Concerts, Turtles, Break Dancing Come to Local Parks

Summer concerts, the circus and even Shakespeare can be found at neighborhood parks this summer.

The activities are part of a citywide “Night Out in the Parks” initiative, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced last week. More than 750 concerts, movies and festivals will be available citywide and three Lincoln Park parks are participating.

“From Movies in the Park to Music Festivals, residents will be able to check out the best of what Chicago has to offer right in their own backyard,” Emanuel said in a news release. “We have increased the summer arts programming to more than 750 unique events in the city’s neighborhood parks, helping to ensure that Chicagoans across the City have access to these cultural experiences.” 

Funding for the summer festivities come from the NATO Summit legacy funds, totaling an additional $2 million for the parks and $750,000 for summer programming. 

“We welcome Chicagoans and visitors alike to save a trip downtown and visit their local park to enjoy the breadth of world-class cultural programming that we will be offering in their community,” said Chicago Parks Superintendent Michael Kelly.

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Local Park Activities:

Lincoln Park Theatre on the Lake

• There is a Happiness That Morning is, July 10-13, 7:30 p.m. and July 14 at 6:30 p.m.
• That's Weird, Grandma, July 17-20 at 7:30 p.m. and July 21 at 6:30 p.m.
• The Quality of Life, July 24-27 at 7:30 p.m. and July 28 at 6:30 p.m.
• Long Way Go Down, July 31 to Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 4.
• The Chi-Town Clown Review Featuring Honeybuns, Aug. 7-10 at 7:30 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 11.

Adams Playground Park

• Super Stolie and Rockstars (music), July 18 at 6 p.m.
• Dave Rudolf Quartet, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Hamlin Park (Near Lincoln Park's border)

• Circus in the Park, October 11-13

Find more information on the Night Out in the Parks website.