The city's most anticipated architecture event, the Chicago Architecture Biennial, unfolds this year with the theme, "SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change," featuring exhibits, panel discussions, films, performances, activations and events across the city through February 28, … [Read more...] about Chicago Architecture Biennial
Free events
Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Celebrate the joys of autumn in the fun-filled setting of Lincoln Park Zoo during the ninth annual Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest, September 26-October 26, 2025. 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
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 fall show features artists from Arts of Life on Thursdays and Fridays from September 11- October 5, 2025 … [Read more...] about Art on the Mart
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 fun at the 2025 fall and winter dates on September 21, October 19, November 23 and December 21. This eclectic indoor … [Read more...] about Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
Andersonville Vintage Market
The Chicago shopping event of the summer returns; the fifth annual Andersonville Vintage Market will supply treasures from every era on select Sundays on July 20, August 17. September 21 and October 19, 2025. Discover one-of-a-kind antiques, jewelry, furniture, art, clothing and more at … [Read more...] about Andersonville Vintage Market
New Greektown Public Art Exhibit
Chicago's historic Greektown neighborhood will introduce a new public art exhibit, "Flowering Grecian Urns," on June 5, 2025, along Halsted Street between Madison and Van Buren Streets. Inspired by Chloris, the Greek goddess of flowers, the large Grecian urn sculptures are … [Read more...] about New Greektown Public Art Exhibit
View Cherry Blossoms in Chicago
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 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
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
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
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