Summer evenings in Chicago have never been more magical than with the International Latino Cultural Center’s Films in the Park series. What better way to watch a film than under the stars in a Park! Films in the Park offers families and communities a unique opportunity to experience FREE Latino cinema in beautiful outdoor settings across Chicago. This beloved summer tradition transforms Chicago’s neighborhood parks into open-air theaters, celebrating the rich tapestry of Latino filmmaking while bringing communities together under the night sky.
A Celebration of Latino Cinema and Community
This program runs during the Summer as part of the ILCC’s commitment to making Latino culture accessible to all Chicagoans. The series runs throughout the summer, and features family-friendly films in Spanish, offering both entertainment and cultural education in stunning outdoor venues throughout the city. Each screening becomes a community gathering where families can spread blankets, share picnics, and discover new stories from across Latin America and the Latino diaspora.
The Films in the Park series serves as a natural extension of The Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) is the oldest, largest and longest running Latino film festival in the country, celebrating its 41st edition in 2025. While the festival showcases nearly 100 films each April, Films in the Park brings that same curatorial excellence to neighborhood settings during the warmer months.
Perfect Evening Entertainment
Each screening begins at dusk with an approximate starting time of 8:30 pm, creating the perfect atmosphere for an evening of cultural entertainment and community connection. The timing allows families to enjoy dinner, gather their blankets and snacks, and settle in as the sun sets and the first stars appear. There’s something inherently magical about watching stories unfold on a big screen while surrounded by the gentle sounds of a summer evening in Chicago.
The outdoor setting adds an extra dimension to the viewing experience. Whether it’s a heartwarming family drama from Mexico, an adventurous tale from Argentina, or a contemporary story from Chicago’s own Latino filmmakers, each film takes on new life when viewed under the expansive Chicago sky. The communal aspect of outdoor cinema creates natural conversation starters and builds connections between neighbors who might never have met otherwise.
Accessibility and Community Partnership
One of the most remarkable aspects of Films in the Park is its commitment to accessibility. This program runs during the Summer in select parks in a collaboration with the Chicago Parks District, ensuring that screenings are strategically located throughout the city to serve diverse neighborhoods. This partnership demonstrates the ILCC’s dedication to reaching beyond traditional cultural venues and bringing Latino cinema directly to where people live and gather.
The free admission removes financial barriers that might prevent families from experiencing these cultural offerings. In an era where movie tickets continue to rise in price, Films in the Park provides an invaluable service by making quality cinema accessible to everyone, regardless of economic circumstances.
A Legacy of Cultural Excellence
For more than three decades, the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago has promoted and raised awareness of our diverse Latino cultures across all art forms, from film to theater, from music to dance, and from literature to the plastic arts. Films in the Park embodies this mission perfectly, using the universal appeal of cinema to introduce audiences to the breadth and depth of Latino storytelling traditions.
The program features carefully curated selections that represent the diversity of Latino experiences. From contemporary comedies to historical dramas, from animated features perfect for children to thought-provoking documentaries, each screening offers something different while maintaining the high artistic standards that have made the ILCC a respected cultural institution.
July 2025 Schedule
This summer’s Films in the Park lineup offers an exciting variety of Latino cinema across four Chicago neighborhoods:
23 Hours (23 Horas) • July 9th at Riis Park (6100 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago) Start your summer film experience with this compelling drama that explores themes of time, family, and resilience.
Damn Old People (Viejos Malditos) • July 16th at Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.) A darkly comedic exploration of aging and family dynamics that promises both laughs and meaningful reflection.
Tetanus (Tétano) • July 23rd at Harrison Park (1824 S. Wood Street, Chicago) This thought-provoking film brings contemporary Latino storytelling to the heart of the city.
Seeds (Semillas) • July 30th at Killbourn Park (3501 N. Killbourn Ave, Chicago) Close out July with this powerful story that explores growth, community, and the connections that bind us together.
All screenings begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 PM) and are free to the public.
Join the Experience
Whether you’re a longtime supporter of Latino cinema or curious to explore new storytelling traditions, these magical evenings offer something special for everyone. Pack a blanket, bring some snacks, and prepare to be transported by stories that reflect the rich diversity of Latino culture while enjoying the simple pleasure of movies under the stars.
Films in the Park represents more than just free entertainment – it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the power of storytelling to bring people together. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Chicago, these summer evenings remind us of the beautiful threads that connect us all.
