Night Out's kid-friendly programs include Kerfuffle’s “Goose and Gert," pictured. (Courtesy of Chicago Park District)

After shifting to virtual programming in 2020, the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks series returns to outdoor, in-person performances and activities in 2021.

More than 450 cultural events are scheduled over the course of the summer at parks across the city, spanning theater, dance, music, nature programs and more. Programs such as Dance in the Parks got underway in June but events really shift into high gear in July, with Movies in the Parks kicking off July 6. Perennial favorites Shakespeare in the Parks and Midnight Circus are slated to appear in late August and mid-September, respectively. M.A.D.D. Rhythms will present an energetic show on the evolution of tap dance in July and August.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael P. Kelly encouraged Chicagoans to take advantage of the opportunity to reconnect with the city's arts and culture offerings, for free, in their own communities. 

“We invite everyone to leave behind their streaming devices and make it a free Night Out in the Parks,” Kelly said in a statement.

Safety precautions remain in place due to the coronavirus. Among the measures being taken: Events will feature smaller ensembles and shorter performances, and the performance areas and audiences will be distanced. Per the city's guidelines, people visiting parks should continue to wear face coverings and practice social distancing when in a crowd.

The complete calendar of programs is searchable either online or via the Night Out app My Chi Parks, available to download on Apple and Android devices.

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]