Chicago on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

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Free Learn to Ride Bike Classes for Adults

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free Learn to Ride Bike Classes for Adults Classes led by CDOT’s SAFE (Streets Are for Everybody) Ambassadors.  These classes are offered to anyone 16-years-old or older.  The two-hour class allows pre-registered participants to learn: how to position themselves when riding in the … [Read more...] about Free Learn to Ride Bike Classes for Adults

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Transportation

Free compost from MWRD

Free compost from MWRD Pick up free compost The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) offers free compost for pick up.  Bring your own buckets, bags and shovels to pick up free compost at six water reclamation plants.  Click on links below (.pdf) for compost locations and time … [Read more...] about Free compost from MWRD

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Frugal Living

Free trees from MWRD

Free trees from MWRD The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Restore the Canopy program offers FREE Black, Pin, Red and White Oak saplings. Click here for a brochure on the program and how to plant and care for your sapling. Visit the following water reclamation plants (WRPs) every … [Read more...] about Free trees from MWRD

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Frugal Living

Free Metropolitan Water Reclamation District tour

Free Metropolitan Water Reclamation District tour After reading the disturbing article in the NYTimes about how Chicago almost flooded New Orleans/Katrina style on May 17, 2020 (and may do so any day now) I was researching our Cook County water treatment system and stumbled into Metropolitan … [Read more...] about Free Metropolitan Water Reclamation District tour

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Free events

Chicago streets open for outdoor dining – River North

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Chicago streets open for outdoor dining - River North.  The City will be closing select streets to traffic again this year to enable expanded outdoor dining.  Sidewalk patios will be extended into the street and at some locations there will be a few communal tables set up for dining on … [Read more...] about Chicago streets open for outdoor dining – River North

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Food & Drink

Free Astronomy in the Parks

Free Astronomy in the Parks Astronomy in the Parks, hosted by the Chicago Astronomer group leads free telescope observing programs in Chicago neighborhoods.  These events are part of Night out in the Parks from the Chicago Park District.  Masks are required.  Telescope observing is … [Read more...] about Free Astronomy in the Parks

Free concerts Fourth Presbyterian Church Chicago

Free concerts Fourth Presbyterian Church Chicago.  Friday outdoor concerts are back. When:  Each Friday of the year at 12:10 p.m., free Noonday concerts. July and August in the courtyard off Michigan Avenue, by the fountain. Where:  Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut St, … [Read more...] about Free concerts Fourth Presbyterian Church Chicago

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Free events · Music

Discount museum admission for suburban Chicago residents

Discount museum admission for suburban Chicago residents If you live in the suburbs and have a library card from a participating library you may be able to get free or discount museum passes through the Museum Adventure Pass program.  If passes are available can check them out either … [Read more...] about Discount museum admission for suburban Chicago residents

Discount admission with Explore More Illinois

Discount admission with Explore More Illinois I was looking for ways for suburban residents can get discount admission to area attractions and museums and I discovered the Explore More Illinois website.  Unfortunately the Chicago Public Library does not participate in this program.  I … [Read more...] about Discount admission with Explore More Illinois

Where to boat, canoe, kayak around Chicago

Where to boat, canoe, kayak around Chicago If you're looking to get out of the house and into nature consider renting a boat at one of the Cook County Forest Preserves locations.  Boating availability is weather dependent so call first before heading out.  Personally if you have no … [Read more...] about Where to boat, canoe, kayak around Chicago

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Chicago on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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