More About Porchlight Music Theatre’s “Broadway In Your Backyard” Returns This Summer, July 6 - 14 and Sept. 19
Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, July 6 - September 19, sponsored by Chicago Free For All Fund. Broadway in your Backyard is directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber, music directed by Linda Madonia and starring Tafadzwa Diener, Nik Kmiecik, Juwon Tyrel Perry and Bethany Thomas.
Now in its sixth year, this free to the public summer series has become one of Porchlight’s most popular offerings with thousands of people enjoying Porchlight favorite artists performing hits and beloved songs from the Broadway and Hollywood musical song books including Hello, Dolly!, Mary Poppins, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Toy Story, The Wiz and others.
The 2026 Broadway in your Backyard season is
Monday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Ave.
This appearance also includes a performance from students of The Chicago Academy for the Arts.
Tuesday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
This appearance also includes a performance from students of The Chicago Academy for the Arts. Additionally, audiences may join Porchlight’s Education as they host a “Kids’ Day” at Welles Park with activities and treats for children, while supplies last.
Monday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Berger Park, Waterfront Cafe, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.
This appearance also includes a performance from PMTeens, Porchlight’s teen performers enrolled in its summer education programming.
Tuesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Washington Square Park, 901 N. Clark St.
This appearance also includes a performance from PMTeens, Porchlight’s teen performers enrolled in its summer education programming and Porchlight Young Professionals Associate Board hosting a “Picnic With PYP” at the performance. “Picnic With PYP,” additional details to be announced.
Navy Pier, STAGE TBD, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Saturday, Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Porchlight Music Theatre presents its popular Broadway in your Backyard program of family-friendly showtunes as it joins more than 110 artists and organizations for Navy Pier’s the annual celebration of Chicago’s vibrant arts and cultural community.
For more information go to PorchlightMusicTheatre.org.
Now in its sixth year, this free to the public summer series has become one of Porchlight’s most popular offerings with thousands of people enjoying Porchlight favorite artists performing hits and beloved songs from the Broadway and Hollywood musical song books including Hello, Dolly!, Mary Poppins, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Toy Story, The Wiz and others.
The 2026 Broadway in your Backyard season is
Monday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Ave.
This appearance also includes a performance from students of The Chicago Academy for the Arts.
Tuesday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
This appearance also includes a performance from students of The Chicago Academy for the Arts. Additionally, audiences may join Porchlight’s Education as they host a “Kids’ Day” at Welles Park with activities and treats for children, while supplies last.
Monday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Berger Park, Waterfront Cafe, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.
This appearance also includes a performance from PMTeens, Porchlight’s teen performers enrolled in its summer education programming.
Tuesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Washington Square Park, 901 N. Clark St.
This appearance also includes a performance from PMTeens, Porchlight’s teen performers enrolled in its summer education programming and Porchlight Young Professionals Associate Board hosting a “Picnic With PYP” at the performance. “Picnic With PYP,” additional details to be announced.
Navy Pier, STAGE TBD, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Saturday, Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Porchlight Music Theatre presents its popular Broadway in your Backyard program of family-friendly showtunes as it joins more than 110 artists and organizations for Navy Pier’s the annual celebration of Chicago’s vibrant arts and cultural community.
For more information go to PorchlightMusicTheatre.org.
Date & Time
July 6, 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Additional Dates
This event also occurs on:
07/07/2026, 07/13/2026, 07/14/2026, 09/19/2026
Location
Porchlight Music Theatre Production Offices
4200 W. Diversey Ave.
Chicago, IL 60639
Communities
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