Music lovers rejoice, the return of Old Town School of Folk Music's Square Roots Festival is set for July 10-12, 2026. This free, family-friendly music fest celebrates music from around the globe as well as the popular Lincoln Square community. This year's artist line-up of two … [Read more...] about Square Roots Festival
Expired
Dairy Queen celebrates America’s 250th with sweet $2.50 special
America’s turning 250 and, to celebrate, Dairy Queen is introducing a new a patriotic sweet treat and at a special price for one week. The Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float includes layers of DQ Cherry Misty Slush, world-famous soft serve and blue raspberry Misty Slush with festive star … [Read more...] about Dairy Queen celebrates America’s 250th with sweet $2.50 special
Whole Foods Market offers 50% off ice cream and frozen desserts for two weeks
Shop this cool sale early or you’ll be “left out in the cold”! Summer is all about enjoying ice cream and frozen treats on a hot, sunny day. It’s even cooler, when you can scoop your favorite ice cream at a bargain price. Thankfully, Whole Foods Market offers an annual ice cream sale for the … [Read more...] about Whole Foods Market offers 50% off ice cream and frozen desserts for two weeks
City News Cafe Free Concert Series
Enjoy the increasingly rare experience of browsing through magazines, newspapers and books, without a digital device in sight. The analog adventures continue with live musical concerts during the City News Cafe concert series on weekends through July 26, 2026. Head to this old school treasure … [Read more...] about City News Cafe Free Concert Series
Millennium Art Festival
The Chicago Loop will be filled with dazzling artwork, food trucks and interactive activities during the two-day, 12th annual Millennium Art Festival on June 27-28, 2026 The Millennium Art Festival brings an array of artwork, including paintings, ceramics, photography, and furniture. The fest … [Read more...] about Millennium Art Festival
Chicago 4th of July Weekend Fireworks
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a close-up view of fireworks bursting over Chicago's iconic skyline. The city's most beloved Independence Day tradition is watching the fireworks at Navy Pier on July 4, 2026. This annual waterfront fireworks show will dazzle crowds for 15 minutes on … [Read more...] about Chicago 4th of July Weekend Fireworks
Best Father’s Day deals and freebies 2026
On Father’s Day, many restaurants and retailers are offering discounts and freebies to make celebrating with Dad a little easier on the wallet. Whether your dad is a steak guy or has a passion for Mexican or Italian food, you’ll be able to treat him right without worrying about your … [Read more...] about Best Father’s Day deals and freebies 2026
Free Pepsi Eats Fest Chicago with Dylan Efron
Pepsi will celebrate food and Chicago restaurant fave Big Star Wicker Park with foodie and TV personality Dylan Efron at the free Pepsi Eats Fest on June 27, 2026. Dive into the honky tonk fun at Big Star and enjoy music, complimentary bites, Pepsi-infused cocktails and Efron's debut of … [Read more...] about Free Pepsi Eats Fest Chicago with Dylan Efron
Enjoy half-price shakes at Potbelly this summer for limited time
Belly up for sweet savings at Potbelly, milkshake lovers! A delicious shake on a hot summer day is the perfect way to just chill out. And, this summer, Potbelly is shaking up the sunny season with a “shaky” deal for a limited time. All of the shop’s shakes are made with hand-dipped ice … [Read more...] about Enjoy half-price shakes at Potbelly this summer for limited time
Taste of Chicago
The legendary summer food festival that spawned dozens of similar events across the city, the Taste of Chicago, returns to Grant Park for a showcase of Chicago's culinary diversity on July 8-12 2026. As the biggest free culinary festival in the country, the Taste of Chicago opens in … [Read more...] about Taste of Chicago
Amazon offers $5 pizza deal from Little Caesars for two weeks
Pizza is perfect for any meal or family gathering! Everyone loves pizza and it’s an easy option for a quick meal with little to no clean-up. And one of the most affordable places for pizza has always been Little Caesars. However, thanks to the pizza joint’s partnership with Amazon, it’s … [Read more...] about Amazon offers $5 pizza deal from Little Caesars for two weeks
1865 Fest Juneteenth Celebration
The annual 1865 Fest brings cultural family activities, live music, educational workshops, food and fun to Garfield Park for two days, June 19-20, 2026. Honoring the Juneteenth holiday that brought freedom to enslaved Americans two years after official emancipation in 1865, the free events connect … [Read more...] about 1865 Fest Juneteenth Celebration




















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 