Thursday, November 5, 2026 | View in browser
There’s a lot happening around town! Read below for information about new e-bike rules, free holiday parking, the Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book & Toy Drive, winter program registration, and more.
 Know before you buy
Thinking about buying an e-bike, e-scooter, or other electric ride this holiday season? Make sure you know the rules before you buy!
A new Illinois law, Senate Bill 3484, takes effect January 1, 2027, changing how certain electric bikes, scooters, and other electric transportation devices are regulated. Here's what you should know before purchasing:
Low-speed e-bikes: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes reach up to 20 mph and require riders to be 15 or older. Class 3 e-bikes reach up to 28 mph and require riders to be 16 or older. No driver’s license, registration, or insurance is needed. They are prohibited on sidewalks.
High-speed e-bikes and e-motos: These more powerful devices will be regulated as motor-driven cycles, requiring a driver’s license, registration, title, and insurance. They’re prohibited on sidewalks and bike lanes/paths.
E-scooters and other electric devices: Riders of electric skateboards, scooters, and unicycles must be 16 or older. These devices aren’t allowed on sidewalks and must follow posted speed and roadway restrictions.
Celebrate "A Bright Night for the Arts"
Join artists, arts organizations, neighbors, and friends for "A Bright Night for the Arts" on Thurs., Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in the Noyes Cultural Center, 927 Noyes St. The evening features music, performances, and presentations celebrating creativity across Evanston, including artists and organizations supported through the Arts Council’s Cultural Fund and Special Projects Grants. Stay afterward for a reception with food, beverages, and time to connect. RSVP to attend!
 Holiday Parking: Free for 2026!
The City is making local holiday shopping easy this year by offering a “Holiday Parking: Free for 2026” promotion. Community members and visitors to Evanston’s business districts will enjoy up to two hours of free parking daily from November 25, 2026, through January 1, 2027.
How to get free parking: Users can simply enter the code "Evanston2026" while using the Park Evanston app to access two hours of free street parking. This offer is valid for app users once per day per account.
Give back with the Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book & Toy Drive
Help ensure every Evanston family can celebrate this holiday season by donating new toys and games, new or gently used children’s books, and non-perishable holiday meal items. View drop-off locations.
Prefer to give money? A tax-deductible online donation to the Evanston Parks Foundation helps them buy food and toys in bulk.
Are you a family in need this holiday season? Food and toy bags will be distributed on December 9, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center. You do not need to register in advance to receive a food bag, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. You do, however, need to register for toy and book bags. To register, you must first be approved for Access Evanston. Learn more.
 Winter fun starts here!
Winter program registration: Registration for Evanston residents opens at 9 a.m. on Mon., Nov. 9, at cityofevanston.org/register. Nonresident registration opens Mon., Nov. 16. Start building your wishlist online now so you’re ready when registration opens.
Winter Program Guide: Explore classes, activities, and events for all ages in the Winter Program Guide. Stay active, get creative, and meet new neighbors this winter!
More News and Events
Make a plan for your post-Halloween pumpkins
Rescue your Halloween pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns from withering on the front porch by dropping them off to be composted at the 11th annual “It's the Great Pumpkin Compost Collection” event on Sat., Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Morton Civic Center parking lot.
Donate and volunteer for the Fall Food Drive
Evanston Community Cares is hosting a fall food drive at ETHS to serve up to 500 families. Drop off donations at the Fieldhouse on Sat., Nov. 7, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Distribution is Sun., Nov. 8, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Help by shopping the donation list, giving grocery gift cards, or volunteering.
Don’t miss The Niceties at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Only four performances remain of The Niceties at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. Eleanor Burgess’s gripping drama, directed by Tim Rhoze, follows a student whose meeting with her professor escalates into an urgent debate about race, history, and power. Catch it Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through November 15. Purchase tickets today.
Holiday kickoff on Central Street
Ring in the holiday season on Central Street on Sat., Nov. 14. Spend the day exploring the neighborhood’s local shops and restaurants, many offering special deals. Hop aboard a free trolley to travel up and down the street, and watch for entertainment pop-ups along the way. Then gather at Independence Park for a 5 p.m. tree lighting. More info.
Fall into Church & Dodge
Join us for the first Church & Dodge Fall Festival on Sun., Nov. 8, from noon to 5 p.m. at 1623 Dodge Ave. (Rain location: Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center) to enjoy vendors, music, food, and family fun.
It's time to renew your pet licenses
Don’t forget to register your furry friends for 2027! Pet registration renewal letters will be mailed by November 6, and 2027 licenses are available now. Make sure to submit your renewals by December 31 to keep your pet official, safe, and beach-ready! Renewal is easy at cityofevanston.org/pet.
Become a Dementia Friend
Learn about dementia, how to communicate with people living with it, and ways to support neighbors affected by it. Attend a free session led by a Dementia Friends Champion on Tues., Nov. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at 430 Asbury Ave. Questions? Email lruiz@cityofevanston.org or call 847-708-7300.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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