Free summer events

Bucktown Arts Fest

The 23rd annual celebration of visual, performance and spoken art features paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and photography alongside theater and dance performances, films and live music by nearly 200 artists from across the country. Includes a food court and beer vendors.

Slay-A-Thon 2008

Watch 13 consecutive hours of "Angel" episodes at a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Also includes an auction, themed games and more.

Chicago Dancing Festival: A Celebration of American Dance

American Ballet Theatre’s Yuriko Kajiya and Jared Matthews and dancers from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Battleworks Dance Company, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago and others perform ballet, modern, urban, folk and jazz dance works.

Andrew Bird

Occidental Brothers Dance Band International.

RedBall Project

A traveling, site-specific installation, consisting of a 15-foot inflatable, shape-shifting sphere by Kurt Perschke, makes stops at several local outdoor locations, atop bridges, wedged in alleys and other spaces.

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest

The seventh annual street fair features more than 100 art vendors and 35 bands, plus DJs, theater performances, food, beer and wine vendors and kids' entertainment. Grab a map and take a self-guided tour of artists' studios on Saturday and Sunday (noon-8 p.m.). Performers include The New Duncan Imperials (Saturday), Good Name Band (Sunday) and others.

!Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival

Dance to cumbia, merengue, salsa and more at the 20th annual music festival of sounds from around the world. Also features food vendors and an arts and crafts fair.

Chicago Outdoor Film Festival-Grant Park

The popular Tuesday-night event draws to a close with a screening of "Grease" on Aug. 26. Arrive early; we expect the final film to draw huge crowds.

Movies in the Parks: August

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.

Chicago SummerDance Festival

No club cover. No pricey drinks. Just you and a crowd of movers and shakers. Includes an hourlong dance lesson and live music ranging from jazz to swing to Latin and beyond. Continues through Aug. 24.

Workouts in the Park

That handy excuse about gym membership being too expensive? Throw it out the window this summer and take Saturday classes for free in Millennium Park, through Sept. 27.

Tuesdays on the Terrace

A weekly series of free alfresco jazz concerts. An optional dinner buffet from Puck's Cafe is available for $16.50.

Green City Market

Browsing doesn't cost a thing, but we suggesting bringing some cash for a shot of organic wheatgrass juice, a scone from Bleeding Heart Bakery and other take-home organic options. Continues through Oct. 29.

UnScene Chicago

A photography exhibit features work by five emerging local artists.

Weekly fireworks show

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

88th Annual German-American Festival

Features traditional foods, beer and wine, live music, singers, folk dancers and more.

Celtic Fest Chicago

The 12th annual salute to Celtic music, dance and traditions features live entertainment, beer, food, arts and crafts vendors and more.

30th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

The city's longest-running lakefront music festival features local, national and international performers on several stages. Opening night features Sonny Rollins at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Other performers include Ornette Coleman, Edward Wilkerson, Jr., Gerald Wilson, T.S. Galloway, Vijay Iyer and Dave Douglas.

Chicago Country Music Festival

Local and national artists take the stage at a new location and a little later in the year for the 18th annual fest.

Lincoln Park Art Faire

Browse handmade jewelry, pottery, wood carvings, photography and other original works by nearly 100 artists at the 11th annual fest. Also features live music, food and drink vendors and an open-air studio for artists of all ages to create a take-home project.

43rd Annual Von Steuben Parade

Annual tribute to General Von Steuben's contribution to the U.S. military in 1777. The parade route continues north on Lincoln Avenue to Lawrence Avenue. Part of the annual German-American Festival.

Lakeview East Fine Art Festival

The annual fest features more than 130 juried artists in a variety of media.

26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade

Annual procession of floats, folkloric dancers, mariachi bands and more travels west along 26th Street, from Albany Avenue to Kostner Street.

Festival de La Villita

The 19th annual fest, celebrating Mexican independence from Spanish rule, features carnival rides, live music, food vendors, arts and crafts and more.

Renegade Craft Fair

More than 200 artists display handmade wares, including clothing, posters, comics, craft kits, jewelry and more along Division Street between Damen and Hermitage Avenues. Also features live music and a beer garden.

Free admission

General admission only. Fees apply to parking, Omnimax and 3-D theater shows and the "U-505" tour.

2008 Charter One Discount Days

Free general admission; fees for shows in the Sky and StarRider theaters apply.

Third Annual Hyde Park Arts and Crafts Adventure

Local and national artists display paintings, doll sculpture, jewelry, fiber art and more. Exhibitors demonstrate techniques upon request.

Festa di Tutti i Santi

A celebration of Italian-American culture features a church service and a procession through Arrigo Park.

Puerto Rican Film Series 2008

Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and watch a Latino flick beneath the stars. The bimonthly summer series features work from emerging and established Puerto Rican directors, producers and actors.

Battle-Prov

ComedySportz students face off against other local improv teams.

Discount/free days

Free general admission in February and the second Monday of every month. All other dates feature reduced general admission rates of $4-$7.

Garrison Keillor reading and signing

The bestselling author promotes his latest work, "Liberty: A Lake Wobegon Novel."

Wicker Park Critical Mass Ride

A monthly bike ride through the Wicker Park neighborhood. Helmets recommended.

Introductory Aikido class

A beginner's approach to the non-violent martial art. Includes a question-and-answer session. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

Near South Side Tour

Meet at Glessner House for coffee, then walk, bike, skate or take a free trolley to sites including Clarke House (1827 S. Indiana Ave.), Chess Records (2120 S. Michigan Ave.), the King Drive Walk of Fame and Frank Lloyd Wright homes. End with a hot dog at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Flower Power

The conservatory continues to celebrate its 100th birthday with this '60s and '70s-themed show of colorful, flowering plants.

Avondale Bike Tour

Meet at the park entrance for a 12- to 20-mile guided architectural cycle through Avondale.

Scrabble Sundays

Join in for some games of Scrabble. If you're the big winner, bring your score sheet up to the register for a free drink.

The Polkaholics

Pivot's First Birthday Celebration

Celebrate this eco-focused boutique's first year of business with wine, snacks and 15 percent off all purchases. Browse Frei Designs' fall collection by Chicago-based designer Annie Novotny and order vegan shoes by Olsen Haus.

Rush Hour Concerts

Quintet Attacca, Deborah Sobol, piano; work by Mozart.

Sunday Salutations yoga class

Stretch and strengthen for free at this weekly class in the park, weather permitting. Hosted by lululemon's Halsted store and a different local yoga studio each month.

Happy Hour at Strut

Score 10 percent off men's and women's clothing and accessories at this trendy boutique. Includes drinks and DJ sets.

Museum of Contemporary Art Farmers Market

Browse fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, cheeses, spices and more.

Women's Fun Run

A ladies-only jaunt ranges from three to eight miles. A seminar follows. Also takes place at Fleet Feet Lincoln Square (4555 N. Lincoln Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Arrival by 6:15 p.m. is recommended.

Fun Run

A recreational jaunt ranges from three to eight miles. Also takes place at Fleet Feet Piper's Alley (1620 N. Wells St.) at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

Member Sale and Open House

Includes workshops and demonstrations, building tours, kids' activities and food.

Beauty Beyond the Brides

Soak up wedding planning, fashion and beauty advice from North Bridge retailers, including Sephora, Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Ethel's Chocolates, Jolie Fleu Flower Boutique, Papyrus and numerous jewelry stores. Includes cocktails and appetizers.