Movies in the Park

Don’t let “indoor guilt” get in the way of movie night this summer. Granted, it may not feel like summer just yet, but June is June, and you know what that means: Our city’s illustrious Park District kicks off “Movies in the Park” – a season of free outdoor movies at grassy nooks all over town. These small-park showings have a more intimate, neighborhood-y feel than the massive Tuesday night film series in Grant Park, which begins in July.

From a list of a whopping 181 events on the Movies in the Park calendar, here are some top picks for the month of June.

June 17: Rear Window at the Berger Park Cultural Center

6205 N. Sheridan Rd (Edgewater)

8:30 p.m. FREE

What better setting for a murder mystery than a stately old mansion by the lake? Enjoy the beauty of the Bergen Park Cultural Center along with Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller Rear Window, starring Jimmy Stewart as an injured, homebound detective who notices foul play amongst the neighbors.

June 20: The Express at Winnemac Park

5100 N. Leavitt St. (Ravenswood)

8:30 p.m. FREE

We just love an inspiring sports movie with our wholesome picnic dinner. Featuring Dennis Quaid, The Express tells the true story of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. People of Ravenswood, feel good!

June 23: The Producers in Lincoln Park’s Osterman Beach

5800 N. Lake Shore Dr. (Edgewater)

8:30 p.m. FREE

Broadway and the beach. What more could you ask for? Well, some clarification as to which version of The Producers will be shown would be nice. We deduct from the PG-13 rating noted on the listings that this will be the 2005 film version of the 2001 musical remake of the 1968 original movie. But Mel Brooks had a hand in every version, and hey, it’s at the beach! Springtime for you.

June 23: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Lincoln Park

Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. (Old Town)

8:30 p.m. FREE

Meanwhile, five miles south of The Producers screening, the well-appointed grounds of the Chicago History Museum will be ablaze with laughter – mostly female laughter, perhaps – as My Big Fat Greek Wedding warms hearts. I’ve already decided I’m bringing grape leaves and retsina wine. Except that alcohol is not officially allowed in the park so I’ll sip it at home ahead of time . . . Opa!

June 26: Kung Fu Panda, Commercial Club Playground

1845 W. Rice St. (Ukranian Village)

8:30 p.m. FREE

Relive last summer’s Dreamworks blockbuster outdoors! This charming tale of the pudgy panda that could features the voice of Jack Black and tons of bad-ass, adorable critters. Sounds like the perfect warm-up for a Friday evening of bar hopping along Chicago Avenue. Just saying.

June 27: The Goonies, Chase Park

4701 N. Ashland Ave. (Uptown / Ravenswood)

Um, yes please! We needed an 80’s comedy on our June list, and this laugh-a-minute epic saga of preteen-boy adventures fits the bill. You’ve got your requisite Corey (Feldman), a 17-year-old Josh Brolin and even Joe “Ralphie on the Sopranos” Pantoliano. Fun for the whole family.

So vow to get your outdoor-movie summer started right before June is through. And there are Movies in the Park showings through August, so check out the full listing here. Bring a blanket, some layers, bug spray and plenty of snacks. Just remember – no alcohol in the parks. You’ve been advised.