Tuesdays, July 16 – Aug. 20, 2024
Free admission • Millennium ParkEvery summer in Chicago, visitors and locals flock to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park to kick back, picnic, and watch free movies against the city’s iconic skyline.
This year’s line-up includes blockbusters, award-winners, family classics, and cult favorites curated by some of the city’s top film festivals as part of Millennium Park’s 20th Anniversay Summer Season.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series schedule
This year’s Millennium Park Summer Film Series will feature a diverse range of award-winning films. In partnership with the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals, each screening will showcase one of the city’s many independent film festivals.
Tuesday, July 16
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (114 minutes, PG)
- Jurassic Park (127 minutes, PG-13)
- Highlighting the 60th anniversary of Chicago International Film Festival
Tuesday, July 23
- Coco (105 minutes, PG)
- Highlighting the 40th anniversary of Chicago Latino Film Festival
Tuesday, July 30
- Barbie (114 minutes, PG-13)
- Highlighting the one-year anniversary launch of Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals
Tuesday, Aug. 6
- American Fiction (117 minutes, R)
- Highlighting the 30th anniversary of Black Harvest Film Festival
Tuesday, Aug. 13
- Wonka (116 minutes, PG)
- Highlighting the 40th anniversary of Chicago International Children’s Film Festival
Tuesday, Aug. 20
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (103 minutes, PG-13)
- Highlighting the upcoming 20th anniversary year of Midwest Film Festival
All films begin at 6:30 p.m., with the exception of the double feature on July 16 begininng at p.m. Admission is free for all.
About the Millennium Park Summer Film Series
All seats within the pavilion’s seating bowl and space on the Great Lawn are free and first come, first served. Arrive early to snag a spot! Guests can bring their own food and beverages to the events, so pack a picnic and make a night out of it.
Bright enough to be completely visible in the daylight, the screen illuminates the entire viewing area with crisp, clear images and combines with the Pavilion’s concert-hall quality sound system to create one of the most memorable moviegoing experiences, no matter where you sit.
Millennium Park FAQs
Plan your visit to Millennium Park and learn more below.
What accessibility amenities are available at Millennium Park concerts?
Every aspect of Millennium Park has been designed to be accessible and inclusive to all patrons. That includes:
- All films are open-captioned (including pre-show)
- Assistive listening devices and wheelchairs are available at all Millennium Park events from the Patron Service Tent
- Accessible seating (with companion seats) is available throughout the Jay Pritzker Pavilion seating bowl
Learn more about accessibility in Millennium Park.
Can I bring a folding chair and blanket?
Yes, chairs and blankets are welcome on the Great Lawn. Folding chairs are not allowed in the seating area of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
May I bring a picnic basket?
Yes! Millennium Park is the perfect place for a picnic and a night of dining al fresco. However, in order to ensure that events are enjoyable for all attendees and to protect the lawn from wear and tear, please respect the following rules of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion: tents, oversized umbrellas, oversized blankets or plastic tarps, helium balloons, oversized flags, signs/banners, barbecue grills, open flame candles, or staking of any kind are not allowed on the Great Lawn area.
Can I buy beer or wine in the park? How about food?
Refreshments, including food, beer and wine, are available for purchase from the concessions tent located to the east of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. In addition, concessions can be purchased throughout the Park, including from Millennium Hall, a multi-restaurant concept that includes Napolita Pizzeria, Double Clutch Brewing Company, and Casa Bonita.
Alcohol may only be consumed in the seating area and the Great Lawn during the events. Alcohol sales in the Millennium Park concession tent end one half-hour prior to the end of the event.
What is the rain policy?
Concerts and performances in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion are held rain or shine, unless there are severe weather warnings and/or the threat of lightning in the area. The Pavilion seats are not protected from the elements. The Great Lawn has a high-tech design with underlying layers of sand and gravel that allows water to drain quickly.
May I bring my dog along?
Animals are not permitted in Millennium Park, unless they are service animals.
Please note: Schedule is subject to change. For the latest on Millennium Park Summer FilmSeriesand all Millennium Park events, visit millenniumpark.org.
From this article
Related articles
Blog, Parks & outdoors
Where to see fall colors in and around Chicago
Chicago’s many parks, gardens, and natural areas are gorgeous year-round — but they’re particularly stunning in the fall. That’s when you can see striking red,…
Architecture & history, Festivals & special events
Open House Chicago
Oct. 19 – 20, 2024 Free admission • Citywide One weekend. 20+ Chicago neighborhoods. 170+ places to explore. Open the door to architectural gems all…
Festivals & special events, Food & drink
Chicago beer festivals and events
Attention all beer enthusiasts! Cheers to Chicago’s booming craft beer scene at the city’s packed calendar of beer fests. Sample craft beers — from IPAs…
Festivals & special events, Food & drink
Taste of Chicago
Free admission • Grant Park and citywide Taste of Chicago has been a foodie staple for more than 40 years. This year, the annual food…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap
Chicago Air and Water Show
Aug. 10 – 11, 2024 Free admission • Chicago lakefront Starting in the summer of 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show has grown to…
Museums & art, Parks & outdoors, Tours & attractions
The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Chicago
Update: “The Bean” is back! The city recently completed renovations to enhance the visitor experience and improve accessibility to the surrounding plaza. Public access and…
Family, Parks & outdoors
Family-friendly outdoor adventures in Chicago
Chicago’s nearly 600 parks and 26 miles of lakefront make it easy to enjoy the great outdoors in the middle of the city. Families can…
Festivals & special events, Food & drink
Chicago’s James Beard Award winners
Chicago is proud to be home to over 50 James Beard Award winners. Since the first ceremony in 1991, this national award has become the…
Festivals & special events, Free & cheap
Chicago’s free summer music festivals
In the summer, Chicago’s downtown and lakefront are filled with the sounds of live music. The city’s iconic festival season brings locals and visitors alike…