Dogs and their owners gathered on the East Lawn of Evanston's Harley Clarke Mansion on Sunday, Aug. 30, for a free community event called Harley Barke.

The event celebrated National Dog Month with a 20-minute guided meditation led by Sarah Rulseh of Heaven Meets Earth Yoga Studio. Dogs settled in alongside their humans on the lakefront lawn at 2603 Sheridan Road, starting at 11:30 a.m. A social hour followed with drinks, free dog treats and mingling among two- and four-legged attendees.

"The dogs seemed really relaxed, and tails were definitely wagging," said Scott Henry, principal and CEO of Celadon Partners. "We'll definitely do this again!"

No meditation experience was required. The event listing on EvanstonMade.org noted that dogs naturally respond to human energy and emotional cues, and that when their person reaches a calmer state, it can help an anxious dog learn to settle down.

Harley Barke is part of a growing lineup of programming at the mansion. The Evanston City Council voted 7-1 in March 2025 to approve a 40-year lease with Celadon to redevelop, restore and operate the 1927 property as a community event venue, according to the Evanston Roundtable.

Construction is expected to begin this fall, with the mansion slated to open for tours and events in late 2027, according to the mansion's website. Before work starts, Celadon has activated the grounds with temporary pavilions. The Harley Clarke Beer Garden operates on the East Lawn Friday through Sunday. A coffee pop-up runs Saturdays and Sundays on the West Lawn, and C&W Ice Cream of Evanston serves pop-ups Fridays through Sundays.

The property also hosted the awards ceremony and after-party for the 27th Annual Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate on June 21, according to Patch.

Events at Harley Clarke continue through Labor Day weekend and into the fall, with live music, food and entertainment on the lawn. Upcoming event details are listed on the mansion's website.