Chicago International Film Festival Free Events

As North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, the Chicago International Film Festival showcases movies from all over the world as well as tributes, special programs and celebrity guests. This year’s 62nd Chicago International Film Festival runs from October 14-25, 2026, and features an exciting lineup of free events.

Photo courtesy of Chicago International Film Fest

Community Cinema Screenings

This year, the film festival is hosting free community cinema screenings. On October 15, “Finding Your Laughter,” a documentary about Chicago comedian Arlieta, will be presented at Kennedy-King College at 7 pm. On October 20, “Sad Girlz’ (Chicas Tristes) an intimate coming-of-age drama about the bond of two friends, will show at the National Museum of Mexican Art at 6:30 pm.

Digging Deeper into Movies Film Talks

“Time and Teamwork: the Cinema of Mike Leigh,” a free interactive lecture with film critic and Northwestern University professor Nick Davis, examines the storytelling of director Mike Leigh and unfolds at the Gene Siskel Film Center on October 17 at 11:00 am. The second lecture, “Never a Dull Moment: Radu Jude,” is scheduled for October 23 at 1:30 pm.

Photo Courtesy of Chicago International Film Fest

Other free events include the Physical Media Fair, a free two-day celebration of physical media and film merch on October 17-18 at 1511 N. Halsted. A selection of shorts, “City & State Shorts: Homegrown Talent,” screens at Harold Washington Library on October 17 at noon and the discussion”Queer Humanism: Andrew Haigh and Ira Sachs in Conversation” opens at AMC NewCity 14 on October 21 at 3:00 p.m.

General tickets for regular Chicago International Film Festival movies are $22 and $18 for matinees before 5 pm on weekdays. Check out the film schedule here.