2017 Free Chicago Museum Days. Visiting museums can be very expensive. Thanks to the Illinois General Assembly many … [Read More...]
Featured Events
Free Days at Brookfield Zoo
Free Days at Brookfield Zoo. Where: Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd; Brookfield, 708-688-8000. When: March … [Read More...]
Free or cheap things to do in Chicago this week
Free or cheap things to do in Chicago this week. You can find a complete list of events by day on our Calendar page. … [Read More...]
Latest Deals and Events
Free Chicago SummerDance June 23-Sept 10
Free Chicago SummerDance June 23-Sept 10. The largest annual outdoor dancing series in the US returns with swing, waltz, … [Read More...]
Get free stuff on your birthday
Get free stuff on your birthday. Birthday freebies used to be more generous but hey free is still free. You will be … [Read More...]
Free movies Hyde Park Kenwood
Free movies Hyde Park Kenwood. As part of the Chicago Park Districts Movies in the Park check out these films around … [Read More...]
Free Shakespeare at Navy Pier
Free Shakespeare at Navy Pier. Enjoy a free performance of Romeo and Juliet When: Wednesday-Friday, July 26-28, … [Read More...]
Starbucks: Earn Gold Status with one purchase
Starbucks: Earn Gold Status with one purchase. Now through July 31, 2017 all Green Level members can earn a year of … [Read More...]
Free movie Lakeshore East Park
Free movie Lakeshore East Park. Grab a chair or blanket and come out to Chicago's best "hidden" park for a free … [Read More...]
Free Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me taping
If you're a fan of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me but don't want to spend $30 to attend a show they having a free taping this … [Read More...]
Free Harper Court Summer Music Series
Free Harper Court Summer Music Series. When: Last Wednesday of the month, June 28, July 26, August 30, 2017 … [Read More...]
Free Family Festival at Art Institute of Chicago
Free Family Festival at Art Institute of Chicago Where: Art Institute of Chicago, Ryan Education Center. Enter … [Read More...]
Free Chipotle BOGO limited time offer
Free Chipotle BOGO limited time offer. This just in. Now through August 31 or while supplies last: Go to this … [Read More...]
Free guided wildflower walks in Lincoln Park
Free guided wildflower walks in Lincoln Park. The Lincoln Park Conservancy offers two free guided wildflower walks … [Read More...]
Taste of River North July 21-23
The Annual Taste of River North returns this weekend. When: July 21-23, 2017 Fri. 5PM-10PM, Sat. 12PM-10PM, Sun. … [Read More...]
Sheffield Music Fest and Garden Walk July 22-23
Sheffield Music Fest and Garden Walk July 22-23. When: July 22-23, 2017, 12 Noon-10 pm Where: 2200 N. Sheffield (at … [Read More...]
Free Lunchtime Tree Walks around Chicago
Free Lunchtime Tree Walks around Chicago. Get out into nature and learn about our urban trees with experienced tree … [Read More...]
Newberry Library Book Fair
Newberry Library Book Fair. When:July 27 – 30, 2017, Thurs-Fri 12PM-8PM; Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM. Where: Newberry Library, … [Read More...]
Bughouse Square Debates Washington Square Park
Bughouse Square Debates Washington Square Park return. When: Saturday, July 29, 2017, Noon – 4 pm Where: Washington … [Read More...]
ArtFest Michigan Avenue July 21-23
ArtFest Michigan Avenue July 21-23. When: July 21- 23, 2017, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10a-5p Where: … [Read More...]
Harold Washington Library: Free Business, Law and Money lecture series
Harold Washington Library: free Business, Law and Money lecture series. The Chicago Public Library's FREE Business, … [Read More...]
Friday Arts Market Daley Plaza
Friday Arts Market Daley Plaza When: Friday, May 19, 2017, June 9, 2017, July 14, 2017, August 4, 2017 • 8a – … [Read More...]
National Parks Lifetime Pass Cost Increase Aug 28
National Parks Lifetime Pass Cost Increase. The $10 America the Beautiful Senior Lifetime pass is the best deal in … [Read More...]
Free Movies at The Park at Wrigley
Free Movies at The Park at Wrigley. When: Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM. Tuesday, June 27, July 11, … [Read More...]
Half-Price Tickets
Get ticket discounts of up to 50% (sometimes more) on Chicago's hottest musicals, comedies, concerts, talks, and more. See the half-price ticket deals.
This Week
Find out what"s happening in Chicago this week and what you can do that's inexpensive or free. See our list of things that are Free or Cheap this Week.
Day by Day
Our calendar lets you see a month at a glance, or click on a particular date to see events for that day. Check out our free or cheap Chicago events calendar.
Things to Do in Chicago
Things to Do with Kids
Eat, Drink & Save Money
Chicago for Visitors
Chicago on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at 