Lights, camera, action!
Millennium Park’s beloved Summer Film Series returns to the lakefront every Tuesday at 6:30pm at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Presented by ZENB, this summer’s lineup features classics ranging from Encanto to Dirty Dancing, with select films inspired by dance in celebration of the citywide “2022 Year of Chicago Dance.”
So, whether you’re coming with your kids, your grandparents, or a date, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, we’ve thrown in some of our favorite city activities to pair with this summer’s lineup to make it a day packed full of Summertime Chi fun. Check them out below!
Tuesday, July 12
In the Heights
Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical comes to the big screen, following a bodega owner who sings about a better life in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. Afterwards, you can sing your heart out at one of our favorite karaoke bars!
Tuesday, July 19
Encanto
Keep singing along the week afterwards, this time to the family favorite Encanto, following a Colombian girl who grows up in a magical household as the only one without powers. Paired with a visit to Color Factory Chicago, this makes for the ultimate kids’ day out.
Tuesday, July 26
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Journey with Harry during his first year at Hogwarts in this first installation of the Harry Potter series, featuring witches, wizards, and everything in between. Bring the kids and order takeout from our top picks for a truly magical picnic experience!
Tuesday, August 2
Dirty Dancing
This classic romance takes place at a Catskills summer resort, where a naive 17 year old girl falls in love with her smooth-talking dance instructor. This one makes for a great date night – maybe you could even go for a couples kayak tour beforehand.
Tuesday, August 9
Knives Out
An exciting thriller that thrusts the audience into a detective’s investigation of a renowned crime novelist, revealing dark secrets and red herrings in his search for the truth. Grab your grub at some of our favorite restaurants beforehand to stock up for a night of mystery.
Tuesday, August 16
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings
This addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe follows martial arts master Shang-Chi as he confronts his past after returning to the Ten Rings organization. Immerse yourself further by ordering some of our top picks for authentic Chinese food ahead of time.
Tuesday, August 23
Save the Last Dance
Set in our very own Chicago, the story of an interracial couple plays out through a joint love for dance. Watching this might inspire you to show off your own moves, and we’ve got you covered with these epic dance clubs nearby.
Tuesday, August 30
Strictly Ballroom
A championship winning ballroom dancer pairs up with an ugly duckling, risking his career to pursue their unconventional dreams of winning the National Championships. Bring a few friends and check out some of our favorite bars afterwards to make this the perfect girls’ night out.
The Millenium Park Summer Film Series has been a favorite summer activity for generations of Chicagoans, and for good reason too. From the front row to the back of the Great Lawn, the 40 foot LED screen makes sure that wherever you are, you’ve got a great seat.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a blanket and head out on this upcoming Tuesday to relax under the night sky with family and friends.