Chicago on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

Most Recent

Explore Cook County Forest Preserves

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.

Explore Cook County Forest Preserves. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County, with more than 69,000-acres, is the largest forest preserve district in the United States. It receives an estimated 40 million visits each year. The locations are too numerous but you can search by facilities and … [Read more...] about Explore Cook County Forest Preserves

Explore Cook County Forest Preserve Nature Centers

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.

Explore Cook County Forest Preserve Nature Centers. The Cook County Forest Preserves (CCFP) have six nature centers located around the metropolitan area. 2021:  Check with each location before heading out due to Covid restrictions and closures. Activities All nature centers have activities … [Read more...] about Explore Cook County Forest Preserve Nature Centers

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Sports & Rec

Free Mulch from City of Chicago

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 Mulch from City of Chicago. The Bureau of Forestry of the Department of Streets & Sanitation offers free mulch.  Mulch is available on a limited basis for pick up during working hours of 6:30 am to 2:00 pm Monday thru Friday. Locations The locations for pick up are: 9909 Foster … [Read more...] about Free Mulch from City of Chicago

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Frugal Living

Free Shakespeare Newberry Library

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 Shakespeare Newberry Library. The Shakespeare Project of Chicago theatrical reading series presents free Shakespeare. Where:  Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, (312) 943-9090. Location and hours 2020-2021 Virtual presentations When: See below Details January … [Read more...] about Free Shakespeare Newberry Library

Free virtual tour Monet exhibit at Art Institute of Chicago

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 virtual tour Monet exhibit at Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago is offering a free online tour of the collection highlights of the exhibit which is running September 10, 2020 until Dates to be determined. Free virtual tour Monet exhibit at Art Institute of Chicago - … [Read more...] about Free virtual tour Monet exhibit at Art Institute of Chicago

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Art and Architecture

ChiTown Drive-in movies

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.

.Chitown Drive-in movies. Where:  Chi-town Drive-in 2343 S. Throop St. (312) 226-1988  When: See below.  Tickets $33-$49 Watch movies from the safety of your car.  Hosted by Elevated Films Chicago and Music Box Theatre. Chitown Drive-in movies Tuesday November 24 7:00PM … [Read more...] about ChiTown Drive-in movies

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Kids' Activities · Movies

Walgreens loyalty program myWalgreens

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.

Walgreens new loyalty program myWalgreens. Walgreens has ended their Balance Rewards program and introduced a new loyalty program — myWalgreens. Existing Balance Rewards members need to join the new program by January 31, 2021 to keep any existing rewards. If you don’t sign up by then your … [Read more...] about Walgreens loyalty program myWalgreens

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Shopping

Rent a private AMC theater

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.

Rent a private AMC theater Rent an AMC theater for one or have up to 20 total guests (host included).  You could rent it for your family and close friends with less risk than going to the theater with strangers.  This may be limited to less than 20 people now due to the Governor and … [Read more...] about Rent a private AMC theater

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Entertainment · Movies

Sur La Table free knife sharpening

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.

Sur La Table free knife sharpening. It appears that Sur La Table is now offering knife sharpening almost every day.  It used to be around Thanksgiving-Christmas  The first knife sharpening is free and each additional knife is $5. They cannot sharpen scissors, serrated, ceramic or damaged … [Read more...] about Sur La Table free knife sharpening

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Frugal Living

Free Cheesecake Factory recipes

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 Cheesecake Factory recipes While tooling around on their website I noticed that they are publishing some of their recipes.  Unfortunately the Miso Salmon isn't up there so I ordered it to-go because I was going to be across the street.  Anyway other favorite recipes are up … [Read more...] about Free Cheesecake Factory recipes

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Food & Drink

Where to dine outside in Chicago

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.

Where to dine outside in Chicago I've only dined at one restaurant since mid-March and that was in June.  Since then I've picked up takeaway but that's it.  So I can't attest to the safety conditions of the following.  And now that it was snowing yesterday I'm not sure what will be … [Read more...] about Where to dine outside in Chicago

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Food & Drink

Get local produce delivered from Fresh Picks

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.

Get local produce delivered from Fresh Picks.  My Imperfect Foods order was canceled recently so as I was walking back from Mariano's dragging a mini shopping cart (borrowed from a neighbor) with two weeks worth of produce and a few misc items I thought "I'm going to need a back up plan for winter … [Read more...] about Get local produce delivered from Fresh Picks

Posted by Chicago Cheap Filed Under: Food & Drink · Shopping

Free Flu Shots around Chicago Updated

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 Flu Shots around Chicago The City has released a list of flu vaccination dates and sites including City Hall.  These clinics provide flu vaccinations at no charge for adults of all ages and all children over the age six months. An appointment may be necessary check the … [Read more...] about Free Flu Shots around Chicago Updated

Free events Maggie Daley Park

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 events Maggie Daley Park,  Maggie Daley Park offers free events year round. Where:  Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St., (312) 742-3918 Chimes in Chicago at Maggie Daley Friday, September 17, 2021 from 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Experience the stories told by Indonesian and Thai … [Read more...] about Free events Maggie Daley Park

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

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.

Living on the Cheap in the media