Whirling around Navy Pier's famous Centennial Wheel and viewing the iconic Chicago skyline is a beloved summer tradition. Thanks to the foggy weather on July 4th, visitors can ride the Centennial Wheel for free through September 7, 2026. The popular Chicago summer season just became sweeter … [Read more...] about Free Centennial Wheel Rides through Labor Day
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Free and cheap things to do this weekend in Chicago
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Chicago? There are tons of free and cheap events in the city. Here’s our list of the top free events, discounts, and deals to have fun around town on your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are many diversified events, so choose your … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do this weekend in Chicago
Free Outdoor Movie Series at Navy Pier
Catch movies in the shadow of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier all summer long. The Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier will host a series of free, family-friendly movies throughout the Summer. Movies at the Pier will kick off every Monday at 6:00 pm through August 31, 2026. The Lake Stage in Polk Bros. … [Read more...] about Free Outdoor Movie Series at Navy Pier
Dairy Queen celebrates National Ice Cream Day with free Dilly Bar for one week
Chill out with a cool freebie on National Ice Cream Day — July 19, 2026! And there’s no better place to celebrate the sweet day than at the king of all ice cream shops, Dairy Queen. The shop has something sweet on the menu for all fans, including cones, sundaes, banana splits, Blizzards and, of … [Read more...] about Dairy Queen celebrates National Ice Cream Day with free Dilly Bar for one week
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
One of Chicago's most beloved street fests, Taste of Lincoln Avenue, returns to thrill foodies and music lovers alike on July 24-26, 2026. Taking over the intersection of Fullerton and Lincoln Ave., the 42nd annual fest is one of the highlights of the Chicago summer season. Food, arts and … [Read more...] about Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Chinatown Summer Fair
The dynamic colors and traditions of Chinese culture will be the highlight of the Chinatown Summer Fair, scheduled for July 25-26, 2026. This free, family-friendly event offers food, arts and crafts and entertainment for everyone in the historic Chinatown neighborhood. The fair … [Read more...] about Chinatown Summer Fair
Fiesta Del Sol
The largest Latino fest in the country returns to the Pilsen neighborhood on July 23-26, 2026, with the highly anticipated Fiesta Del Sol. This year's festival commemorates 53 years of celebrating Latino art, music, food and traditions with a four-day, family-friendly event. You'll … [Read more...] about Fiesta Del Sol
Taste of River North
Sample a delicious selection of River North's popular restaurants, dance to live music and absorb the joys of summer at the annual Taste of River North on July 17-18, 2026. This two-day food fest supplies chances to try neighborhood eateries like Lure Fish Bar, Seoul Taco and ,Fogo de Chao, … [Read more...] about Taste of River North
Barrio Arts Festival
The signature festival of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, the Barrio Arts Fest, returns to Humboldt Park on July 11-12,2026. Immerse yourself in the richness of Puerto Rican culture during this highly anticipated free festival on the grounds of the museum. Dance to the … [Read more...] about Barrio Arts Festival
Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour
From June through September, the historic Bronzeville neighborhood pulses with excitement during the annual Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour on the third Friday of every month. Art lovers hop double-decker buses to visit the community's three main galleries: Faie Afrikan Art, Gallery … [Read more...] about Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour
Enjoy free Slurpee at 7-Eleven on Slurpee Day, 7/11
Slurpees and summer are the perfect pairing — one of the best ways to chill out on a hot summer day! And 7-Eleven is again honoring its iconic cold treat with its annual Slurpee Day giveaway on July 11, 2026. Photo: 7-Eleven FREE Slurpee Giveaway Sip the new Mountain Dew Confetti … [Read more...] about Enjoy free Slurpee at 7-Eleven on Slurpee Day, 7/11
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Enjoy the spirit-filled gospel music genre that was created in Chicago at the annual Gospel Music Festival on July 24-25, 2026, in Millennium Park. This beloved fest draws fans from all over the country to hear some of gospel's greatest voices at this free event. A cherished Chicago tradition … [Read more...] about Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Square Roots Festival
Music lovers rejoice, the return of Old Town School of Folk Music's Square Roots Festival is set for July 10-12, 2026. This free, family-friendly music fest celebrates music from around the globe as well as the popular Lincoln Square community. This year's artist line-up of two … [Read more...] about Square Roots Festival
Free Movies at Gallagher Way
Enjoy the fun of viewing movies al fresco during the Gallagher Way Movie Nights. The screenings will feature family-friendly themes and popular classics on Wednesday nights through September 30, 2026. The lineup of all-ages movies includes "Matilda," "Black Panther," and "High … [Read more...] about Free Movies at Gallagher Way
City News Cafe Free Concert Series
Enjoy the increasingly rare experience of browsing through magazines, newspapers and books, without a digital device in sight. The analog adventures continue with live musical concerts during the City News Cafe concert series on weekends through July 26, 2026. Head to this old school treasure … [Read more...] about City News Cafe Free Concert Series
