The annual Chicago Memorial Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony honors all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. This year's parade is scheduled for May 25, 2024. Head to Daley Plaza in the Chicago Loop to witness the moving Wreath … [Read more...] about Chicago Memorial Day Parade
Free events
Easter Vintage Eggstravaganza
Hunt for Easter eggs as well as one-of-a-kind vintage finds at the free Easter Vintage Eggstravanganza Fest hosted by Windy City Market on March 30-31, 2024, in the Portage Park neighborhood. Celebrate the Easter holiday by browsing through 100 vendors displaying vintage clothes, housewares, … [Read more...] about Easter Vintage Eggstravaganza
The Paper Machete at The Green Mill
Step into the iconic confines of The Green Mill cocktail lounge in the Uptown neighborhood to enjoy the excitement of The Paper Machete "live magazine" of free performances by writers, actors, comedians, and musicians every Saturday afternoon. Based upon the "living newspaper" plays … [Read more...] about The Paper Machete at The Green Mill
Andersonville Fika Fest
Chicago's winter weather is the perfect time to practice the Swedish concept of fika ( pronounced fee-kah), which means spending downtime with coffee, cakes and getting cozy with friends. Head to Andersonville to enjoy all sorts of comforting treats during the Andersonville Fika Fest, February 9-11, … [Read more...] about Andersonville Fika Fest
Free Lunar New Year Concert
Experience the beauty and dynamic rhythms of Mongolian music during the Lunar New Year Concert at the Chicago Cultural Center on February 11, 2024. This free event features the world premiere of Lei-Liang's Mongolian Suite for Violin. Listen to the beautiful melodies of acclaimed … [Read more...] about Free Lunar New Year Concert
Garfield Park Conservatory Winter Flower Show
The Chicago holiday season is never complete without the natural beauty of the Garfield Park Holiday Flower Show. This year's theme is Celebrating Silver , commemorating the conservatory alliance's 25th anniversary with silver foliage through January 7, 2024. Stroll through the displays of … [Read more...] about Garfield Park Conservatory Winter Flower Show
Indigenous Portraits Unbound Exhibit at Newberry Library
View 120 detailed portraits of indigenous people during the mid-19th century in an exhibit of rarely seen images, "Indigenous Portraits Unbound" at the Newberry Library through March 30, 2023. Examine photos from one of the most expensive and influential books in the United States before … [Read more...] about Indigenous Portraits Unbound Exhibit at Newberry Library
Free Blues Christmas Concert at Navy Pier
Add some blues rhythms to your holiday with a classic Chicago blues showcase by legendary blues label Alligator Records. Music from the "Alligator Records Christmas Collection" and "Genuine Houserockin Christmas" will be performed along with other holiday faves at A Blues Christmas on December 15, … [Read more...] about Free Blues Christmas Concert at Navy Pier
Free Stand Up Comedy at Tin Roof
Prepare to really get jolly for the season during the Raise The Roof stand-up comedy night at Wrigleyville's Tin Roof bar on December 3, 2023. This free event features comedians who have appeared at Laugh Factory, Zanies and Bad Momz of Comedy, including Second City alum Angie MacMahon. … [Read more...] about Free Stand Up Comedy at Tin Roof
Free Wine Tastings at Lure Fishbar
After-work happy hours and hangouts just got more exciting with the Lure FishBar's Thursday Pop-Up Wine Tastings in their River North lounge every Thursday from November 16-December 7, 2023. The free wine tastings feature bottles from specific destinations each week. On November 16, Beaujolais … [Read more...] about Free Wine Tastings at Lure Fishbar
Origami Open House at Garfield Park Conservatory
Enjoy the creative art of origami during a free Origami Open House at Garfield Park Conservatory on Saturday afternoons on November 11 and December 9, 2023. Children and adults will discover how to transform flat sheets of paper into three-dimensional art forms during these interactive sessions. … [Read more...] about Origami Open House at Garfield Park Conservatory
Black Arts Month Programs
Chicago's thriving Black arts community will showcase its creativity and innovation during free Black Arts Month programming all over the city, every Monday from October 9-23, 2023. The African American Arts Alliance of Chicago will host a series of free public events that highlight Black … [Read more...] about Black Arts Month Programs