 Enroll in Prieto Early Learning Center 2026-27 Program
Give your child their first independent learning experience in a warm, nurturing environment at the new Prieto Early Learning Center. Enroll in the 2026-2027 program of Explorer Two’s, 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.
Lakefront
 Beaches Are Open! Get Your Passes
Evanston's public swimming beaches are open for the 2026 season . Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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).
 Kayak, Paddleboard and Sailboat Rentals Available
Spend your summer on the lake! Evanston’s lakefront rentals are back with hourly kayak, paddleboard and sailboat rentals at Dempster Street Beach. Whether you're looking for a relaxing paddle, a sailing adventure or a fun afternoon on the water with friends or family, there are options for residents and non-residents, plus convenient multipass packages for frequent visitors.
Rentals are available daily, weather permitting, and can be reserved online or in person at the Dempster Street Beach Office.
 Dempster Street Beach Seasonal Launch Pass Available
Summer is here! Have you purchased your Dempster Street Beach Seasonal Launch Pass yet? Seasonal launch passes are now on sale, and the beach office is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Stop by today and get your pass so you're ready to enjoy a summer on the water!
Learn more at cityofevanston.org/boatlaunch or call the Dempster St. Beach Office at 847-866-4167.
 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.
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.
 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
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
Our many amenities are here for everyone to enjoy—and your support helps keep them beautiful. Every contribution makes a difference.
Donate now
Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team
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