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
Free events
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Glide under the sparkling beauty of the Chicago skyline at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. The free rink is open from November 15, 2024, through February 2, 2025, weather permitting. Whirling around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink under the city's official … [Read more...] about McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Mercado Navideno at Museum of Mexican Art
Add the colors and traditions of Mexico to your holiday shopping with a visit to the Mercado Navideno at the National Museum of Mexican Art on November 29-December 1, 2024. Explore hand-crafted gifts from Mexico including ornaments, nativity scenes, art, jewelry, apparel and toys. You won't have … [Read more...] about Mercado Navideno at Museum of Mexican Art
Free Time Out Market Fifth Anniversary Party
Join the all-day celebration for five years of food, drinks and events during the Fifth Anniversary Celebration of Time Out Market, on November 16, 2024. Enjoy food and drink specials and live DJs in the West Loop neighborhood. Head to Time Out Market for festivities filled … [Read more...] about Free Time Out Market Fifth Anniversary Party
Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way
The pleasures of the season will fill the field around Wrigley Stadium in celebration of the cooler temperatures and bright foliage, Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way will run from October to November 2024. The Autumn Fest includes activities and offerings like seasonally themed food and drinks, … [Read more...] about Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way
Beverly Art Walk
Explore the vibrant arts community of the historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood at the 11th annual Beverly Art Walk on September 28, 2024. Hosted by the Beverly Arts Alliance, the Beverly Art Walk is a free, family-friendly event that spotlights local art and music. … [Read more...] about Beverly Art Walk
Taste of Greektown
Chicago's largest celebration of Hellenic culture returns for the 34th annual Taste of Greektown on September 6-8, 2024. Head to the historic Greektown neighborhood to savor Greek food, music and warm hospitality. The hallmark of Taste of Greektown is sampling dishes from the … [Read more...] about Taste of Greektown
Chicago Jazz Fest at Elastic Arts Foundation
The internationally acclaimed Chicago Jazz Fest draws music fans from all over the globe for the Millenium Park event but the fest also sponsors free neighborhood concerts, including the Elastic Arts Foundation on August 25, 27 and 28, 2024. Head to the Logan Square neighborhood to enjoy an … [Read more...] about Chicago Jazz Fest at Elastic Arts Foundation
Latinxt Music Festival
Chicago's diverse Latinx community comes together to celebrate contemporary Latin music and arts during the fifth annual LatiNXT Music Festival on August 24 -25, 2024. This free, two-day festival showcases all the sounds and arts scenes that Chicago's Latinx community has inspired. Navy … [Read more...] about Latinxt Music Festival
Free Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project Show
Ten dance companies will take the stage at Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion to celebrate spiritual and mystical traditions of Black culture with the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project's new show, "Divination: The Dancing Souls of Black Folk," on August 24, 2024. Highlighting the … [Read more...] about Free Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project Show
Free July Music Festivals
The joy of Summertime Chi is just heating up as the season gears up with festivals, block parties and outdoor events. One of the best ways to enjoy summer in Chicago is by dancing to free outdoor music fests. Check out the exciting line-up for the rest of the month. One of the city's most … [Read more...] about Free July Music Festivals
Free Poetry Showcase at National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
Celebrate National Poetry Month with a free showcase of noted poets, including Chicago's first Poet Laureate Avery R Young, at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Art & Culture on April 25, 2024. "Pri-Ma-Ve-Ra" will spotlight the dazzling wordplay of some of the most influential poets in … [Read more...] about Free Poetry Showcase at National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture




















Chicago on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at 