Free Chicago events
Go ahead, be cheap! These fun events won't break the bank
October 1, 2009
Great Tree Lighting
- Macy's - 111 N. State St. - Loop
Singer Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child fame helps light the tree at noon.
McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade
- State Street and Congress Parkway - 500 S. State St. - South Loop
The 76th annual procession features marching bands, floats, giant helium balloons, horses, performances and more.
Green City Market
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - 2430 N. Cannon Drive - Lincoln Park
Shop for artisanal cheeses, meats, microgreens, apples, dried fruit, root vegetables, baked goods, fresh pasta and more.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Daley Plaza - 50 W. Washington St. - Loop
The 54 foot tall great tree serves as the centerpiece of the 96th annual spectacle.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to Wacker Drive - 990 N. Michigan Ave. - Magnificent Mile
Mickey Mouse leads a street-lighting procession along North Michigan Avenue at this annual event.
Millennium Park Ice Skating
- McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park - 55 N. Michigan Ave. - Grant Park Museums
Warm up with a few rounds on the outdoor rink.
Cabinet of Curiosities
- Puck's at the MCA - Museum of Contemporary Art - 220 E. Chicago Ave. - Gold Coast
A new series offers local creative organizations a chance to engage guests with performance art, readings, slide shows, discussions and more. Although there's a theme to each night, the grab-bag nature behind Curiosities means you won't know exactly what you're in store for.
Rosehill Cemetery Tour
- Rosehill Cemetery - 5800 N. Ravenswood Ave. - Chicago
Take a guided tour of the cemetery, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Established in 1859, the 330-acre site includes the graves of several former Chicago mayors, Civil War generals and soldiers, former Vice President Charles Gates Dawes and businessmen Oscar Mayer, Montgomery Ward and Richard Sears.
Essay Fiesta
- The Book Cellar - 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Square
Local comedians-writers Keith Ecker and Alyson Lyon host humorous, true-life tales by Chicago-area comedians, novelists, poets, journalists, bloggers and playwrights. A raffle benefits the Howard Brown Health Center.
First Thursdays
- Various locations - Chicago - Chicago
Galleries in the River North, West Loop and Fulton Market neighborhoods stay open until 7 p.m. and offer refreshments.
Chicago Critical Mass Monthly Bike Ride
- Daley Plaza - 50 W. Washington St. - Loop
Join fellow bikers on the last Friday of each month, regardless of season or weather.
Chicago Architecture Foundation's 'Chicago Model City'
- Chicago Architecture Foundation - 224 S. Michigan Ave. - Grant Park Museums
A large-scale, 400-block representation of the Chicago Loop includes 1,000 highly detailed buildings. City photographs, maps and videos complement the display.
Fine Arts Building Open Studios
- Fine Arts Building - Suite 433 - 410 S. Michigan Ave. - Grant Park Museums
Tour galleries inside the historic building and peek at works by 100 visual and performing artists.
RUI: Reading Under the Influence
- Sheffield's - 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. - Lakeview
Monthly series features readings of published work related to a particular theme, plus original work by local writers.
Wicker Park/Bucktown First Friday
- Flat Iron Arts Building - 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Bucktown/Wicker Park
Explore two floors of art in more than three dozen artist studios and living spaces. Guest artists exhibit in the building's common areas, and impromptu performances take place throughout the evening.
Chicago Arts District Second Fridays Gallery Night
- Halsted and 18th Streets - 1800 S. Halsted St. - Pilsen/Heart of Chicago/Little Village
This monthly walking tour of Pilsen adds performance art and shopping opportunities to its core focus, opening receptions at galleries.
Fashion Cafe
- Chicago Cultural Center - 77 E. Randolph St. - Loop
Gather with other fashion-minded Chicagoans to shop local fashion of a different genre each month.
First Thursday Free Yoga
- REI Lincoln Park - 1466 N. Halsted St. - Old Town
A certified instructor leads an open class for all levels of experience. BYO mat or blanket.
Free wine tastings 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sunday Salutations yoga class
- lululemon - 2104 N. Halsted St. - Sheffield/De Paul
Stretch and strengthen for free at this weekly class hosted by lululemon and sometimes partnered by various Pilates studios.
Chicago Cycle of Laughter
- Haidan Indian Totem Pole - Near Belmont Harbor - 3550 N. Lake Shore Drive - Lakeview East
Certified laughter yoga instructor Donna Nelson aims to give your funny bone a workout and promote world peace during this group ride along city streets and the lakefront.
Camino a Casa: Coming Home on Day of the Dead
- National Museum of Mexican Art - 1852 W. 19th St. - Little Tuscany
Celebrated author Sandra Cisneros (“The House on Mango Street”) created a special ofrenda (altar) for the 23rd annual exhibition, billed the largest of its type in the U.S.
Community Discount Days
- Shedd Aquarium - 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive - Grant Park Museums
Free general admission and discounts for admission to the Oceanarium and "Wild Reef" exhibits.
Free admission
- Museum of Science and Industry - 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive - Hyde Park/University Of Chicago
General admission only.
Free days
- Field Museum - 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive - Chicago
Applies to general admission.
'The Best' in African-American Filmmaking
- DuSable Museum of African-American History - 740 E. 56th Pl. - Washington Park / Woodlawn
A discussion follows each screening.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at The Art Institute of Chicago
- Art Institute of Chicago - 111 S. Michigan Ave. - Grant Park Museums
The modern dance ensemble creates and performs new works at various locations throughout the museum and hosts discussions in conjunction with The Art Institue's permanent collection of modern and contemporary art.
Gene Farris
- Smart Bar - 3730 N. Clark St. - Wrigleyville
Diz, Lefo, Frique, Fortune.
All The Day Holiday
- Empty Bottle - 1035 N. Western Ave. - East Village / Ukrainian Village
The Glide.
Chinese Fine Arts Society
- Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E. Washington St. - Grant Park Museums
Music Festival in Honor of Confucious winners concert; works by Tyzen, Djupstrom.
Do-It-Yourself Messiah
- Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park - 205 E. Randolph Drive - Grant Park Museums
Be a participating chorus member in this traditional annual public performance of Handel's "Messiah."
Umbrella Music Festival
- Hideout - 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. - Chicago
Akira Sakata with Jeff Parker, Loose Assembly with Roscoe Mitchell, Vox Arcana.
Tree of Lights Ceremony
- John Hancock Building and Observatory - 875 N. Michigan Ave. - Magnificent Mile
Watch as the Salvation Army illuminates the enormous Michigan Avenue tannenbaum.
Al Gore signing
- Borders Books & Music - 150 N. State St. - Loop
The former Vice President and 2007 Nobel Peace Prize co-recipient introduces his new book "Our Choice."
Bucktown Bazaar
- Holstein Park Fieldhouse - 2200 N. Oakley Ave. - Bucktown/Wicker Park
Make a dent in your holiday shopping with handmade gifts from the DIY set and established artisans, including those featured in the annual Bucktown Arts Fest. Includes a silent auction, an ornament-making workshop (1:30 p.m. Sunday) and more.
Caroling at Cloud Gate
- Millennium Park - 201 E. Randolph St. - Grant Park Museums
Hold a candle and watch it flicker on the surface of the Bean during 50 minute holiday sing-alongs featuring a different choral group each week.
DIY Trunk Show
- Pulaski Park Fieldhouse - 1419 W. Blackhawk St. - West Town
Browse jewelry, stationery, housewares, body care products and other works from more than 100 local artists and crafters
Doodleganza: The Drawing Extravaganza
- Puck's at the MCA - Museum of Contemporary Art - 220 E. Chicago Ave. - Gold Coast
Chicago artists lead informal monthly art classes.
Holiday Art Sale
- School of the Art Institute - 112 S. Michigan Ave. - Grant Park Museums
Browse holiday gift items created by about 200 of the school's students at the 21st annual sale in the MacLean Center Ballroom.
Holidaze Gift Bizarre
- Wishbone - 3300 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lakeview
Includes complimentary appetizers and a silent auction and raffle.
Late Night Andersonville
- Foster Avenue and Clark Street - 5200 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
For the seventh annual holiday shopping event, more than 40 stores and restaurants along Clark Street stay open late and offer merchandise and dining discounts. Includes complimentary refreshments, streetside entertainment and pictures with Santa.
Later Night Andersonville
- Foster Avenue and Clark Street - 5200 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
A sequel to Late Night Andersonville features holiday shopping and dining discounts at more than 40 restaurants and shops along Clark Street, plus complimentary refreshments and streetside entertainment.
Luis Bunuel in Mexico film series
- Instituto Cervantes of Chicago - 31 W. Ohio St. - River North
The weekly series features films by the Spanish-born director.
New Year's Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier
- Navy Pier - 600 E. Grand Ave. - Streeterville
A festive 15-minute display, set to music, lights up the sky over Lake Michigan.
New Blood III
- Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E. Washington St. - Grant Park Museums
School of the Art Institute of Chicago students perform new pieces and works in progress which blend theater, movement and visual arts.
Pearl of the Snowlands: Buddhist Printing at the Derge Parkhang
- Columbia College Chicago's Center for Book & Paper Arts - Second Floor - 1104 S. Wabash Ave. - South Loop
The first exhibition of its type in the U.S. features prints, books, photographs and videos of the only surviving traditional Tibetan printing temple.
Polar Adventure Days
- Northerly Island - 1400 S. Linn White Drive - Grant Park Museums
The fifth annual indoor-outdoor winter celebration features ice sculptures, an arctic dog sled team, storytelling and the chance to peek at birds of prey and other animals. Also, rent snowshoes for free and trek about the grounds. The first 500 visitors receive free hot chocolate.
Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale
- Pulaski Park Fieldhouse - 1419 W. Blackhawk St. - West Town
The annual indie bazaar features gifts from more than 150 local, national and international artists. Browse handmade jewelry, clothing, paper goods, silkscreening, comics and more.
Santa's House
- Daley Plaza - 50 W. Washington St. - Loop
Snap a picture with the jolly bearded fellow and tell him what you want for Christmas.
Site Unseen 2009: (dis)abling conditions
- Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E. Washington St. - Grant Park Museums
The sixth annual showcase of site-specific art, theater, dance, audio and spoken word performances throughout the building features works that explore issues about disability.
Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade
- Dan Ryan Woods - 8300 S. Western Ave. - Ashburn/West Lawn / Ford City
Thousands of volunteer riders deliver toys to the Marine Corps Reserve.
TRANcinema
- Center on Halsted - 3656 N. Halsted St. - Boystown
A rotating roster of films selected for those who identify as transgendered or are questioning their gender identity. A discussion follows.
Trash to Treasure
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - 2430 N. Cannon Drive - Lincoln Park
Bring in your leftover wrapping paper and help Chicago artist Erik Peterson create a mural that will hang on the wall of the museum.
UBS 12 x 12 Talk: After Party
- Museum of Contemporary Art - 220 E. Chicago Ave. - Gold Coast
Artists choose music and images from their personal collections as a backdrop for a gathering following the monthly UBS 12 x 12 Artist's Talk.
ZooLights
- Lincoln Park Zoo - 2200 N. Cannon Drive - Lincoln Park
More than two million lights add holiday cheer to the zoo grounds. Ice carving demonstrations, kids' activities and visits with Santa round out the festivities.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
- Daley Plaza - 50 W. Washington St. - Loop
An open-air, German-style market showcases handmade ornaments, accessories, clothing and gifts from more than 50 vendors. Also features German food and drink such as beer, hot spiced wine, potato pancakes, bratwurst, schnitzel, strudel and more.
'The Golem: How He Came Into the World' screening
- Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E. Washington St. - Grant Park Museums
Five members of Fulcrum Point accompany a screening of Paul Wegener's 1920 silent film with the original score by Betty Olivero.
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Festival photos 2009
See photo galleries:
• Oyster Fest 2009
• Bucktown Arts Fest
• Lake View Music Fest
• Green Music Fest
• Air & Water Show 2009
• Lollapalooza crowd 2009
• Wrigleyville SummerFest
• Northalsted Market Days
• Wicker Park Fest
• Sheffield Garden Walk
• Pitchfork
• Chicago Mayfest
• Mayfest Chicago
• Old St. Pat's
• Rock Around the Block
• Randolph Street Market Fest
• Metronome Celebration
• Summer Lovin'
• Pride Parade
• Taste of Randolph Street
• Ribfest Chicago
• Naked Bike Ride
• Blues Fest
• Taste of Chicago
See shots of:
• Guess whose assets?
• WTF tattoos
• Emmys red carpet
• Rick Bayless' Xoco
• U2 at Soldier Field
• MTV VMA red carpet
• Darque Tan Bikini Contest
• New restaurants
• New bars & clubs
• Lolla Best and Worst
• Babes of Comic-Con
• Pitchfork Best and Worst
• Celebrities
Metromix event pics:
• Halloween Sucks party
• Metromix costume shots
• Best Bartender Bash
• Flag Football team
Plan the rest of your night
Complete info on:
• Where to eat
• Where to drink
• Top events
• Concerts
• Movies
• Plays






What other people are saying...
shawniek from gold coast - June 30, 2009 at 9:44 AM
The air and water show is one of the best outdoor activities in Chicago!
Report This Commenthmastin from South Chicago - January 13, 2009 at 9:35 PM
GREAT article. This should be an ongoing addition to Metromix. This is valuable infomation, especially during this day and time.
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