The largest auto show in the country has rolled into McCormick Place with over 1,000 cars showcased, auto-related exhibits, test drives, food specials and other events at the Chicago Auto Show. This anticipated annual event runs February 8- 17, 2025 at the North and … [Read more...] about Discount Tickets to Chicago Auto Show
Expired
National Day of Racial Healing Free Events
Spend a day making art and creating change during an all-day program of creative workshops, discussions and healing during the fifth annual National Day of Racial Healing organized by Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) on January 21, 2025. Join art-making workshops … [Read more...] about National Day of Racial Healing Free Events
Free and Cheap Martin Luther King Day Chicago Events
Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers opportunities to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by supporting racial justice causes, giving back to the community, and attending events that reflect his fight for equality and civil rights. Chicago boasts a particular connection with the icon because it was … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Martin Luther King Day Chicago Events
Ride the CTA for free on New Year’s Eve
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Chicago and avoid surge pricing and long waits for cabs on New Year's Eve night by hopping on a CTA train or bus for free. All CTA, Pace and Metra services will be free on December 31, 2024, starting at 10 pm. Join all the city's holiday festivities without worrying … [Read more...] about Ride the CTA for free on New Year’s Eve
World Dumpling Fest
Explore Chicago's diverse cultures with music, dance and samples of all the variations of ethnic dumplings during the annual World Dumpling Fest on September 21, 2024 in the Logan Square neighborhood. The Chicago Cultural Alliance hosts the fourth annual World Dumpling Fest to support and promote … [Read more...] about World Dumpling Fest
Lakeview Taco Fest
Munch your way through Southport Avenue and cast your vote for the best taco during the annual Lakeview Taco Fest on September 7-8, 2024. Celebrate the 11th year of the Lakeview Taco Fest with samplings of a range of taco styles and fillings, including chorizo, goat, lamb, mushroom and duck. The … [Read more...] about Lakeview Taco Fest
Cheap Things to do in Chicago During the DNC
The Democratic National Convention draws politicos and volunteers from all over the country eager to make a difference in the U.S. In between jam-packed days and witnessing Kamala Harris take her position as the party's official nominee. Chicago offers an exciting line-up of … [Read more...] about Cheap Things to do in Chicago During the DNC
Chalk Howard Street
The fun and creativity of chalk art will transform Rogers Park's Howard Street during the annual Chalk Howard Street on August 24, 2024. This free event hosts internationally renowned 2D and 3D artists from around the country. Chalk Street Howard is Chicago's only chalk fest and … [Read more...] about Chalk Howard Street
Free Printer’s Row Art Fest
Head to the historic Printer's Row neighborhood in the South Loop to explore art and live music during the annual Printers's Row Art Fest on August 10-11, 2024. Browse through the original artworks of 95 juried artists, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and fashion while … [Read more...] about Free Printer’s Row Art Fest
Little Italy Festa
Celebrate Italian history and heritage in the historic Little Italy neighborhood at the annual Taylor Street Little Italy Festa on August 8-11, 2024. Discover the vibrant essence of Italian culture while enjoying traditional food, music and traditions. Dance and sing along to live entertainment … [Read more...] about Little Italy Festa
Mela South Asian Culture Celebration
Celebrate the art, food and crafts of South Asia at Mela, a free event on July 14, 2024, at the Chicago Women's Park & Garden in the Prarie Avenue Historic District. Hosted by the Kalapriya Center for the Indian Performing Arts, Mela supplies an exciting chance to connect with traditions like … [Read more...] about Mela South Asian Culture Celebration
Free Ice Cream for National Ice Cream Day with Museum of Ice Cream
Celebrate the creamy sweetness of the ultimate summer treat with a festive free event hosted by the Museum of Ice Cream for National Ice Cream Day on July 20 and 21, 2024 at Pioneer Court. Dive into multisensory fun with the Museum of Ice Cream's famed sprinkle pool, filled with massive plastic … [Read more...] about Free Ice Cream for National Ice Cream Day with Museum of Ice Cream



















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 