Happy Friday!
It looks like the weather will finally cooperate with us this weekend. That’s good because there are a lot of outdoor activities going on around town including fishing in Lovelace Park, an all-community Block Party celebrating Bill Logan and the 32nd Annual Evanston Garden Walk. So splash on the sunblock and head outside for the first official weekend of summer!
Annual Evanston Garden Walk
Spend an afternoon strolling through eight private gardens and one church garden at the 32nd annual walk hosted by the Evanston Environmental Association.
Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Block Party: My City, Your City, Our City
As part of Evanston’s initiative to provide fun and safe activities for everyone, the city invites everyone to the Official Block Party in Harbert-Payne Park at Main Street and McDanial Avenue. This is one of several events honoring Chief William “Bill” Logan Jr. , Evanston’s first Black Chief of Police, including an honorary street-naming ceremony.
Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.
Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market
Check out what’s in season at the Farmers’ Market in the parking lot at University Avenue and Oak Street (behind Hilton Garden Inn).
Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Fishing at Lovelace Park
The free and popular program is a great way to introduce children ages 4 and up to “catch and release” fishing. Equipment and expertise are provided. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon
Get Fit Fridays at Fountain Square
The McGaw YMCA is hosting this week’s Get Fit Friday with Yoga for Men at Fountain Square on the plaza south of Davis Street. No experience necessary. While the class is designed for men, all genders are welcome.
Friday, 8 to 9 a.m.
Guided Tour of Jens Jensen Garden
Join The Evanston Public Library, Jens Jensen Gardens and the Evanston Garden Club for Parks, Plants and People: The Impact of Jens Jensen on Evanston’s Natural Environment, a lecture and educational stroll through the park. The group will meet at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. and a bus will take participants to the Lighthouse Park, 2601 Sheridan Road.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
I AM A HUMAN Exhibit at Evanston Art Center
I AM A HUMAN is an exhibit of artists from underrepresented groups of the North Shore and Chicagoland area. The artists bring their own visual perspective and concepts of how empathy plays a role in coexisting with each other as Americans. Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St.
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lecture on the Life of Betty White
Historical presenter Jim Gibbons will discuss the life of beloved actor Betty Marion White Ludden. He will explain how White’s legacy, popularity and fame kept improving with age. Registration is required. The Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
Friday, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Science Lecture at NU
Northwestern University’s Physics and Astronomy Department hosts a lecture every Saturday throughout the summer and it’s free and open to the public. Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center, 2133 Sheridan Road.
Saturday, 11 a.m. to noon.
Pride Shabbat at the lakefront
In honor of Pride Month, Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation and Rabbi Rachel Weiss, the synagogue’s first openly gay Rabbi, will welcome the public to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with two Lakefront Shabbat Services at Elliot Park, Lakeshore Boulevard at Hamilton Street.
Friday, 5:30 to 6 p.m. Pride Shabbat for Littles (geared for children under 5 and their grownups)
Friday, 6 to 7 p.m. Pride Shabbat Picnic
Friday, 7 to 8 p.m. Pride Lakefront Shabbat
Scarecrow Building Event
Help Evanston Grows build scarecrows to protect and decorate the many vegetable gardens throughout the city. The scarecrows will be featured in the Evanston Grows Float at Evanston’s 4th of July parade and will later find a permanent home in local gardens. Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center parking lot, 1655 Foster St.
Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m.
Sondhiem Tribute at Nichols Concert Hall
The Stephen Sondheim musical theater celebration will feature 11 actors and singers, backed by a professional 30-piece orchestra. Using unique storytelling, 20 Sondheim songs will be explored, both from Sondheim’s catalog of Broadway shows and film scores. Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
West End Farmers’ Market
The Central Evanston Business Association Community Farmers’ Market is held in the Y.O.U. parking lot located at the southeast corner of Church Street and Dodge Avenue.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.