Evanston Parks & Recreation

Save the date!
Sweet Summer Send-Off with Be Strong Families NFP at Robert Crown Community Center (1801 Main Street).

August 22
12-4 PM

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.

The World Cup action is bigger on the big screen! Join Northwestern University and the City of Evanston for a free Watch Party on Thursday, June 25 at the Robert Crown Turf Fields from 9-11 p.m. as Team USA takes on Türkiye. Watch every moment on a giant 16-foot screen, cheer alongside fellow fans and enjoy an unforgettable night of soccer and community spirit. Beer, wine and concessions will be available for purchase from the on-site concession trailer.

World Cup Watch Party: June 25

Join the City's Parks & Recreation Department and Northwestern Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations for an outdoor World Cup Watch Party on Thursday, June 25, at 9 p.m. at the Robert Crown Community Center outdoor soccer fields (1801 Main Street).

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, gather your crew, and join us for a night of World Cup soccer under the stars. Cheer on the USA team as they take on Turkey. Come early around 8:30 p.m. and come hungry because there will be hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and beverages for purchase.

Plus, enjoy free popcorn from Northwestern while supplies last.

Join the Ecology Center for the first Nature Tots & Tunes event of the summer at Penny Park on Thursday, June 25, 5–7 p.m. Bring a blanket and snacks, meet live animal ambassadors, explore hands-on nature activities, and sing and dance along with the Old Town School of Folk Music Wiggleworms at this free event.
-Thursday, June 25
-5–7 p.m.
-Penny Park, 1500 Lake St.
-Free
The event is free but please register online at cityofevanston.org or call (847) 448-8256.

Don’t throw away your shot to eat well and connect with your neighbors in the park.

Food Truck Fest this Friday (June 26) at Ingraham Park (2100 Ridge Ave). Food Service begins at 5:30 PM, and Hamilton begins at 6:30 PM.

Future World Cup stars in the making! While the world's best players compete on the international stage, Evanston Parks & Recreation campers are sharpening their skills closer to home. We're having a ball this summer—and there's still time to join the fun! Explore sports, arts, ecology, specialty and accessibility camps at cityofevanston.org/register.

Little foodies, this one's for you! Join us at the Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market this Saturday, June 20, and help your child start building their very own Spud Club Cookbook. This month's featured recipe is Pizza Bagels with Smashed Cherry Tomato Sauce! Kids can pick up a recipe card at the Spud Club tent, then explore the market to "shop" for fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, basil and garlic scapes from local vendors.

-Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market
-Saturday, June 20
-7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
-Free

Celebrate Juneteenth with us today, June 19, at Arrington Lagoon and the lakefront at Dawes Park! Join the community from 12–4 p.m. for an afternoon of live music, dance, cultural performances, local food vendors and artisan makers as we honor freedom, celebrate community and reflect on the ongoing journey toward equality.

Entertainment Lineup:
-Opening Ceremony & Welcome – 12:20 p.m.
-GreenTTea & The Tempos – 1 p.m.
-DJ Corey Bless – 2:15 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.
-NAJWA Dance Corps – 2:30 p.m.
-Dawes Park, Arrington Lagoon
-12–4 p.m.
-Free

Reserving a picnic site just got a little easier! New signs with QR codes are being installed in several parks. Simply scan the QR code to view available picnic areas and reserve your spot online. When not reserved, picnic areas are available for free use on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more: www.cityofevanston.org/picnic-permits