Celebrate the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead with the free "Dia de Los Muertos Xicago" event organized by the National Museum of Mexican Art on October 25, 2025, in the Pilsen community. Honoring loved ones who have passed away with ofrendas or altars filled with … [Read more...] about Free National Museum of Mexican Art Dia de los Muertos Chicago
Free events
Free Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier
Spend Halloween trick or treating at Navy Pier and enjoy interactive art and performances during Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier on October 25, 2025. Put on your costume and stop by 30 indoor candy stations during this all-day, free event. Besides sweet treats, look out for aerial … [Read more...] about Free Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier
Free and cheap things to do this weekend in Chicago
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
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
The ultimate Chicago Halloween celebration kicks off with the 26th Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade and costume contest on October 31, 2025. Throw together your most creative, witty costume for the dramatic spectacle of the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade. Prepare to see … [Read more...] about Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Open House Chicago
Explore the architectural and cultural treasures that Chicago is famous for during the annual Open House Chicago events. Visit over 170 sites in more than 20 neighborhoods across the city during the in-person activities on October 18-19, 2025. Go behind the scenes in members-only clubs, … [Read more...] about Open House Chicago
Chicago Fashion Week
The cultural and stylistic diversity of the Windy City will take the stage with the return of Chicago Fashion Week, from October 9-19, 2025. Runway shows, activations, exhibits and events will highlight Chicago's design and fashion history in neighborhoods across the city. The … [Read more...] about Chicago Fashion Week
Free Festival del Arte Popular at National Museum of Mexican Art
Start your holiday shopping early by checking out the masterful work of Mexican artisans at the annual Festival del Arte Popular at the National Museum of Mexican Art on October 10-19, 2025. Witness live demonstrations of intricate Mexican folk art and meet artists from all over Mexico at … [Read more...] about Free Festival del Arte Popular at National Museum of Mexican Art
Free Bird Walks at North Park Village
Enjoy a free guided walk and search for migratory birds every Saturday in September and October at the North Park Village Nature Center. Join Jorge Garcia of Windy City Bird Lab and discover the beauty of birding on September 20, 27 and October 4, 11, and 18, 2025. The walk is less than … [Read more...] about Free Bird Walks at North Park Village
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Head to State Street to celebrate Halloween as the "artist's holiday" with an evening of wonder and creativity at the Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on October 18, 2025, in the Loop. Recognized as one of the top six Halloween events in the world, the tenth annual Arts in the Dark parade … [Read more...] about Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Chicago Architecture Biennial
The city's most anticipated architecture event, the Chicago Architecture Biennial, unfolds this year with the theme, "SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change," featuring exhibits, panel discussions, films, performances, activations and events across the city through February 28, … [Read more...] about Chicago Architecture Biennial
Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Celebrate the joys of autumn in the fun-filled setting of Lincoln Park Zoo during the ninth annual Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest, September 26-October 26, 2025. 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
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 fall show features artists from Arts of Life on Thursdays and Fridays from September 11- October 5, 2025 … [Read more...] about Art on the Mart
