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 diverse events, so choose your favorite. … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do this weekend in Chicago
Most Recent
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
One of Chicago's most iconic holiday traditions is viewing the holiday trees from around the world at the Christmas Around The World exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, which opens on November 7, 2026 and runs through January 3, 2027. This year's display includes Holidays … [Read more...] about Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The Chicago holiday season roars into gear with the 92nd annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, which marches down the heart of downtown on State Street on November 26, 2026. This free family-friendly event is highly anticipated because of the exciting showcase of talented performers from … [Read more...] about Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Chipotle’s Boorito 2026 scares up $6 entrée on Halloween night
Back in 2000, Chipotle celebrated its very first Boorito giveaway with a burrito-themed costume contest on Halloween night. In the following years, customers who showed up dressed in any costume on Oct. 31 received a discounted entrée. Over the years, the giveaway has evolved with various … [Read more...] about Chipotle’s Boorito 2026 scares up $6 entrée on Halloween night
Chicago Free and Cheap Halloween Events
Whether you like parades, movies, parties or old-school trick-or-treating, there are lots of free and cheap Halloween events to explore all over Chicago. Check out everything from boat rides to shopping and fall fests in our roundup below. Chicago Halloween Cruises Float along … [Read more...] about Chicago Free and Cheap Halloween Events
Free Creatures of the Night at Garfield Conservatory
Visit creepy, crawly critters for the Halloween season while learning about tropical plants and their connection to the animal world at the annual Creatures of the Night free event on October 28, 2026, at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Discover the relationship between animals and plants … [Read more...] about Free Creatures of the Night at Garfield Conservatory
Free Lincoln Park Spooktacular
Join the haunted fun tradition of celebrating Halloween along Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood at the annual Lincoln Park Spooktacular on October 24 -25, 2026. Participating businesses on Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue will transform into trick-or-treat stops … [Read more...] about Free Lincoln Park Spooktacular
Free Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way
Go pumpkin hunting, dance to live music, create arts and crafts and enjoy the season at Gallagher Way's annual Pumpkin Party on October 24, 2026, in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Bring the kids for a fun-filled day of costumes, trick-or-treating and non-stop activities. The Old Town … [Read more...] about Free Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way
Cheap Halloween Film Series at 400 Theater
View the thrills and chills of classic Hollywood monster movies at a discount. Check out Monster Mash, the classic Halloween film series at the 400 Theater in the Rogers Park neighborhood through November 5, 2026. Travel back to the classic Hollywood era of the '1930s, '1940s and '1950s, when … [Read more...] about Cheap Halloween Film Series at 400 Theater
Regal Cinemas hosts ’31 Screams on Screen’ series with $7.99 tickets every day in October
Are you afraid of the dark? Face your fears this October with 31 Screams on Screen at Regal Cinemas. The theater chain will show a different classic horror movie on the big screen each day, so fans can relive the thrills of their favorites or experience new scares they haven’t encountered … [Read more...] about Regal Cinemas hosts ’31 Screams on Screen’ series with $7.99 tickets every day in October
Free Slightly Spooky October at Navy Pier
Spend the spooky season watching movies, creating fun projects and trick-or-treating at Navy Pier. Enjoy interactive art and performances during Slightly Spooky October at Navy Pier on Saturdays throughout the month on October 17, 24 and 31, 2026. Dive into fun and watch movies like … [Read more...] about Free Slightly Spooky October at Navy Pier
Chicago Halloween Cruises from $30
Celebrate the spooky season with a fun-filled Haunted Halloween Night Lake Cruise along Lake Michigan that combines costumes, dancing and drinks with views of the iconic Chicago skyline. 312 Cruises offers cruises as cheap as $30 on October 30 and 31, 2026. Hop aboard a three-story, 140-foot … [Read more...] about Chicago Halloween Cruises from $30
Lincoln Park Blues and Gangster Tour
Chicago boasts a reputation for a lot of great things--architecture, food and a stunning skyline. The city's claim as the home of the blues is another great accolade but Chicago is also recognized for its extensive gangster history. Take the Lincoln Park Guns, Guitars & Gangsters Tour … [Read more...] about Lincoln Park Blues and Gangster Tour
Free National Museum of Mexican Art Dia de los Muertos Chicago
Celebrate the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, with the free "Día de Los Muertos Xicago" event organized by the National Museum of Mexican Art on October 24, 2026, in the Pilsen community. Honoring loved ones who have passed away with ofrendas or altars filled with … [Read more...] about Free National Museum of Mexican Art Dia de los Muertos Chicago
Shake Shack celebrates Halloween season with 3 free sandwiches in October
Ding-dong! Trick-or-burger! Shake Shack is shaking up the spooky season with three juicy deals for a FREE sandwich in October. The chain’s burgers are made with a custom 100% Angus beef blend, never frozen, no hormones or antibiotics ever, humanely raised and grazed in the U.S. Fans and hungry … [Read more...] about Shake Shack celebrates Halloween season with 3 free sandwiches in October
