Outdoor movies

Date: May 19, 2010 10:15am
To: chicago@timeoutchicago.com
Subject: Movies outside

Really sad to hear that the Outdoor Film Festival is no more. Where can I see movies outside this summer?

Mary, Lakeview

Chicago Park District: Movies in the Parks
Films Some 160, ranging from the kid-friendly Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs to classics like Double Indemnity
Digs One of 112 parks, beaches and museums; bring a blanket and bug spray.
Crowd Lots of families. However, at Twilight (Fulton River Park, August 18), expect teenage girls debating Team Edward versus Team Jacob.
Concessions On June 24, if you’re heading to Humboldt Park for Yo Soy Boricua, Pa’que Tu Lo Sepas!, a doc about NYC’s Puerto Rican Day parade, hit up La Esquina del Sabor and other vendors for mofongo, mini jibaritos, mango slices and ice cream.
Deets Movies begin at dusk, June to September; free.

Conrad Hotel: Movies on the Terrace (521 N Rush St, 312-377-0979)
Films All Chicago-centric movies, including Risky Business and The Dark Knight
Digs No grass-stain-blocking blanket necessary; cop a squat on some real furniture for a change.
Crowd Fancy-schmancy types recline in posh daybeds in front of a new 110-inch screen with surround sound.
Concessions Bar menu; wash down the Conrad’s mini samosas with a not-so-mini glass of sangria.
Deets Sunday evenings at dusk through September; movies are free with food or drinks.

Chicago History Museum: Quotable Movies in the Park (1601 N Clark St, 312-642-4600)
Films The Wedding Singer (Tuesday 22), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (July 13), Top Gun (August 10), Pretty in Pink (September 1)
Digs Bring a Slanket to the museum’s backyard, Uihlein Plaza, to watch the feature on a giant inflatable screen.
Crowd Twenty- and thirtysomethings. Score: no shrill children! However, audience participation—quoting, booing, clapping—is encouraged.
Concessions Slake your sweet tooth at nearby Twisted Baker (1543 N Wells St, 312-932-1128). Think banana-cream tarts and red-velvet cupcakes.
Deets The gratis cinema begins at dusk.

The Backyard Film and Music Festival
Films About 20 short films; late entries are accepted through June 30. Eleven bands, ranging from folk to hip-hop, also perform.
Digs The charming Pullman State Historic Site (11057 S Cottage Grove Ave)
Crowd Hipsters who own cars (Pullman’s very remote) and the vehicularly challenged friends who love them
Concessions Cash-only vendors curb the snark with beer and grub.
Deets July 24; movies begin at noon, followed by the bands; $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Summer Sounds: Jason Simon’s One-Minute Film Festival (111 S Michigan Ave, 312-443-3600)
Films Yup, a slate of 60-second flicks curated by filmmaker Jason Simon. Don’t blink!
Digs The Art Institute’s Pritzker Garden. Blankets and chairs not needed.
Crowd The ADD-afflicted
Concessions Graze on olives and maraschino cherries while ordering at the cash bar.
Deets August 13; 9pm–midnight; $10, members $8

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