Home > Chicago Events > Round Up >

Free Chicago events

Go ahead, be cheap! These fun events won't break the bank

June 7, 2009

1 comment | Add Your Own

Email
Print View
Share
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
- Facebook
- Furl
- Google
- Reddit
- Mixx
- Mister Wong
- Yahoo Buzz
- Yahoo
Add to Favorites
Add to playlist

Movies in the Parks: July

Various locations - Chicago - Chicago

July 6 "Iron Man" (Tilton Park, 305 N. Kostner Ave.)

Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and spend the night watching movies for free under the stars as part of the Chicago Park District's "Movies in the Parks." Movies begin at dusk.

Taste of Chicago

Main entrance - 100 E. Congress Pkwy. - Chicago

July 4 : 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Taste 2009 essentials: hours, music schedule, food ticket prices, location and more

Chicago Hip-Hop and It Don’t Stop...The Movement Continues

Millennium Park - 201 E. Randolph St. - Grant Park Museums

July 27 : 12 p.m.

All Natural, Primeridian, Ang 13, Urbanized Music, Pugs Atomz, FM Supreme, AquaMoon, Kuumba Lynx, The Opus, GQ Tha Teacha, DJ Man-O-Wax, Stick and Move Dance Crew.

Jalapeno Eating Contest

Plaza Garibaldi - 2600 S. California Ave. - Pilsen/Heart of Chicago/Little Village

July 5 : 3 p.m.

Watch as competitors eat as many jalapeno peppers as they can in one minute.

4th of July Fireworks at Navy Pier

Navy Pier - 600 E. Grand Ave. - Streeterville

July 4 : 9 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Patriotic music accompanies the annual 15-minute display over Lake Michigan.

Green City Market

Chicago Green City Market - 1750 N. Clark St. - Lincoln Park

Wednesdays : 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ends October 31)

Shop locally farmed and organic meats, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, honey, baked goods and more. The market also features chef demonstrations and kids' activities.

Grant Park Music Festival

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park - 201 E. Randolph St. - Grant Park Museums

Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays : (ends August 15)

The 75th annual classical music series holds its fifth full season in Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Chicago SummerDance Festival

Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden - 601 S. Michigan Ave. - South Loop

July 4 : 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Steppin’ with Dawud Shareef and Lura Satterfield; music by The Etcetera Band

The 13th annual, 11-week festival includes one-hour of professional dance instruction followed by two hours of live music and alfresco dancing.

Millennium Park Workouts

Millennium Park - 201 E. Randolph St. - Grant Park Museums

Saturdays : 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. (ends September 19)

The popular alfresco series features early morning classes on the Great Lawn in tai chi, yoga, Pilates and aerobic dance/martial arts.

51st Annual Chicago Air & Water Show

North Avenue Beach - 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive - Lincoln Park

August 15 : 9 a.m. water show

The oldest and largest free show of its kind

52nd Annual Venetian Night

Monroe Harbor - 100 S. Lake Shore Drive - Chicago

July 25

About 35 illuminated and decorated boats make waves during the annual Lake Michigan procession, estimated to attract 675,000 spectators.

Weekly fireworks show

Navy Pier - 600 E. Grand Ave. - Streeterville

Wednesdays : 9:30 p.m. (ends September 2)

A 10-minute display over Lake Michigan is set to music.

Chicago Outdoor Film Festival-Grant Park

Butler Field, Grant Park - 100 S. Lake Shore Drive - Chicago

July 14 : 8:58 p.m. "Sunset Boulevard" (1950)

Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and spend Tuesday nights watching classic movies for free under the stars.

'I Have a Vision' Community Gospel Festival

Grand Crossing Park - 7655 S. Ingleside Ave. - Park Manor/Grand Crossing

July 11 : 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Annual celebration features live gospel music, free food, family activities and more.

Tour de Fat

Palmer Square Park - 3100 W. Palmer Blvd. - Logan Square

July 11 : 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cycle over to this bike and environmental fest from Colorado's New Belgium Brewery, the makers of Fat Tire beer.

2009 Dragon Boat Race for Literacy

Ping Tom Memorial Park - 300 W. 19th St. - Near South Side

July 25 : 8 a.m.

Decorated boats compete along the south branch of the Chicago River.

30th Annual Chinatown Summer Fair

Chinatown - 2200 S. Wentworth Ave. - Chinatown

July 19 : 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

A colorful lion dance procession highlights the annual neighborhood festival.

25th Annual Newberry Book Fair

Newberry Library - 60 W. Walton St. - Near North Side

July 23 : 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Browse more than 100,000 books in 60 categories, ranging from antiques to zoology. Many of the books cost $2 or less.

35th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival

DuSable Museum of African-American History - 740 E. 56th Pl. - Washington Park / Woodlawn

July 11 : 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

An outdoor showcase of juried art include traditional, ethnic and multimedia works from local and national artists and craftspeople.

Beach Booty Beat

North Avenue Beach - 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive - Lincoln Park

Saturdays : 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Air out your fitness routine with an hourlong cardio dance class led by instructors from Flirty Girl Fitness on the sand in front of Castaways, weather permitting.

Beverly Hills Cycling Classic

Beacon School - 10700 S. Longwood Drive - Chicago

July 10 : 4:30 p.m.

Watch more than 125 professional and elite amateur cyclists ride 62 miles around a hilly circuit between Longwood Drive and Seeley Avenue (about 50 laps).

Brides Run Bi-weekly run

Lake Shore Park - 808 N. Lake Shore Drive - Gold Coast

Every other Saturday : 8 a.m.

Gear up for your wedding day, ladies, with a three mile, females-only group run. Bridemaids, mothers of the bride and other women seeking fitness also are welcome.

Bronzeville Community Market

Bronzeville Neighborhood - 4400-4500 S. Cottage Grove Ave. - Grand Blvd/Oakland / Fuller Park

Saturdays : 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ends October 31)

Browse vegetables, fruit, prepared food vendors and more.

Bughouse Square Debates

Washington Square Park - 901 N. Clark St. - Near North Side

July 25 : 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Soapbox speakers and hecklers unite for the annual festival of free speech and public debates. Also features an open mic, live music, food vendors and prizes for best speakers and hecklers.

The Cartoons of John T. McCutcheon: Chronicles of a Changing World

Chicago Cultural Center - 77 E. Randolph St. - Loop

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays : 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. (ends September 27)

Features ink drawings and samples of published works by the late editorial cartoonist.

Celebrate Clark Street Festival

Clark Street and Morse Avenue - 6900 N. Clark St. - Chicago

July 26 : 1 p.m. - 11 p.m.

The fourth annual community fete, between Morse and Estes Avenues, features 17 world music acts on two stages, more than 50 food and arts vendors and kids' activities.

Chicago Criterium

Grant Park - 500 S. Columbus Drive - Grant Park Museums

July 26 : 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Professional cyclists from around the world participate in the second annual, 1.1-mile looped bike race, featuring $40,000 in cash prizes.

Chicago Critical Mass Monthly Bike Ride

Daley Plaza - 50 W. Washington St. - Loop

Every last Friday of the month 5:30 p.m.

Join fellow bikers on the last Friday of each month, regardless of season or weather.

Chicago Model City

Chicago Architecture Foundation - 224 S. Michigan Ave. - Grant Park Museums

Daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ends November 20)

A large-scale, 400-block representation of the Chicago Loop includes 1,000 highly detailed buildings. City photographs, maps and videos complement the display.

Chicago International Film Festival screening series

Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center - 77 E. Randolph St. - Loop

July 20 : 6:30 p.m. Theme: World cinema

Screenings of award-winning films from past International Film Festivals take on a different theme each month.

Chicago SummerDance: Athletic Field Park

Athletic Field Park - 3546 W. Addison St. - Irving Park / Avondale

July 15 : 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Salsa, merengue and bachata with Miguel Mendez; music by Samuel del Real y su Orquesta

The popular alfresco series takes temporary leave of its Grant Park residence. Dance lessons kick things off at 6 p.m., live music begins at 7 p.m.

Chicago SummerDance: Humboldt Park

Humboldt Park Boathouse - 1359 N. Sacramento Ave. - Humboldt Park

July 22 : 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Puerto Rican bomba with AfriCaribe; music by AfriCaribe, Grupo Yuba and Nuetstro Tambo

The popular alfresco series takes temporary leave of its Grant Park residence.

Chicago SummerDance: Jackson Park

63rd Street Beach - 6300 S. Lake Shore Drive - Washington Park / Woodlawn

July 8 : 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Salsa and cha-cha with Urban Vibes; music by Orquesta Iluziones

The popular alfresco series expands outside of its Grant Park residence.

Chicago SummerDance: Navy Pier

Navy Pier - 600 E. Grand Ave. - Streeterville

July 22 : 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Steppin’ with Dawud Shareef and Lura Satterfield; music by The Nu Blu Band

Head to the pier's beer garden, where the popular alfresco series takes temporary leave of its Grant Park residence. Dance lessons kick things off at 6 p.m., followed by live music and more dancing at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Chicago Tribune Magnificent Mile Art Festival

Pioneer Court - 401 N. Michigan Ave. - River North

July 10 : 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

About 200 award-winning painters, sculptors, potters, jewelry-makers and photographers from across the country showcase artwork at the 17th annual juried event.

Cokie Roberts discussion

Harold Washington Library Center Cindy Pritzker Auditorium - Lower Level - 400 S. State St. - Loop

July 13 : 12 p.m.

The political commentator and author discusses the 10th anniversary edition of her book, "We Are Our Mother's Daughters."

Edgewater Third Saturdays

Broadway between Foster and Granville Avenues - 6200 N. Broadway - Edgewater

July 18 : 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The businesses along Broadway and Sheridan Avenue host sidewalk sales.

Eighth Annual An Arts Adventure

Superior and State Streets - 750 N. State St. - River North

July 26 : 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Artists display works and demonstrate techniques in paint, graphics, photography, jewelry, sculpture and more. The sidewalk show runs east to Wabash Avenue and north to Chicago Avenue.

Esperanza Summerfest

Esperanza Community Services - 520 N. Marshfield Ave. - West Town

July 11 : 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

An outdoor block party features live music, food vendors, a silent auction, games and prizes.

Fiesta del Sol

Pilsen neighborhood - 1400 W. Cermak Rd. - Chicago

July 30 : 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Annual Pilsen street festival includes live music, DJs and more.

Fine Arts Building Open Studios

Fine Arts Building - Suite 433 - 410 S. Michigan Ave. - Grant Park Museums

Every 2nd Friday of the month 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Tour galleries inside the historic building and peek at works by 100 visual and performing artists.

First Thursdays

Various locations - Chicago - Chicago

Every 1st Thursday of the month 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. (ends December 3)

Galleries in the River North, West Loop and Fulton Market neighborhoods stay open until 7 p.m. and offer refreshments.

FitSports and Activities Class

Montrose Beach - 4400 N. Lake Shore Drive - Chicago

Sundays and Saturdays : 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Includes instruction on self-defense, yoga, dance, bowling, basketball and other recreational activities.

Free salsa lessons

Nacional 27 - 325 W. Huron St. - River North

Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Professional instructors lead a Latin dance class for beginners. The length of the lesson varies based on class size.

Freewill Gospel Festival

Freewill MB Church - 2651 W. Roosevelt Rd. - Chicago

July 25 : 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The annual festival takes place on the church grounds and features performances from community dance and gospel groups, plus free food and kids' activities.

Happy Yappy Hour

Bark Bark Club - 5943 N. Broadway - Edgewater

Every 3rd Thursday of the month (ends August 20)

A monthly summertime bash for you and Fido includes a pooch pool, photo ops and adult beverages.

Hump Day Craft Night

Zola Jones - 1944 W. Montrose St. - Ravenswood

Wednesdays : 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Jason Loper welcomes local DIY types iinto his boutique for a night of group crafting. Bring your own knitting, sewing or crafting project and folding chair. Refreshments provided.

Joel Gott signing

Whole Foods Market Lincoln Park - 1550 N. Kingsbury St. - Old Town

July 6 : 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The winemaker and James Beard Award winner signs wine bottles.

Life in the Fast Lane: Biker Block Party

3300 Block of West Van Buren Street - 3309 W. Van Buren St. - Chicago

July 4 : 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Meet other bike enthusiasts at a motorcycle showcase. Includes food, beer and biking gear vendors. Traffic on the block is restricted to motorcycles; all are welcome to attend.

Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival

Milwaukee and California Avenues - 2300 N. Milwaukee Avenue - Chicago

July 31 : 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Area shops and restaurants set up sidewalk sales and serve food along Milwaukee Avenue between California and Ridgeway Avenues.

Printers' Ball

Ludington Building, Columbia College Chicago - 1104 S. Wabash Ave. - South Loop

July 31 : 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

The annual celebration of Chicago literature showcases local publications such as newspapers, magazines, journals and books from more than 100 lit organizations.

Reel Music

Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center - 77 E. Randolph St. - Loop

July 5 : 2 p.m. "Sleepwalking Through the Mekong"

A new monthly screening series highlights films that explore the relationship between music and film.

RUI: Reading Under the Influence

Sheffield's - 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. - Lakeview

Every 1st Wednesday of the month 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Monthly series features readings of published work related to a particular theme, plus original work by local writers.

SHELebration: A Tribute to Shel Silverstein

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park - 201 E. Randolph St. - Grant Park Museums

July 13 : 6:30 p.m.

Local and national musicians and storytellers perform songs and tales by the acclaimed author ("Where the Sidewalk Ends").

Thai Festival Chicago 2009

Daley Plaza - 50 W. Washington St. - Loop

Daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (July 8 through July 10)

A celebration of Thai culture includes food vendors, a beer garden, dance performances, Thai boxing demonstrations, fashion shows, arts and crafts and more.

Wicker Park/Bucktown First Friday

Flat Iron Arts Building - 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Bucktown/Wicker Park

Every 1st Friday of the month 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

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.

Bronzeville Coffee House Comedy Show

Bronzeville Coffee House, Inc. - 528 E. 43rd St. - Grand Blvd/Oakland / Fuller Park

Every other Wednesday : 7 p.m. (ends September 2)

WBEW-FM 89.5 (vocalo.org) host Brian Babylon emcees performances by local comics and musical guests, taped for later broadcast. Co-host Luis Perez anchors a pre-show live remote broadcast from 4-7 p.m. BYOB.

Ching Chong Chinaman

Chicago DCA Storefront Theater - 66 E. Randolph St. - Loop

July 24 : 7:30 p.m.

Silk Road Theatre Project performs a comedy about an Chinese-American family who inadvertently subvert Asian-American stereotypes.

Mountain Days-The John Muir Musical

North Park Village Nature Center - 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. - North Center / Sauganash

July 11 : 1 p.m.

The audience hikes to various locations between scenes at this outdoor performance of this musical about the life, love and work of the early environmentalist. BYO blanket or camp chair.