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
Free Adler Planetarium at Night
Take your day to another dimension with a visit to Adler Planetarium on Wednesday nights. For Adler at Night, the planetarium is open late, from 4-10 pm so that visitors can experience the excitement of the sky and the cosmos at night. Illinois residents can explore the planetarium … [Read more...] about Free Adler Planetarium at Night
Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
For ten years, the free Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar has supplied a monthly pop-up of hand-crafted goodies beloved by loyal customers. Don't miss the holiday bazaar on December 22, 2024, at The Promontory. This eclectic indoor market serves up one-of-a-kind finds like funky … [Read more...] about Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
Handmade Market at Empty Bottle
Head to a classic Chicago tradition to supply your shopping for the holidays and beyond at Handmade Market at the Empty Bottle. This month's market opens on December 14, 2024, but the market returns on the second Saturday of the month through April 2025. Handmade Market connects the makers of … [Read more...] about Handmade Market at Empty Bottle
Art on the Mart
Stroll through the Riverwalk for views of one of the world's largest digital art platforms. ART on THE MART displays contemporary art projections across the 2.5-acre facade of THE MART. The winter show runs through December 30, 2024. The winter projection will … [Read more...] about Art on the Mart
Sauced Night Market Before Christmas
Welcome the holiday season with shopping, food, music and vibes at Sauced Night Market Before Christmas, on December 13-14, 2024 at the Chicago Athletic Association downtown. This roving market supplies over three dozen vendors selling hand-crafted artisan goods and food. The holiday … [Read more...] about Sauced Night Market Before Christmas
Free Pasta Dishes with Barilla Connection Kitchen Food Truck
Enjoy delicious pasta dishes while making a difference at the Barilla Connection Kitchen Food Truck, which will partner with Meals on Wheels to encourage volunteer sign-ups at the Merchandise Mart on December 6, 2024. Chase the freezing temperatures away with a warm bowl of pasta and consider … [Read more...] about Free Pasta Dishes with Barilla Connection Kitchen Food Truck
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Dive into a quintessential Chicago holiday experience by skating around the iconic Wrigley Field as well as enjoying live music, holiday decor, classic holiday movies and more at Winterland at Gallagher Way, December 6-21, 2024. Head to the Wrigleyville neighborhood to … [Read more...] about Winterland at Gallagher Way
Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
The beloved Chicago holiday tradition of lighting the Christmas tree that towers over Millennium Park will kick off on November 22, 2024. This live event will fill Millenium Park with music, fireworks and thousands of twinkling lights. A 53-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce was … [Read more...] about Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Glide under the sparkling beauty of the Chicago skyline at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. The free rink is open from November 15, 2024, through February 2, 2025, weather permitting. Whirling around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink under the city's official … [Read more...] about McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Mercado Navideno at Museum of Mexican Art
Add the colors and traditions of Mexico to your holiday shopping with a visit to the Mercado Navideno at the National Museum of Mexican Art on November 29-December 1, 2024. Explore hand-crafted gifts from Mexico including ornaments, nativity scenes, art, jewelry, apparel and toys. You won't have … [Read more...] about Mercado Navideno at Museum of Mexican Art
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The Chicago holiday season roars into gear with the 90th annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, which marches down the heart of downtown on State Street on November 28, 2024. This free family-friendly event is highly anticipated because of the exciting showcase of talented performers from … [Read more...] about Chicago Thanksgiving Parade