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Below, find details on National Night Out, Starlight Movies in the Park, the Northlight Theatre ribbon cutting, a storm recovery recap, and more!
Celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday
Join the Evanston Police Department for National Night Out on Tues., Aug. 4, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a special Block Party at EPD headquarters, 1454 Elmwood Ave. This free, family-friendly evening brings the community together to enjoy food, music, kids' activities, games, giveaways, and more! It's the perfect chance to meet your neighbors and chat with local officers.
What's National Night Out? This annual nationwide community-building campaign promotes public safety, community partnerships, and camaraderie to help make our neighborhoods more caring and safe.
 Student-built home hits the road August 3
ETHS will move a two-story home built by students in its "Geometry in Construction" course on Mon., Aug. 3, starting at 9 a.m. The home will travel from 1600 Dodge Ave. to 2120 Darrow Ave.
Route: East on Lake, north on Dodge, east on Simpson, north on Darrow. View the route map. Darrow Avenue will be closed (including sidewalks) from Simpson to Payne streets, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no parking allowed.
Interested in buying the home? Household income must not exceed 120% of the area median income. Register for a free monthly info session at cpahousing.org/class-registration.
 Enjoy a Dino-mite double feature
Bring your family and friends out to Lovelace Park (Gross Point Rd. & Thayer St.) on Sat., Aug. 1 for a dinosaur-themed double feature, part of our free Starlight Movie Series running through August.
5:30 pm: The Land Before Time (1988, G)
7 pm: Jurassic World Rebirth (2025, PG-13)
Pack a blanket or some lawn chairs and settle in for a night under the stars. Firehouse Grill will be on site for food, and beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Start planning your fall activities
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, and activities for adults 55+, there's something for everyone.
Mark your calendar:
- Fall Program Guide available: Monday, August 3, 9 a.m.
- Fall registration opens for residents: Monday, August 10, 9 a.m.
- 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 your wishlist before registration opens.
 The curtains are rising at Northlight Theatre!
City leadership, past and present, joined in for the Northlight Theatre Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday. After years of work, we're thrilled for them to officially return to the Evanston community and add to our already thriving arts scene. Located at 1012 Church St., their inaugural show at this new location, The Front Page, opens in early September.
More News and Events
🚧 Ridge Avenue closure extends to Friday
As part of an equipment upgrade at 2020 Ridge Ave., Northwestern's contractor is using a crane to install rooftop equipment, requiring the full width of the street. Crane lifts were scheduled for today with Fri., July 31 as a backup day. Due to delays, the crane has been removed today so Ridge Avenue can reopen, but the street will need to close again Friday, from approximately 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the 2000 block.
Illinois EV Rebate Program application cycle opens August 1
Illinois EPA's next EV Rebate Program cycle runs August 1 through December 31. Eligible electric vehicles (under $80,000) qualify for a $2,000 rebate, plus an extra $2,000 for low-income applicants; motorcycles receive $1,500. Details and forms are available on the Illinois EPA webpage.
Take the Illinois Household Food Waste Survey
You can help address food waste in Illinois. Take a 10-minute survey about meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and what happens to food at home. Your insights will help guide food waste prevention education across the state that supports cost savings and a healthier environment.
🚧 Construction for transit stop improvements scheduled
This project will begin in early August, taking roughly four to six weeks to complete. Crews will install ADA-compliant concrete boarding pads at stops along Church Street, Oak Avenue, Dodge Avenue, and Davis Street. The upgrades will improve accessibility and pedestrian safety at these stops.
Free Community Resource Fair, August 5
Northwestern's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations is hosting a free community resource fair on Wed., Aug. 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Held at the YWCA Evanston-North Shore, the event features career workshops, family activities, and refreshments. Sign up to attend.
💲Take charge of your financial future
Participate in free financial literacy courses hosted by the City and BMO Bank at the Evanston Public Library. Session 1 (August 10) focuses on building better money habits, while Session 2 (August 13) covers creating financial stability. Both sessions run from noon to 1 p.m.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
 This week's severe storms brought heavy winds, downed trees, power outages, and localized flooding across Evanston, leaving many streets and properties impacted. City crews have been working around the clock to clear debris and make streets safe again. From Public Works team members and first responders to 311 staff and 911 dispatchers, staff put in long hours to help our community recover quickly. Thank you to every City employee who showed up for Evanston this week!
Storm Damage Self-Assessment Survey
The recovery team at IEMA-OHS has shared a self-assessment survey for community members and counties impacted by recent events. Please take a few minutes to fill it out. Your input helps the recovery effort get accurate, up-to-date information.
Complete the survey
For additional resources, you can also check out:
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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