EVANSTON, IL — Evanston has announced its 2026 Starlight Concert & Movie Series, with five outdoor concerts and seven outdoor movies planned at park locations across the city this summer.
The concert series starts Tuesday, June 9, and the movie series begins Friday, June 26.
The Starlight concerts will be held on specified Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The lineup opens June 9 at Tallmadge Park, 927 Noyes St., featuring Butter Chicken Brass Band. The schedule then continues June 30 at Larimer Park, Crain St. and Oak Ave., with DC and the Love, and July 7 at Harbert-Payne Park, McDaniel Ave. and Greenleaf St., with Max Subar.
The city said the July 7 concert is sponsored by Evanston Folk Festival, presented by SPACE. The final two concerts are set for Aug. 11 at Leah LoMar Park, Mulford St. and Welsey Ave., featuring Cecy Santana Band, and Aug. 25 at Independence Park, Central St. and Stewart Ave., featuring Soft Opening. The Aug. 25 event is listed in partnership with Central Street Takeout Picnic and sponsored by Evanston Folk Festival, presented by SPACE.
Starlight Movies return June 26 at Ingraham Park, Asbury Ave. and Leonard Place, with a screening of "Hamilton" at 6:30 p.m. The annual Food Truck Fest will begin at 5:30 p.m., with food and dessert options from on-site trucks before the movie starts, according to the city.
The movie schedule also includes a July 18 double feature at Baker Park, Forest Ave. and Keeney St., with "Shrek" at 5:30 p.m. and "School of Rock" at 7:20 p.m. Other screenings are "Superman" on July 25 at Twiggs Park, 1901 Simpson St.; an Aug. 1 double feature at Lovelace Park, Gross Point Road and Thayer Street, with "The Land Before Time" at 5:30 p.m. and "Jurassic World Rebirth" at 7 p.m.; and "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" on Aug. 29 at Leider Park in Ridgeville, South Boulevard and Asbury Avenue.
Community members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. In the event of inclement weather, concerts and movies will be canceled, and the decision to cancel will be made by 4 p.m. on the show date, according to the city. Residents can check the Evanston Parks & Recreation Facebook page or contact 311 by calling or texting 847-448-4311. More information is available at cityofevanston.org/starlight.
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