As summer winds down, there’s no better time to enjoy one of Chicagoland’s favorite warm-weather pastimes: catching a movie under the stars.
From classic drive-ins to modern rooftop screenings, the Windy City area offers plenty of ways to enjoy open-air cinema.
Here are some of the best spots to watch your favorite film outdoors this summer in Chicago.
McHenry Outdoor Theatre
The McHenry Outdoor Theater—arguably one of Chicagoland’s most beloved drive-ins—is open for the 2025 season!
Located two hours north of downtown Chicago, this classic open-air cinema offers a timeless moviegoing experience. Gates open at 6 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to settle in and grab snacks from the concession stand.
Once the sun sets, the magic begins. Right now, movie lovers can enjoy double features every Saturday and Sunday night.
Starting Memorial Day weekend, the theater will be open seven nights a week, screening a mix of modern blockbusters and nostalgic favorites all summer long.
Whether you’re catching the latest Marvel hit or revisiting Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, there’s no better place to do it than McHenry Outdoor Theater.
Learn more here.
Rooftop Cinema Club
If you’ve been hearing the buzz about Rooftop Cinema Club but haven’t made it there yet, let this be the summer you finally see what all the hype is about!
Situated atop the Emily Hotel in Fulton Market, Rooftop Cinema Club offers a luxurious outdoor movie viewing experience, accented by sweeping views of the Chicago skyline.
This season, the club has a full roster of contemporary and throwback flicks scheduled for every night of the week. Catch favorites like Mean Girls, Pulp Fiction, The Notebook, and dozens of other captivating films.
The club offers a variety of concessions to complete the experience including popcorn, walking tacos, nachos, boxed candy, and cocktails.
View the full 2025 movie schedule and reserve your tickets here.
Route 34 Drive In Theatre
If you’re looking for a small town drive-in movie experience this summer near Chicago, look no further than Route 34 Drive In!
Located 2 hours southwest of downtown in Earlsville, IL, the quaint drive-in is a real slice of Americana in the heart of the Midwest.
The drive-in is open now through October, showing a range of films from family-friendly flicks to PG-13 thrillers.
Tickets start at just $10 for adults. Learn more here.
ChiTown Drive In
ChiTown Drive-In, located just south of downtown in Pilsen, is one of the city’s closest spots for an old-school movie night. All you need is your car and a working radio to tune into the film’s audio—then sit back and enjoy the show.
The concession stand goes beyond the basics, offering everything from popcorn and candy to tacos, pizza, fries, and frozen margaritas.
Click here to learn more.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Head to Millennium Park every Tuesday this summer from July 1–August 19, for the Millennium Park Summer Film Series hosted by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs (DCASE).
Films begin at 6:30 p.m. each day. Guests can take a seat at the Pritzker Pavilion or spread out on the lawn with blankets, lawn chairs, and their favorite snacks.
Here’s the best part—admission is completely free!
Learn more here.