Head to State Street, that great street, to participate in free art activations, live music, dance, theater and fashion shows at the Loop Arts Fest on October 17, 2026. Sample local food and art vendors as you roam down State for three blocks of art and creativity. The streets on State … [Read more...] about Free Loop Arts Fest
Free events
Free Slightly Spooky October at Navy Pier
Spend the spooky season watching movies, creating fun projects and trick-or-treating at Navy Pier. Enjoy interactive art and performances during Slightly Spooky October at Navy Pier on Saturdays throughout the month on October 17, 24 and 31, 2026. Dive into fun and watch movies like … [Read more...] about Free Slightly Spooky October 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 diverse events, so choose your favorite. … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do this weekend in Chicago
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 13-18, 2026. 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
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 8-18, 2026. Runway shows, activations, exhibits and events will highlight Chicago's design and fashion history in neighborhoods across the city. The thrilling … [Read more...] about Chicago Fashion Week
Open House Chicago
Explore the architectural and cultural treasures that Chicago is famous for during the annual Open House Chicago events. Visit over 200 sites in more than 20 neighborhoods across the city during the in-person activities on October 17-18, 2026. Go behind the scenes in members-only clubs, … [Read more...] about Open House Chicago
Free World Music Wednesday Concerts
The new season for World Music Wednesday has been announced! Every Wednesday, through December 9, 2026, 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
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
Jazz in the Court
The Hyde Park neighborhood celebrates South Side jazz traditions with free outdoor concerts in Harper Court on the first Fridays of the summer months. Enjoy free live music in the heart of the historic community This year's dates are June 5, 2026. July 10, 2026, August 7, 2026, and September … [Read more...] about Jazz in the Court
Visit the Obama Presidential Center for Free
Chicago and the rest of the world are poised to visit the country's newest and most innovative presidential library. The Obama Presidential Center stands on 19.3 acres within Jackson Park on the South Side of the city, ready to welcome visitors and tell the riveting political and personal story … [Read more...] about Visit the Obama Presidential Center for Free
New Greektown Public Art Exhibit
Chicago's historic Greektown neighborhood will introduce a new public art exhibit, "We The People," on June 9, 2026, along Halsted Street between Madison and Van Buren Streets. Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, 'We The People: Life, Liberty and the … [Read more...] about New Greektown Public Art Exhibit
Free Instagreeter Downtown Tours
Explore Chicago with a knowledgeable local as your guide. This free service matches visitors with enthusiastic, city-wise volunteers for one-hour guided walks around downtown. Instagreeter Loop Walks are available all year round. Let a friendly local give you an insider’s perspective of … [Read more...] about Free Instagreeter Downtown Tours
