Chicago’s Night Out in the Parks Launch Summer Fun

Deborah Bayliss | As of Thursday, May 21, 2015

Tim Burton's 1992 film 'Batman Returns' coming soon to a Chicago park near you as part of City of Chicago's Movies in the Park.
Tim Burton's 1992 film 'Batman Returns' coming soon to a Chicago park near you as part of City of Chicago's Movies in the Park.

Chicago area park goers can get ready for another summer of movies and concerts in the park as Night Out in the Parks gets underway.

The 2015 program launched Sunday with 100 theater, dance and other events held across the city, representing the largest number of events held in the same day since the program’s 2013 inaugural launch.

Included this summer, more than 1,000 cultural events and activities at parks across the city featuring 101 neighborhood arts organizations and artists; nearly all events are offered with free admission.

“Chicago prides itself on offering residents and visitors growing access to the arts and culture, and the incredibly popular Night Out in the Parks program brings hundreds of events each year to neighborhoods all across the city – and for most events, the price of admission is only a lawn chair,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “This year, we’ve doubled the number of featured neighborhood organizations and artists to highlight even more of Chicago’s vibrant arts scene.”

New this year is My Chi ParksTM mobile application, available for download on Apple and Android devices. Through this app, patrons will have access to all 1,000+ Night Out in the Parks events on the go as a way to help to plan a spontaneous night out. Exciting features of the app include a full event list, park list and geolocation to help users identify nearby activities.

“We are excited to be collaborating with the Chicago Park District again this summer to expand access to the arts—including dance, theater, music and more,” said Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Commissioner Michelle T. Boone. “Night Out in the Parks will elevate and amplify the cultural assets of neighborhoods across Chicago, facilitate neighborhood planning of cultural activity and help the city integrate culture into daily life—all of which are key components of the Chicago Cultural Plan.”

Night Out in the Parks is part of Mayor Emanuel’s citywide vision for art and culture. It is also a key component of the Chicago Cultural Plan. Through this plan, the City and Chicago Park District are making investments in public art, music festivals, films, concerts, exhibitions and performances. 

As for Movies in the Park, June 4- Sept. 3, Chicago Park District will bring big-screens to local parks for the 16th year.

The jam-packed 2015 summer lineup will feature 120 different titles in more than 200 screenings in more than 150 parks. The roster is expected to include something-for-everyone with an array of contemporary, cult classic and classic films like Annie (2014), The Boxtrolls, Jurassic Park, Clue and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Throughout the summer, superheroes and supervillains will rule the night as The Avengers save Manhattan (The Avengers), Batman protects Gotham (Batman Returns), Baymax teams up with Hiro (Big Hero 6), Peter Quill guards the galaxy (Guardians of the Galaxy), Maleficent discovers her bad side and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles take the fight for good to the streets … and the sewers.

All movies begin at dusk, weather permitting. Call 312.742.1134 for daily listings and weather-related cancelations.

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