Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Chicago? There are tons of free and cheap events in the city. Here’s our list of the top free events, discounts, and deals to have fun around town on your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are many diversified events so choose your … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do this weekend in Chicago
Free events
Chinatown Summer Fair
The dynamic colors and traditions of Chinese culture will be the highlight of the Chinatown Summer Fair, scheduled for July 26-27, 2025. This free, family-friendly event offers food, arts and crafts and entertainment for everyone in the historic Chinatown neighborhood. The fair … [Read more...] about Chinatown Summer Fair
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Enjoy the spirit-filled gospel music genre that was created in Chicago at the annual Gospel Music Festival on July 12, 2025, in Millennium Park. This beloved fest draws fans from all over the country to hear some of gospel's greatest voices at this free event. A cherished Chicago tradition … [Read more...] about Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Free movies at Millennium Park
There's nothing better than watching a movie al fresco with a light picnic on the lush Millennium Park lawn. This Chicago summertime tradition is back with the Millenium Park Film Series, running from July 1 to August 19, 2025. Stroll into the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and watch … [Read more...] about Free movies at Millennium Park
Free Millennium Park Summer Music Series
The essence of Summer in Chicago is listening to free concerts in the architectural beauty of Millennium Park. The beloved Millennium Park Summer Music Series soars away from June 26 to August 7, 2025. The free concerts will run on Monday and Thursday evenings. The concerts feature a diverse … [Read more...] about Free Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Free Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA
Chicago's acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Art is not just the place to view cutting-edge art pieces, it's also one of the most popular spots to hear free Summer jazz concerts. The beloved Tuesdays on the Terrace music series returns from June 24 to August 26, 2025. Spreading a … [Read more...] about Free Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA
New Greektown Public Art Exhibit
Chicago's historic Greektown neighborhood will introduce a new public art exhibit, "Flowering Grecian Urns," on June 5, 2025, along Halsted Street between Madison and Van Buren Streets. Inspired by Chloris, the Greek goddess of flowers, the large Grecian urn sculptures are … [Read more...] about New Greektown Public Art Exhibit
Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier
The spectacular fireworks display at Navy Pier is a much-anticipated Chicago hallmark. The twice-weekly Summer Fireworks show runs from May 24, 2025, through August 30, 2025. The dramatic fireworks spectacle features synchronized music and vivid bursts of color that can be viewed for miles. … [Read more...] about Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier
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
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
View Cherry Blossoms in Chicago
The delicate blooms of cherry blossoms trees are a beloved marker of the spring season but you don't have to travel to Japan to enjoy them. Chicago's cherry blossom season typically runs from late April to early May in Jackson Park. Head to Hyde Park and the Garden of the … [Read more...] about View Cherry Blossoms in Chicago