The ultimate Chicago Halloween celebration kicks off with the 30th Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade and costume contest on October 31, 2026. Throw together your most creative, witty costume for the dramatic spectacle of the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade. Prepare to see … [Read more...] about Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Music
Chicago Free and Cheap Fall Events
After the close of the beloved Summertime Chicago season, the fun continues with a hearty lineup of activities that celebrate the flavors, scents and visions of fall. As the red and gold foliage reflects off the lake, the city vibrates with autumn fests, apple-picking events, Oktoberfest and artisan … [Read more...] about Chicago Free and Cheap Fall Events
Free World Music Wednesday Concerts
The new season for World Music Wednesday has been announced! Every Wednesday, through December 9, 2026, at 8:00 pm, the Old Town School of Folk Music will host a free concert series, World Music Wednesdays, featuring musicians from all around the world. Culture and countries represented … [Read more...] about Free World Music Wednesday Concerts
Oktoberfestiversary
Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing serve up their annual fall street festival with Oktoberfestiversary on October 10-11, 2026, in the Ravenswood neighborhood. Enjoy brews, live music and food in the spirit of the season. Sip on special tapings from Beglye and Dovetail while munching on … [Read more...] about Oktoberfestiversary
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
Enjoy Fall fun with apple-inspired food, drinks and artisan goods at the beloved Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest, October 2-4, 2026. Celebrate the new season with a bounty of edible goodness. Midwest farms will be serving up fresh apples and related dishes and local restaurants and … [Read more...] about Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
Get ready for the welcoming traditional German toasts of "Prost!" to echo throughout the courtyard during the 60th annual St. Benedict Oktoberfest on October 2-4, 2026. St. Benedict parish celebrates its German roots with a family-friendly fest that includes German food and … [Read more...] about St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
Riverwalk Fall Fest
Experience the beauty of the fall season with the Chicago River as the backdrop at the Island Party Hut Fall Fest on the Chicago Riverwalk on Saturdays, September 19- October 31, 2026. Enjoy autumn festivities like hay rides on the river, pumpkin patches and eating apple cider donuts along … [Read more...] about Riverwalk Fall Fest
Free Chicago World Music Festival
The 26th annual World Music Festival Chicago is a city-wide, multi-venue festival presenting over 30 artists and ensembles from 22 countries around the globe, presented for free over 10 days from September 25 to October 4, 2026. Dance to the rhythms and melodies of musicians from all … [Read more...] about Free Chicago World Music Festival
Jazz in the Court
The Hyde Park neighborhood celebrates South Side jazz traditions with free outdoor concerts in Harper Court on the first Fridays of the summer months. Enjoy free live music in the heart of the historic community This year's dates are June 5, 2026. July 10, 2026, August 7, 2026, and September … [Read more...] about Jazz in the Court
Maxwell Street Market
There's no Chicago market more iconic than Maxwell Street Market. This year, the market runs on select Sundays, May 17 through October 4, 2026, 10 am -3 pm. Open since 1912, this bustling marketplace is much more than just a place to shop; it's a Chicago cultural mecca. Maxwell Street … [Read more...] about Maxwell Street Market
Free events at Daley Plaza under the Picasso
One of the joys of summer in Chicago is experiencing the eclectic cultural events at Daley Plaza. Under the shade of the Picasso sculpture, artists and performers from around the world sing, dance and present cultural ceremonies that supply an exciting assortment of cultural discoveries for … [Read more...] about Free events at Daley Plaza under the Picasso
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
