La Cookout
Description
La Cookout is an immersive dance performance and community gathering created, directed, and choreographed by Amanda Ramirez. Inspired by the Latin family cookouts where food, music, dancing, storytelling, and community come together, the show blends contemporary dance, cumbia, salsa, live music, and theater into one big celebration.
Hosted by Don Alfredo, the evening features live music by Son Monarcas, tacos and drinks, and a cast of dancers who bring the cookout to life through movement, music, and storytelling.
Then, when the show ends, you’re invited to dance. Stay for an hour of social dancing with salsa, cumbia, merengue, and more.
Tacos and drinks will be available throughout the evening.
October 10 & 11, 2026
Doors 7:00 PM | Show 7:30–9:00 PM | Social Dancing 9:00–10:00 PM
Created, Directed & Choreographed by: Amanda Ramirez
Dance & Choreography: Isabelle Collazo, Laura Flores, Daniel Ramirez, Hannah Santistevan
Host: Alfredo “Freddy” Zires as Don Alfredo
Live Music: Son Monarcas
Featured Visual Artist: Yaqui Jimenez
Amanda Ramirez and this project are supported by a Chicago Dancemakers Forum Dance Project Grant.
Agenda
- 7:00 pm - 7:30 am
Doors Open
- 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
La Cookout Performance
- 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Social Dancing
FAQs
- Is food included with my ticket?
Yes. Food is included with all ticket types. Carne asada, pollo and veggie tacos will be served during the event.
- Is there parking?
Yes. There is street parking available along Montrose Ave. and on the surrounding side streets. The show is happening in the Movement on Montrose parking lot, so the lot is not available for use during the show.
- Is La Cookout indoors or outdoors?
La Cookout is an outdoor performance in the Movement on Montrose parking lot. If there is inclement weather, the show will move indoors at the Movement on Montrose event space.
- What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 7:00 PM and the performance begins at 7:30 PM. We recommend arriving early enough to get settled before the show begins.
- What happens after the performance?
After the performance ends at 9:00 PM, we'll open up the space for an hour of social dancing until 10:00 PM, with salsa, cumbia, merengue, and more.
- Is the event accessible?
Yes. The event space at Movement on Montrose is accessible.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity