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, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Fountain Square 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 on June 10, Mayor Stephen Hagerty proclaimed June as "Pride Month" in the City of Evanston, encouraging all residents to recognize the enduring efforts and ongoing contributions of the LGBTQ+ communty. The City also raised a rainbow flag outside of the Morton Civic Center in honor of Pride Month.
The Pride Fest and Thursday Night Live! schedule is as follows:
6:30-7 p.m.: Welcome statement, proclamation reading, stories
7-8:30 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.
7-9 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 svenues. 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.
More information is at www.cityofevanston.org/Home/Components/News/News/3446/17 as well as "Evanston Pride Fest at Thursday Night Live!" on Facebook.