With spring weather warming up more consistently and the lakefront thawing into lovely aquamarine waves, May is a favorite time to explore Chicago before the large summer tourist crowds arrive. Consider these free or low-cost activities for your Chicago May adventures. Besides the essential … [Read more...] about Things To Do In Chicago in May
live music
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 27th annual edition continues the tradition from May 17-19, 2024 in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This year's fest will kick off at Armitage and Sheffield and feature … [Read more...] about Chicago Mayfest in Lincoln Park
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 24-26, 2024. The 39th annual celebration of community and local musicians draws enthusiastic crowds to the streets near the Belmont Red … [Read more...] about Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
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 June 1, 2024. Check out some of the … [Read more...] about Sor Juana Festival Events
Free World Music Wednesday Concerts
The new season for World Music Wednesday has been announced! Every Wednesday, through June 26, 2024, 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, including the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations, … [Read more...] about Free World Music Wednesday Concerts
The Paper Machete at The Green Mill
Step into the iconic confines of The Green Mill cocktail lounge in the Uptown neighborhood to enjoy the excitement of The Paper Machete "live magazine" of free performances by writers, actors, comedians, and musicians every Saturday afternoon. Based upon the "living newspaper" plays … [Read more...] about The Paper Machete at The Green Mill
Free Lunar New Year Concert
Experience the beauty and dynamic rhythms of Mongolian music during the Lunar New Year Concert at the Chicago Cultural Center on February 11, 2024. This free event features the world premiere of Lei-Liang's Mongolian Suite for Violin. Listen to the beautiful melodies of acclaimed … [Read more...] about Free Lunar New Year Concert
Musica Poetica Concert at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center
Warm up your winter with sizzling Puerto Rican rhythms performed by Grammy Award-winning group Third Coast Percussion for a live concert, Musica Poetica, at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center in the Hermosa neighborhood on January 19, 2024. Guiding listeners through an exciting musical suite … [Read more...] about Musica Poetica Concert at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center
Free Blues & Beyond Jam Sessions
Blues fans will get to heat up all winter and spring at the Blues & Beyond Jam Sessions with Grammy-award-winning blues drummer Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith on the first Wednesday of every month at the Logan Center for the Arts through June 5, 2024. Immerse yourself in live jam sessions led by … [Read more...] about Free Blues & Beyond Jam Sessions
Pop-Up Concerts at Driehaus Museum
Journey back into the opulence of the Gilded Age at Chicago's own Downton Abbey at the Driehaus Museum, a restored 19th-century mansion just steps from the Magnificent Mile. The museum will host a series of holiday pop-up concerts on December 16, 2023, and December 21, 2023. Enjoy … [Read more...] about Pop-Up Concerts at Driehaus Museum
Free Blues Christmas Concert at Navy Pier
Add some blues rhythms to your holiday with a classic Chicago blues showcase by legendary blues label Alligator Records. Music from the "Alligator Records Christmas Collection" and "Genuine Houserockin Christmas" will be performed along with other holiday faves at A Blues Christmas on December 15, … [Read more...] about Free Blues Christmas Concert at Navy Pier
Chicago Film Festival Opening Night Block Party
Step onto the red carpet and enjoy free music, food and film-themed events at the Chicago International Film Festival Opening Night Block Party on October 11, 2023. Kicking off 12 days of international and independent movies at the Chicago International Film Festival, the block party will … [Read more...] about Chicago Film Festival Opening Night Block Party