Chicago Outdoor Film Festival: free classics weekly
The heyday of the drive-in movie might be over, but classic American films can still be seen under the night sky, thanks to the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival. Throughout the summer, moviegoers can enjoy weekly outdoor films on a gigantic screen, with a magnificent city skyline as the backdrop.
At sunset every Tuesday from July 14-Aug. 25, a classic film will be shown in Grant Park’s Butler Field. Movie fans can enjoy a state-of-the-art sound system and preshow activities at each weekly screening.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the film festival, Chicagoans are invited to join acclaimed critic Richard Roeper on July 14 in an opening night discussion with a screening of Sunset Boulevard to follow.
This season’s film line-up also includes such all-time classic comedies as Duck Soup starring the Marx Brothers (July 21) and Born Yesterday with the incomparable Judy Holliday (August 4). Dramas with unforgettable turns from Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (July 28) and Anthony Perkins in Psycho (Aug.11) ratchet up the summer heat.
No pets, liquor or grilling are allowed at the showings, but visitors are encouraged to picnic in the park. Blankets, chairs, food and drinks are all allowed, and bug spray, trash bags, napkins, sweatshirts and board games are all recommended to make the experience more enjoyable.
While the festival runs the risk of weather cancellations, the free admission always ensures a crowd at each weekly screening. With free entertainment and a beautiful setting in the city, it’s no wonder why Chicagoans enjoy the Outdoor Film Festival year after year.
Complete List of 2009 Films
• Sunset Boulevard (July 14)
• Duck Soup (July 21)
• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (July 28)
• Born Yesterday (Aug. 4)
• Psycho (Aug.11)
• Young Mr. Lincoln (Aug. 18)
• Tootsie (Aug. 25)
Posted on Apr 19, 2011 by D.J. Siegel
