Free Events Calendar

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St

Always free, open every day

Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave

Free 365 days/year for Chicago residents

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

Millennium Park, Michigan Ave & Washington St

Free 24/7

Chicago Cultural Center

78 E Washington St

Free Mon–Sun. Concerts, exhibits, events.

Lakefront Trail

Chicago Lakefront

18.5-mile free trail along Lake Michigan

Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo

8:00 AM

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago's favorite free and family-friendly festival is back at Lincoln Park Zoo for another season of harvest-time fun. Seasonal activities and entertainment. 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Living Record: Look Back to Go Forward

8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

A free interactive exhibition at Navy Pier that looks back to help us move forward.

We the People: Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Beauty

8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Greektown, along S. Halsted from Madison to Van Buren, Chicago

A public art installation running through Greektown. Daily through May 31, 2027.

Bold Type: First Light by CAConrad

8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

A free public poetry installation by poet CAConrad on display at Navy Pier.

Navy Pier Public Art

8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Explore free outdoor sculptures and art installations along Navy Pier.

Navy Pier Lakefront Walk

8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Stroll the waterfront for free and take in skyline views and public spaces at Navy Pier.

Poetry Foundation — Free Admission

11:00 AM

Poetry Foundation, 61 W Superior St

Free admission Sat 11 AM–5 PM. No reservation needed.

National Museum of Mexican Art — Free

10:00 AM

1852 W 19th St, Pilsen

Always free. Open Tue–Sun 10 AM–5 PM. No reservation needed.

Museum of Contemporary Photography — Free

10:00 AM

Museum of Contemporary Photography, 600 S Michigan Ave

Always free. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–5 PM. No reservation needed.

Smart Museum of Art — Free

10:00 AM

Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S Greenwood Ave, Hyde Park

Always free. Open Tue–Sun 10 AM–4:30 PM. No reservation needed.

Lincoln Park Conservatory

10:00 AM

Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

A stunning Victorian glass house in Lincoln Park filled with lush tropical plants, ferns, palms, and seasonal flower shows. Open Wed–Sun 10 AM–4:30 PM. Timed entry tickets should be reserved in advance.

Milton Lee Olive Park

7:00 AM

Milton Lee Olive Park, 491 E Grand Ave (near Navy Pier)

Free. Open daily 7 AM–8 PM.

Sluggers Sports Bar

11:00 AM

Sluggers Sports Bar, 3540 N Clark St (Wrigleyville)

Free entry. Open Sat 11 AM–3 AM.

Obama Presidential Center — Sky Room

10:00 AM

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Visit the Sky Room at the Obama Presidential Center for stunning views. Open Tue–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Free Sky Room tickets are available first-come, first-served each morning.

Obama Presidential Center — The Forum

10:00 AM

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Explore The Forum at the Obama Presidential Center. Open Tue–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Obama Presidential Center — Art at the Center

10:00 AM

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Experience Art at the Center at the Obama Presidential Center. Open Tue–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Obama Presidential Center Campus

6:00 AM

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Explore the Obama Presidential Center Campus. Open daily 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.

Obama Presidential Center — John Lewis Plaza

6:00 AM

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Visit John Lewis Plaza at the Obama Presidential Center. Open daily 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.

Obama Presidential Center — Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden

6:00 AM

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Explore the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden at the Obama Presidential Center. Open daily 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.

Obama Presidential Center — The Great Lawn

6:00 AM

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Relax on The Great Lawn at the Obama Presidential Center. Open daily 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.

DePaul Art Museum — Free

11:00 AM

DePaul Art Museum, 935 W Fullerton Ave

Always free. Fri–Sun 11 AM–5 PM.

Mindworks: The Science of Thinking — Free

11:00 AM

Mindworks, 614 N Michigan Ave

Always free. Wed–Sun 11 AM–5 PM.

National Veterans Art Museum — Free

10:00 AM

National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N Milwaukee Ave

Free with voluntary donation. Tue–Sat 10 AM–4 PM. Also open Memorial Day & Veterans Day.

Oriental Institute Museum — Free

10:00 AM

Oriental Institute, 1155 E 58th St, Hyde Park

Always free. Tue–Thu & Sat–Sun 10 AM–4 PM.

Natl Museum of Puerto Rican Arts — Free

10:00 AM

National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, 3015 W Division St

Always free. Saturday 10 AM–2 PM.

Design Museum of Chicago — Free

10:00 AM

Design Museum of Chicago, 72 E Randolph St

Always free. Open daily 10 AM–5 PM.

The Renaissance Society — Free

10:00 AM

The Renaissance Society, 5811 S Ellis Ave

Always free. Sat–Sun 10 AM–6 PM.

Green City Market Lincoln Park (Saturday)

8:00 AM

1817 N Clark St

8 AM–1 PM

Lincoln Park Farmers Market

7:00 AM

2001 N Orchard St

7 AM–1 PM

Wicker Park Farmers Market

8:00 AM

1425 N Damen Ave

8 AM–2 PM

Division Street City Market

7:00 AM

100 W Division St

7 AM–12 PM

Green City Market West Loop

8:00 AM

115 S Sangamon St

8 AM–1 PM

Nettelhorst French Market

8:00 AM

3252 N Broadway

8 AM–2 PM

61st Street Farmers Market

9:00 AM

6100 S Blackstone Ave

9 AM–2 PM

South Loop Printers Row Market

9:00 AM

632 S Dearborn St

9 AM–1 PM

Northcenter Farmers Market

8:00 AM

4100 N Damen Ave

8 AM–1 PM

Hegewisch Farmers Market

9:00 AM

13323 S Green Bay Ave

9 AM–1 PM

95th Street Saturday Market

8:00 AM

1835 W 95th St

8 AM–1 PM

Mercado de Colores

11:00 AM

4345 W 26th St

11 AM–3 PM

Open House Chicago

10:00 AM

Various locations across Chicago

A citywide architecture event opening the doors to buildings across Chicago, including landmarks normally closed to the public. 10 AM–5 PM both days.

One Story Time, One Chicago

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

A morning story time for kids at the Obama Presidential Center.

McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

10:00 AM

McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, 99 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601

Explore five floors inside the historic Michigan Avenue bridge tower and see the giant gears that raise the bridge. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM, through October 25.

Chicago Greeter: The Loop

11:30 AM & 1:30 PM

Chicago Cultural Center, Welcome Desk at the Randolph St. entrance, Chicago

A guided walking tour of the must see spots and top attractions in downtown Chicago. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, year round.

Chicago Greeter: Chicago Riverwalk

11:30 AM

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago

A guided walk along the river featuring public art, outdoor cafes, and scenic views. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 18, 2026.

Deco Supper Club at Celeste River North

5:00 PM

Celeste River North, 111 W Hubbard St

Paper Machete — Comedy + Music

3:00 PM

Green Mill, 4802 N Broadway

Music Bingo @ Punch Bowl Social

1:00 PM

Punch Bowl Social, 310 N Green St

Block Museum of Art — Free

12:00 PM

Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Dr, Evanston

Always free. Wed–Fri 12–8 PM, Sat–Sun 12–5 PM. No reservation needed.

Epiphany Center — Free Music Concert

5:00 PM

Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave

Free. Reserve at eventbrite.com/o/57782827113

Obama Presidential Center — Home Court

12:00 PM

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Enjoy Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center. Open daily 12:00 PM–8:00 PM.

Untitled Supper Club

5:00 PM

Untitled Supper Club, 111 W Kinzie St, River North

Step into one of Chicago's most beloved hidden gems. Multi-level speakeasy in River North featuring live jazz, burlesque performances, craft cocktails, and old-school charm. Perfect for date night. Open Saturday until 3 AM.

Lincoln Square Greek Fest

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

2727 W Winona St, Chicago

A weekend festival celebrating Greek food and culture in Lincoln Square.

Festival del Arte Popular 2026

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608

The National Museum of Mexican Art's annual folk art festival, with artists and handmade works from across Mexico.

Chicago Film Festival: Time and Teamwork: The Cinema of Mike Leigh

11:00 AM

Gene Siskel Film Center, Screen 1, 164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

A free Chicago International Film Festival program on the films of British director Mike Leigh.

Chicago Film Festival: Physical Media Fair

11:00 AM

1511 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642

A free Chicago Film Festival fair for collectors of DVDs, Blu-rays, VHS and other physical media.

Chicago Film Festival: City & State Shorts: Homegrown Talent

12:00 PM

Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605

A free shorts program spotlighting Chicago and Illinois filmmakers.

Woven Vessel Workshop with ebere agwuncha

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Rooms, 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

A hands-on workshop making woven vessels with artist ebere agwuncha.

Slightly Spooky October: Halloween Fun, Games & Activities

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Free Halloween games, crafts and activities for all ages at Navy Pier.

Nightmare On Grounds St Market

2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

747 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60612

A Halloween-themed market with local vendors on the Near West Side.

Smart Museum Family Day: Get Creative! Art, Identity & Self-Expression

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

A free family art day exploring identity and self-expression through hands-on creative activities.

The Compton Lectures: Unlock the Secrets of the Universe

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Kersten Physics Teaching Center, 5720 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

A free public physics lecture from the University of Chicago on the secrets of the universe.

Melanie McLain: Peripersonal

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

MCA Chicago, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Melanie McLain's Peripersonal at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Tween Time with Rhymefest

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

An afternoon program for tweens with Rhymefest at the Obama Presidential Center.

Loop Arts Fest

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

State Street between Jackson Blvd and Madison St, Chicago

An outdoor arts festival along State Street in the Loop.

SNL Chicago x Ybar

10:00 PM

Y Bar, 224 W Ontario St

Reserve on Eventbrite

Karaoke Night @ Punch Bowl Social

9:00 PM

Punch Bowl Social, 310 N Green St

Pop-Up Karaoke: Saturday Night

9:00 PM

Dante's Tavern

90s Night at Howl at the Moon

7:00 PM

Howl at the Moon

Laugh Factory Chicago — Free Show

7:00 PM

Laugh Factory Chicago, 3175 N Broadway

Free shows Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat & Sun. Reserve free tickets at eventbrite.com/o/laugh-factory-chi-17641197976

DJ Night at Recess

8:00 PM

Recess, West Loop

Free DJ night at Recess

Redhead Piano Bar

7:00 PM

Redhead Piano Bar, 16 W Ontario St

Free entry. Open Saturday until 5 AM.

Band Night at Gallery Cabaret

7:00 PM

Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N Oakley Ave

Free entry. Live music until 1 AM.

Beauty Bar Chicago — Free Dance Club

7:00 PM

Beauty Bar, 1444 W Chicago Ave

Free entry. Happy hour 7–9 PM. Open until 3 AM on Saturdays.

Bordel Cabaret & DJ Night

6:00 PM

Bordel, 1721 W Division St

Free entry. Cabaret at 8 PM & 10 PM. Resident DJ from 7 PM. Open until 3 AM.

Free Live Music at The Burlington

8:00 PM

The Burlington, 3425 W Fullerton Ave

Free entry. Live music until 3 AM on Saturdays.

Mom's House — Free Entry

10:00 PM

Mom's House, 26 W Division St

Free with reservation at posh.vip/g/moms-house. Open until 4 AM.

Slightly Spooky Movies at the Pier: Free Halloween Movie Nights

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Crystal Gardens, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

A free Halloween movie night inside Navy Pier's Crystal Gardens.

UIC Wind Ensemble: An Evening of Live Wind Music

7:30 PM

L280 UIC Theatre, 1044 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607

The UIC Wind Ensemble performs a live evening concert.

Freak Show and Tell

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Stars & Garters Theater, 3914 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

A weekly Saturday night show at Stars & Garters Theater.

Art on THE MART (Digital Light Projection)

8:30 PM

Merchandise Mart — watch from Riverwalk

World's largest digital art projection. Free from Riverwalk.

Chicago Magic Lounge

7:00 PM

Chicago Magic Lounge, 5050 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Free admission daily through Jan 3, 2027. Chicago's premier home for the art of magic — intimate, romantic, and truly magical. Perfect date night!