Unhealthy Air Quality & Extreme Heat Alert: The Illinois EPA has declared an Air Pollution Action Day for the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area for Thursday, July 16, 2026. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to exceed 150, reaching the RED category for unhealthy air quality. Park District programs may be moved indoors, have limited time outdoors, or be canceled. Stay safe! Learn more: Air Quality Alert | Park Cooling Centers
The Chicago Park District provides Arts & Culture Programs for all ages. Our experienced instructors and committed community partners offer guidance and open studios for a variety of mediums and skill levels. In addition, the Park District partners with renowned local arts organizations for programs, special events, and performances. At Chicago Park District Cultural Centers, you can find cultural programming including classes in art, music, dance and more; exciting events and unique cultural spaces. These facilities are located in neighborhoods throughout the city, making it easy to expand your cultural horizons. As part of the Culture in My Neighborhood initiative, a $40 million capital investment will be made to the City’s network of 15 cultural centers, upgrading their theater, music, dance, and visual art presentation capabilities.
Programs
Events
371 Events
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Bessemer
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Gill
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Jackson
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Margate
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at McKinley
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Park No. 596
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Pianos in the Parks at Bessemer
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Bessemer
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Pianos in the Parks at Gill
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Gill
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Pianos in the Parks at Jackson
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Jackson
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Pianos in the Parks at Margate
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Margate
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Pianos in the Parks at McKinley
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at McKinley
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Pianos in the Parks at Park No. 596
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Park No. 596
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Pianos in the Parks at Park No. 596
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Park No. 596
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Pianos in the Parks at South Shore
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at South Shore
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Pianos in the Parks at South Shore
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at South Shore
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
Pianos in the Parks at Washington Square
Jun 21 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
Pianos in the Parks at Washington Square
This runs daily from June 21 through July 31 during field house hours.
TRACE Summer Internship Opportunity at Austin Town Hall
Jun 22 -
Jul 31
Jul 31
TRACE Summer Internship Opportunity at Austin Town Hall
Jun 22, 9:00 AM - Jul 31, 5:00 PM
TRACE Summer Internship Opportunity at Hamilton
Imagination Station at Burroughs Beach
Beatmaker's Toolbox at Burroughs Beach
Circus in the Park at Maplewood
Grant Park Music Festival String Fellows at Lake Shore
Movies in the Parks at Commercial Club
Movies in the parks at Dunham
Movies in the Parks at Wicker
Dance to Chinatown! at Armour Square
Hip Hop Comic Con at La Follette
Friday Night Summer Concert Series at Kilbourn
Gladiator Fight Out in the Parks at Berger
Dance in the Parks - Summer Sunset at Rutherford Sayre
Folklorico in the Park at Mann
Movies in the Parks at Fuller
Movies in the Parks at Homan Square
Movies in the Parks at Lincoln
Jul
17
17
Movies in the Parks at Lincoln
Location Notes
This movie will be at Belmont Harbor located @ N. Lake Shore Dr. and Belmont Ave. The screening will take place in the grass field near the AIDS Garden.
8:45 PM - 10:15 PM
Gladiator Fight Out in the Parks at Ridge
Party on the Blacktop at Stanton
THE INFINITE WRENCH at Washington
Movies in the Parks at Lake Shore
Movies in the Parks at Roberts Square
Before Utopia: Chicago 2026 at Lincoln
Guardians of the Earth and Sky at Ping Tom
Jul
19
19
Guardians of the Earth and Sky at Ping Tom
Location Notes
This event takes place at 300 W. 19th St. beneath the 18th Street bridge.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Dance in the Parks - Summer Sunset at Independence
Movies in the Parks at Bartelme
Movies in the Parks at Maplewood
Museum of Contemporary Art: Kite Making at Seneca
ChangoSnakeDog, Historia De Una Amistad at LeClaire-Hearst
Dance in the Parks - Summer Sunset at Oakdale
Tuesdays in the Gazebo - The Astronomer at Welles
Movies in the Parks at Chicago History
Jul
21
21
Movies in the Parks at Chicago History
Location Notes
1601 N. Clark St, back side of the museum
8:45 PM - 10:26 PM
Movies in the Parks at Chicago Women's
The Lizard y el Sol at Harrison
The Lizard y el Sol at Harrison
Museum of Contemporary Art: Drip Painting at Seneca
Chicago SummerDance in the Parks at Harrison
Splat! A Paint Experience at Horner
Dance in the Parks - Summer Sunset at Palmer
Free Street Presents: Touch Grass at Davis Square
Movies in the Parks at Fernwood
Movies in the Parks at Harrison
ChangoSnakeDog, Historia De Una Amistad at Hale
The Lizard Y el Sol at Kosciuszko
Gladiator Fight Out in the Parks at Wilson (JP)
Movies in the Parks at Hoard
Movies in the Parks at Peterson
Movies in the Parks at Trebes
The Heart of the Story at Galewood
ChangoSnakeDog, Historia De Una Amistad at Cornell Square
Splat! A Paint Experience at Washington
Friday Night Summer Concert Series at Kilbourn
Dance in the Parks - Summer Sunset at Touhy
Fiesta Mexicana: Interactive Family Show at Harrison
Free Street Presents: Touch Grass at Cornell Square
Movies in the Parks at Park No. 596
Movies in the Parks at Park No. 596
Movies in the Parks at Sheridan
Movies in the Parks at Ward
Summer Soundwalks in the Park at River
The Lizard y el Sol at Portage
Celebrating Peruvian Independence through Arts at Portage
Free Street Presents: Touch Grass at Gage
Cumbia En El Parque at La Villita
America: Songs of Protest and Freedom at Seward
South Side Sisters, Sounds, and Stories at Kennicott
Movies in the Parks at Oakwood Beach
Movies in the Parks at Oz
Movies in the Parks at Steelworkers
Walking History: Exploring Chicago Parks at Garfield
The Lizard y el Sol at West Lawn
The Lizard y el Sol at West Lawn
Before Utopia: Chicago 2026 at Maggie Daley
Guardians of the Earth and Sky at Jackson
Jul
26
26
Guardians of the Earth and Sky at Jackson
Location Notes
This event takes place in Osaka Garden, 6300 S. Cornell Avenue, in Jackson Park.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Guardians of the Earth and Sky at Jackson
Jul
26
26
Guardians of the Earth and Sky at Jackson
Location Notes
This event takes place in Osaka Garden, 6300 S. Cornell Avenue, in Jackson Park.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Proud and Loud: Disability Art and Music at Kosciuszko
Emily Kuhn Quintet at Dooley
Movies in the Parks at Brooks
Movies in the Parks at Holstein
Movies in the Parks at Mozart
Jazz'n In The Parks at Bessemer
South Asian Classical: Melody Meets Movement at Cotton Tail
Nahui Ollin Aztec Dance at Berger
Tuesdays in the Gazebo - Brendan Bulger & Friends at Welles
Movies in the Parks at Chase
Movies in the Parks at Hamilton
Movies in the Parks at Ward
Gustavo Cortiñas Jam in the Parks at Horner
Chicago SummerDance in the Parks at Humboldt
Jul
29
29
Chicago SummerDance in the Parks at Humboldt
Location Notes
This event takes place at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1301 N. Humboldt Drive, Chicago
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
We The People at West Ridge NP
Free Street Presents: Touch Grass at Sherman
Nahui Ollin Aztec Dance at Senka
Chicago Full Moon Jam at Foster Beach
Jul
29
29
Chicago Full Moon Jam at Foster Beach
Location Notes
This event takes place south of Foster Avenue Beach at 5100 N. Simonds Drive.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Chicago Full Moon Jam at Foster Beach
Jul
29
29
Chicago Full Moon Jam at Foster Beach
Location Notes
This event takes place south of Foster Avenue Beach at 5100 N. Simonds Drive.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Movies in the Parks at Kenwood
Movies in the Parks at Kilbourn
Movies in the Parks at Marquette
Gustavo Cortiñas Jam in the Parks at Hamilton
Queer Radical Fair at Ping Tom
The Dance You Made at Horner
The Lizard Y el Sol at Valley Forge
Circus in the Park at Lake Shore
Joel Hall Dancers & Center: NextGen at Austin Town Hall
Free Street Presents: Touch Grass at Kucinski-Murphy
Grant Park Music Festival String Fellows at Norwood
Movies in the Parks at Graver
Movies in the Parks at Kennicott
Movies in the Parks at Kosciuszko
Splat! A Paint Experience at Kennicott
The Heart of the Story at Fuller
Blues to Hip-Hop: Tracing Black American Culture at Unity
Friday Night Summer Concert Series at Kilbourn
Chicago West Community Music Center at Columbus Refectory
Jul
31
31
Chicago West Community Music Center at Columbus Refectory
Location Notes
This event takes place at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd.
7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Movies in the Parks at Fosco
Movies in the Parks at Franklin
Movies in the Parks at Lake Shore
The Lizard Y el Sol at Kilbourn
The Lizard Y el Sol at Kilbourn
History of Jamaican Music at Ada
Little Village Skate Party & Film Screening at Piotrowski
Beatmaker's Toolbox at Steelworkers
Movies in the Parks at Lincoln
Aug
1
1
Movies in the Parks at Lincoln
Location Notes
This movie will be located at Belmont Harbor @ N. Lake Shore Dr. and Belmont Ave. The screening will take place in the grass field near the AIDS Garden.
8:30 PM - 10:44 PM
Bohemian Rhapsody
Movies in the Parks at Seward
Movies in the Parks at Winnemac
Before Utopia: Chicago 2026 at Rainbow
Movies in the Parks at Bartelme
Movies in the Parks at White (Willye B.)
Movies in the Parks at Wrightwood
Authentic Japanese Taiko Drumming and Dance at Arrigo
Tuesdays in the Gazebo - Greasy Gravy at Welles
Movies in the Parks at River
Movies in the Parks at Tuley
Movies in the Parks at West Lawn
Chicago SummerDance in the Parks at Riis
The Lizard y El Sol at Gompers
Movies in the Parks at Byrnes
Movies in the Parks at Chippewa
Movies in the Parks at Eugene Field
The Lizard Y el Sol at Rainey
Circus in the Park at Donovan
Circus in the Park at Donovan
Grant Park Music Festival Chorus at Columbus Refectory
Aug
6
6
Grant Park Music Festival Chorus at Columbus Refectory
Location Notes
This event takes place at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd.
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Movies in the Parks at Mayfair
Movies in the Parks at South Shore
Circus in the Park at Augusta
Movies in the Parks at Douglass
Movies in the Parks at LeClaire-Hearst
Movies in the Parks at Rutherford Sayre
The Lizard Y el Sol at Piotrowski
The Lizard Y el Sol at Piotrowski
Hip Hop Comic Con at Meyering
Authentic Japanese Taiko Drumming and Dance at Steelworkers
Bollywood Groove Indian Dances & Stories at Bartelme
Movies in the Parks at Donahue
Movies in the Parks at Murray
The Lizard Y el Sol at Independence
The Lizard Y el Sol at Independence
Luiz Ewerling & Amada - Brazilian Spirit at Palmer Square
Movies in the Parks at Cornell Square
Movies in the Parks at Hamlin
Bollywood Groove Indian Dances & Stories at Arrigo
Tuesdays in the Gazebo - Laura Doherty & Friends at Welles
Movies in the Parks at Chicago History
Aug
11
11
Movies in the Parks at Chicago History
Location Notes
1601 N. Clark St, back side of the museum
8:30 PM - 10:32 PM
Movies in the Parks at Churchill Field
Movies in the Parks at Grand Crossing
Movies in the Parks at Ward
Chicago SummerDance in the Parks at Hamilton
Music and Dance Around the Mediterranean at Kenwood
Movies in the Parks at Mozart
Aug
12
12
Movies in the Parks at Mozart
8:30 PM - 9:43 PM
Paquito D'Rivera: From Carne y Frijol to Carnegie hall
Movies in the Parks at Smith
Movies in the Parks at South Shore
Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Eckhart
Blues In The Parks at Taylor
Amateurs at Chicago Women's
Yves Francois Rocambu Jazz at Cosme
Circus in the Park at Byrnes
Grant Park Music Festival Vocal Fellows at Indian Boundary
Movies in the Parks at Austin Town Hall
Movies in the Parks at Commercial Club
Movies in the Parks at Ridge
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's Summer Concert Series at Cole
Luiz Ewerling & Amada - Brazilian Spirit at Washington Sq
South Asian Classical: Melody Meets Movement at Warren
Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Gill
Yoga & Art in the park with Lovelee Being at Buttercup
Movies in the Parks at Piotrowski
Movies in the Parks at Touhy
Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Hamilton
Flamenco & Breaking at Back of the Yards
Fiesta Mexicana: Interactive Family Show at Throop
Movies in the Parks at Harold Washington
Movies in the Parks at Lake Shore
Emily Kuhn Quintet at Jefferson
Movies in the Parks at Bartelme
Movies in the Parks at Hollywood
Movies in the Parks at Rosenblum
Movies in the Parks at Rosenblum
Hide and Seek: Nature’s Hidden Gems at Ken-Well
Tuesdays in the Gazebo - Sunshine Boys at Welles
Movies in the Parks at Eckhart
Movies in the Parks at Wildwood
Movies in the Parks at Wrightwood
Jamie Demeny’s 4-Player Game at Julia de Burgos
Chicago Astronomer at West Lawn
Movies in the Parks at Harrison
Movies in the Parks at Jefferson
Movies in the Parks at Smith Playlot
Hide and Seek: Nature's Hidden Gems at Wilson (Frank J.)
Blues In The Parks at Pendleton
Circus in the Park at Vittum
Cuatro Mujeres: Nina Simone’s Four Women at Hamilton
Movies in the Parks at Edgebrook
Movies in the Parks at Veteran's Memorial
Movies in the Parks at Wicker
The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan at Auburn
The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan at Auburn
Luiz Ewerling & Amada - Brazilian Spirit at Rowan
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's Summer Concert Series at Rainbow
Movies in the Parks at Berger
Movies in the Parks at West Chatham
The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan at McKinley
Celebrating Peruvian Independence through Arts at Dunham
Many Voices, One Heart at Ping Tom
Aug
22
22
Many Voices, One Heart at Ping Tom
Location Notes
This event takes place at 300 W. 19th St. beneath the 18th Street bridge.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
America: Songs of Protest and Freedom at Clarendon
Chicago Astronomer at McKinley
Movies in the Parks at Lake Shore
Movies in the Parks at Osterman Beach
Aug
22
22
Movies in the Parks at Osterman Beach
Location Notes
The movie will be located at Kathy Osterman Beach at the corner of Sheridan Rd. and N. Lake Shore Dr.
8:30 PM - 10:29 PM
Movies in the Parks at Oz
Walking History: Exploring Chicago Parks at Washington
The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan at Clark (Richard)
Jazz'n In The Parks at Owens
The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan at Humboldt
Cuatro Mujeres: Nina Simone’s Four Women at Humboldt
Emily Kuhn Quintet at Wicker
The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan at Lane Beach
Community Lovelines at Tuley
The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan at Sherman
Chicago Full Moon Jam at Rainbow
The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan at Marquette
Yves Francois Rocambu Jazz at Burnside
The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan at Ward
Musika SamaSama Filipino Festival at Eugene Field
A Multi-ethnic Ode to Autumn at McKinley
Imagination Station at McKinley
Christian Larumbe: Refugio In The Parks at Palmer Square
Movies in the Parks at Lincoln
Aug
31
31
Movies in the Parks at Lincoln
Location Notes
Lincoln Park Cultural Center: 2045 N. Lincoln Park West
8:30 PM - 10:34 PM
Star Wars: A New Hope
Movies in the Parks at Wrightwood
The Dinosaur of Lake Michigan at Leone Beach
Yves Francois Rocambu Jazz at Grandparents
Movies in the Parks at Revere
We The People at West Ridge NP
Movies in the Parks at Pottawattomie
Community Lovelines at White (Willye B.)
Cuatro Mujeres: Nina Simone’s Four Women at South Shore
Fiesta Mexicana: Interactive Family Show at Winnemac
Movies in the Parks at Hollywood
Movies in the Parks at Park No. 599
Reclaimed Timber at Park No. 571
Movies in the Parks at Ellis
Movies in the Parks at Wrightwood
IndigiFest: Celebrating Indigenous Culture at Grant
Sep
5
5
IndigiFest: Celebrating Indigenous Culture at Grant
Location Notes
Grove 5 in Grant Park at Balbo and Columbus.
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Summer Soundwalks in the Park at Big Marsh
Cuatro Mujeres: Nina Simone’s Four Women at Austin Town Hall
The Pieces by Aloft Circus Arts at Athletic Field
Christian Larumbe: Refugio In The Parks at McKinley
The Pieces by Aloft Circus Arts at Touhy-Herbert
The Pieces by Aloft Circus Arts at Valley Forge
Folklorico in the Park at Brands
Movies in the Parks at Austin Town Hall
Movies in the Parks at Holstein
Contra Dance to Baba Yaga's Stew at Horner
Movies in the Parks at Indian Boundary
Books and Beats at Dearborn
Yoga & Art in the park with Lovelee Being at Eckhart
Empowerment and Connection Through Piñatas at Calumet
Hoop Dancing with Starr Chief Eagle at Shedd
Proud and Loud: Disability Art and Music at Garfield
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Gage
America: Songs of Protest and Freedom at Washington
Sep
19
19
America: Songs of Protest and Freedom at Washington
Location Notes
This event takes place in front of the Dusable History Museum in the sunken garden.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Community Lovelines at Austin Town Hall
The Playground at Taylor-Lauridsen
Chicago Astronomer at Graver
Beatdown Sound System's Vibrations of Freedom at Ping Tom
Sep
26
26
Beatdown Sound System's Vibrations of Freedom at Ping Tom
Location Notes
This event takes place at 300 W. 19th St. beneath the 18th Street bridge.
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
