Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael P. Kelly today announced the expansion of Night Out in the Parks to a year-round series. Originally launched as a summer arts and cultural series three years ago, Night Out in the Parks features events and activities at parks across the city highlighting local arts organizations and artists; nearly all events are admission free. The expansion builds upon the Park District’s longstanding history of creating cultural opportunities for all Chicagoans to explore the arts and their power to enhance quality of life, neighborhood development, artistry and community dialogue.

“The expansion of Night Out in the Parks is an opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together and connect with neighbors all year long at little to no cost,” said Mayor Emanuel.

In May, the Chicago Park District launched the Night Out mobile application available for download on Apple and Android devices. The app provides up to the minute access to events, enabling users to plan a night out within seconds. Additional features include event lists by category and geolocation to see what activities are happening nearby. It will now offer event information year round. The mobile app was recently awarded Best Local Chicago Campaign by the Chicago Interactive Marketing Association.

Night Out in the Parks was created in 2013 through 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.

“Night Out in the Park has become synonymous with summer fun,” said Supt. Kelly. “We hope that, with the expansion, the program becomes synonymous with year-round fun.”

The extended series kicks off on Saturday, November 7 with two performances at 1:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. at the Hamilton Park Cultural Center with a production of Nutcracker Suite in the Park! by the Joffrey Academy of Dance, the Official School of The Joffrey Ballet. Patrons are invited to celebrate the holiday with a 40-minute production of enchanting choreography and your favorite characters from the classic Nutcracker story. These free performances provide an opportunity to see a close-up view of the dancers in costume.

See a full list of Night Out in the Parks year-round events here.

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