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Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

Art and Architecture

Watch the Annual Chicago Bridge Lift tradition

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Chicago is a city of bridges.  For residents it can be quite irksome when a bridge goes up just as you're trying to walk or drive over it but from a pedestrian perspective it can be fun to watch the bridges go up. Every year in spring the bridges go up from the south to the north and then to the … [Read more...] about Watch the Annual Chicago Bridge Lift tradition

50% off Chicago Architecture Center River Cruises

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50% off Chicago Architecture Center River Cruises The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) River Cruises are excellent, extremely popular and quite expensive. If you buy tickets online from the CAC (through Ticketmaster), depending on the day and time of the cruise prices are more than $50 including … [Read more...] about 50% off Chicago Architecture Center River Cruises

Chicago Cultural Center: Ongoing Exhibitions

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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

Guide to the Art Institute of Chicago

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Guide to the Art Institute of Chicago.  As discussed in other posts certain Illinois Museums are required to offer free admission to Illinois residents for 52 days a year. Free Days Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to Illinois residents every Thursday evening from 5-8pm.   All … [Read more...] about Guide to the Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute After Dark

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Art Institute After Dark When:  Friday, April 12, 2019 9:00PM–12:00AM Where: Art Institute of Chicago, Modern Wing, 159 East Monroe Street Admission:  $35 adults, $25 members and students, $15 Evening Associates This event is neither free nor cheap.  In theory you may be able to check out … [Read more...] about Art Institute After Dark

Art at the Mart Wed-Sun at Dusk

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Art at the Mart Wed-Sun at Dusk When: March 17 - December 2019 Wednesdays through Sundays.  Projections begin approximately 15 minutes after sunset. Where:  Viewing on Wacker Dr. between Wells St. and Franklin St. Art on the Mart is back through December.  If you're looking for some food and … [Read more...] about Art at the Mart Wed-Sun at Dusk

Free Harold Washington Library Art Workshops

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Free Harold Washington Library Art Workshops. Where:  Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street, 312-747-4300.  Check easel near escalators for workshop locations.  All events are subject to change.  Call first before heading over. Urban Yarns Knitting Group  (6:00PM – 8:00PM) See … [Read more...] about Free Harold Washington Library Art Workshops

Free Tour Graceland Cemetery

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 Tour Graceland Cemetery Where: 4001 N. Clark Street, Main Entrance Gate When: Tour Season runs from April -November 2019 Chicago's Graceland Cemetery and Arboreteum is a hidden gem within the city. According to the AIA Guide of Chicago it's 121 acres and was founded in 1860. … [Read more...] about Free Tour Graceland Cemetery

Free Chicago Public Library Museum Passes

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 Chicago Public Library Museum Passes Who is eligible If you’re a Chicago Public Library (CPL) cardholder and an adult resident of Chicago, you may check out a Kids Museum Passport at any CPL location. If you can't get a pass here are all the 2019 Free Museum Days. Where are the passes … [Read more...] about Free Chicago Public Library Museum Passes

Free Exhibit at City Gallery Chicago

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Free Exhibit at City Gallery Chicago. Stand Up for Landmarks! Protests, Posters & Pictures When: Ongoing Where: City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower, 806 N Michigan Ave. Admission free. Saving landmarks in Chicago has always been a lively challenge. Over the years, public activism, … [Read more...] about Free Exhibit at City Gallery Chicago

$12 Auditorium Theatre tours

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$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

Free art installation at Navy Pier

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 art installation at Navy Pier.  As part of Navy Pier's transformation they are bringing in unique, interesting and free art installations. When: Thursday, February 28-Sunday, May 12, 2019. Where: Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand, Polk Bros. Park Map Free and open to the public.Free Trolley … [Read more...] about Free art installation at Navy Pier

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