Float along with smiling Irish eyes and hop a St. Patrick's Day Green River Cruise on the Chicago River from March 13-17, 2026. Enjoy skyline views on a three-story luxury yacht while celebrating St. Patrick's Day. View the legendary bright green of the Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Cruises from $30
Music
Dyeing The Chicago River Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Chicago's signature and most unusual St. Patrick's Day event is the beloved tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green. Although the river already has a greenish hue, a secret formula of environmentally friendly dye transforms the waves into a vivid green, worthy of St. Patrick's … [Read more...] about Dyeing The Chicago River Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chicago's extensive Irish history and heritage will be on glorious display at the downtown Chicago 2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade, at 12:15 pm on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This annual event full of floats, music, dancing and fun, is one of the largest St. Patrick's Day … [Read more...] about Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chicago Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
Every year, Chicago honors the Lunar New Year with parades and festivities. February 10, 2024, marks the Lunar New Year of the Horse 4724. Celebrate the excitement and colors of the Lunar New Year at the Chicago Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade on March 1, 2026. Get ready … [Read more...] about Chicago Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
Chicago Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
The Uptown neighborhood celebrates its 41-year tradition of honoring the Lunar New Year with the Argyle New Year Celebration on February 21, 2026. The festivities include a colorful parade, family fun activities, an art walk and restaurant offerings. March on down to honor the … [Read more...] about Chicago Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
Chicago Black History Month Events
Black History Month is an anticipated annual event that was started in 1915 in Chicago by Carter G, Woodson and it continues to be an important avenue for celebrating African American achievements across the country. Chicago’s extensive African American cultural … [Read more...] about Chicago Black History Month Events
Free Music Frozen Dancing Block Party
There's no more quintessential Chicago winter music festival than the annual Music Frozen Dancing block party outside the iconic Empty Bottle indie music venue. This year's frigid fun kicks off on February 21, 2026. Grab your warmest puffer jacket and head to Logan Square for the best outdoor … [Read more...] about Free Music Frozen Dancing Block Party
Free Black History Concert at Auditorium Theatre
Experience the musical journey of the Black Diaspora during the thrilling Black History Month concert series: "Black History Concert Series: Voices of 'Ase: Afrofuturism II" by Uniting Voices Choir on February 24, 2026. The free concerts honor the tradition of Afrofuturism, which … [Read more...] about Free Black History Concert at Auditorium Theatre
Free Time Out Market Fifth Anniversary Party
Join the all-day celebration for five years of food, drinks and events during the Fifth Anniversary Celebration of Time Out Market, on November 16, 2024. Enjoy food and drink specials and live DJs in the West Loop neighborhood. Head to Time Out Market for festivities filled … [Read more...] about Free Time Out Market Fifth Anniversary Party
Halloween House Music Party
Halloween just got more spirited with a special Haunted House Music Halloween Party on October 31, 2024. Chicago's homegrown sound will pump through a night of ferocious beats and non-stop dancing. The legendary Farley Jackmaster Funk and Gene Hunt will spin records featuring some of their … [Read more...] about Halloween House Music Party
Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way
The pleasures of the season will fill the field around Wrigley Stadium in celebration of the cooler temperatures and bright foliage, Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way will run from October to November 2024. The Autumn Fest includes activities and offerings like seasonally themed food and drinks, … [Read more...] about Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way
Chicago Lowrider Festival
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a visit to the Latine cultural event that showcases the Lowrider movement at the 13th annual Slow & Low: Chicago Lowrider Festival on October 12, 2024, at Navy Pier. At the festival, you can view more than 250 elaborately customized cars, as well … [Read more...] about Chicago Lowrider Festival


















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 