City Announces Operations and Community Information for the July 4 Holiday

The City of Evanston has released its service and facility schedules for the Independence Day holiday, observed on Friday, July 3, and celebrated on Saturday, July 4.

Refuse Collection

All refuse and recycling collections will occur as scheduled and will not be affected by the holiday. 

Facilities

• Morton City Hall and the Robert Crown Library Branch will be closed on July 3 and July 4. 

• On Friday, July 3, the Main Evanston Public Library is open, but will be closed on July 4.

• All community centers will also be closed on Saturday, July 4, except the Robert Crown Community Center. The Robert Crown Community Center will be open from 6 a.m to 10 p.m.

• The fields at the Robert Crown Community Center will be hosting morning games on July 4, starting at 9 a.m. Additionally, the Robert Crown Community Center will serve as a cooling center for community members seeking relief from the heat. Transportation to a cooling center will be available for community members in need. Community members can contact 3-1-1 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 847-866-5000 for assistance.

311 Center 

Evanston’s 311 Center will be open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3. On Saturday, July 4, the Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours will be extended as needed. 

Beaches

• All Evanston Beaches will operate normally on Friday, July 3.

• Evanston beaches, including Greenwood, Lighthouse, Lee Street, and South Boulevard, will be open for swimming on Saturday, July 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and a beach pass will be required for access. Clark Street Beach will be closed on July 4 for the fireworks display setup and show. Lifeguards will be staffed across all three shifts to help ensure beach safety during the holiday.  

• The Evanston Dog Beach will open from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on July 4 and will reopen at 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 5. 

• Watercraft rentals will not be available on Saturday, July 4, and all rental operations will be suspended for the day in observance of the holiday. 

• Cafe au Lake at Arrington Lagoon will open at 8 a.m. on July 4 and remain open through the fireworks display, closing shortly afterward.

Parking

• Parking meters/pay boxes and downtown parking garages will be free on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, and regular parking enforcement will be suspended both days. 

• Press (media) parking will be available at Church Street and Sheridan Road.  

• On July 4, vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed starting at 6 a.m., with a second wave beginning on Central Street at 10 a.m. Towed vehicles can be retrieved through North Shore Towing at 2527 Oakton St.

Parade Route & Lakefront Firework Road Closures and Parking Restrictions

Please see a list of Parade Route Road closures and parking restrictions.

View a detailed interactive map with all closures and parking restrictions or specific timeframes by selecting the preferred layer here. Community members are encouraged to avoid these areas. 

Independence Day Celebration

The Evanston Fourth of July Association will host their annual celebration on Saturday, July 4, including morning games, a Kids' Fun Run, a parade at 2 p.m. on Central Street, a concert by the Palatine Concert Band, fireworks at the lakefront, and more! View a complete listing of Independence Day festivities.

Additional City Reminders

Traffic and safety updates: Updates regarding traffic, parking, and more can be found on the Evanston Police Department's X account @EvanstonPD. Please report any suspicious activities that can cause harm to others by calling 911. 

Drones: To support public safety, the Evanston Police Department will deploy drones during the parade and fireworks, and residents can expect an increased security presence throughout the day. 

Firework safety: The use of fireworks is illegal in Evanston, including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles. Unauthorized fireworks pose serious risks of injury, fire, and noise disturbances, especially for children, pets, and veterans. Evanston Police will be enforcing laws prohibiting fireworks. Community members may report illegal fireworks by calling 847-866-5000 (police non-emergency line).

For more information, please call or text 847-448-4311, or simply dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.