View an eye-opening array of horror and psychological thrillers at Beyond Chicago, the biggest genre film festival in the U.S., at the iconic Music Box Theatre on April 2-5, 2026. Watch 30 feature movies from all over the world, … [Read More...]
Latest Deals and Events

Andersonville Insidewalk Sale Event
Get ready for spring and stock up on deals for seasonal goodies at a variety of shops and cafes in the Andersonville neighborhood during the Andersonville Insidewalk Sale on March 27-29, 2026. Forget about braving chilly sidewalks and browse … [Read More...]

Olive Garden brings back popular ‘Buy One, Take One’ deal for limited time
At Olive Garden, you’re treated like family! And that means you don’t leave without food to enjoy later at home. The popular Italian restaurant is bringing back one of its most popular giveaways — for a limited time. Olive Garden diners enjoy two … [Read More...]

Chipotle celebrates Friday the 13th with buy-one-get-one deal
Are you feeling lucky on Friday the 13th? There are three “Friday the 13th” dates in 2026. And the one in March promises to be a very lucky day for Chipotle fans. The popular restaurant is marking the historically “unlucky” day with a big … [Read More...]

Free and cheap things to do this weekend in Chicago
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Chicago? There are tons of free and cheap events in the city. Here’s our list of the top free events, discounts, and deals to have fun around town on your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are … [Read More...]

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Food and Drink Specials
Chicago's St. Patrick's Day celebration of Irish culture doesn't stop with the parades. There are dozens of Irish pubs and restaurants that serve up Irish bites and drinks all year round but they really turn up the festivities for St. Pat's … [Read More...]

Dairy Queen Hosts Free Cone Day on March 19
Chill out this spring with lots of cool treats at Dairy Queen! The popular ice cream shop celebrates the start of spring with its annual (and extremely popular!) FREE Cone Day on March 19, 2026. Image: Dairy Queen Since 2015, … [Read More...]

Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show
Welcome the colors and excitement of the spring season with the annual Spring Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory. This year's show is called "Showers of Flowers" and runs through May 10, 2026. Wander through over 80 hanging baskets that … [Read More...]

Food and Drink Deals at Andersonville Restaurant Week
It may still be frosty but Chicago continues to supply hot activities to enjoy in the city. The seventh annual Andersonville Restaurant Week runs from March 15-29, 2026. The event features 16 restaurants serving prix fixe … [Read More...]
Today’s Free & Cheap Events in Chicago
Featured Events

Free and cheap things to do this weekend in Chicago
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Chicago? There are tons of free and cheap events in the city. Here’s … [Read More...]

Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday
It's your special day so you deserve a gift. Lots of companies offer free stuff for your birthday. In some cases, … [Read More...]

Free or cheap things to do in Chicago this week
If you’re looking for a way to entertain yourself, your family and your friends in Chicago without spending a lot of … [Read More...]

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Free Days
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Free Days Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 North Cannon Drive, … [Read More...]













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 