In an effort to extend Pride celebrations past the month of June, the City of Evanston will host an inaugural Evanston Pride Fest on Thursday, July 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Fountain Square South Plaza. Pride Fest will occur in coordination with the Thursday Night Live! event hosted by Downtown Evanston. Admission is free and open to all ages.
At the City Council meeting held on June 10, Mayor Stephen Hagerty proclaimed June 2019 as “Pride Month” in the City of Evanston, encouraging all residents to recognize the enduring efforts and ongoing contributions of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer communities. The City also raised a rainbow flag outside of the Morton Civic Center in honor of Pride Month, showing its commitment to diversity and inclusion in Evanston.
Pride Fest and Thursday Night Live! schedule:
6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Welcome statement, proclamation reading, stories
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: “Let’s Play” mobile recreation trailer, chalk art activity by One River School, button making by niceLena & Friends, wax hand making by Waxed Hands, Evanston Pride selfie/photo area.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Classic rock cover band “Chicken Bone,” Smylie Brothers Brewing Company tent, Downtown Evanston sponsor and vendor tents
Fountain Square is located at Davis Street, between Sherman and Orrington Avenues. Orrington Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from Grove to Davis Streets from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sherman Avenue will be open to vehicular traffic.
For more information, please call or text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents in Evanston may simply dial 3-1-1.