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 events
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Venues across the Hyde Park, Kenwood and Washington Park neighborhoods will come alive with live jazz during the 20th annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival on September 26-27, 2026. Music lovers will enjoy 34 free performances of local, national and international artists at a varied assortment of … [Read more...] about Hyde Park Jazz Festival
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
Jazz ‘N on The Steps
Take in the smooth rhythms of jazz during Summer evenings at the Jazz' N on the Steps free event on July 26, August 28 and September 27, 2026, at St. Moses the Black Parish. Hosted by the Southside Jazz Coalition, this popular community concert features well-known jazz … [Read more...] about Jazz ‘N on The Steps
Free Chicago Museum Days for Summer
Summertime Chicago supplies so many non-stop activities and adventures that it's easy to overlook excursions that are available all year round. But Chicago's world-class museums are popular at any time, so it's helpful to consider Chicago museum free days during the summer months. Check out these … [Read more...] about Free Chicago Museum Days for Summer
Free Movies at Gallagher Way
Enjoy the fun of viewing movies al fresco during the Gallagher Way Movie Nights. The screenings will feature family-friendly themes and popular classics on Wednesday nights through September 30, 2026. The lineup of all-ages movies includes "Matilda," "Black Panther," and "High … [Read more...] about Free Movies at Gallagher Way
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
Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam
The full moon is celebrated in many ways in different cultures but in Chicago, fire dancers and percussion are the highlights of the annual summer Full Moon Jam. Glowing along the shores of Lake Michigan, this year's full moon jams will take place on June 13, June 29, July 4, July 29, … [Read more...] about Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam
Maxwell Street Market
There's no Chicago market more iconic than Maxwell Street Market. This year, the market runs on select Sundays, May 17 through October 4, 2026, 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
