A Guide to Free Events in Chicago This Weekend

Chicago is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, boasting an exciting blend of art, culture, history, and entertainment that makes it a popular destination for travelers. The city is home to world-class museums, renowned restaurants, lively nightlife, and countless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. This guide will provide an overview of the best free events in Chicago this weekend, so that visitors can get the most out of their trip to the Windy City.

About Chicago

Located along the banks of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States. Home to nearly three million people, it has been an important site for trade, industry, and culture since its founding in 1837. For much of its early history, Chicago was dominated by gangsters, bootleggers, and corrupt politicians, but it has since become a major cultural center that attracts millions of visitors each year.

Today, the city is known for its diverse cultural offerings, including art galleries, music venues, theater companies, and sports teams. The skyline of the city is dominated by skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center, and popular attractions include Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Field Museum. The city also offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, from bike tours and boat rides to shopping and dining.

Free Events in Chicago This Weekend

Chicago is a great destination for travelers who want to experience the city without spending a fortune. There are plenty of free and affordable events taking place this weekend that are sure to please all types of visitors. Here are some of the best free events in Chicago this weekend.

Chicago Jazz Festival

The Chicago Jazz Festival is one of the city’s most popular free events. Taking place over three days in late August/early September each year, it brings together some of the world’s top jazz musicians for performances on various stages throughout the city. This year’s lineup includes Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, saxophonist Joshua Redman, and trumpeter Sean Jones. The festival also includes late-night jam sessions at various clubs around town and food vendors offering up local specialties.

Taste of Chicago

Taste of Chicago is an annual food festival held in Grant Park each summer. It features dozens of restaurants offering samples of their signature dishes, as well as live music, carnival rides and games, cooking demonstrations, and more. Admission to the festival is free, but food and drinks are available for purchase. This year’s lineup includes food from local favorites such as Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Pork & Mindy’s Barbecue, and Lou Mitchell’s restaurant.

Chinese New Year Parade

The Chinese New Year Parade is an annual event that celebrates the beginning of the new lunar year. The parade starts at State Street and Wabash Avenue and winds through downtown Chicago. The parade features colorful floats, traditional dragon dancers, and crowd-pleasing performances from local marching bands. Admission to the parade is free, so it’s a great way to experience some of the city’s vibrant culture.

Movies in the Parks

Movies in the Parks is an ongoing series of free outdoor screenings held in parks throughout Chicago. Each summer, movies are shown in parks all over the city on Friday and Saturday nights. The series features a variety of genres including family-friendly films, classic favorites, cult classics, and more. Admission to Movies in the Parks is always free and no reservations are required.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and a great place to experience the city’s vibrant culture. The park features a variety of public art installations such as the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, as well as lush gardens, fountains, and walking paths. Concerts and other performances are held at the park throughout the year, and admission is always free.

Garfield Park Conservatory

The Garfield Park Conservatory is a stunning piece of architecture located on the west side of Chicago. It houses a variety of exotic plants from around the world in its lush greenhouses and outdoor gardens. Admission to the conservatory is free, making it a great place to explore on a budget.

Popular Tours Related to Chicago

For visitors who want to explore Chicago beyond these free events this weekend, there are plenty of guided tours available that provide insights into the city’s culture and attractions. Here are two popular tours related to Chicago that visitors can book on Viator or GetYourGuide:

Architecture Boat Tour

The Architecture Boat Tour is a great way to see some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings from a unique perspective. This 90-minute tour takes guests along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan to explore some of the city’s most impressive structures such as the Wrigley Building and Merchandise Mart. Along the way, knowledgeable guides provide interesting information about each building’s history and architecture. Guests can book an Architecture Boat Tour here.

Food Tour

The Food Tour is a great way to experience some of Chicago’s best eateries without having to make reservations at each one. On this two-hour tour, guests will visit five different restaurants to sample items such as Italian beef sandwiches and deep dish pizza. Along the way, knowledgeable guides will provide interesting information about each restaurant’s history and signature dishes. Guests can book a Food Tour here.

Whether visitors are looking for free events or guided tours in Chicago this weekend, there are plenty of exciting activities to choose from that are sure to please every type of traveler. From jazz festivals to architecture boat tours, visitors will find something unique to experience in this vibrant city on the shores of Lake Michigan.