Chicago's signature open-air market goes indoors for the holiday season but the Randolph Street Holiday Market Festival supplies the same vintage finds and good times. Filled with vintage treasures, live music, food and fun, the market opens on November 14-15, 2026, in the West … [Read more...] about Randolph Street Market Festival
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ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo $7 plus free nights
Lincoln Park Zoo's annual Zoo Lights is the highlight of Chicago's holiday season, with hundreds of lights twinkling across the grounds. Tickets are on sale now for the event, which opens on November 20, 2026. Stroll through the zoo and enjoy an illuminated holiday wonderland of animal … [Read more...] about ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo $7 plus free nights
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 Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Celebrate the joys of autumn in the fun-filled setting of Lincoln Park Zoo during the tenth annual Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest, September 25-November 1, 2026. Step into the vibrant world of pumpkins, harvest mazes and fall photo ops during this family-friendly event. Admission to the zoo is … [Read more...] about Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Enjoy all that's jolly and bright during the festive season at the beloved Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier. Slide, skate, ride and soak up holiday fun at this indoor fest from December 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Head to Navy Pier's Festival Hall and take in the 420-foot holiday … [Read more...] about Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Andersonville Viking Pub Crawl
The Andersonville neighborhood's historic Swedish roots will be on full display during the sixth annual Viking Pub Crawl down Clark Street on November 17, 2024. Hundreds of revelers will don viking gear and grab a commemorative glass as they visit a dozen bars and restaurants offering specials … [Read more...] about Andersonville Viking Pub Crawl
Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way
The pleasures of the season will fill the field around Wrigley Stadium in celebration of the cooler temperatures and bright foliage, Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way will run from October to November 2024. The Autumn Fest includes activities and offerings like seasonally themed food and drinks, … [Read more...] about Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way
Chicago Lowrider Festival
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a visit to the Latine cultural event that showcases the Lowrider movement at the 13th annual Slow & Low: Chicago Lowrider Festival on October 12, 2024, at Navy Pier. At the festival, you can view more than 250 elaborately customized cars, as well … [Read more...] about Chicago Lowrider Festival
Beverly Art Walk
Explore the vibrant arts community of the historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood at the 11th annual Beverly Art Walk on September 28, 2024. Hosted by the Beverly Arts Alliance, the Beverly Art Walk is a free, family-friendly event that spotlights local art and music. … [Read more...] about Beverly Art Walk
Chicago Jazz Fest at Elastic Arts Foundation
The internationally acclaimed Chicago Jazz Fest draws music fans from all over the globe for the Millenium Park event but the fest also sponsors free neighborhood concerts, including the Elastic Arts Foundation on August 25, 27 and 28, 2024. Head to the Logan Square neighborhood to enjoy an … [Read more...] about Chicago Jazz Fest at Elastic Arts Foundation
Latinxt Music Festival
Chicago's diverse Latinx community comes together to celebrate contemporary Latin music and arts during the fifth annual LatiNXT Music Festival on August 24 -25, 2024. This free, two-day festival showcases all the sounds and arts scenes that Chicago's Latinx community has inspired. Navy … [Read more...] about Latinxt Music Festival
Bronzeville Jazz Fest
Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood produced many of the city's legendary music, literary and art notables, including jazz innovators like Dinah Washington, Louis Armstrong and Nat "King" Cole. This legacy will be celebrated at the Bronzeville Neighborhood Jazz Fest on August 3, … [Read more...] about Bronzeville Jazz Fest
