For art lovers, the Chicago summer season officially kicks off with Hyde Park's beloved 57th Street Art Fair. The 78th annual 57th Street Art Fair is the first major art fair of the season. It opens on June 6-7, 2026. Stroll through Hyde Park's tree-lined thoroughfares and browse a … [Read more...] about 57th Street Art Fair
Art and Architecture
Old Town Art Fair
Kick off your summer at one of the first art fairs in the country. Old Town Art Fair supplies art, music, food, a children's corner and a garden walk in the historic Old Town Triangle Historic District on June 13 and 14, 2026. Roam through the charming streets of Old Town and view the work of … [Read more...] about Old Town Art Fair
Free Docent Led Tours at National Puerto Rican Museum
Discover the dynamic culture of Puerto Rico and Chicago's strong link to the island by taking a free docent-led tour of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. The tour is scheduled for May 30, 2026. Roam through the historic National … [Read more...] about Free Docent Led Tours at National Puerto Rican Museum
Free Chicago Cultural Center Tours
Explore the neoclassical beauty of the historic Chicago Cultural Center during free tours every Thursday and Friday. Discover the fascinating history and landmark status of one of Chicago's most beloved architectural treasures. Nicknamed the "People's Palace," the building … [Read more...] about Free Chicago Cultural Center Tours
Art on the Mart
Stroll through the Riverwalk for views of one of the world's largest digital art platforms. ART on THE MART displays contemporary art projections across the 2.5-acre facade of THE MART. The spring show features the work of Spanish Artist Luis Urculo and students from the School of the Art Institute, … [Read more...] about Art on the Mart
Wicker Park First Fridays Art Walk
Stroll around one of Chicago's hippest and most creative neighborhoods while absorbing public artworks and galleries during the Wicker Park Bucktown First Fridays Art Walk on April 3, May 1 and June 5, 2026. Art lovers will discover murals, sculptures, galleries and pop-up art spaces … [Read more...] about Wicker Park First Fridays Art Walk
2026 Free Chicago Museum Days
Chicago boasts an impressive number of acclaimed museums and cultural institutions. All across the city, there are museums to document the history and culture of various people, topics, and interests. Most of these public institutions feature free days at certain times of the year. Check out our … [Read more...] about 2026 Free Chicago Museum Days
New Greektown Public Art Exhibit
Chicago's historic Greektown neighborhood will introduce a new public art exhibit, "Flowering Grecian Urns," on June 5, 2025, along Halsted Street between Madison and Van Buren Streets. Inspired by Chloris, the Greek goddess of flowers, the large Grecian urn sculptures are … [Read more...] about New Greektown Public Art Exhibit
Free Winter Weekdays at Art Institute of Chicago
Just in time to add to holiday excursions, the Art Institute of Chicago has returned the museum fun of Free Winter Weekdays at the Art Institute of Chicago on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays through December 13, 2024. Warm up from the freezing weather and roam through one of the best art … [Read more...] about Free Winter Weekdays at Art Institute of Chicago
Beverly Art Walk
Explore the vibrant arts community of the historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood at the 11th annual Beverly Art Walk on September 28, 2024. Hosted by the Beverly Arts Alliance, the Beverly Art Walk is a free, family-friendly event that spotlights local art and music. … [Read more...] about Beverly Art Walk
Spring Open Studio at Greenleaf Art Center
Explore the innovation and creativity of local painters, muralists, jewelry makers and ceramicists at the free Spring Open Studio & Gallery Exhibition at Greenleaf Art Center in the Rogers Park neighborhood, on April 27, 2024. View the exciting artworks of over 50 artists and meet and talk … [Read more...] about Spring Open Studio at Greenleaf Art Center
Free Chicago Public Library Museum Passes
The Chicago Public Library doesn't just supply books and periodicals, it's also a great resource for museum passes that grant free admission to many Chicago museums. and attractions Check out the details to learn how to obtain a museum pass at the library. Who is eligible If you’re a Chicago … [Read more...] about Free Chicago Public Library Museum Passes




















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 