Chicago-based artists and cultural organizations take center stage in 200 parks across the city offering over 1,200 hours of cultural programming, including the Movies in the Parks program that launches June 9.
CHICAGO- The Chicago Park District is proud to present the full calendar of events for the 14th year of the signature summer events series, Night Out in the Parks. Night Out in the Parks is one of the premiere providers of cultural programming in Chicago, bringing together a large variety of locally based artists and organizations to offer over 1,000 hours of free performances. This event series takes place in every community in Chicago, activating neighborhoods and parks throughout the season. A full lineup of events can be viewed at www.nightoutintheparks.com.
This weekend Switch on Summer event hosted in partnership with ComEd at Chicago’s historic Buckingham Fountain, unofficially ushered in the summer and treated attendees to a small taste of the amazing performances that park patrons will experience citywide all summer long. These partners included Clinard Dance with the Steadfast Dance Center, Hearing in Color’s Chroma chorus, and Bollywood Groove. In addition, eventgoers interacted with the Chicago Creative Reuse Exchange at their maker space booth, and the wandering performers of the Point Theatre Project and Jabberwocky Marionettes. Patrons will be able to see these performers and the breath of Chicago’s talent in parks across the city. Below is a list of the parks where the artists that participated at the Night Out in the Parks kick-of event will be showcasing their talents this summer.
In addition, a select number of Night Out in the Parks performances will be part of the Chicago Park District’s celebration of the 250th Anniversary of America- Chicago’s Parks, America’s Stage! These performances focus on democracy, civil liberties, racial, social, and environmental justice, diversity, and culture. They commemorate the country’s semiquincentennial and continue the important work of strengthening our parks, our communities and our city for the next generation and beyond.
“The Chicago Park District is proud to provide yet another year of free, world class cultural programming to residents right in their very own neighborhoods as part of the Night Out in The Parks event series,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent & CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “This free event series also provides a grand stage to our locally based artists.”
The 14th annual Night Out in the Parks features over 600 cultural events to each of the city's 77 community areas. This year, 102 Chicago-based artists will perform in 200 parks citywide. All events are offered with free admission to promote wide reach and attendance in every community across the city.
The Chicago Park District’s ‘Text to Subscribe’ feature continues to provide park patrons with details about Night Out in the Parks events. Patrons are encouraged to sign-up for updates sent directly to their phones by texting the words ‘Night Out’ to (833) 270-0707.
Connect with the Park District and Night Out Performers by using the hashtag #NightOutInTheParks to share photos of your Night Out in the Parks experiences for an opportunity to see them reposted on the Chicago Park District’s social media channels.
During this weekend’s announcement, park patrons also enjoyed a preview of the new mobile seating that will be available at Buckingham Fountain for the first-time ever later this year. Inspired by the movable seats of a similar design at the Luxembourg Garden, Tuileries Garden and Palais-Royal Garden in Paris, these chairs will provide Grant Park patrons with an improved social space, opportunities to enjoy multiple views of the park’s iconic locations, and more leisure time spent enjoying the summer outdoors. An announcement about the chairs’ full debut will be made later this spring.
“This welcome addition to our iconic space invites you to experience Chicago from stunning new perspectives,” said Ramirez-Rosa. “I am also excited to announce that posting about those amazing views from the chairs at Buckingham Fountain will be that much simpler with the recent installation of Wi-Fi at the Fountain that is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.”
This year’s events and performances by new and returning partners include:
Films
Movies in the Parks
June 9 – September 12, screening multiple dates and park locations
The Chicago Park District's signature summer movie program, Movies in the Parks, returns to parks across the city beginning June 9th with the musical sensation, Annie at Belmont Harbor. Screenings continue Mondays-Saturdays in over 120 parks citywide through September 12th. This year's 175 screenings will feature over 90 different film screenings for everyone to enjoy from children and young families, to fans of classic cinema, comedies, classic adventures and local film lovers. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/movies and/or Facebook.com/ChicagoParks.Movies.
Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase
Monday, August 24 – Saturday, August 29
Chicago Onscreen, the Chicago Park District's annual celebration of Chicago-made film and local filmmakers, will take over the parks from August 24-29 for its 13th season. 2026’s Official Selections, made in Chicago by Chicagoans, will be featured in a week of screenings in parks across the city.
New this year:
NEW PARTNER: Cabrini Art House: Party on the Blacktop
Step into the story of Cabrini-Green—past, present, and reimagined. Party on the Blacktop—named for the paved gathering spaces at the base of the Cabrini high-rises where neighbors-built community—brings that spirit to life through an interactive exhibition and joyful block party. Featuring photos, artifacts, storytelling, music, games, and art-making, this all-ages experience is led by former Cabrini residents Dr. Cher’Don Reynolds and Marques “Merk” Elliston, co-founders of Cabrini Art House. Join us to reflect, connect, and celebrate a community whose story is still being written.
Stanton Park 18-Jul Saturday 1:00 PM 5:00 PM
NEW PARTNER: Center of Peruvian Arts: Celebrating Peruvian Independence through Arts
The Center of Peruvian Arts celebrates Peruvian Independence through Indigenous, Afro-Peruvian, and Amazonian music, dance, and culture. Each event features live performances highlighting traditional dances and their cultural significance, exploring themes of spirituality, community, and resilience. After 45 minutes, dancers invite attendees of all ages and abilities to join a participatory dance workshop. Events include cultural storytelling and authentic Peruvian foods, fostering inclusivity, diversity, and shared identity.
Blackhawk Park 20-Jun Saturday 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
Portage Park 25-Jul Saturday 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
Dunham Park 22-Aug Saturday 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
NEW PARTNER: Abby Thompson: Alex in Windyland
Alex in Windyland is a new play about the complexities of the foster care system. The day before her 12th birthday, Alex is taken from her sister and transported onto a train called Windyland. Windyland is a magical liminal space where Alex faces new challenges, finds new friends, and goes on adventures. Will Alex be reunited with her sister? Will she find a forever home? The clock is ticking, and the train keeps running.
Mayfair Park 10-Jul Friday 6:30 PM 8:00 PM
Homan Square Park 11-Jul Saturday 11:30 AM 1:00 PM
Kennedy Park 11-Jul Saturday 5:30 PM 7:00 PM
NEW PARTNER - Bollywood Groove: Bollywood Groove Indian Dances & Stories
Get ready to GROOVE! Transform your evening into a Bollywood bash with Bollywood Groove Indian Dances & Stories! We’re bringing the high-octane energy of India straight to your local park. This will be an all-out cultural party where ancient folktales meet modern beats. Watch spectacular performances, then jump in to learn the moves yourself! Whether you’re a tiny dancer or a cool grandparent, you’ll be grooving to the rhythm of the Dhol in no time.
Mary Bartelme Park 8-Aug Saturday 6:30 PM 7:30 PM
Arrigo Park 11-Aug Tuesday 6:30 PM 7:30 PM
Seward Park 14-Nov Saturday 3:00 PM 4:00 PM
NEW PARTNER - Point Theatre Project: Gladiator Fight Out
Point Theatre Project turns their “Gladiator Fight Night” into an outdoor extravaganza full of fun and learning for all ages. Chicago icons battle each other for the championship, in this interactive, bracket style show. Audiences will cheer on their favorites through each round. Who wins? You decide! Once the winner is crowned, stick around to learn how to wield a weapon yourself. We’ll offer a workshop where participants can learn the basics of stage combat, and keep each other safe, while making cool fights! Let’s Fight nicely!
Berger Park Cultural Center 17-Jul Friday 6:00 PM 7:30 PM
Ridge Park 18-Jul Saturday 1:00 PM 2:30 PM
Wilson (John P.) Park 24-Jul Friday 6:00 PM 7:30 PM
NEW PARTNER: B4Lasers: Beatmakers Toolbox
Beatmaker’s Toolbox, curated by B4Lasers and UniqMoniq, is a community-driven event series bringing Chicago’s beat culture into the parks. Each event features live beat sets, production demos, and interactive workshops designed to connect producers, artists, and neighbors of all ages.
Jensen Park 6-Jun Saturday 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Margaret Burroughs Beach 16-Jul Thursday 12:00 PM 2:00 PM
Steelworkers Park 1-Aug Saturday 7:30 PM 9:30 PM
NEW PARTNER - Hearing in Color: We the People
Hearing in Color brings its resident vocal ensemble, Chroma, to the parks for We the People, a dynamic concert about belonging and justice. As part of the Chroma in the Parks series, this program features music by Chicago-based composers like Ayanna Woods and Jalen Scott, alongside selections inspired by artists like Beyoncé. Blending contemporary classical works, reimagined favorites, and new voices, we'll explore what it means to feel welcome - and how do we celebrate the many voices that shape our community.
Dunbar Park 19-Sep Saturday 3:00 PM 4:00 PM
Park No. 568 (West Ridge Nature Preserve) 2-Sep Wednesday 6:00 PM 7:00 PM
Douglas Park Cultural and Community Center 16-Oct Friday 6:00 PM 8:00 PM
Highlights: Night Out in the Parks Partners – celebrating world culture
Lucy Smith: America: Songs of Protest and Freedom
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. America: Songs and Stories of Protest and Freedom is a multi-genre concert of spoken word and music. It’s written and narrated by award-winning journalist, Cheryl Corley, and features a stellar band lead by singer/songwriter Lucy Smith.
Seward Park 25-Jul Saturday 6:00 PM 7:30 PM
Clarendon Park Community Center 22-Aug Saturday 5:00 PM 6:30 PM
Washington Park 19-Sep Saturday 3:00 PM 4:30 PM
GF Productions: Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival
This joyous celebration of trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people of all ages and backgrounds. Come out to witness art that pushes beyond any binary you could imagine including dance, drag, music, DJs, circus, puppeteering, standup and sketch comedy, live painting, flow arts, fashion exhibitions, and experimental performance art.
Eckhart Park 13-Aug Thursday 4:00 PM 6:00 PM
Gill Park 14-Aug Friday 6:00 PM 8:00 PM
Hamilton Park 15-Aug Saturday 11:00 AM 3:00 PM
Crossing Borders: Proud and Loud: Disability Art and Music
Proud and Loud: Disability Art and Music Showcase is a new, multi-arts experience for EVERYONE that affirms that the opposite of “oppression” is “expression”! Come to help make a community mural and enjoy performances by dancers Ladonna Freidheim, Hana Javed, Robby Lee Williams, Alexis Smith, musician Victoria Boateng, performance artists Rachel Singer and Cherlnell Lane, plus music by composers with disabilities and music by West-side youth performed by the Crossing Borders Music String Quartet! The mural-making is led and the program curated by Chicago artist and Disability activist Genevieve Ramos. ASL provided.
Kosciuszko Park 27-Jul Monday 5:00 PM 7:00 PM
Garfield Park 19-Sep Saturday 10:00 AM 12:00 PM
Chicago Creative Reuse Exchange (CCRx): Imagination Station
The Imagination Station with the Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange is an all-ages craft station that focuses on reusing everyday items and recycled goods into craft projects. Come make a craft with us, and get inspired to reuse your everyday items you no longer have use for!
McKinley Park 29-Aug Saturday 12:00 PM 3:30 PM
Byrnes (Marian) Park 13-Jun Saturday 2:00 PM 4:00 PM
Lawler Park 7-Jul Tuesday 4:00 PM 6:00 PM
Olympia Park 22-Jul Wednesday 7:00 PM 8:30 PM
Margaret Burroughs Beach 16-Jul Thursday 11:00 AM 1:00 PM
Marquette Park 30-Jun Tuesday 5:00 PM 7:00 PM
Dance in the Parks: Dance in the Parks - Summer Sunset
18th season features seven professional dancers performing six world‑premiere contemporary works by Chicago choreographers. This family‑friendly, come‑as‑you‑are performance invites casual viewing, curious newcomers, and joyful dancing‑along from your lawn chair or blanket.
Kennicott Park 7-Jul Tuesday 6:30 PM 7:45 PM
Jefferson Playlot Park 8-Jul Wednesday 6:30 PM 7:45 PM
Oakdale Park 21-Jul Tuesday 6:30 PM 7:45 PM
Rutherford Sayre Park 17-Jul Friday 6:30 PM 7:45 PM
Beverly Park 14-Jul Tuesday 6:30 PM 7:45 PM
Touhy Park 24-Jul Friday 6:30 PM 7:45 PM
McKinley Park 10-Jul Friday 6:30 PM 7:45 PM
Palmer Park 22-Jul Wednesday 6:30 PM 7:45 PM
West Pullman Park 13-Jul Monday 6:30 PM 7:45 PM
Independence Park 20-Jul Monday 6:30 PM 7:45 PM
Kitt Lyles: Kitt Lyles’ Arabic Jazz Project
Kitt Lyles’ Arabic Jazz Project features Chicago jazz and Arabic music mainstays Kitt Lyles (bass), Ronnie Malley (oud/percussion), Bryan Pardo (clarinet), Joaquin Garcia (piano), and Yuri Hevia (drums/percussion). Drawing on the unique musical expertise of each band member, from Arabic and Turkish Maqam to Chilean folkloric music, the band will present a bold repertoire of traditional Middle Eastern/North African songs, contemporary Arabic jazz, and original compositions. Their set explores rhythms and melodies from across the Arabic speaking world with influences from contemporary jazz, Afro-latin jazz, and South American folkloric music.
Eugene Field Park 7-Jul Tuesday 6:00 PM 7:30 PM
Kolmar Playlot Park 15-Jul Wednesday 6:00 PM 7:30 PM
Douglass Park Cultural and Community Center 2-Oct Friday 6:00 PM 8:00 PM
History of Night Out in the Parks
Launched in the summer of 2013, Night Out in the Parks brings world-class arts performances, including theater, dance and live music to neighborhood parks across the city providing residents with access to world-class cultural opportunities. Park neighborhood activations foster a long-time appreciation for the arts and parks among diverse audiences and continue to create safe spaces for entertainment and educational experiences to thrive throughout the year. Since its inception, Night Out in the Parks has provided thousands of hours of safe, diverse, and unique arts programming. A portion of the funding is provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).
301 S. Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
United States