Nights under the big screen: 7 outdoor movie destinations in Chicago

Nothing says summer like seeing a movie under the stars and Chicago has drive-in, rooftop, and park screenings across the city. Check out these seven venues for outdoor movies in Chicago to plan your next night out.  

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Although it’s more commonly known for The Bean, Lurie Garden, and the Crown Fountain, Millennium Park hosts weekly movies every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. From kids' movies to action-packed hits, there’s something for everyone at Millennium Park. 

Upcoming showings:

• American Fiction (R) - Tuesday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m.

• Wonka (PG) - Tuesday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Ferris Bueller's Day Off (PG-13) - Tuesday, August 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Movies at Gallagher Way

On select Wednesdays throughout September, you can catch a variety of free family-friendly flicks at Gallagher Way. They teamed up with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to create a nostalgic movie list and offer food from their restaurant that you can order from during the movie.

Upcoming showings:

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Wednesday, August 13 at 6 p.m.

• Star Wars: A New Hope - Wednesday, August 28 at 6 p.m.

Rooftop Cinema Club Chicago

Until Monday, September 4, the Rooftop Cinema Club offers up to three different movies during the day and night at varying times. From old classics and modern films, Rooftop Cinema Club Chicago provides the perfect experience for outdoor movies in Chicago. 

Upcoming showings:

• Everything Everywhere All At Once - Monday, August 12 at 6:45 p.m.

• Freaky Friday and Pulp Fiction - Friday, August 16 at 5:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. respectively

• Bridesmaids - Saturday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m.

• Challengers - Monday, August 19 at 10:00 p.m.

ChiTown Movies

Located in Chicago’s Pilsen Neighborhood is one of three drive-in movie theaters left in Illinois, ChiTown Movies. Offering food and a pet-friendly environment, viewing movies under the stars is a must-have experience this summer. Movie showings start at 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on various days. 

Upcoming showings:

• Shrek - Friday, August 9 at 8:15 p.m.

• Barbie - Friday, August 16 at 8:00 p.m.

• Jurassic Park - Sunday, August 25 at 8:00 p.m.

Water Flicks at Navy Pier

This summer, enjoy the view of Lake Michigan along with a free movie at Navy Pier every Monday at 6:30 p.m. With this year’s theme being animals, catch a thrilling shark movie or opt for an animal-themed Disney classic. Water Flicks at Navy Pier has a variety of different movies, perfect for the whole family. 

Upcoming showings:

• Oppenheimer - August 12

• Weird Science - August 19

• The Lorax, Wall-E, The Iron Giant - August 26

Movies in the Parks

Head to the parks for outdoor movies in Chicago that run every day across the city. With movies spanning across all different genres, the Chicago Park District provides an excellent outdoor flick experience for all ages. 

Upcoming showings: 

• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Thursday, August 8, 8:30 p.m. at Jackson Park Field House

• Matilda - Tuesday, August 20, 8 p.m. at Eckhart (Bernard) Park

• Frozen - Saturday, August 24, 8 p.m. at Jonquil Park