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Dance to the Rhythm of Brazil: Summer Dance Samba Event at Riis Park in Belmont Cragin
Get ready to move to the infectious beats of Brazil! Join us for an unforgettable evening of samba dancing, live music, and community celebration at Chicago SummerDance in the Parks.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Riis Park
Address: 6100 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
Cost: FREE ADMISSION
The event takes place in the beautiful grove adjacent to the swimming pool, creating a perfect outdoor dance floor surrounded by nature.
About Chicago SummerDance
Chicago SummerDance 2025 is the city’s beloved social dancing series that brings movement, music and community to parks across all of Chicago, running from June 28 through September 7. This free series is presented by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in partnership with the Chicago Park District.
Chicago SummerDance in the Parks is a social dance party bringing people of all abilities and ages together for free dance lessons followed by live music and DJs. The series showcases over 30 different dance styles throughout the summer, with each neighborhood program including creative activities with local artists.
Why Samba?
Samba is Brazil’s most iconic dance form, born in the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro and deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian culture. This energetic dance style combines rhythmic footwork, hip movements, and joyful expression that embodies the spirit of celebration. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced dancer, samba’s infectious energy will have you moving to the beat in no time.
The evening will feature:
- Free samba dance instruction by professional instructors
- Live music featuring authentic Brazilian rhythms
- Creative activities with local artists
- DJ sets to keep the party going
- Community celebration welcoming dancers of all skill levels
About Riis Park
Located in the Belmont/Cragin community, Riis Park spans 57.30 acres and offers a variety of recreational amenities for all ages. Named after Jacob A. Riis, the famous photojournalist and reformer who advocated for urban “breathing spaces,” the park has served as a central gathering place for the community for generations.
The park features a newly renovated fieldhouse equipped with a gymnasium, an assembly hall with a stage, teen center, and multi-purpose rooms. Outdoors, visitors can enjoy a water park [opening summer 2025] designed for young children, a large swimming pool with a changing area, and a track for running or walking.
The diverse, multicultural Belmont Cragin neighborhood provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Brazilian culture, reflecting Chicago’s rich tapestry of international communities.
Getting There
Public Transportation
CTA Bus Route #74 (Fullerton): The CTA bus 74 runs along Fullerton Avenue and serves 68 bus stops, with service operating daily. The route provides convenient access directly to Riis Park.
- Eastbound: From downtown Chicago and points east
- Westbound: From western neighborhoods
- Service Hours: Monday-Friday: 3:40am – 1:38am, Saturday: 3:41am – 1:36am, Sunday: 5:20am – 1:40am
Nearest Stop: Look for stops along Fullerton Avenue near the park entrance at 6100 W. Fullerton Ave.
Additional Transit Options
For complete directions using public transportation, visit www.transitchicago.com to plan your trip using CTA’s trip planning tools.
Driving
Free street parking is typically available in the surrounding Belmont Cragin neighborhood. The park is easily accessible from major Chicago thoroughfares.
What to Expect
4:30 PM – Creative Activities Begin
Start your evening with engaging art activities led by local artists, setting the festive mood for the night ahead.
5:30 PM – Samba Dance Instruction
Professional instructors will guide you through the fundamentals of samba, teaching you the basic steps, rhythm, and movements that make this dance so captivating. No experience necessary!
6:00 PM – Live Music & Dancing
The energy builds as live musicians take the stage, playing authentic Brazilian samba rhythms that will keep your feet moving.
7:00 PM – DJ Sets & Community Dancing
The celebration continues with DJ sets featuring Brazilian music and samba favorites, creating an open dance floor where everyone can practice their new moves and enjoy the community atmosphere.
Accessibility & Inclusion
All programming in the Spirit of Music Garden and Chicago SummerDance in the Parks events will have ASL interpretation. The event welcomes dancers of all abilities, ages, and experience levels. The outdoor setting in Riis Park’s grove provides an accessible space for everyone to participate.
What to Bring
- Comfortable dancing shoes (or go barefoot in the grass!)
- Water bottle to stay hydrated
- Sunscreen for the afternoon portion
- Light layers as evening temperatures can be cooler
- Your enthusiasm and readiness to dance!
Community Partnership
This event is part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city, aiming to support Chicago-based artists, facilitate community-based partnerships and programs, cultivate civic engagement, and ensure equity in access to the arts for all Chicagoans.
More SummerDance Events
If you love this samba celebration, don’t miss other exciting Chicago SummerDance events throughout the summer, featuring styles like cumbia, salsa, footwork, bachata, and many more at parks across the city and at the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park.
Join the Celebration
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 30th, and prepare for an evening that celebrates the joy, energy, and community spirit that makes Chicago’s cultural scene so vibrant. Whether you come solo, with friends, or bring the whole family, you’ll leave with new dance moves, new friends, and memories of a perfect summer evening.
No registration required – just show up ready to dance! This free event embodies the spirit of Chicago’s commitment to accessible arts programming and community building through cultural celebration.
¡Vamos dançar! Come dance with us under the Chicago sky as we bring the heat of Brazilian samba to the heart of the Midwest!
For the latest updates and information about Chicago SummerDance events, visit chicagosummerdance.org or follow the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events on social media.
