Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 | View in browser
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Check out this week's news on Harvest Fest, Help build Clyde-Brummel Park Playground, Halloween activities, and more.
News
 Mission #011: Clyde-Brummel Park - Can We Build It?: Complete Challenge by September 30
A new community-designed playground is coming to Clyde-Brummel Park, and for our next Choose Your Parks & Recreation Adventure, we’re celebrating the playground memories we grew up with while inviting the community to help create new ones.
Your Mission: Think back to your playground days. What was your favorite thing on the playground when you were a kid? Head to our Mission #011 Facebook or Instagram post and share your favorite in the comments.
Complete the mission by September 30, and be entered in our September Adventure Giveaway for a chance to win four tickets to the Oct. 17 Zombie Scramble!
Then help us turn plans into play! We're looking for volunteers to help bring the new Clyde-Brummel Park playground to life:
Prep Work: Oct. 27–28
Build Day: Thursday, Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sign up to volunteer
No construction experience is needed. Volunteers will receive instructions, tools, materials and safety equipment, plus breakfast and lunch. Help for the full day or choose a shift that works for you.
Upcoming Events
 Fall Forest Night Hike: September 25
Take a fall night hike through the Ladd Arboretum as we test our nighttime senses and compare them to those of nocturnal animals. Learn why some creatures make noise at night while others remain silent, and discover the unique adaptations and important roles of often misunderstood nocturnal wildlife. After the hike, gather around the campfire and enjoy s’mores.
Event details
Date: Friday, September 25
Location: Ecology Center
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 R/$19.52 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Harvest Fest: September 26
Come celebrate the joys of Fall at the Ecology Center. Tour the Farmette, bee apiary, and Food Forest. Enjoy fall-themed games, a pumpkin patch, and scarecrow-making contest, crafts and more!
Important note on transportation and parking: Because of ongoing alley work and limited street parking, we encourage guests to walk, bike, take transit, or carpool. Please be considerate to residents neighboring Eggleston Park.
Event details
Date: Saturday, September 26
Location: Eggleston Park, near the Ecology Center, 2024 N. McCormick
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
 Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: September 26
Shop the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market on Saturday, September 26, 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: Henry's Farm, Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company, Lefty's Bagels, and Sweet Comfort Creations for the orange flags at each featured booth.
We’re grateful to this week’s sponsors, J.Co Insurance Solutions and J. Blanton Plumbing for helping make these vendor coupons possible.
Live Music
Enjoy live music throughout the morning, with Mateo Garcia at 10:30 a.m.
Spud Club
Kids with make hand-printed t-shirts.
Home Grown Artists and Rotating Vendors
Browse handcrafted goods from Anomaly by Amy, CiprianoStudio, Karmon Family Creations, and Nudgers Studio. And explore a rotating lineup of part-time vendors including Dilly Dally, Greco Greens, Red Bean & Cocoa, and Suzie Teas.
Event details
Date: Saturday, September 26 (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.
 Service Dog Celebration: September 30
Whether you are a local business owner, a curious pet lover, or just want to be a more supportive neighbor, this casual, informative conversation about the hardworking dogs in our community is for you!
- Learn from the lived experiences of resident and Accessibility Advisor, Alice Eakes, and her guide dog Windy
- Understand the life-changing tasks that service dogs are trained to perform
- Gain tips on how to respectfully interact with service dogs
- Become familiar with the laws
- Ask questions
Event details
Date: Wednesday, September 30
Location: Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.
Time: 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
 Nature Play Date: October 2
Schedule a play date with nature at the Ecology Center next Friday! We will meet in the nature classroom for a fun morning of learning, play, hands-on crafts, story time, and a chance to meet some animals before going on an adventure in the Ladd Arboretum. Come late or leave early. Each month is a different nature theme. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.
Event details
Date: Friday, October 2
Location: Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Ave.
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $20 R/$26.03 NR per child (adults are free to attend)
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Art Swap: October 3
Artists and Collectors– bring new energy into your homes and studios by swapping art! Bring any artwork small enough to carry (you can bring up to 4 pieces) and display it on one of our tables with your contact information (name and email or phone) attached. Draw a number from our hat. Light refreshments and socializing will occur then you peruse the room for a piece you want to take home, picking in numerical order.
Event details
Date: Saturday, October 3
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Room 225, 927 Noyes St.
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
 Costume Swap: October 3
Pick out a new Halloween costume, or donate last season's spooky fashions, and help replenish the Costume Shop!
Event details
Date: Saturday, October 3
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Room 225, 927 Noyes St.
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
 Astronomy in the Parks: October 3
Reconnect with the night sky next Saturday, as we look through the Chicago Astronomer’s telescope at Saturn, the stars, and other fall celestial sights! As the Earth passes directly between the Sun and Saturn, the ringed planet will be at its brightest and closest point of the year. Come prepared with any questions you have about the night sky, as our guide will give us a tour of the wonders beyond our planet. Then enjoy marshmallows and other festivities around the campfire. All family members attending need to register (children and adults).
Event details
Date: Saturday, October 3
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Elliott Park
Cost: $15 R/$19.52 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Birding By Boat + Canoe the Canal: October 4
Birding By Boat: Kick off the week of World Migratory Day with a peaceful morning paddle, as we enjoy a unique perspective of the North Shore Channel’s diverse bird species. Binoculars and canoeing supplies will be provided. Basic instruction and safety will be covered before heading out—no canoeing experience necessary.
Canoe the Canal: Enjoy an early fall canoeing adventure on the North Shore Channel! Canoes, paddles, personal flotation devices, and basic paddling instruction will be provided. Each boat will also receive a river scavenger hunt as we search for signs of wildlife. Learn basic canoeing strokes and safety before heading out for a fun and memorable trip.
Date: Sunday, October 4
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.
 Word Buffet: October 7
Bring your words, sign in and speak them for up to 7 minutes at this free open mic.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 7
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Studio 225, 927 Noyes St.
Cost: Free
 Apple Cider Taste Off: October 10
Taste ciders from Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market vendors and vote for your favorite.
Event details
Date: Saturday, October 10
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market, University Place at Oak Avenue
Cost: Free
 Zombie Scramble: October 17
This thrilling event challenges you to make it through a zombie-infested course with your “lives” — represented by flags on a flag football belt — still intact. As you navigate the haunted trail, zombies will try to snatch your flags.
Event details
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Location: Ladd Arboretum near the Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Ave.
Cost: $36 R/$45.55 NR
Register
 Give Blood at the Zombie Scramble: October 17
Help save lives before joining the Zombie Scramble! Vitalant will host a blood drive on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot at 2024 N. McCormick Blvd.
Those who donate during October will also be entered for a chance to win one of two $10,000 gift cards. Terms and conditions apply.
Event details
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Ladd Arboretum near the Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Ave.
Schedule an appointment using blood drive code 100564694, or call 877-25-VITAL. Walk-ins are also welcome. Donors should eat well, stay hydrated and bring a photo ID.
 Bug-a-Boo: October 24
Enjoy a festive nature-themed Halloween event this year at the Ecology Center! Families will stroll through the Nature Classroom and Ladd Arboretum in search of local animals that call Evanston home. Along the way, you will meet these characters (costumed volunteers) and learn fun facts about their amazing superpowers (also, known as "adaptations"). After your adventure, enjoy roasting marshmallows, playing games, and making a fun craft to take home. This non-scary Halloween event is for all ages to enjoy.
Date: Saturday, October 24
Times: 45-minute sessions between 4:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Ave.
Cost: $11 R/$14.32 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Trunk or Treat: October 30
Get ready for a frightfully fun afternoon at the City of Evanston Parks and Recreation Trunk or Treat event! Bring your little ghouls and goblins for a safe and exciting Halloween experience filled with decorated trunks, delicious treats, and festive fun. All ages are welcome to attend, though the recommended age is infant thru 5 years old.
Date: Friday, October 30
Times: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Center parking lot, 1801 Main St.
Cost: Free
Registration not required
 Nightmare on Foster Street: October 30
Get ready for a spooktacular night of thrills, chills, and family fun! Step inside our haunted house if you dare and experience spooky surprises around every corner. After you make it through the fright zone, enjoy fun Halloween-themed crafts and activities for all ages. Paid concessions will also be available for those looking to grab a tasty treat. Come dressed in your favorite costume and get ready for a hauntingly good time!
Date: Friday October 30
Times: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdian Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
Cost: $5 R/$6.50 NR
Register
 Fall Programs Spotlight
Fall program registration is open! Explore the program guide and register online at cityofevanston.org/register.
 Expressive Arts: Ages 55+
This class encourages creativity using a variety of materials, including large-format paper, watercolors, dry and oil pastels, aqua crayons, and pencils. Each session focuses on personal interpretation of the subject matter and concludes with an opportunity to share work and reflections in a supportive, constructive environment. Register now.
Preschool and After School
 Time Together Open Play
This open-play program is perfect for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers up to 4.5 years old, with a parent or caregiver. This program offers a fun indoor space where both adults and children can play and make new friends.
- Mondays 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn more about Time Together.
 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:
-
Kid Zone: Ages 5–11 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
-
Beyond the Bell: Grades 6–8 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
-
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.
Community Updates
Important Updates for the 2026 Mayor’s Holiday Food & Toy Drive
Registration is November 3–December 1, with distribution on December 9.
This year, toy bag registration requires Access Evanston approval. Families who may qualify should apply for Access Evanston now at one of our community centers. For a full list of requirements, visit cityofevanston.org/accessevanston
What to do now:
- Review the updated eligibility requirements.
- Apply for Access Evanston
- Watch for registration details before November 3.
Please note: Access Evanston is required only for toy bag registration. Residents may still register for food bags through Evanston 311 during the registration period.
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.
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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