Book Up!

directed by Tor campbell and raquel torre
july 23 – august 10, 2025

Performances, followed by an interactive workshop, run approximately one hour with no intermission.

A traveling librarian rolls into town with their magical book cart, ready to spark big imaginations everywhere and beyond! With a little wiggle, a little giggle, and a whole lot of wonder, stories leap off the pages through juggling, tumbling, clowning and aerial acrobatics. Every book holds a new adventure—where will we go next? This wondrous outdoor circus spectacle invites little ones (and their grown-ups!) to move, play, and discover the magic of reading.

Book Up! is made specially for children ages 0 – 5 years and their adult friends and family.

All performances are FREE and followed by a hands-on workshop for audiences. Tickets are not required, but we encourage you to register in case weather changes any of our plans.

Register HERE

 

ABOUT Family programs

Whether you’re stepping onto the stage or enjoying the performance from your seat, our programs are designed to create unforgettable moments for every generation. Explore events.

 

map of parks

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Each location has performances at 9:30am and 11:30am. Performances last approximately one hour.

Book Up! is performed on park lawns; please bring a blanket or chair to use during the show.

Wednesday, July 23
Harrison (Carter) Park: 1824 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60608

Thursday, July 24
Bosely (William) Park: 3044 S. Bonfield St., Chicago, IL 60608

Saturday, July 26
Kosciuszko (Thadeusz) Park: 2732 N. Avers Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Sunday, July 27
West Lawn Park: 4233 W. 65th St., Chicago, IL 60629

Wednesday, July 30
Hale (Nathan) Park: 6258 W. 62nd St., Chicago, IL 60638

Thursday, July 31
Hayes (Francis) Park: 2936 W. 85th St., Chicago, IL 60652

Saturday, August 2
Haas (Joseph) Park: 2402 N. Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Sunday, August 3
Marquette Park: 6743 S. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60629

Wednesday, August 6
Homan Square Community Center Park: 3559 W. Arthington, Chicago, IL 60624

Thursday, August 7
Brighton Park Community Campus: 4830 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Saturday, August 9
Portage Park: 4100 N. Long Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Sunday, August 10
Oriole Park: 5430 N. Olcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60602

 

ARTISTS

Tor Campbell

Co-Director

Headshot of Raquel Torre

Raquel Torre

Co-Director

Headshot of Kylie Anderson.

Kylie Anderson

Kid

Headshot of Jean Claudio

Jean Claudio

Librarian

Headshot of Madie Doppelt.

Madie Doppelt

Kid

Headshot of Robbie Matthew.

Robbie Matthew

Kid

SPONSORS