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Special Events
James Park Pickleball Courts Grand Opening: April 18
Join us for a grand opening celebration of the new pickleball courts at James Park. The event will include a ribbon cutting and open play.
Event details
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: James Park Pickleball Courts
Cost: Free
Sip, Swirl and Paint: April 24
Unleash your inner artist at Prieto's first paint and sip event! Join us for a relaxing and creative evening full of laughter and good company. Whether you're an experienced artist, looking for a way to relax, or even looking for a fun date night, this is the event for you! Registration is per person and will include one alcoholic beverage and light snacks. Additional alcohol will be available for purchase.
Event details
Date: Friday, April 24
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $38 R/$49.45 NR
Register
Monday | Plants and Pollinators
April 20 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kick off Earth Week with community partners, including Friends of the Ladd Arboretum, Ladd Arboretum Stewards, and Natural Habitat Evanston. Enjoy a Native Plant Walk & Talk, Tree Identification Walk, and a drop-in nature craft for kids. Learn about lasagna composting and planting at 4 p.m., and pick up a free native whip (seedling) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday | Water and Wetlands
April 21 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Stop by the Ecology Center from 4 to 7 p.m. for a drop-in Macroinvertebrate Workshop with Ecology staff and learn how wetlands support local ecosystems. Edible Evanston volunteers will also lead tours of their new rain garden.
Wednesday | Wildlife and Habitat
April 22 | All Day
Start the day with a morning birding walk in Perkins Woods at 7:30 a.m., then head to the Ecology Center from 4 to 7 p.m. for bird-themed activities, including a Bird Collision Workshop with Holly Greenberg, bird walks, and a drop-in table with artifacts and birding tips. Free native whips will also be available from Natural Habitat Evanston.
Thursday | Farm to Fork
April 23 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Join Evanston Grows from 4 to 7 p.m. for a vermicomposting workshop and creative art activities using veggie scraps. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn about sustainable food practices and local agriculture.
Friday | Repair Café
April 24 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bring broken items to the Ecology Center from 3 to 7 p.m. and learn how to repair and reuse with expert volunteers. Repair stations include electronics, eyeglasses, jewelry, sewing, bikes, and more, plus a music jam session for all ages.
Saturday | Earth Day Fest
April 25 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with tree plantings, tree mulching workshops, Litter Leagues, a Kids’ Zone, volunteer opportunities, and eco resources from local organizations. Be part of a special street sign unveiling at 1:30 p.m., honoring Evanston’s Natural Area Stewards.
2026 Aging Well Expo
Save the date for the 2026 Aging Well Expo! This event will feature an expo that connects older adults with local resources along with free classes and presentations.
2026 Aging Well Expo
Friday, May 8, 2026; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL
See the full lineup here.
Starlight Concerts and Movies in the Park
Here's what to know before you go:
- Concerts begin at 6:00 PM, and Movies begin at 5:30 PM and/or 7:20 PM, unless otherwise noted on the schedule
- In the event of rain, concerts will be canceled. The decision to cancel will be made by 4:00 p.m. on the show date. Please check our Facebook page.
- Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. Restaurants and/or Food trucks will be available at select concerts, as noted below.
Friday, June 19
Dawes Park at Arrington Lagoon
12-4 p.m.
This year's "Youthful" Juneteenth Celebration will be a community event that honors the historical legacy of Juneteenth while bringing people together in a spirit of unity, culture, and joy. The celebration recognizes the historic moment in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom and reflects on the continued journey toward freedom and equality for all Americans.
This inclusive event welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate through vibrant music, dancing, and cultural performances. Making community connections while supporting local food and artisan vendors.
Through shared experiences, the Juneteenth Celebration creates a space to honor freedom for all, celebrate
Evanston's Youthful Juneteenth Celebration Is Seeking Multi-Cultural Artisan Vendors
We’re seeking multicultural artisan vendors to participate in our Juneteenth Celebration! This youthful, all-inclusive event will bring the community together to celebrate freedom, culture, and creativity.
Vendor participation is free, but online registration is required. Share your art, crafts, and unique products with the community.
Summer Solstice Fire Jam
June 13, 2026
6-10 p.m.
Dawes Park at Arrington Lagoon
Celebrate the longest day of the year with Climate Action Evanston! Set to the percussive beats of local musicians, this unique theatrical event of fire performers will truly be a marvel to behold. Throughout the summer, Full Moon Jam hosts volunteer-run, not-for-profit, performances for the public during every full moon and the summer solstice.
Nature Tots and Tunes
Join the Ecology Center at parks across the city this summer for a fun and interactive outdoor experience. Bring a blanket and snacks, meet live animals, take part in nature activities, and sing along to family-friendly music from the Old Town School of Folk Music Wiggleworms.
Ages: Recommended for ages 8 years and younger
- Thursday, June 25, 2026, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Penny Park
- Thursday, July 23, 2026, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at McCulloch Park
- Thursday, August 20, 2026, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Baker Park
Food Truck Fest
June 26 | 5:30–9 p.m.
Ingraham Park, 2100 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL
Food service will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the movie will begin at 6:30 p.m.! Food Trucks Include:
- Firehouse Grill
- Culinary Gangster
- Pinoy Grill
- El Zorro Tacos
- La Cocinita
- The Fat Shallot
- Soul & Smoke
- C&W Ice Cream
- and more...
Glow in the Park
July 10 | 7–10 p.m.
Ingraham Park
Black lights, neon paint, and rockin' music from a DJ combine for a glowing good nighttime dance party! Take a selfie in the black light photo booth and hit the dance floor to move to the beat and be splashed with neon paint.
July 11
|
Activity |
Location |
Time |
Cost |
|
Noyes Art Galleries |
Noyes Cultural Arts Center |
8:30 am-7 pm |
Free |
|
Indoor Walking Track |
Robert Crown |
6 am-10 pm |
Free |
|
Public Skate* |
Robert Crown |
12:30-2 pm |
$10 Adults |
|
Let’s Play Space* |
Prieto Community Center |
1-4pm |
$5 day pass |
|
Open Ping-Pong |
Prieto Community Center |
12-3pm |
Free |
|
Free Access to Fishing* |
Lovelace Park |
10 am-12 pm |
Free |
|
Nature Therapy Walk* |
Harbert-Payne Park |
9-10:30 am |
$22 |
|
Pinewood Derby* |
Ecology Center |
2-4 pm |
$20 |
July 17
5–9 p.m.
Levy Senior Center
Take a walk down memory lane and enjoy music from local DJ Michael Stinson. Stinson be playing all of your favorite seventies hits. The event will take place in the James Park Soccer Field, next to the Levy Senior Center gymnasium. Bring your lawn chairs, friends and beverages. All are welcome.
August 4
5–9 p.m.
Ingraham Park
- A Touch-a-Truck experience
- Family-friendly activities for all ages
Saturday, August 22, 2026
12-4 PM
Robert Crown Community Center
Bring your family out for a fun-filled day of connection, creativity, and community as the school year begins. Enjoy hands-on activities for all ages, explore a family-friendly resource fair, and connect with local organizations that support children and caregivers year-round.
This joyful community celebration is a chance to meet other Evanston families, celebrate the strength of our city, and say goodbye to summer feeling supported and inspired. We’ll also honor the legacy of Dr. Marjorie Fujara and her lifelong commitment to child abuse prevention and family well-being.
September 26
12–4 p.m.
Evanston Ecology Center
Celebrate the joys of the fall season during Harvest Festival from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Evanston Ecology Center. During the free event, go on a tour of the farmette, bee apiary and food forest; and partake in fall-themed games, a pumpkin patch, a scarecrow-making contest, crafts, and more.
Want to be part of the scarecrow contest? Just bring your own costume and jump in.
Zombie Scramble
October 17
5–9 p.m.
Ladd Arboretum
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.
Bug-A-Boo
October 24 | 3–9 p.m.
Ecology Center
Our annual Halloween event highlights the creatures that call the North Shore Channel home. Learn fun facts and amazing adaptations of animals that live right here in Evanston. You’ll meet these characters (costumed volunteers) outside as you travel around the Ladd Arboretum. After your adventure, we’ll send you on your way with a fun craft to do at home. Please see Parks & Recreation Program Guide and registration
Trunk or Treat
October 30 | 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Robert Crown Parking Lot
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.
Flapjacks and Flannels
December 5
9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Levy Center
Pull on your coziest flannel and join us for a heartwarming winter morning at Flapjacks and Flannel! Families will enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, festive winter crafts, and a chance to meet Santa himself. Be sure to stop by our themed photo booth to capture the memories!
This event is perfect for kids and grown-ups alike—come hungry and ready for some holiday cheer.
Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Refunds are not provided.