Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Michael P. Kelly, together with local arts organizations, performers and community members, today announced the fifth summer season of Night Out in the Parks at Ellis Park.

The 2017 Night Out in the Parks series will bring over 1,200 world-class events, including movies, concerts and theater performance, to every one of the city's 77 community areas.  Over 1,700 Chicago-based artists will be involved as part of the family-friendly park events, and will feature 125 neighborhood arts organizations and artists. Nearly all events are offered with free admission.

“Night Out in the Park brings world-class culture, entertainment and art to every neighborhood park across Chicago,” said Mayor Emanuel. “From returning programs like Movies in the Parks and Theater on the Lake, to new events like the Chicago River Float, our parks are bringing vibrant and diverse activity to every neighborhood.”

Launched in 2013, Night Out in the Parks is a key component of the Chicago Cultural Plan and part of Mayor Emanuel’s citywide vision for art and culture. With the continued support from the City of Chicago and our sister agencies, especially the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Night Out in the Parks has become a signature park program.

New this year is the Chicago River Float, a floating museum art barge that will feature screenings, projections, exhibitions and participatory art. It will travel along the Chicago River and make stops at the Resource Center (222 E. 135th Pl.), Eleanor Park (2828 S. Eleanor St.), the Chicago Riverwalk and Navy Pier. Starting August 7, it will connect communities to nature and art.

“The Chicago Park District is proud to continue the tradition of delivering quality entertainment to all Chicago neighborhoods for all residents and visitors to enjoy all year round,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael P. Kelly. “From popular movies and world-class theater productions to jazz concerts and world dance performances, every Night Out in the Parks event promises to be a worthwhile, enriching experience.”

The Night Out mobile application My Chi Parks™, available to download on Apple and Android devices, makes planning exciting and affordable summer outings an easy undertaking. Users can browse through events by date, location and interest to discover what interesting activities are happening in a park near you.

In 2016, the Night Out in the Parks yearlong series featured 4,658 hours of free cultural programming, and showcased 2,109 world-class events at an average of 6 events per day. In the summer, park visitors enjoyed an average of 14 events per day in 230 citywide parks. The program also provided a total of 118 Chicago-based cultural arts organizations and more than 1,725 Chicago-based artists with paid opportunities to exhibit their talents in front of new audiences and in neighborhoods across the city.

This year’s offerings include events and performances by new and returning partners. Highlights include:

Movies in the Parks
June 12 – September 9

The Chicago Park District will bring big-screen entertainment to local parks for the 17th year of Movies in the Parks. The jam-packed 2017 summer lineup will feature screenings in over 175 parks. The roster will include an array of contemporary, cult classic and classic films. For the price of admission as your lawn chair, everyone is invited to enjoy Hollywood’s best films under Chicago’s skies. Returning for the fifth year is Chicago On Screen, the local film Showcase that features movies filmed in or about Chicago and produced by Chicago-based filmmakers.

Movies in the Parks is supported by Bank of America. All movies begin at dusk, weather permitting. Call 312.742.1134 for daily listings and weather-related cancelations.

Theater on the Lake
Theater on the Lake: The Chicago Summer Theater Festival
June 28 – August 20

Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Theater on the Lake continues to take the show on the road, anchored primarily at Berger Park Cultural Center (6205 N. Sheridan Rd.), as the historic lakefront facility undergoes renovation. The Chicago Summer Theater Festival is celebrating 65 years of showcasing Chicago's rich off-Loop theater community. For ticket and schedule information visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/theater-on-the-lake, or call 312-742-7994.

Centennial Birthday Tributes for Gwendolyn Brooks and Margaret Burroughs  
June 24, July 29 & August 26
This year marks the 100th birthday of two iconic figures: Gwendolyn Brooks and Margaret Burroughs. To commemorate the occasion, the Chicago Park District will feature a variety of artists exploring Brooks’ and Burroughs’ noted contributions to literature and influence on Chicago’s history. This includes Lucy Smith’s Chicago in Action concert series, spoken word combined with gospel, rhythm, blues and jazz from Classic Black, and performances and workshops on poetry by Participatory Music Coalition.

Chicago Philharmonic
June 24- August 13

Musicians from the Chicago Philharmonic will showcase a unique outdoor concert experience, inviting you to join as an audience member or a performer! Musicians of all ages are invited to bring their instruments and play alongside professionals, creating an inclusive orchestra for a fun symphonic concert. Music lovers are welcome to enjoy listening to or participating in great music in Chicago's backyard.
 
Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks Present Romeo and Juliet
July 30-August 27
Free performances of Shakespeare's timeless Romeo and Juliet will be touring in neighborhood parks across the city in summer. The play will be a gripping 75-minute production, adapted and directed by Marti Lyons.

Dance in the Parks
July 11- August 5
Dance in the Parks brings free, professional, outdoor dance concerts to Chicago’s parks. The all-ages performances feature works created and performed by professional Chicago dance artists in a wide range of themes and styles, including modern, jazz, contemporary, and tap works. In its 9th season, the showcase gives local youth companies an opportunity to perform across the city. Bring your picnic dinner and enjoy the show!

Collaboraction: Peacebook
October 5-November 4

Collaboraction returns to Night Out in the Parks for a fourth summer with the latest installment of their PEACEBOOK 2017 tour, a new collaborative citywide festival of theatre, dance, music, visual art and spoken word focused on cultivating peace in Chicago.

Midnight Circus in the Parks
August 26- October 15

Midnight Circus will present the 11th year of this true "Big Top" tent extravaganza in eight parks citywide. Celebrating community and rebuilding parks, one circus at a time. Tickets available for purchase at the tent or in advance by visiting http://midnightcircus.net/events/upcoming/.

For more information, visit www.nightoutintheparks.com or call 312.742.PLAY.

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