The delicate blooms of cherry blossoms trees are a beloved marker of the spring season but you don't have to travel to Japan to enjoy them. Chicago's cherry blossom season typically runs from late April to early May in Jackson Park. Head to Hyde Park and the Garden of the … [Read more...] about View Cherry Blossoms in Chicago
Free events
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 spring show opens on April 25, 2025, and runs through June 5, 2025. The spring projection … [Read more...] about Art on the Mart
Free Spring Break Events at Navy Pier
Head to Navy Pier to enjoy a week of free interactive activities, rides, art sessions, music, treats and seasonal fun along the city's iconic waterfront during Spring Break at Navy Pier on March 24-28, 2025. Forget about kids getting bored or antsy during spring vacation because Navy … [Read more...] about Free Spring Break Events 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
Free Things to Do In March In Chicago
March in Chicago is one of those months that teases us with a hint of warm Spring weather, only to switch back to snow and frigid temps a few days later. The good thing is that there are free things to do indoors that give a hint of sunnier seasons. The Garfield Park Conservatory … [Read more...] about Free Things to Do In March In Chicago
Free Giving Her Her Flowers Exhibit at Navy Pier
The women who have helped create and nurture Chicago's influential arts community are honored with a dazzling exhibit called "Giving Her Her Flowers" on display at Navy Pier through April 22, 2025. Discover the impact and cultural contributions of 14 women who have helped … [Read more...] about Free Giving Her Her Flowers Exhibit at Navy Pier
Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show
Even though the winter still lingers in Chicago, you can pretend Spring is already here at the annual Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show. The 2025 show is called "Spectrum of Spring" and runs through May 11, 2025. Take in the beauty of flowers and plants and the color … [Read more...] about Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show
Celebrate Holi at Navy Pier
Holi, the Hindu celebration that welcomes spring with vividly colored powders, will be hosted in a free event at Navy Pier as part of the Global Connections series. On Saturday, March 22, 2025, participants can throw a rainbow of colored powders outside on the South Dock. Symbolizing the … [Read more...] about Celebrate Holi at Navy Pier
Wicker Park First Fridays Art Walk
Stroll around one of Chicago's hippest and most creative neighborhoods while absorbing public artworks and galleries during the Wicker Park Bucktown First Fridays Art Walk on March 7, April 4, May 2 and June 6, 2025. Art lovers will discover murals, sculptures, galleries and pop-up art spaces … [Read more...] about Wicker Park First Fridays Art Walk
Free Blues & Beyond Jam Sessions
Blues fans will get to heat up all winter and spring at the Blues & Beyond Jam Sessions with Grammy-award-winning blues drummer Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith on the first Wednesday of every month at the Logan Center for the Arts through June 4, 2025. Immerse yourself in live jam sessions led … [Read more...] about Free Blues & Beyond Jam Sessions
Free Polar Adventure Days
Explore the natural beauty of the winter season during the annual Polar Adventure Days on February 22, 2025. Bundle up and enjoy chilly fun on the 300 acres of Big Marsh Park in the South Deering neighborhood. Connect with nature during a day of winter adventures … [Read more...] about Free Polar Adventure Days
Free Adler Planetarium at Night
Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you!
Read full disclosure here.
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
