Carnival season brings parties, parades and all-out revelry in many countries around the world and this year, Chicago hosts Global Connections: International Carnivale at Navy Pier, on March 1, 2025, from 1-5 PM. Dance on down to Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom and participate in free art-making, … [Read more...] about Celebrate Carnivale at Navy Pier
Free events
Chicago Black History Month Events
Black History Month is an anticipated annual event that was started in 1915 in Chicago by Carter G, Woodson and it continues to be an important avenue for celebrating African American achievements across the country. Chicago’s extensive African American cultural … [Read more...] about Chicago Black History Month Events
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
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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
Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
For ten years, the free Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar has supplied a monthly pop-up of hand-crafted goodies beloved by loyal customers. Don't miss the holiday bazaar on December 22, 2024, at The Promontory. This eclectic indoor market serves up one-of-a-kind finds like funky … [Read more...] about Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
Handmade Market at Empty Bottle
Head to a classic Chicago tradition to supply your shopping for the holidays and beyond at Handmade Market at the Empty Bottle. This month's market opens on December 14, 2024, but the market returns on the second Saturday of the month through April 2025. Handmade Market connects the makers of … [Read more...] about Handmade Market at Empty Bottle
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 winter show runs through December 30, 2024. The winter projection will … [Read more...] about Art on the Mart
Sauced Night Market Before Christmas
Welcome the holiday season with shopping, food, music and vibes at Sauced Night Market Before Christmas, on December 13-14, 2024 at the Chicago Athletic Association downtown. This roving market supplies over three dozen vendors selling hand-crafted artisan goods and food. The holiday … [Read more...] about Sauced Night Market Before Christmas
Free Pasta Dishes with Barilla Connection Kitchen Food Truck
Enjoy delicious pasta dishes while making a difference at the Barilla Connection Kitchen Food Truck, which will partner with Meals on Wheels to encourage volunteer sign-ups at the Merchandise Mart on December 6, 2024. Chase the freezing temperatures away with a warm bowl of pasta and consider … [Read more...] about Free Pasta Dishes with Barilla Connection Kitchen Food Truck
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Dive into a quintessential Chicago holiday experience by skating around the iconic Wrigley Field as well as enjoying live music, holiday decor, classic holiday movies and more at Winterland at Gallagher Way, December 6-21, 2024. Head to the Wrigleyville neighborhood to … [Read more...] about Winterland at Gallagher Way
Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
The beloved Chicago holiday tradition of lighting the Christmas tree that towers over Millennium Park will kick off on November 22, 2024. This live event will fill Millenium Park with music, fireworks and thousands of twinkling lights. A 53-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce was … [Read more...] about Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
