The annual 'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party will return to kick off the back-to-school season with a celebration for the entire community. Save the date for Thursday, September 7, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., as the festivities take over Evanston Township High School's Lazier Field, located at Church Street and Hartrey Avenue.

The 'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party promises an evening filled with fun, excitement, and entertainment for people of all ages. Event highlights include:

• Games and activities: There will be a wide variety of family-friendly games, inflatables, arts & crafts, and information tables set up by community organizations. 

• Live music: Guests will enjoy the spirited sounds of the ETHS and NU marching bands as they perform on the field.

• Rousing pep rally: Students can show off their school and community spirit during the pep rally. There will be speeches by City and school district leaders and sports team captains. 

• Culinary delights: There will be an assortment of delicious food trucks including La Cocinita, Soul & Smoke, Mustard's Last Stand, Rainbow Cone, and Cookies with Flavor. There will also be free snacks available.

Following the Thursday event, community members are invited to attend ETHS and NU football games. The ETHS Wildkits will host William Fremd High School on Friday, September 8 and the Northwestern Wildcats will host UTEP on Saturday, September 9. 

Admission to the event is free and parking will be available at ETHS. This event is sponsored by the City of Evanston, Northwestern's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations, Northwestern's Department of Athletics and Recreation, Evanston Township High School, and Evanston/Skokie School District 65. 

For more information, please visit cityofevanston.org/kitsandcats, or call or text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.