Broadway in Your Backyard at Porchlight Music Theatre
Dates: 7/6/2026 - 9/19/2026
📍 Theatre: Porchlight Music Theatre
Porchlight Music Theatre Production Offices 4200 W. Diversey Ave. Chicago, IL 60639
Chicago, IL 60639
Tickets: Free
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.
News About Broadway in Your Backyard at Porchlight Music Theatre
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, DEAD OUTLAW, and More Set For Porchlight Music Theatre's 2026-27 Season
April 21, 2026 Porchlight Music Theatre announced its 32nd season, including LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, the Chicago premiere of DEAD OUTLAW, and the world premiere of SHAKE IT AWAY: THE ANN MILLER STORY at the Biograph Theater.
Porchlight Music Theatre's Free Summer Concert Series, BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD, Returns Next Month
June 12, 2025 Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, which will take place next month. Learn more here!
CHICAGO SINGS 30 YEARS OF PORCHLIGHT On Sale At Porchlight Music Theatre Tomorrow
January 29, 2025 Porchlight Music Theatre has announced its annual fundraising concert celebrating Porchlight's 30th anniversary with Chicago Sings 30 Years of Porchlight, Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m., with a 5:30 p.m. reception, at the House of Blues Chicago.
FUN HOME: BEHIND THE SHOW BACKSTORY to be Presented at Porchlight
November 26, 2024 Porchlight Music Theatre will present Fun Home: Behind the Show Backstory with Artistic Director Michael Weber in December. Learn more about the program and see how to purchase tickets.
Porchlight Music Theatre Announces Cast For NEW FACES SING BROADWAY NOW
September 10, 2024 Porchlight Music Theatre announced the cast for NEW FACES SING BROADWAY NOW, set to perform on November 11 and 12.
Cast and Creative Team Set for Porchlight's Free Summer Music Series, BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD
May 28, 2024 Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for its free summer music series, BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD, bringing musical theatre performances to various Chicago neighborhoods.
Broadway in Your Backyard Returns This Summer
May 14, 2024 Porchlight Music Theatre has announcedthe return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, now in its fourth year, June 6 - August 6, as part of Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series. Learn more about the lineup here!
Porchlight Announces Cast and Creative Team for ANYTHING GOES
November 06, 2023 Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its 90th Anniversary production of Cole Porter's crown jewel musical comedy, Anything Goes, music and lyrics by Cole Porter, original book by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse and a new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman, January 13 – February 25, 2024, at the Ruth Page Center.
Cast and Creative Team Set for ANYTHING GOES at Porchlight Music Theatre
November 06, 2023 Porchlight has revealed the cast and creative team for ANYTHING GOES starring Meghan Murphy. Get all the details for this upcoming production.
Hell In A Handbag's THE GOLDEN GIRLS SAVE XMAS is Coming To The Center On Halsted This Holiday Season
October 23, 2023 'The Golden Girls Save Xmas' is coming to The Center on Halsted from Nov. 26 - Dec. 30, 2023. Don't miss this world premiere parody series by Hell in a Handbag Productions.
Porchlight Reveals Slate of Scene Changers to be Honored at PORCHLIGHT ICONS: CELEBRATING BEN VEREEN
August 29, 2023 Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the 2023 Scene Changers who will be honored at Porchlight ICONS: Celebrating Ben Vereen, Friday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport Ave.
Porchlight Music Theatre Announces New Members Of Its Board Of Directors
August 24, 2023 Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the election of two new members to its Board of Directors, Todd Arp and Brandon John Harrington.
Porchlight Names Felicia P. Fields and Kenny Ingram as Honorary Co-Chairs for PORCHLIGHT ICONS: CELEBRATING BEN VEREEN
August 18, 2023 Learn about the exciting announcement of honorary co-chairs, Broadway veterans Felicia P. Fields and Kenny Ingram, and the talented cast for Porchlight's production of PORCHLIGHT ICONS: CELEBRATING BEN VEREEN. Don't miss this star-studded celebration of a legendary performer.
Registration Now Open For Porchlight's Fall Classes, Running September 9 - December 16
August 01, 2023 Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre's Education Department has announced the return of its education classes this fall, September 9 - December 16.
Photos: Porchlight's BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD Concert Series Kicks Off At Portage Park
July 07, 2023 Porchlight Music Theatre’s free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard starring Broadway veterans and recent Porchlight “New Faces,” now in its third year, is now playing through August 8, as part of 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 and Comcast and Xfinity. See photos from the show!About the Theatre
Porchlight Music Theatre Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
Where is Porchlight Music Theatre located?
What shows have played recently at Porchlight Music Theatre?
Follies (04/25/26-04/26/26)
The Irish... and How They Got That Way (01/31/26-03/15/26)
Porchlight Sings the Season (12/08/25-11/09/25)
New Faces Sing Broadway 1960 (09/30/25-09/18/25)
Broadway in your Backyard (07/14/25-07/23/25)
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