Outdoor theater is a favorite local tradition, and theaters in and around Chicago are bringing plenty of shows to parks around the area. Bonus: Many of these shows are free. Ready your blankets, picnic baskets and summer beverages — here are eight performances under the stars to check out this summer.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Tell us at arts@wbez.org.
‘Love’s Labour’s Lost,’ presented by Midsommer Flight
Through Aug. 3 at six Chicago parks
This Shakespearean comedy shows us a king and his noble companions who vow to swear off women for three years — until they are visited a short time later by a beautiful princess and her ladies-in-waiting.
The local nonprofit Midsommer Flight is in its 12th year of bringing the Bard to parks around Chicago. Shows are performed in natural sunlight with no amplified sound. These fully staged productions are free to the public, but audiences are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and snacks.
After more than a decade staging Shakespeare in the park, Midsommer Flight has developed a knack for making the Bard accessible to wide audiences. If they need to diversify casting or change a few words to make the dialogue more digestible, no problem. They aim to make the shows as enjoyable — and understandable — as possible. Free.
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ presented by Chicago Shakespeare Theater
July 10–Aug. 17 at parks throughout Chicago
Another Shakespeare rom-com will tour locally this summer, backed by the city’s venerable Shakespeare Theater. The performances — in parks, street festivals and outdoor green spaces — are a quick 45 minutes and spin a fanciful tale of four young lovers, a naughty fairy and a play within the play. It’s a bite-sized version of a classic, perfect for families and for a summer day. Free.
Broadway in Your Backyard, presented by Porchlight Theatre
July 14–23 at six Chicago parks
Everyone loves a musical, but the tickets for a downtown show can be expensive and musicals in the suburbs can be a far haul. No need to worry: Porchlight, one of the city’s premier companies producing musicals, has you covered with its fifth annual summer outdoor musical series.
This season’s performances are directed by Michael Weber, with musical direction by Linda Madonia and a star turn by local actor Tafadzwa Diener (“The Sound of Music” at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, “Anything Goes” at Porchlight). Expect a slate of hit songs from Broadway and Hollywood musicals including “Hamilton,” “The Wiz,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Toy Story.” Free.
‘The Queen’s Museum,’ presented by Citadel Theatre
July 17–20 at Lake Forest Open Lands, 350 N. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest
This is an outdoor musical made for families. A queen is collecting her personal artifacts for an exhibit when a greedy band of pirates enters the realm. And they don’t just plunder — they dance.
The 930 acres of native landscapes at Lake Forest Open Lands provide a great backdrop for a musical about a monarchy and pirates. Tickets are $20.
‘Book Up!,’ presented by the Goodman Theatre and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
July 23–Aug. 10 at parks throughout Chicago
Described as a “circus-inspired” performance for children ages 5 and younger, “Book Up!” follows a traveling librarian with a magical book cart. The hourlong performance is followed by an interactive workshop for little ones. Each park will have two showings a day, at 9:30 a.m. and at 11:30 a.m. The production is free to the public; families are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
“Book Up!” is one part of Goodman Theatre’s 100th birthday celebration and the launch of a “100 Free Acts of Theater” series that will continue throughout the season. Free.
Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert
Aug. 11 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
This annual concert brings sounds from popular musicals to the stage for one summer night. The 2025 highlights includes songs from “Parade” (which will also be showing at the CIBC Theatre), “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Elf the Musical” and “MJ the Musical,” which opens the following night at the Nederlander Theatre. Audiences who get a sneak peek at the King of Pop will for sure leave dancing in the park. Free.
‘Ice Cream Circus!,’ presented by Lookingglass Theatre
Aug. 17–24 at five Chicago parks
This event is part of Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks. Lookingglass will partner with Actors Gymnasium to present an outdoor show that blends theater with circus arts and magic. The show is for all ages and is presented without any spoken language. Free.
‘The Winter’s Tale,’ presented by Wheaton Park District
Aug 28–30, at Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton
There seems to be a theme here: Shakespeare in the park this summer is full of romantic comedies.
“The Winter’s Tale” follows a jealous king who accuses his wife of having an affair with his best friend. Come early to this free production in the western suburbs for a preshow puppet show. Free.
Mike Davis is WBEZ’s theater reporter. Contributing: Camila Trimberger-Ruiz, WBEZ.