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
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
Live on the Lake Free Summer Concerts
Music fans can enjoy the beauty of lakeside views as well as live melodies during the free weekly Live on the Lake summer concert series at the Navy Pier Beer Garden. every weekend, through September 7, 2026. Grab a cold one from Tangled Roots Brewery or nibble on nachos or a brat while … [Read more...] about Live on the Lake Free Summer Concerts
DuSable Museum Juneteenth Celebration
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center celebrates Juneteenth, the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S., with an all-day Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19, 2026. Yoga, horseback riding, a farmers' market and special … [Read more...] about DuSable Museum Juneteenth Celebration
Chicago Pride Parade
The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the oldest and largest pride parades in the country. Filled with floats, music, local celebrities and performers, Chicago's Pride Parade is one of the most anticipated events in Pride Month. The 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade kicks off on June 28, … [Read more...] about Chicago Pride Parade
Taste of Randolph Street
Over 16 restaurants and two stages of live acts will commemorate the 28th anniversary of the Taste of Randolph on June 19-21, 2026. The highly anticipated festival features some of the best bites in the West Loop neighborhood. Expect to eat and dance your way through three days of events, … [Read more...] about Taste of Randolph Street
Chicago Blues Festival
Chicago is home to the largest free blues festival in the world and this much-anticipated event draws fans from all over the world to experience the influential art form that was nurtured in the city. The Chicago Blues Festival returns to Millennium Park from June 5-7, 2026. This free … [Read more...] about Chicago Blues Festival
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 23, 2026, through September 5, 2026. 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
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 from June 15 to August 6, 2026. The free concerts will run on Monday and Thursday evenings. The concerts feature a diverse range … [Read more...] about Free Millennium Park Summer Music Series
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 Millennium Park Film Series, running from June 30 to August 18, 2026. Stroll into the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and watch classic, … [Read more...] about Free movies at Millennium Park
Grant Park Music Festival
Enjoy the soothing strains of classical compositions as well as contemporary and Broadway tunes at the annual Grant Park Music Festival. This free summer concert series kicks off on June 10, 2026, and runs through August 15, 2026. Sit back in the beauty of the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium … [Read more...] about Grant Park Music Festival
Free American Writers Festival
Celebrate the breadth and depth of the art of writing at the third annual American Writers Festival on June 6-7, 2026, at the American Writers Museum and the Harold Washington Library Center. The weekend of free programming will feature more than 90 writers. Sponsored by the … [Read more...] about Free American Writers Festival
