July 25, 2026

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July 25, 2026 ★

Family Fest

Saturday, July 25

12-4 PM
Twiggs Park
1901 Simpson St, Evanston

We'll enjoy DJ entertainment, face painting & balloon animals, BBQ, inflatables, games, and more. Community Partner tents will hold giveaways and pass out free swag!

No registration or tickets are required.
Please leave your pets at home.

After Dark

Saturday, July 25

4-11 PM AT
Double Clutch Brewing Company
(2121 Ashland Ave, Evanston)

In the evening we'll regroup for live music, craft brews, and delicious food. After Dark is open to all and pay what you can, with a free registration option! Just make sure to still register so we know you're coming.

Please leave your pets at home
No outside food and drink allowed

Block Party 2026 Sponsors

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Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in volunteering at the Block Party?

A variety of opportunities are available to help make this event successful!

Join Us for Our Biggest Event of the Year!

Block Party 2026 Community Partners

Why Block Party?

Every summer, we look forward to gathering with our neighbors at Twiggs Park for music, games, balloon animals, and more at Connections’ annual Block Party. Your attendance has shown us that you appreciate the party too. The crowds have grown steadily over the years. Despite a stormy forecast last summer, we had over a thousand people show up to Twiggs Park and 500 more at our After Dark party at Double Clutch Brewery.

As we rush to put the finishing touches on the Fifth Annual Block Party on July 25, it’s worth remembering why we took this big leap of faith in the first place.

In 2021, COVID prevented us from hosting Thrive in person, our traditional gala and fundraising event, which was cost-prohibitive for the people who use our services, as well as many of our volunteers and other partners. The pandemic nudged us toward a different model, one that embodies Connections’ values of inclusivity. Instead of hosting an exclusive party indoors, we decided to host a party outside for everybody—for free—in Evanston’s historic Fifth Ward.

Before we knew it, that kernel of an idea became our signature event, one that’s well-loved in the community by our donors, volunteers, community members, and program participants. It’s a space where we intentionally, yet organically bring people together to learn more about our work—whether it’s to support or partner with us, or to receive services.

Each year, the Block Party brings together a diverse group of people who care about ending homelessness. Former participants who are stably housed reconnect with their case managers. Dedicated volunteers inspire new volunteers. Neighbors drawn to our mission give for the first time. Community partners deepen their collaboration, while others show up for the BBQ and face painting, and that's fine too! Everyone has a place at the Block Party.