One of the most beloved events of the early summer season is Chicago's signature open-air market, the Randolph Street Market Festival. Filled with vintage treasures, live bands, food and fun, the market opens on May 23-24, 2026, in the West Loop. Celebrating 23 years, the Randolph Street … [Read more...] about Randolph Street Market Festival
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Chicago Memorial Day Parade
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 23, 2026. Head to Daley Plaza in the Chicago Loop to witness the moving Wreath Laying … [Read more...] about Chicago Memorial Day Parade
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
For many neighborhood festival fans, the Summer fest season officially kicks off with the cover band glory of the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, set for May 22-24, 2026. The 40th annual celebration of community and local musicians draws enthusiastic crowds to the streets near the … [Read more...] about Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
Chicago Mayfest in Lincoln Park
Beer, food and cover bands are the hallmarks of the city's first festival of the summer, Chicago Mayfest. This year's 29th annual edition continues the tradition from May 15-17, 2026, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This year's fest will kick off at Armitage and Sheffield and … [Read more...] about Chicago Mayfest in Lincoln Park
Maxwell Street Market
There's no Chicago market more iconic than Maxwell Street Market. This year, the market runs on select Sundays, May 17 through October 4, 2026, 10 am -3 pm. Open since 1912, this bustling marketplace is much more than just a place to shop; it's a Chicago cultural mecca. Maxwell Street … [Read more...] about Maxwell Street Market
Enjoy Endless Shrimp again at Red Lobster for limited time
Get ready to sail over to Red Lobster for big savings, shrimp lovers! When it comes to seafood, shrimp is at the top of the list for many diners. However, dining out on shrimp can be expensive…very expensive. That’s what makes the popular seafood restaurant’s Endless Shrimp even tastier for those … [Read more...] about Enjoy Endless Shrimp again at Red Lobster for limited time
Early Bird Chicago Boat Cruises for $20
It's that time of year! The season to enjoy Chicago views of gorgeous Lake Michigan has officially arrived and there's no better way to take in all the watery beauty than with a boat cruise. Chicago Party Boat is offering discounted Friday Night Skyline Cruises every Friday in May, May 1- 29, … [Read more...] about Early Bird Chicago Boat Cruises for $20
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 events at Daley Plaza under the Picasso
One of the joys of summer in Chicago is experiencing the eclectic cultural events at Daley Plaza. Under the shade of the Picasso sculpture, artists and performers from around the world sing, dance and present cultural ceremonies that supply an exciting assortment of cultural discoveries for … [Read more...] about Free events at Daley Plaza under the Picasso
Sor Juana Festival Events
The annual Sor Juana Festival honors the historic Mexican writer, feminist and nun, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, with a dynamic line-up of artists, writers, filmmakers and singers at the National Museum of Mexican Art through April 29, 2026. Check out some of the exciting free … [Read more...] about Sor Juana Festival Events
McDonald’s expands McValue Menu with Under $3 Menu & $4 Breakfast Meal Deal
Dining at fast-food restaurants is no longer as inexpensive as it once was for families on a budget. Fortunately, McDonald’s is serving up more choices and more ways to save with the expansion of its affordable (and popular) McValue Menu. Hungry bargain hunters can now enjoy two new deals at … [Read more...] about McDonald’s expands McValue Menu with Under $3 Menu & $4 Breakfast Meal Deal
Celebrate Spring with a Bonfire at Andersonville’s Valborg
Join the Swedish tradition of welcoming spring and banishing winter with a roaring bonfire, music, poetry, food and dance at the second annual Valborg in the Andersonville neighborhood on April 30, 2026. Sit around the bonfire and toss the worries you've written down into the flames to kick … [Read more...] about Celebrate Spring with a Bonfire at Andersonville’s Valborg
Free Chicago Cultural Center Tours
Explore the neoclassical beauty of the historic Chicago Cultural Center during free tours every Thursday and Friday. Discover the fascinating history and landmark status of one of Chicago's most beloved architectural treasures. Nicknamed the "People's Palace," the building … [Read more...] about Free Chicago Cultural Center Tours
Free World Music Wednesday Concerts
The new season for World Music Wednesday has been announced! Every Wednesday, through June 24, 2026, at 8:00 pm, the Old Town School of Folk Music will host a free concert series, World Music Wednesdays, featuring musicians from all around the world. Culture and countries represented … [Read more...] about Free World Music Wednesday Concerts
Tax Day freebies, deals and deductions 2026
Put down the calculator and pencil! Whether you’re getting a refund or paying taxes, getting your taxes completed on time can be stressful. Getting all the paperwork in order, reading all the tax codes and crunching the numbers is…well, very taxing. To help ease the stress, many national … [Read more...] about Tax Day freebies, deals and deductions 2026
