Friday, Oct. 9, 2026  |  View in browser

Good morning, 

Check out this week's news on building Clyde-Brummel Park Playground, Hispanic Heritage celebration, Halloween activities, and more.

News

Help Build the New Clyde-Brummel Park Playground!

A new community-designed playground is coming to Clyde-Brummel Park—and we need your help bringing it to life! Join the City of Evanston, KABOOM! and The Purpose & Calling Foundation for prep work on Oct. 27-28, and Build Day on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

No construction experience is needed. We will provide instructions, tools, materials, safety equipment, breakfast and lunch. Volunteer for the full day or select a shift that works for you.

Sign up to help build the new playground!

Mission #013: Take the Stage -  Complete Challenge by October 14

Help Shape the Future of Parks & Recreation

Join us at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting to learn about the Department’s work with 110% to strengthen financial sustainability while keeping programs and services accessible to our community. Hear about the process, ask questions, and share your perspective as we plan for the future of Evanston’s parks and recreation.

Event details
Date: Thursday, October 15
Time: 6 p.m. 
Location: Robert Crown Center, 1801 Main St.

Upcoming Events

Hispanic Heritage Celebration: October 9

Join us for a free, festive evening celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Enjoy food, a DJ, arts and crafts, face painting, a piñata, a raffle and more. 

Event details
Date: Friday, October 9
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
Cost: Free

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: October 10

Shop the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market on Saturday, October 10, 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.

Home Grown Artists and Rotating Vendors
Browse handcrafted goods from Anguaya, CiprianoStudio, Karmon Family Creations, and Mom's Hats and All. And explore a rotating lineup of part-time vendors including Dilly Dally, Greco Greens, Red Bean & Cocoa, and Suzie Teas.

Spud Club
A veggie art activity hosted by The Family Center at Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center.

Sponsor
We’re grateful to this week’s sponsors, J.Co Insurance Solutions and J. Blanton Plumbing.

Event details
Date: Oct. 10 (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.

Fall Family Campfire: October 10

Join Ecology Center staff for fun-filled fall campfire activities around the Lighthouse Beach fire circle! Each evening features stories, fun nature activities for families, and the ever-popular s’mores.

Date: Saturday, October 10
Times: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $10 R/$13.01 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Apple Cider Taste Off: October 17

Taste ciders from Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market vendors and vote for your favorite.

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market, University Place at Oak Avenue 
Cost: Free

Zombie Scramble: October 17

Grab your flashlight and prepare for a frightfully fun adventure! On Saturday, October 17, navigate a roughly two-mile haunted course through Ladd Arboretum while zombies try to snatch your “lives” — flags attached to your belt. Finish with a flag intact to earn a survival certificate, then celebrate with food trucks, free s’mores, games and photo opportunities.

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 by Sunday, October 16!

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.

Fall Colors Paddle: October 18

Join us for a serene paddling adventure through the vibrant autumn landscape of the North Shore Channel. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, we’ll search for migrating birds and signs of wildlife. Canoes, paddles, personal flotation devices, and basic paddling instruction will be provided.

Date: Sunday, October 18
Times: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Dammrich Rowing Center
Cost: $22 R/$28.63 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

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

The Niceties at FJT: October 31 - November 15

The Niceties by Eleanor Burgess focuses on Zoe, a student at an elite university in the Northeast, who is called into her professor’s office to discuss her paper about slavery’s effect on the American Revolution. What begins as a polite clash in perspectives explodes into an urgent debate about race, history, and power.

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 31 - Sunday, November 15
Time: Saturdays, 7 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.
Cost: $33
Buy tickets

Feed My Starving Children (ages 55+): November 5

Join us or a meaningful day of service and fellowship as we celebrate the season of gratitude. Participants will volunteer at Feed My Starving Children, helping pack nutritious meals for children around the world while making a positive impact in the community. Following our volunteer experience, we will enjoy lunch together at Royal Buffet. Trip fee includes participation at Feed My Starving Children, lunch, and transportation. Space is limited, so register early! Transportation provided from the Levy Senior Center.

Event details
Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Departure from Levy Senior Center
Cost: $35LM/$45.55NM
Register

Word Salad: Nov 11

Bring your words, sign in and speak them for up to 7 minutes at this free open mic.

Event details
Date: Wednesday, November 11
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Studio 225, 927 Noyes St.
Cost: Free

Cardio Drumming: November 13

Move to the beat with a fun drumming workout. All fitness levels welcome. No experience needed.

Event details
Date: Friday, November 13
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
Cost: $25 Levy member/$32.54 non-member
Register

Fall Programs Spotlight

Fall program registration is open! Explore the program guide and register online at cityofevanston.org/register.

Frets Away at Chandler Newberger Center

Keep making music! Whether you’re returning to guitar or ukulele or ready to expand your skills in a creative ensemble, these welcoming classes offer opportunities to build confidence, strengthen your playing, learn new songs, and explore chords, rhythm, fingerpicking, arranging, and harmony while making music with others.

• Sing & Play Acoustic Ensemble: Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. or Thursdays, 12-1:30 p.m.
• Guitar & Ukulele Skills: Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m. or 7-8:30 p.m.

Register now.

Upcoming Free Frets Away events for prospective students

Frets Away Class Showcase, Wednesday, October 21, 7 p.m., Chandler Newberger Center: Listen as our adult music students celebrate the end of their session with a live performance! Whether you’re a music lover or curious about joining a future class, come enjoy the music and cheer them on. 

Free Frets Away Guitar & Ukulele Jam, Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 806 Ridge: Bring your guitar or ukulele and join other local musicians for a relaxed, informal jam! All experience levels are welcome, and you don’t need to be enrolled in a class to participate.

Pickleball Workshops: Ages 55+

Ready to build your skills and confidence on the court? Our pickleball workshops for adults ages 55 and older combine hands-on practice and gameplay to help you improve your shots, strengthen teamwork and play more consistently. Ideal for players who know the basics and want to keep improving. Register now.

Bead-Dazzle: Ages 55+

Design jewelry that’s uniquely yours! Explore beading, wire wrapping and micro macrame as you create bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Whether you’re a beginner or have jewelry-making experience, Bead-Dazzle offers a fun way to learn techniques and express your creativity. 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