Go with someone you like :^)
Posted by: Tom on Jun 21, 05 | 8:40 am
it is a very romantic place for a date.
Posted by: lisa on Jun 21, 05 | 11:16 am
it's actually not very hard to smuggle in alcohol. i've done it on numerous occasions.
mmm... red wine in plastic cups!
i'm excited for this year's lineup... it's one of the best yet!
Posted by: donna on Jun 22, 05 | 8:40 am
are you allowed to bring dogs??
Posted by: Amber on Jul 11, 05 | 2:47 pm
Dogs are not allowed, unfortunately...
Posted by: Janelle on Jul 12, 05 | 11:50 am
I've been going every year and it's great. **If you are going to smoke, try not too or go in an open space. Everyone is so packed together in the park. It ruins the fun.
Posted by: Elaine on Jul 20, 05 | 9:40 am
Thanks for the link. Very informative, we plan on discreetly sneeking in booze. The park gets so crowded and its dark that we think it will be really easy.
And interestingly enough, you are allowed to bring alcohol to the Grant Park Music Festival in Millenium Park
Posted by: Paula on Apr 16, 06 | 7:50 am
I love Movies in the Park! I've been going for the past 3 years and those are very good tips, especially the one about not sitting somewhere where there is grass in front of you, i did that once in the beginning and as the movie was starting, two people brought big chairs and flopped them down right in front of me! I was soo mad! But i spoke to them and they switched places with me, so it all worked out - it seems most folks with chairs don't realize their being rude.
Posted by: Esther on Apr 26, 06 | 9:36 am
Oh that's a great idea, Esther! You can always ask to switch places with the chairs. Wow, problem solved! (hopefully, there's no chairs in front of the chairs)
Posted by: spudart on Apr 26, 06 | 9:56 am
If you don't have booze its not movies in the park. Getting sh*t faced and passing out during ET is one o the best things you can do during the summer in Chicago.
Posted by: tatertottttt on Apr 27, 06 | 5:18 pm
Always pee before you go... the bathrooms are always packed...and if you really need to use the restroom... bring yourself a roll of TP, it will come in handy I promise.
Posted by: Dawn on May 19, 06 | 3:39 pm
To the smoking comment: The whole park is an open space! Relax. If a little smoke ruins your fun You are easily annoyed and very high strung!!Smoking is allowed in Grant Park. You go to an open space if you don't like it
Posted by: Lisa G on May 30, 06 | 8:31 am
I am willing to bet if you ask people at Movies in the Park, nine out of ten people will say that smoking is annoying during the event.
If nine out of ten people say this, why annoy the great majority of people for your own deathly satisfaction?
Posted by: spudart on May 30, 06 | 9:14 am
Lisa G, it's not being "high strung" to be annoyed by toxic fumes that cause cancer. You are ignorant and self-destructive.
Oh, and let me tell you how much i love smelling like toxic fumes when i get home because someone was smoking near me either in a bar or even in a park. It's so great.
See, you have built your life around living in toxic fumes that you don't even notice how much it is part of your very existence.
Bottom line: people who smoke stink and they don't even know it.
I think we all get the point - smokers suck. Let's revert back to the intent of this page, being that it is about the Movies in the Park, not about people who smoke and how bad they smell.
Posted by: bdsaintess on May 30, 06 | 10:26 am
Spud!! Thank you for this! I just did a job for a client who is doing some ad work for Movies in the Park. I asked him what the use dates were and he said he didn't know. I said "Hang on! A buddy of mine has a post on his blog about this!" I found the dates thanks to you and your post about Movies in the Park!
Oh yeah ... and smokers stink ;^)
Posted by: Tom on May 30, 06 | 3:00 pm
There is something awesome, about throwing a blanket down, drinking some wine( which is easy to smuggle in) and cuddling up for a great movie with the Chicago skyline behind you. It's like something out of movie itself I have been going for years and its absolutly one of my fav. things about Chi-town. Can't wait.
Posted by: kate on Jun 05, 06 | 8:15 pm
This is most definitely the best thing to do in Chicago in the summer. I have gone every year since it started and every part, from getting there at 5 to stake out a good spot with a good book to watching night slowly fall on our beautiful city to seeing a good classic, is amazing. If you are from Chicago, you will likely run into old college buddies. Friends meet. People get engaged. Local celebrities attend and you can spot some there, like Kurt Elling. This is truly an unmissible Chicago activity. Live by the tips given above, oh and sometimes the ground is wet, so bring a thick blanket or a plastic under sheet to lay down first. Also, if your group will be showing up in installments, make sure to have cell phones and be near to some "landmark" so you can find each other ... it can get really difficult. (But try not to come after the movie started ... trying to find your group, cell phone in hand is more annoying than the smoke)
Posted by: Amany on Jun 06, 06 | 4:53 pm
Depending on the weather, bug spray can also be a good thing to have. I was a bit soused on red wide and finger foods to notice, but last year I got eaten up by bugs!
Posted by: Stina on Jun 08, 06 | 10:14 pm
Great movie choices! Kudos to whoever picked them, and I'll be going every week.
Posted by: Jennifer on Jun 16, 06 | 10:15 pm
I love movies in the park! I just hate that I can't bring my dogs. I have two great dogs who go everywhere with me. I think it stinks you can smuggle in the booze, but not the pups.
Posted by: Heather on Jun 17, 06 | 9:49 am
WELL...You all have convinced me this a "MUST DO" this summer!! I can't believe I have not taken advantage of this wonderful free venue. I am totally excited! Your tips have been extremely helpful. Thanks! svd
Posted by: Stephanie VanDriesen on Jun 22, 06 | 12:39 pm
for some reason bugs are attracted to yellow, so make sure your blanket you bring does not have yellow in it!
Posted by: Me on Jul 05, 06 | 12:47 pm
"Are you allowed to bring dogs"
============
No, No, and No. Non seeing eye dogs belong romping through fields, not at the city beaches, in stores, restaurants/cafes, of crowds of people. I know a lot of people take their precious ones to public beaches, because these people are special, just ask them. Same goes for stores and cafes.
Posted by: BD on Jul 17, 06 | 11:16 am
just to respond to "can you bring dogs"....I disagree completely with whoever said they dont belong at the beaches, stores etc. Chicago is such a dog friendly city that I for one love seeing all the cute urban pooches embracing city life. However, in regards to Movie in the park, its just too crowded for dogs and such close qurters that you may want to consider those who are allergic to pets or those that have kids that maybe are slightly scared of pets. Just a thought considering you are really sitting quite close to one another. I love dogs but if you think it may be a problem then more than likly there will be someone who will be huffing and puffing within ear shot of you and your movie loving pet all night long.
Posted by: kate on Jul 17, 06 | 11:28 am
This happens at other parks besides Grant fwiw.
Posted by: Aaron on Jul 18, 06 | 12:35 am
Thanks for mentioning that, Aaron. Yes there are movies in other Chicago parks. I've listed some of them at my chicago events site: http://www.chicagobean.com/movies-in-the-parkPosted by: spudart on Jul 18, 06 | 9:30 am
If you want to bring wine, put it in a wine skin and bring cups - nobody will mind - last year some guys had a pony keg in a little red wagon and didn't get busted. Bring a tarp to put down under your blanket, and I usually use a helium filled balloon so my friends can spot me - and always reel it in before the movie starts. Also bring something to put your trash in.
Posted by: paz on Jul 18, 06 | 10:04 am
This is better than Ravinia. We love it. I turned my kids onto it and they now bring their dates. They can show them a great time, watch some classic movies and save the date money for good picnic food and even better wine.
Posted by: Kathleen Mayfield on Jul 26, 06 | 3:59 pm
Toxic fumes? Come on! Yes smoking can be annoying to those around - even in open air. But...lets not over do it. They are burning tobacco leaves not toxic waste. You are not going to get cancer at movies in park- even if someone does have a smoke near you.
Posted by: AJ on Aug 08, 06 | 5:49 pm
To the no dogs... pfft! And the person who said dogs don't belong on beaches... huh? Chicago is the only city I've ever been to (sans resort cities lined with hotels) that doesn't allow dogs on beaches. It's ridiculous... as far as stores, outdoor cafes, etc... Oh no, god forbid dogs be seen in public places! The world is coming to a shattering hault! Get over it. However, it's probably not a good idea to bring dogs to Movies At the Park anyway, if only for their own safety (lots of people, lots of chances for paws to be stepped on).
As for smoking... if you drive a car to the park, you have no right to complain about a person lighting up a cigarette. So get over that, too.
Posted by: Remarkable Rocket on Aug 12, 06 | 4:33 pm
Re: chairs/blankets - both are great & fun - each are more comfy for some for various reasons - blanket users, please don't get mad at chair users - bring chairs, too, if you want.
Re: smoking - it's not just toxic fumes - it's difficult to breath in cigarette smoke, even when it blows your way outside - it's easy for smokers to breath when people are or aren't smoking nearby, it's not easy for non-smokers to breath when people are smoking nearby - smokers, there are others around - please be respectful
Re: dogs - yes dogs are cute & we love them - sure, bring them to run around the park when people aren't sitting for a movie - correct about comment about allergies, as well as people maybe not wanting to be licked or stepped-on by, or smelling a dog - movies are for people to watch - please leave pets home for a couple of hours - & about dogs not being allowed on the beach, I think it's because dogs pee in the sand, which isn't cleaned up like dog poop is only sometimes
Posted by: B on Aug 27, 06 | 9:56 pm
Smoking is not allowed in many of the parks' events - i have seen security ask people to put them out or to move elsewhere while they smoke.
Posted by: becky on Aug 29, 06 | 12:19 pm
Re: Re: chairs... yeah, if you think you're gonna be bugged by people in chairs, then bring a chair. Simple.
Re: Re: smoking... there's a lot of gray area. I personally am allergic to the smell of many perfumes... does that mean people shouldn't wear perfume? No...it means I should deal with it. Same for smoking - if it bugs you that much, then stay home.
Re: Re: dogs... generalizations are lovely, aren't they? Most dogs won't lick or step on people, and even when they do, that's easily controllable with a tight leash. As for allergies... go back to the perfume thing. Dogs, as sentient beings, shouldn't be refused because they make someone sneeze. besides, pet owners carry the dander on them, so if you're allergic to the animal, you'll probably be allergic to the person. Take medicine if it really bugs you, but don't expect the world to come to a stop for you (it's the flip-side of being respectful). And beaches? most cities do allow dogs on beaches, and it's not an issue in those cities. And so what if dogs pee on the beach? So do little kids. That's what high-tide is for.
Posted by: Loren on Aug 30, 06 | 3:44 am
I love that you simply updated your post from 2005 ... why? Because I think you should be considered THE AUTHORITY on Movies in the Park and updating your 2 year old post with 35+ comments ranks you that much higher in the search engines when people want to know about Movies in the Park! Very s a v v y!
Posted by: Tom on Apr 23, 07 | 8:19 pm
Please tell me the link for Double Indemnity is wrong! TV remake of the Billy Wilder classic? If it's the original, count me in... Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwick at their best. But made for TV remake?
Posted by: Bart on Apr 27, 07 | 10:01 am
Cyclists can beat the traffic by biking! The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and the Mayor's Office of Special Events provides FREE Bike Valet Parking at all films. The valet is located on the northwest corner of Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Streets.
Posted by: on May 30, 07 | 11:27 am
CORRECTION: According to the City's site, The Awful Truth is actually playing on TUES, AUG 7 (not the 8th as listed here). Please do that update thang. This Cary Grant/Irene Dunne picture is one of my all-time favorites. The dialogue and performances are inspired and hilarious. A terrific addtion to this series.
Posted by: kisu on Jun 02, 07 | 12:20 pm
that is so cool! I'd like that back here too, I've never seen such a large screen. Plus it's like a picnic with a bonus, not to mention the tax free thing. maybe I'll move to Chicago
Thanks for putting this up! I can't wait for it to start. Just a quick observation though - I think that IDMB link is for the remake of Double Indemnity, not the original.
Posted by: ChiGirl on Jun 19, 07 | 2:20 pm
How about this one - please be courteous and only "reserve" the amount of space you actually need rather than lay out five huge blankets for your 10 friends who inevitably don't show until halfway thru the movie? People take great pains to get there early only to find two dopes roping off the Ponderosa. First come should get best choice. This applies to Ravinia, concerts at Geary and the pride parade too!
Posted by: Outdoor on Jul 24, 07 | 5:12 pm
Excellent advice, Mr. Outdoor.
Posted by: spudart on Jul 24, 07 | 5:33 pm
I just went out and bought 4 collapsible chairs at Walgreen;s for my family to use at the movies in the park. Should I use them? Will I irritate anyone. I am not getting any younger and my feet fall asleep etc...
Posted by: Star on Jul 24, 07 | 10:14 pm
HI robert and friends. I hope you had a good time at the movies tonight
Posted by: Star on Jul 24, 07 | 10:17 pm
Is the Aug. 8 movie a typo? it's Tuesday Aug 7 right?
Posted by: Robert Mariduena on Aug 05, 07 | 9:25 pm
To the smoking comments:
I must say I'm disgusted by your ignorance. Toxic Fumes??! You are watching a movie right next to Lake Shore Drive where literally thousands of cars pass you spewing out much more serious toxic fumes that do not dissipate as a puff of cigarette smoke does. I do not smoke, I quit as it's expensive. But seriously let people make they're own decisions. In an urban area like Chicago the smoke of a cigarette should be the least of your worries about pollution. Go yell at BP for dumping wasted into the lake, not heckling smokers for a habbitt. Why not yell at the booze drinkers who are doing it illegally and bragging about it. That is just as bad for you as smoking. Lighten up people, we're all in this together.
Posted by: howdy on Aug 07, 07 | 10:32 am
wasn't Sweet Smell of Success in last years line-up?
Posted by: Carrie on Aug 19, 07 | 11:00 pm
Is the place too wet/muddy to enjoy tonight?
Posted by: Mark on Aug 21, 07 | 3:38 pm
Thanks for the link. Very informative, we plan on discreetly sneeking in booze. The park gets so crowded and its dark that we think it will be really easy.
HI robert and friends. I hope you had a good time at the movies tonight.
Posted by: on Sep 25, 07 | 5:32 am
I do not smoke, I quit as it's expensive. But seriously let people make they're own decisions. In an urban area like Chicago the smoke of a cigarette should be the least of your worries about pollution. Go yell at BP for dumping wasted into the lake, not heckling smokers for a habbitt
Posted by: Custom6 on Nov 26, 07 | 7:41 am
Rober! I hope you had a beautiful time at the movies tonight.
Posted by: on Dec 25, 07 | 6:24 pm
Your site has very much liked me. I shall necessarily tell about him to the friends.
Posted by: on Jan 14, 08 | 8:23 pm
very romantic place
Posted by: hooper on Jan 15, 08 | 1:27 pm
You are watching a movie right next to Lake Shore Drive where literally thousands of cars pass you spewing out much more serious toxic fumes that do not dissipate as a puff of cigarette smoke does. I do not smoke, I quit as it's expensive. But seriously let people make they're own decisions.
Posted by: Tapeten on Jan 24, 08 | 5:17 pm
I wonder what the film choices are going to be this year...
I would really love to see a great movie like Grease
Posted by: on Feb 08, 08 | 11:10 am
Very informative, we plan on discreetly sneeking in booze.
Posted by: on Apr 04, 08 | 12:53 pm
You said nothing about smoking... is smoking allowed in the park? I am sure many spectators are curious to know these details.
Posted by: Narconon on Apr 09, 08 | 9:01 am
Narconon, smoking is not allowed--unless you want to be a jerk.
Posted by: spudart on Apr 09, 08 | 9:51 am
Are there going to be movies this summer (2008)? I've been googleing like crazy and can't find anything but last years schedule.
Posted by: Molly on May 21, 08 | 11:56 am
Molly, that is strange. Last year they released the schedule in late april.
Posted by: spudart on May 21, 08 | 12:09 pm
Thanks for the great update!
Posted by: Tom on Jun 20, 08 | 10:13 am
How do they handle the aspect ratio issue? A 50-by-34-foot screen is 1.47:1 -- which conforms to no aspect ratio in use today. If you fill the entire screen, a standard 4:3 (1.34:1) film will need to be slightly letterboxed. A 16:9 (1.78:1) image will need slightly more letterboxing, and the traditional ratios of 1.85:1 and 2.39:1 even more.
I hope they don't project those mutilated "full screen" versions of widescreen movies.
there is chair rental!!!the one thing I did not like is that someone was burning incense.Please don't the smoke is very heavy and the scent choice does not appeal to others.
Posted by: Betty on Jul 10, 08 | 1:21 pm
OK, dog haters - If dogs aren't allowed at the movies in Grant Park, kids shouldn't be either. They are at more risk of getting hurt by crowds, and are likely to be even more disruptive!
And I think ppl should burn incense all around the smokers. I have a feeling they would be bothered about it. And the smokers should just 'move to open space' if they don't like the smell of it :)
Posted by: Whats worse... on Jul 13, 08 | 12:00 am
why are the movies so old.
Posted by: aylox on Jul 16, 08 | 12:04 pm
PLEASE LEAVE THE DOGS AT HOME!
SOME EVENTS JUST DO NOT NEED DOGS POOPING AND GROWLING AND COMING UP TO FOLKS WHO DON'T WANT TO BE BOTHERED.
PEOPLE WANT TO RELAX AND WATCH A MOVIE WITHOUT YOUR DOG BEGGING FOR THEIR FOOD AND JUST BEING A NUISANCE. BTW: I AM A TRUE DOG LOVER, BUT DON'T TAKE MY DOG TO PUBLIC EVENTS!
Posted by: Common Sense on Jul 18, 08 | 10:56 am
The all caps means she's serious.
Posted by: spudart on Jul 18, 08 | 10:57 am
People who say they want to bring their dogs to the beach are just insane. People go to the beach to walk barefooted. No one wants dog poop in the sand where they lay or let their children play.
Find a friend (a human) to go the beach with and leave the dog at home for a change. Better yet, by some beachfront property and let the dogs dump around your property. People don't scoop up the dog mess, and even if you did it will still be some in the sand.
Posted by: DOGS? on Jul 18, 08 | 11:01 am
LOL @ "People take great pains to get there early only to find two dopes roping off the Ponderosa."
Now that's funny but true! Love your choice of words.
Posted by: Laughing at the comments on Jul 18, 08 | 11:07 am
Posted by: Moxo on Jul 24, 08 | 12:11 pm
It's those other dog owners that don't take responsibility that ruin it for other dog owners. If you're dog poops, pick up the poop. Even Oprah states it on her show repeatedly. I have two dogs and ALWAYS pick up their crap as I don't want to step in it nor want my kids or husband to squash it on their shoes. And to the anti smokers: if you're worried about toxic fumes why the heck are you going to Movies in the Park which is lodged between LSD and Michigan Avenue, havens for toxic car/bus/truck fumes? I agree it's not pleasant to smell and see smoke in the middle of an intense movie scene, so just politely ask the smoker to refrain from smoking so close to you and your view of the screen? Anyway...off the soap box and off to the movies!
Posted by: Judy in disguise on Jul 25, 08 | 10:57 pm
I know very informative, we plan on discreetly sneeking in booze. The park gets so crowded and its dark that we think it will be really easy.Thanks for the link.
Posted by: Ciplis on Aug 04, 08 | 1:02 am
Today we took our toddler to Millennium Park just to have some fun. We got ridiculously surprised when one of the security people from the park approached us and politely asked to hide a helium filled balloon that was tide to our son's stroller. We were told that for some reason helium filled balloons are not allowed in the park. Does someone know why they make such ridiculous rules? People who witnessed the conversation with security guard exploded with laugh ! Does that make sense to anyone?
Posted by: Ag on Sep 28, 08 | 7:25 pm
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