Special Events & Activities

We’re planning an exciting lineup of events to celebrate our milestone year. Highlights include:

McGaw YMCA 140th Birthday Celebration | Monday, November 17, 2025:

Cake with the CEO & Author Talk | 5:00-7:00PM: Join us in the Chinnock Lounge on November 17 as we celebrate 140 years of the McGaw YMCA! Gather in the Chinnock Lounge with President & CEO Monique Parsons and Shorefront Legacy Center Founder Morris (Dino) Robinson, who will present the newly revised second edition of Gatherings: The History and Activities of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA. This comprehensive work traces the Emerson Street Y’s history, from its founding and enduring legacy to the circumstances that led to its closure and demolition, and the ongoing journey toward community healing.

A book signing will take place immediately after. Enjoy birthday cake and YMCA swag (while supplies last), sign our birthday card, and celebrate this milestone moment with us. This event is free and open to the public!

Festivities for members, staff and guests will take place earlier in the day in the Main Lobby and Children’s Center with giveaways and a giant birthday card—stop by and celebrate with us!

Community Family Fun Night: Birthday Bash – November 21, 2025 | 5:30-7:30PM: The celebration continues at the McGaw YMCA Family Fun Night Birthday Bash! Bring the whole family for an evening of glow-in-the-dark fun, including a dance party, bounce house, and more. This event is open to the public, and registration is requested, but not required. RSVP here.

Giving Tuesday – December 2, 2025 | All Day; online: Be part of this global day of giving! Support the McGaw Y and consider joining our Giving Circle by becoming a recurring donor. Donate here.

Annual Meeting – December 9, 2025 | 6:00-7:00PM: The Annual Meeting of the Membership will be held on Tuesday, December 9, at 6:00 p.m. Members are invited to meet new board members and to hear from Monique Parsons, President/CEO. This event is open to current McGaw Y members only; registration required.

Y140 Party – January 24, 2026 | 7:00-10:00PM: The celebration continues at our signature fundraising event! The Y140 Party, presented by Northwestern University, honors our 140 years of community impact and connection. Learn more and buy tickets at mcgawymca.org/yparty.

YMCA Day of Giving – May 7, 2026 | All Day:
Help us create brighter futures in Evanston by supporting the Y’s mission on this special day of giving. Help us reach our Day of Giving goal of 140 donors on May 7 by contributing online, in person, or by phone.

Healthy Kids Day® – April 25, 2026 | 10:00AM-2:00PM: Stop by the Y for a day all about families and kids, with activities that promote wellness, play, and fun! Free and open to the public. Registration requested.