Head to the historic Mexican neighborhood of Pilsen to explore the joys of the traditional chocolate-based dish of mole, at the 16th annual Mole De Mayo fest from May 24-26, 2025. Restaurants and chefs will offer their best recipes for the rich sauce served over enchiladas or meats … [Read more...] about Mole De Mayo Festival in Pilsen
family friendly
Free and Cheap Easter Events
Easter in Chicago always brings excitement and hope, not just for the holiday but for the warmer weather of the spring season. Easter falls on Sunday, April 20, 2025, this year and events include a variety of Easter egg hunts, photo opps, parties and food specials. Most … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Easter Events
Timeout Market Chicago Easter Event
Hop over to Timeout Market Chicago for a family-friendly Easter at the Market event on April 20, 2025, in the West Loop neighborhood. Dress in your festive spring attire and join in the fun-filled activities. Hunt for eggs on the second floor of the market, sample tasty treats at … [Read more...] about Timeout Market Chicago Easter Event
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, 2025. 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
Jarvis Square Egg Hunt and Live Music
Head to Rogers Park to celebrate the spring season with an egg hunt around Jarvis Square accompanied by high-energy live music with a fun-filled Jarvis alfresco event on April 19, 2026. Stroll around the lively block between Jarvis and Greenview and enjoy refreshments from local restaurants, … [Read more...] about Jarvis Square Egg Hunt and Live Music
Meet the Easter Bunny at Skydeck Chicago
There's nothing more iconic than viewing Chicago's legendary skyline from the 103rd floor of Willis (Sears) Tower. For a special springtime event, visitors can greet and take photos with the Easter Bunny at Skydeck Chicago from April 18-20, 2025. Soar to the 103rd floor of the city's … [Read more...] about Meet the Easter Bunny at Skydeck Chicago
Lithuanian Easter Egg Etching Workshop
Discover the beauty of traditional Lithuanian Easter egg etching at a workshop on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture. The workshop runs from 1:00-2:30 pm and each participant should bring six hardboiled and dyed eggs to the session. Learn the … [Read more...] about Lithuanian Easter Egg Etching Workshop
Free Hyde Park Art Center Days
The creative fun of art making, exhibit tours, workshops and artist talks returns with the free quarterly event, Hyde Park Art Center Days, on April 19, 2025. This family-friendly program offers art-centered activities for the whole family. This season's installment features an … [Read more...] about Free Hyde Park Art Center Days
Sor Juana Festival Events
The annual Sor Juana Festival honors the historic Mexican writer, feminist and nun, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz with a dynamic line-up of artists, writers, filmmakers and singers at the National Museum of Mexican Art through April 26, 2025. Check out some of the exciting … [Read more...] about Sor Juana Festival Events
Greek Heritage Parade
Celebrate Greek culture and independence at the annual Greek Heritage Parade on April 6, 2025, in the Greektown neighborhood on the near west side. Every year the Greek community celebrates its liberation from 400 years of Ottoman and Turkish occupation which occurred on … [Read more...] about Greek Heritage Parade
Howard Street Carnaval
Celebrate the colorful and joyful carnival traditions of Africa and the Caribbean at the second annual Howard Street Carnaval on April 26, 2025, in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Join the free festivities which include a parade of costumed dancers, music and a festival in Willye B. … [Read more...] about Howard Street Carnaval
Free Spring Break Events at Navy Pier
Head to Navy Pier to enjoy a week of free interactive activities, rides, art sessions, music, treats and seasonal fun along the city's iconic waterfront during Spring Break at Navy Pier on March 24-28, 2025. Forget about kids getting bored or antsy during spring vacation because Navy … [Read more...] about Free Spring Break Events at Navy Pier




















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 