Instead of dashing through the snow, prepare to dash along the lake on Santa's Fireworks Cocktail Cruises scheduled for December 9th, and the 16th 2023. Celebrate the holidays on the water with DJs, dancing and a full bar on a three-story yacht gliding by the iconic Chicago skyline and harbor. … [Read more...] about Santa’s Fireworks Cocktail Cruise from $20
Entertainment
Free Blues Christmas Concert at Navy Pier
Add some blues rhythms to your holiday with a classic Chicago blues showcase by legendary blues label Alligator Records. Music from the "Alligator Records Christmas Collection" and "Genuine Houserockin Christmas" will be performed along with other holiday faves at A Blues Christmas on December 15, … [Read more...] about Free Blues Christmas Concert at Navy Pier
Free Stand Up Comedy at Tin Roof
Prepare to really get jolly for the season during the Raise The Roof stand-up comedy night at Wrigleyville's Tin Roof bar on December 3, 2023. This free event features comedians who have appeared at Laugh Factory, Zanies and Bad Momz of Comedy, including Second City alum Angie MacMahon. … [Read more...] about Free Stand Up Comedy at Tin Roof
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 14, 2023. 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
Light up the Lake at Navy Pier
Chicago's largest indoor light experience is a family fun tradition. Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier from November 24 to December 31, 2023, for lots of interactive activities. Dive into twinkling holiday magic with Light Up The Lakes light displays, games, visits with Santa and more. This … [Read more...] about Light up the Lake at Navy Pier
Black Arts Month Programs
Chicago's thriving Black arts community will showcase its creativity and innovation during free Black Arts Month programming all over the city, every Monday from October 9-23, 2023. The African American Arts Alliance of Chicago will host a series of free public events that highlight Black … [Read more...] about Black Arts Month Programs
Indigenous Peoples Day Chicago Arts & Music Fest
Celebrate the culture and contributions of Indigenous and Native American communities at the fifth annual Indigenous Peoples Day Chicago Arts & Music Festival, October 8-9 2023. This free, two-day music festival will highlight influential Indigenous performers from all over North and South … [Read more...] about Indigenous Peoples Day Chicago Arts & Music Fest
Fine Arts Building 125th Anniversary Celebration
Chicago's landmark artist's haven which boasts 10 floors of art studios and performance spaces, celebrates 125 years as the "heartbeat of arts and culture in America" with the Fine Arts Building 125th Anniversary Celebration on October 13, 2023. A home for art in all forms, the historic Fine Arts … [Read more...] about Fine Arts Building 125th Anniversary Celebration
St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
Get ready for the welcoming traditional German toasts of "Prost!" to echo throughout the courtyard during the 57h annual St. Benedict Oktoberfest on September 29-October 1, 2023. St. Benedict parish celebrates its German roots with a family-friendly fest that includes German food and … [Read more...] about St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
Free Frankie Knuckles House Music Celebration
Celebrate the vibrant legacy of Frankie Knuckles, the godfather of house music, with a free, day-long house music party, "Soul Celebration: A Frankie Knuckles House Music Celebration" on August 27, 2023, at Kenwood Gardens. Dance to the uplifting rhythms of house music curated by DJs Greg Gray, … [Read more...] about Free Frankie Knuckles House Music Celebration
Edgewater Arts Festival
Enjoy the last days of summer while exploring the work of hundreds of local artists at the Edgewater Arts Festival, in the vibrant Edgewater community, on September 16-17, 2023. Browse an exciting showcase of Edgewater artists, including paintings, sculpture, jewelry, … [Read more...] about Edgewater Arts Festival
Free Canto Latino Festival
Explore the diverse musical styles of Mexico at "Canto Latino: Creando Mole" a free outdoor festival that celebrates the sounds of Mexico including cumbia, ranchera and mariachi on September 30, 2023, in the Pilsen neighborhood. Uniting Voices Chicago, formerly Chicago Children's Choir, will … [Read more...] about Free Canto Latino Festival