Overview of the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival:
The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival runs on Tuesday evenings every summer in Grant Park. It's a wonderful summer experience to watch a movie under the stars with our magnificent skyline as a backdrop. In some ways, though, the festival has become a victim of its own success. It can get packed, especially with blockbuster movies.
So, arrive early, bring a dinner, and be prepared to share the lawn with thousands of your fellow film buffs.
If you'd prefer to avoid the crowds, check out the essential links below for the Chicago Park District's "Movies in the Park" home page and smaller venues.
So, arrive early, bring a dinner, and be prepared to share the lawn with thousands of your fellow film buffs.
If you'd prefer to avoid the crowds, check out the essential links below for the Chicago Park District's "Movies in the Park" home page and smaller venues.
Related: Grant Park Music Fest Schedule - 2009
Grant Park Movies - Dates
The 2009 festival will runs on Tuesdays beginning on July 14 and closing on August 25. There are no rain dates or make-up dates.
Grant Park Movies - 2009 Schedule:
The films begin at dusk.
Tuesday, July 14 @ 8:58 p.m.: Sunset Boulevard
Tuesday, July 21 @ 8:52 p.m.: Duck Soup
Tuesday, July 28 @ 8:45 p.m. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Tuesday, August 4 @ 8:37 p.m.: Born Yesterday
Tuesday, August 11 @ 8:27 p.m.: Psycho
Tuesday, August 18 @ 8:17 p.m.: Young Mr. Lincoln
Tuesday, August 25 @ 8:05 p.m.: Tootsie
Note: The festival cancels during severe weather. There are no rain dates for canceled movies.
See a Complete List of Films Screened at Chicago's Outdoor Film Festival
Tuesday, July 14 @ 8:58 p.m.: Sunset Boulevard
Tuesday, July 21 @ 8:52 p.m.: Duck Soup
Tuesday, July 28 @ 8:45 p.m. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Tuesday, August 4 @ 8:37 p.m.: Born Yesterday
Tuesday, August 11 @ 8:27 p.m.: Psycho
Tuesday, August 18 @ 8:17 p.m.: Young Mr. Lincoln
Tuesday, August 25 @ 8:05 p.m.: Tootsie
Note: The festival cancels during severe weather. There are no rain dates for canceled movies.
See a Complete List of Films Screened at Chicago's Outdoor Film Festival
Admission and Tickets to the Grant Park Movie Festival:
FREE. No tickets are issued.
Grant Park Movie Festival - Location:
The city places the screen on the southwest corner of Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Street so viewers can sit on the lawn of Grant Park and watch.
Grant Park
Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Street
Chicago, IL
Map It
Grant Park
Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Street
Chicago, IL
Map It
Directions, Parking, Transportation:
You can find the city's advice for arriving by public transportation, car, or bike here.
Grant Park Movie Fest - Tips:
- No alcohol or pets.
- Arrive as early as you can without being nutty about it. The later you arrive, the farther away from the screen you will be.
- Bring food because you will be there early and it will be hard to leave and get back with food once you're there. Plus, the picnic or bring-along popcorn is half the fun of it.
- Bring something to sit on. You'll need a blanket at least and some comfy chairs at best.
More Chicago Outdoor Movies:
Don't feel like going to Grant Park to see a movie outdoors? The Chicago Park District now hosts them all over the city. Click through to learn more about their summer movie line up in neighborhoods around the city.