The Chicago Park District, in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events’ (DCASE) Chicago Film Office, is expanding its Movies in the Parks series to include six drive-in screenings in parks citywide. The free, drive-in movie series is part of the 20th season of Movies in the Parks, which launched on July 27 and features outdoor screenings of current and classic movies every weekday through September 11. The neighborhood-based series is part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks event initiative.
Online pre-registration, available one week prior to each screening, will be required for these free events. The six drive-in screenings will be held in park parking lots, starting Tuesday, Aug. 11, and continuing every Tuesday and Thursday through Aug. 27. Prior to start of the screenings at 8 p.m., parking lots will close for setup by 4 p.m. and reopen for guest entry at 7 p.m. Capacity for these movie locations, chosen based on parking lot size, accessibility, and layout, will vary based on parking lot size between 40 and 60 cars per lot.
Chicago is currently in phase four of its “Protecting Chicago” reopening framework, which requires all residents to abide by official guidance, including: physically distancing and wearing a face covering; limiting non-business, social gatherings to a maximum of 100 fewer persons; staying at home if you feel ill or have come into contact with someone with COVID-19; and getting tested if you have symptoms.
In accordance with public health official guidelines for safe and healthy interactions in outdoor spaces and attractions, capacity in the viewing area is limited to no more than 100 individuals if group largely remains static (e.g., sitting) and practices social distancing. Park fieldhouses and restrooms will not be available during Movies in the Parks screenings. For drive-in movies, guests are encouraged to remain inside their vehicles after parking and throughout the duration of the event. Patrons who need to leave their vehicles will be required to wear a face covering at all times. Each vehicle will be positioned within a six-feet perimeter and should only contain household members, and/or people who have previously been in close contact with one another.
Drive-in Movie Schedule
Tues, Aug. 11, 50 vehicle capacity, Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave., Cooley High. Thurs., Aug. 13, 60 vehicle capacity, Columbus Park Refectory, Golfers Parking Lot, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd., A Wrinkle in Time. Tues., Aug. 18, 40 vehicle capacity, Tarkington Park, 3344 W. 71st St., Remember the Titans. Thurs., Aug. 20, 50 vehicle capacity, Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave., Akeelah and the Bee. Tues, Aug. 25, 50 vehicle capacity, Humboldt Park, 1301 N. Humboldt Blvd., The Secret Life of Bees. Thurs, Aug. 27, 60 vehicle capacity, Calumet Park, 9801 S. Ave. G, The Last Dragon.
Click here for the Movies in the Parks 2020 schedule. Admission is free, and all movies begin at dusk, weather permitting. Out of an abundance of caution and to limit exposure outside of the vehicles, concessions and popcorn will not be available to attendees. Patrons can call the Movies in the Parks hotline for daily listings and updated weather-related cancellations at (312) 742-1134.
Information is available online at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/movies or on the Chicago Park District: Movies in the Parks Facebook page.
For more information about the City’s “Protecting Chicago” reopening framework, and to find industry-specific guidelines, please visit chicago.gov/reopening.