Chicago on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

Always Free or Cheap

Harold Washington Library Free Author Lecture Series

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Harold Washington Library Free Author Lecture Series. Where:  Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street, 312-747-4300. Most events are in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, Lower Level.  Schedule subject to change or cancellation. Always call to confirm or check the CPL website. … [Read more...] about Harold Washington Library Free Author Lecture Series

2019 Free Chicago Museum Days

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

2019 Free Chicago Museum Days. Visiting museums can be very expensive.  Thanks to the Illinois General Assembly many museums are mandated by law to offer Illinois residents up to 52 free museum days each year.  Some museums are free year round.  Others offer free evenings.  A valid ID is required … [Read more...] about 2019 Free Chicago Museum Days

Visit Chicago Botanic Garden on the cheap

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Visit Chicago Botanic Garden on the cheap. The Chicago Botanical Garden (1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, (847) 835-5440) offers activities and programs year round.  Walk through the beautiful scenery throughout the 385 acres, including 26 gardens, four natural areas, including prairie and … [Read more...] about Visit Chicago Botanic Garden on the cheap

Visit museums free this weekend

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Visit museums free this weekend. The first full weekend of the month is coming, and that means Bank of America customers can visit museums free through the bank’s Museums On Us program. Just show your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card and a photo ID on Saturday or Sunday, and … [Read more...] about Visit museums free this weekend

Chicago Cultural Center: Ongoing Exhibitions

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Chicago Cultural Center: Ongoing Exhibitions.  Head over to the Chicago Cultural Center to check out FREE exhibitions and related events: Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., 312-744-6630. Always call in advance for hours. Subject to change without notice. Ongoing Programs and … [Read more...] about Chicago Cultural Center: Ongoing Exhibitions

$12 Auditorium Theatre tours

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

$12 Auditorium Theatre tours Where: Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Congress Parkway, 312-341-2310 Times*: Mondays: 10:30AM and Noon, Tuesdays: 5:30PM, Thursdays: 10:30AM Check date availability here. Tickets:  $12 per person not including Ticketmaster fees.  Tickets can be purchased beginning 30 … [Read more...] about $12 Auditorium Theatre tours

Newberry Library Free Genealogy Research Seminar

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Newberry Library: Free genealogy research seminar When: First Saturday of the month. 9:00-10:00am Jan. 5, Feb 2, Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug 3, Sept 7, Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7, 2019.  Events subject to change.  Call in advance to confirm. Where: Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton Street, … [Read more...] about Newberry Library Free Genealogy Research Seminar

Free DePaul Art Museum

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free DePaul Art Museum Where: 935 W. Fullerton, 773.325.7506 Hours: Mon–Tue: Closed, Wed–Th: 11 am–7 pm, Fri–Sun: 11 am–5 pm Search the calendar for events. Admission, lectures, concerts, tours, receptions, gallery talks and special events are always free. DePaul Art Museum (DPAM)is located … [Read more...] about Free DePaul Art Museum

Low cost Cook County Forest Preserves Camping

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Low cost Cook County Forest Preserves Camping. In 2015 the Forest Preserve of Cook County (FPCC) began offering camping to all Cook County residents beginning at $20 per night.  Non-Cook County residents are also welcome for slightly higher rates. Save money by not driving to a faraway campground … [Read more...] about Low cost Cook County Forest Preserves Camping

Free Museum: Smart Museum of Art at University of Chicago

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free Museum: Smart Museum of Art at University of Chicago. The Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago is named for the family that donated the money for it, although it's apt. This is an academic museum, open to the public and always showing something new. The museum hosts visiting … [Read more...] about Free Museum: Smart Museum of Art at University of Chicago

Free Tuesdays: Loyola University Museum of Art

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free Tuesdays: Loyola University Museum of Art Where:  Loyola University Museum of Art, 820 North Michigan Avenue, 312-915-7600 When:  Tuesday: 11:00AM– 8:00PM Free admission. Wed–Sat: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: General Admission: $9, Seniors (65 and over): $6, Non-Loyola students under 25 with ID: $3, … [Read more...] about Free Tuesdays: Loyola University Museum of Art

Visit Garfield Park Conservatory

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Garfield Park Conservatory: free events year round. If you're looking for something to do indoors take a trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory which is open 365 days a year and is always free (suggested donation). Where: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 North Central Park Avenue. … [Read more...] about Visit Garfield Park Conservatory

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

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 Living on the Cheap.

Living on the Cheap in the media