Indoors or Out
Whether you want to bask in the glorious heat of summer or cool down in the A/C, Chicago has a myriad of options for movie buffs (or casual viewers), so be sure to check if your favorite movie is playing in a park or theater near you.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is one of the most iconic areas of Chicago, so what better place to spread out a blanket and relax? Throughout July and August, Millennium Park will be screening recent movies like “Encanto” and “In the Heights,” along with classics like “Dirty Dancing” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
Movies in the Parks
If the Loop is too far to travel for a night out, check out the schedule for Movies in the Parks. Across the city, from the North Side to the South Side, neighborhood parks are offering family friendly movies throughout the summer, free of admission. Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Indian Boundary Park, Mary Bartelme, and Sherman Park are just a few examples of areas to check out on some summer nights.
First Run Movie Theaters
Of course, there’s always the option to spend the day in a comfortably air conditioned theater for just a few dollars. Most movie theaters will be playing the newest summer blockbusters: “Elvis,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” and “Top Gun: Maverick.”
The Music Box Theater
But for a truly unique experience, try checking out one of Chicago’s old school movie theaters. They might not have the more recent releases, but the off-beat movies and beautiful architecture make for a summer adventure. The Music Box Theater features a gorgeous starry ceiling and interactive viewer experiences with midnight showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and “The Room,” two cult classics that elevate the movie-watching experience.