With spring weather warming up more consistently and the lakefront thawing into lovely aquamarine waves, May is a favorite time to explore Chicago before the large summer tourist crowds arrive. Consider these free or low-cost activities for your Chicago May adventures. Besides the essential … [Read more...] about Things To Do In Chicago in May
Music
Maxwell Street Market
There's no Chicago market more iconic than Maxwell Street Market. This year, the market runs on select Sundays, May 18 through October 5, 2025, 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
Celebrate German Culture at Chicago Maifest
Welcome spring at the traditional German celebration of the season, Maifest Chicago. The 26th annual festival runs from May 29 to June 1, 2025, in the heart of Chicago's German community in Lincoln Square. Chow down on lots of German food and witness a traditional keg tapping, maypole … [Read more...] about Celebrate German Culture at Chicago Maifest
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 World Music Wednesday Concerts
The new season for World Music Wednesday has been announced! Every Wednesday, through June 25, 2025, 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
Free Blues & Beyond Jam Sessions
Blues fans will get to heat up all winter and spring at the Blues & Beyond Jam Sessions with Grammy-award-winning blues drummer Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith on the first Wednesday of every month at the Logan Center for the Arts through June 4, 2025. Immerse yourself in live jam sessions led … [Read more...] about Free Blues & Beyond Jam Sessions
Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration
The exuberant seven-day African American tradition of Kwanzaa will be celebrated with eight hours of free music, dance, workshops and presentations by Chi-Village in the Roseland community on December 26, 2024. The second annual Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration weaves the past and … [Read more...] about Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration
Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
For ten years, the free Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar has supplied a monthly pop-up of hand-crafted goodies beloved by loyal customers. Don't miss the holiday bazaar on December 22, 2024, at The Promontory. This eclectic indoor market serves up one-of-a-kind finds like funky … [Read more...] about Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs
Celebrate the season with festive live concerts every Friday with the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along starting on December 6, 13 and 20, 2024. Join a diverse group of choirs and ensembles as they light up the park with music. The holiday Sing-Along kicks off on Fridays from 6-7 … [Read more...] about Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs
Earlybird Discount Tickets at Holidaze Lincoln Park Zoo
Stroll around Lincoln Park Zoo under the glow of millions of lights while enjoying a live DJ during the annual Adults Night Out event, Holidaze, on December 12, 2024. Feel jolly as you dive into the spirit of the season with live ice carvings, pop-up bars and food carts, free rides on the … [Read more...] about Earlybird Discount Tickets at Holidaze Lincoln Park Zoo
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
