Chicago on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

2021 Events

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2021 Events. Following is the current status of all events we cover.  Most events are free, around $10 or less or are at a big discount.

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Any street festival or event held on a Chicago street cannot charge a mandatory entrance fee.  This is the law.  They can only request a suggested donation.  However most festivals are for the benefit of the neighborhood to cover the costs of the fest and to use the profit for neighborhood schools, plantings, benches, etc.

2021 Events

2021 Events – October

  1. Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches around Chicago
  2. Meet me on the Mile Various dates through October Dates confirmed.
  3. Free Lincoln Park Boo! at the Zoo Oct 9-24 Dates confirmed.
  4. National Museum of Mexican Art Day of the Dead Pilsen Ongoing exhibit
  5. Clark Street Spooktacular Oct 27 Lincoln Park Canceled
  6. Wicker Park Boo-palooza Oct 23 Date confirmed.
  7. Logan Square Halloween Parade Oct 24 Date confirmed.
  8. Free Halloween events at Navy Pier October Various dates
  9. Northalsted Halloween Parade Oct 31 Boystown Date confirmed.
  10. Halloween on The 606 Oct 31 Canceled

November

  1. McCormick Ice Rink Nov. 19- March 6, 2022 Millennium Park
  2. Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon Nov 19-March 6, 2022
  3. Millennium Park Christmas Tree Lighting Nov 19

Many events below do not have confirmed 2021 dates, information or Status is unknown. Check back often for updates.

  1. Christkindlmarket Market Nov 15-Dec 24 Daley Plaza
  2. Maxwell Street Market Day of the Dead Celebration Nov 3 South Loop
  3. Free Holiday Tree Lighting NewCity Nov 16 Halsted and Clybourn
  4. Winterland Wrigleyville Nov 19-Dec 31
  5. 900 N. Michigan Holiday Tree Lighting Nov. 21
  6. Millennium Park Art Market Nov 21
  7. Mag Mile Lights Festival Nov 22-23
  8. Randolph Street Market Nov 21-22 West Loop
  9. Thanksgiving Day Parade Nov 28
  10. Free day at Morton Arboretum Nov 28
  11. Millennium Park Christmas Tree Lighting Nov 22
  12. Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Nov 22-24
  13. CTA Holiday Bus Nov 26-Dec 23 Select dates
  14. Caroling at Cloud Gate Fridays, Nov 29-Dec 20 Millennium Park
  15. Lincoln Park Zoo Lights November 29-Jan 5, 2020 Select dates
  16. Wreathing of the Lions Nov 29 Art Institute of Chicago
  17. CTA Holiday Train Nov 29-Dec 23 Select dates
  18. Garfield Park Holiday Flower Show Nov 29-Jan 5, 2020
  19. Made in Chicago Holiday Market Nov 20 West Loop
  20. Lincoln Park Conservatory Holiday Flower Show and trains Nov 29-Jan 5 2020
  21. Old Town Tree Lighting No info

2021 Events – December

  1. McCormick Ice Rink Nov. 15- March 8 2020 Millennium Park
  2. Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon Nov 15-March 8, 2020
  3. Winter Wonder Fest Dec 6-Jan 12 Navy Pier
  4. Christkindlmarket Market Nov 15-Dec 24 Daley Plaza
  5. Caroling at Cloud Gate Fridays, Nov 29-Dec 20 Millennium Park
  6. Lincoln Park Zoo Lights November 29-Jan 5, 2020 Select dates
  7. Garfield Park Conservatory Holiday Flower Show Nov 29-Jan 5, 2020
  8. Lincoln Park Conservatory Holiday Flower Show Nov 29-Jan 5, 2020
  9. CTA Holiday Bus Nov 26-Dec 23 Select dates
  10. CTA Holiday Train Nov 29-Dec 23 Select dates
  11. One of a Kind Show Dec. 5-8
  12. Ugly Sweater Skate Dec 7 Maggie Daley Park
  13. West Town Winter Fest Dec 7
  14. Renegade Craft Fair Dec 7-8 Bridgeport
  15. Randolph Street Market Dec 12-23  West Loop
  16. St. Lucia Fest Dec 13 Andersonville
  17. Bucktown Holiday Art Show CANCELED
  18. Skate with Santa Dec 14 Maggie Daley Park
  19. Santa’s  Misbehaving Dec 14 Downtown
  20. Late Night Andersonville Dec 6 and 20
  21. Jingle Fest Dec 21 West Loop
  22. Tuba Christmas Dec 21 Loop
  23. Free day at Morton Arboretum Dec 25
  24. Navy Pier Fireworks Dec 31

 

 

The Bean Millennium Park in Chicago - a popular spot for visitors and tourists

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2022

January

  1. Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon Nov-March 2021
  2. Martin Luther King Day events Jan 20   City of Chicago  Art Institute of Chicago  Chicago History Museum
  3. Randolph Street Market Festival Feb   Canceled
  4. Handmade Market at Empty Bottle Wicker Park  Canceled
  5. Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show Canceled
  6. Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show Canceled

February

  1. McCormick Ice Rink Nov. – March Millennium Park  Canceled
  2. Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon Nov-March 2021
  3. Chicago Theatre Week Feb City wide February 25-March 7, 2021
  4. Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show Canceled
  5. Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show February 27-May 9, 2021
  6. Chicago Auto Show Feb 12-21, 2021 No dates.
  7. Chinese New Year Events Feb 4, 10, 12
  8. Navy Pier: Global Connections Canceled

March

  1. McCormick Ice Rink Nov. – March Millennium Park  Canceled
  2. Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon Nov-March 2021 Closed for season
  3. Free events at Daley Plaza under the Picasso TBA
  4. Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show    Reopening March 26, 2021
  5. Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show February 27-May 9, 2021
  6. Chicago Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier March TBA
  7. Chicago St. Pat’s Parade March 13 Downtown Canceled
  8. Northwest Side Irish Parade March 14 Raven from Neola to Northwest Highway to Harlem Canceled
  9. Southside St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 15 Western from 103rd to 115th Canceled
  10. Where to drink on St. Patrick’s Day
  11. Chicago Restaurant Week March 19 – April 4, 2021
  12. Handmade Market at Empty Bottle March Wicker Park Canceled
  13. Macy’s Flower Show March -April Downtown Canceled

April

  1. Free events at Daley Plaza under the Picasso
  2. Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show Feb 14-May 10
  3. Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show Feb 14-May 10
  4. Randolph Street Market April 24-26 West Loop Canceled
  5. One of A Kind Show and Sale Spring Show April 27-29 Canceled
  6. Navy Pier reopening April 30
  7. Free or cheap things to do around Chicago this week
  8. Free or cheap things to do around Chicago this weekend

May

  1. Free or cheap things to do around Chicago this week
  2. Free or cheap things to do around Chicago this weekend
  3. Navy Pier Fireworks every Saturday in May 9pm for 10 minutes
  4. Navy Pier Summer Fireworks Wednesdays and Saturdays May 29-Sept 6, 2021?
  5. Millennium Park Summer Music Series  
  6. Free events at Daley Plaza under the Picasso Canceled
  7. Polish Parade May 4 Dearborn Street Downtown Canceled
  8. Kite Fest May 4 Cricket Hill/Montrose Beach  Canceled
  9. Hellenic Heritage Parade (Greek Independence Day Parade) May 5 Canceled
  10. Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show Feb 14-May 10
  11. Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show Feb 14-May 10
  12. Chicago Riverwalk Season Celebration Celebration May 13-19 Canceled
  13. Second Tuesdays on the Riverwalk May 14 Canceled
  14. Chicago Mayfest May 17-19 Lakeview May 28-30, 2021 Canceled
  15. Memorial Day Parade May 25 State Street Downtown Canceled
  16. Randolph Street Market May 23-24 West Loop Canceled
  17. Free Millennium Park House Party May 23-25 Canceled
  18. Gospel Fest May 31-June 1 Millennium Park Canceled
  19. Do-Division May 31-June 2 Wicker Park June 4-6, 2021 Canceled
  20. Activate May-August  Canceled
  21. Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest May 25-26 Now July 17-18, 2021
  22. Maifest Chicago May 30-June 2 Lincoln Square May be rescheduled in 2021
  23. Gold Coast Art Fair June 1-2 Grant Park Now August 21-22, 2021
  24.  

June

  1. Free or cheap things to do around Chicago this week
  2. Free or cheap things to do around Chicago this weekend
  3. Free events at Daley Plaza under the Picasso  No events June.
  4. Navy Pier Summer Fireworks Wednesdays and Saturdays May 29-Sept 4, 2021
  5. Millennium Park Summer Film Series Now August 24 and 31, 2021
  6. Grant Park Music Festival Millennium Park Wednesday Concerts Now July 7-August 18, 2021
  7. Grant Park Music Festival Millennium Park Friday and Saturday Concerts Now July 2-August 21, 2021
  8. Chicago Blues Fest June 5-7 Millennium Park  Canceled
  9. Lincoln Park Greek Fest June 5-7 Now Sept 10-12, 2021
  10. 57th Street Art Fair June 6-7 Hyde Park Virtual in 2021
  11. Hyde Park Summer Fest June 6-7  Late summer 2021
  12. 57th Street Art Fair June 6-7 Hyde Park
  13. Andersonville Midsommarfest June 12-14 Canceled
  14. Second Tuesdays on the Riverwalk 
  15. Made in Chicago Market June 13 West Loop 
  16. Old Town Art Fair June 12-13 Lincoln at Wisconsin Lincoln Park
  17. Printers Row Lit Fest June 6-7  Now Sept 11-12, 2021
  18. Wells Street Art Fest June 13-14 Old Town Now Aug 14-15, 2021
  19. Chicago World Naked Bike Ride June 13 Location TBA Now August 14, 2021
  20. Ribfest Chicago June 14-16 Lincoln/Irving Park/Damen Canceled
  21. Taste of Randolph Street West Loop Canceled
  22. Pilsen Taco Fest June Canceled
  23. Festa! Pasta! Vino! Italian Street Festival Canceled
  24. Make Music Day June 21
  25. Chinatown Dragon Boat Races June 21  Now Aug 28, 2021
  26. Pride Fest June 20-21 Boystown Now Oct 1-2, 2021
  27. Ravenswood on Tap June 20-21 Canceled
  28. Millennium Park Family Fun Festival June 24-August 9 (weekdays) Canceled
  29. SummerDance June 25-August 22 Citywide Now Aug 18-Sept 15, 2021
  30. Renegade Craft Fair June 26-27 Fall
  31. Logan Square Arts Fest   Canceled
  32. Pride Fest Navy Pier June 26   Date confirmed.  No info.
  33. Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade June 30 Boystown  Now October 3, 2021
  34. Millennium Art Festival June 26-28 Lake Street at Michigan Avenue  Now July 16-18, 2021
  35. Chicago Mariachi Festival June Millennium Park Canceled

July

  1. Sundays on StateDates confirmed.
  2. Free events at Daley Plaza under the Picasso Begins July 9, 2021
  3. Navy Pier Summer Fireworks Wednesdays and Saturdays May 29-Sept 4, 2021
  4. Millennium Park Summer Music Series  Now Aug 2-Sept 15, 2021
  5. Grant Park Music Festival Millennium Park Wednesday Concerts July 7- Aug 18 Dates confirmed. 
  6. Grant Park Music Festival Millennium Park Friday and Saturday Concerts July 2-Aug 21 Dates confirmed. 
  7. Millennium Park Summer Film Series Now Aug 24 and 31
  8. Millennium Park Family Fun Festival June 24-August 9 (weekdays) Canceled
  9. SummerDance June 25-August 22 Grant Park (Thursdays-Sundays) Now Aug 18-Sept 15, 2021
  10. Free July 4 concert Millennium Park July 2 and 3, 2021 Date confirmed.
  11. Free July 3 Fireworks  July 3
  12. Windy City RibFest July 3-5 Uptown Canceled
  13. West Fest Chicago Ave. between Damen & Wood West Town Canceled
  14. Second Tuesdays on the Riverwalk July  Canceled
  15. Taste of Chicago July 7-11 City-wide Dates confirmed. 
  16. Fresh Fest Navy Pier July 8-9, 2021  Dates confirmed. 
  17. Windy City Smoke Out July 8-11 Dates confirmed.
  18. Southport Art Fest July 10-11  Dates confirmed.  No details.
  19. Bucktown Neighborhood and  Garden Walk July 17-18, 2021  Dates confirmed.
  20. Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest July 16-18  Dates confirmed. 
  21. Chicago Auto Show July 15-19 Dates confirmed. 
  22. Silver Room Block Party July 18 Hyde Park Canceled
  23. Millennium Art Festival July 16-18 Lake Street at Michigan Avenue  Dates confirmed. 
  24. Square Roots Music Fest July 10-12 Lincoln Square Canceled
  25. Disability Pride Parade July 24, 2021 401 S. Plymouth to Daley Plaza  Date confirmed.  Virtual.
  26. Sheffield Garden Walk & Fest July 19-21 Lincoln Park  No info
  27. Newberry Library Book Fair July Canceled
  28. Wicker Park Fest July 23-25 Dated confirmed.
  29. Taste of Lincoln Avenue July 24-25 Lincoln Park Dated confirmed. No details.
  30. Randolph Street Market July 25-26 West Loop  Canceled
  31. Roscoe Village Burger Fest July 11-12   Now Sept 3-5, 2021.
  32. Chalk Howard Street July 18-19 Rogers Park No info.
  33. Taste of River North July 17-19  Canceled
  34. Art Fest Michigan Avenue July 18-19 Downtown  Now Sept 18-19, 2021.
  35. Chicago Brewing District Dancing in the Streets West Town Now Aug 6-8, 2021
  36. Andersonville Sidewalk Sale July 29-August 1 Dates confirmed.
  37. Jeff Fest Arts & Music Festival July 30-Aug 1 Dates confirmed.  No details. 
  38. Chinatown Summer Fair July 31-August 1 Dates confirmed. 

August

  1. Grant Park Music Festival Millennium Park Wednesday Concerts July 7- Aug 18 Dates confirmed. 
  2. Grant Park Music Festival Millennium Park Friday and Saturday Concerts July 2- Aug 21 Dates confirmed. 
  3. Northalsted Market Days Aug 6-8 Boystown Dates confirmed.  
  4. Chicago Brewing District Dancing in the Streets West Town Aug 6-8, 2021 Dates confirmed. 
  5. Millennium Park Family Fun Festival June 24-August 9 (weekdays) Canceled
  6. Edge Fest Aug 1-2  5900 N. Broadway Edgewater Canceled
  7. Printer’s Row Art Fest Aug 7-8 Dates confirmed.  No details.
  8. Chicago Hot Dog Fest August  No info
  9. Retro on Roscoe Aug 13-15 Roscoe Village Dates confirmed.
  10. Ginza Holiday Fest Aug 7-9 435 W. Menomonee St. Lincoln Park Canceled
  11. Uptown Art Week August 6-15, 2021 Dates confirmed.  
  12. Second Tuesdays on the Riverwalk August Canceled
  13. Taste of River North July 17-19  Canceled
  14. Festa Italiana No event 2018 Permanently cancelled?
  15. Little Italy Festa Aug 13-16 Canceled
  16. Chicago World Naked Bike Ride Aug 14 Location TBA Dates confirmed.
  17. Wrigleyville Art Market Aug 14
  18. Wells Street Art Fest Aug 14-15 Old Town Dates confirmed. 
  19. Edison Park Fest August 13-15 Dates confirmed. 
  20. Clark After Dark Aug 19 River North Date confirmed.
  21. Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest Aug 20-22 6900N/1400W Rogers Park Dates confirmed.
  22. Chicago Air & Water Show Aug  21-22  North Avenue Beach/Downtown Dates confirmed.  Blue Angels only.  Practice Aug 20 11am-2pm
  23. Ukrainian Days Festival August 21-22 Dates confirmed.  No details.
  24. Gold Coast Art Fair August 21-22 Grant Park Dates confirmed.  No details.
  25. Sundays on State  Every Sunday, through-September 26, 2021. (No events Aug 1 and 15). Dates confirmed.
  26. Meet me on the Mile Various dates through October
  27. Hyde Park Summer Fest June 6-7  Canceled
  28. Free events at Daley Plaza under the Picasso
  29. Navy Pier Summer Fireworks Wednesdays and Saturdays May 29-Sept 4, 2021
  30. SummerDance August 18-Sept 15 Citywide Dates confirmed. 
  31. Millennium Park Summer Music Series Aug 2-Sept 15, 2021
  32. Pilsen Fest Aug 14-15, 2021 Now Sept 4-5 No details.
  33. Millennium Park Summer Film Series August 24 and 31, 2021
  34. Taste of Greektown Aug 27-29 Dates confirmed. 
  35. Chinatown Dragon Boat Races Aug 28  Dates confirmed. 
  36. Bucktown Arts Fest Aug  Canceled
  37. Chicago Jazz Fest Sept 4 Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and Harris Theater rooftop Dates confirmed.
  38. Fifth Star Awards TBA 2020 Millennium Park Canceled

September

  1. Navy Pier Summer Fireworks Wednesdays and Saturdays May 29-Sept 4, 2021
  2. Millennium Park Summer Music Series Aug 2-Sept 15, 2021
  3. SummerDance August 18-Sept 15 Citywide
  4. Chicago Jazz Fest Aug 28-Sept 6 Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and Harris Theater rooftop 
  5. Taste of Polonia Aug 31-Sept 1 Jefferson Park Canceled
  6. Roscoe Village Burger Fest Sept 3-5, 2021   Dates confirmed.
  7. Pilsen Fest Aug 14-15, 2021 Now Sept 4-5 Dates confirmed. Missing some info
  8. German American Fest Sept 10-12 Lincoln Square Dates confirmed.
  9. Von Steuben German Day Parade Sept 11 Lincoln Square (part of German American Fest ) Dates confirmed. No details
  10. Festival on Prairie Avenue Sept 7 South Loop Canceled
  11. Lincoln Park Greek Fest Sept 10-12 Dates confirmed. 
  12. Hyde Park Summer Fest June 6-7  Canceled
  13. Printers Row Lit Fest Sept 11-12  Dates confirmed.  Event website still not updated.
  14. Randolph Street Market September 12-13 West Loop
  15. Ravenswood Art Walk Sept 11-12 Dates confirmed. 
  16. Lakeview East Festival of the Arts Sept 11-12 Dates confirmed. 
  17. Norwood Park Fall Festival Sept 17-18 Dates confirmed.  No details.
  18. Art Fest Michigan Avenue Sept 18-19 Downtown Dates confirmed. 
  19. Renegade Craft Fair Chicago Sept 18-19 Dates confirmed. 
  20. West Loop Art Fest Sept 18-19 Dates confirmed.  No info on website
  21. Lakeview Taco Fest Chicago Sept 18-19
  22. Chicago Turkish Festival No event 2019Canceled
  23. Andersonville Arts Weekend Sept 19-22 Canceled
  24. Andersonville Arts Fest Sept 21-22 Canceled
  25. Annual World Music Festival Chicago Sept 13-29 Canceled
  26. Revolution Oktoberfest Sept 27-28 Logan Square Canceled
  27. Free Family Festival Lincoln Park Zoo Friday-Sundays September 27–October 27; October 14 Canceled
  28. Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches around Chicago
  29. Sundays on State  Every Sunday, through-September 26, 2021. (No events Aug 1 and 15). Dates confirmed.
  30. Meet me on the Mile Various dates through October
  31. Andersonville Homecoming Sept 24-26 Dates confirmed. 
  32. West Town  Art Walk Sept 24-25 Dates confirmed.
  33. Hyde Park Jazz Fest Sept 25-26 Dates confirmed.
  34. St Alphonsus Oktoberfest Chicago Sept 24-26 Lakeview Dates confirmed.

October

  1. St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest Oct 1-3 Dates confirmed.
  2. Lincoln Square Greektober Fest October 1-3 Dates confirmed.  No details.
  3. Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest Oct 2-3 Dates confirmed.  No details.
  4. Free Family Festival Lincoln Park Zoo Friday-Sundays September 27–October 27; October 14 Canceled
  5. Double Ten Parade in Chinatown Chicago Oct. No info
  6. Hyde Park Art Fair Oct 9-11 Canceled
  7. Free Thee Best Western Block Party Oct 9 Date confirmed.
  8. North Park Village Harvest Festival Oct 13 Canceled
  9. Columbus Parade Oct 11 Downtown Dates confirmed.
  10. Open House Chicago Oct 16-17 Dates confirmed.
  11. Arts in the Dark The Halloween Parade Oct 30 Downtown Date confirmed.
  12. Free Fall Festival at Jesse White Park Oct 19 Canceled
  13. Fall Festival at Maggie Daley Park Oct 19 Canceled
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