Looking for free things to do in Chicago this weekend? check out these ideas below:
Festival de la Villita
What: Community cultural event celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. Highlights include food, music, carnival rides and kids’ entertainment. On Sunday, the festival is the end location of the 26th Street Parade, one of the largest celebrations of Hispanic culture in the Midwest.
When: Saturday, Sept. 8
Where: Chicago (West Side)
Concerts in Millennium Park
What: Chicago offers free outdoor concerts in Millennium Park and this weekend, the FREE concert featuring the Chicago Lyric Opera is one of the most beloved events on the schedule. This year’s edition features acclaimed performers Michael Fabiano, Maria Agresta, Danielle de Niese and many more.
When: Friday September 7 at 7:30 pm. Make sure you bring a blanket and supplies!
Where: the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (201 E. Randolph St.) Details: lyricopera.org
Bourbon & Barbecue Festival
What: The second year of the annual festival also features live music, including popular local cover bands and some groups with country flavor.
When: The two-day event begins at noon Saturday and Sunday, September 8-9, with tickets available to purchase on-site for food and drink.
Where: in Roscoe Village (corner of Belmont and Damen)Details: chicagoevents.com
Family Nature Day at West Pullman Park
What: Play with natural items like stumps and seeds, brush up on your bird-watching or nature hiking skills, or venture out on a family scavenger hunt. Families with all ages are welcome.
When: Sept. 8
Where: Chicago (South Side)
Downtown Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival
What: The artists will come from across the country to the Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival with art ranging in prices from $25 to more than $4,000. Enjoy live entertainment and a kids’ art booth while perusing the display of a variety of art.
When: Sept. 8
Where: Western Suburbs
West End Art Festival
When: Sept. 8-9
Where: Western Suburbs
Enjoy an end-of-summer celebration of art in many forms. The weekend features an eclectic blend of artists from throughout the U.S., art activities, children’s events and musical entertainment.
Renegade Art Fair
What: Renegade is a curated gathering of the designers, makers, doers, and dreamers that define today’s craft and design communities across the country. Come browse for some unique gifts ahead of the holidays or just enjoy looking around at this craft fair that got it’s start right here in Chicago.
When: Saturday and Sunday September 8-9 from 11a-7p
Where: Division St. in Wicker Park between Damen Ave. and Ashland Ave.
Museum of Science and Industry
What: Come out and enjoy this wonderful museum on their 2018 free admission days, Join us on Sundays in September and receive free Museum Entry! Thanks to generous support from The Walt Disney Company, on Sunday, September 9, 16, 23 and 30, MSI will offer free Museum Entry to all our guests. Just don’t forget your valid ID.
When: Sunday, September 9
Where: 5700 South Lakeshore Drive, Chicago
Touch a Truck
What: Kids get the FREE chance to touch, feel and climb through a variety of trucks and vehicles, including fire trucks, tow trucks and more.
When: Sept. 8
Where: Western Suburbs
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
What: Over 150 artists show off their work during this three-day festival.
When: Friday 8 p.m. to Sunday at 6 p.m.
Where: Belmont and Broadway
79th Street Renaissance Festival in Chicago
What: Local food, shopping and performances promise something for everyone at this family-friendly festival.
When: Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.
Where: 79th Street between Racine and Loomis.
Ukrainian Village Festival
What: This two-day festival is perfect for the whole family with dancing, food and some fun shopping, too.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 2245 West Superior Street.
World Music Festival Chicago
When: Sept. 7-23
Where: Various locations
Tickest: Free
Info: worldmusicfestivalchicago.org
PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR
Get your tickets printed now — In Chicago, why not make plans now to enjoy free admission at many museums in Chicago on Museum Day, Saturday, September 22, 2018, Adler Planetarium, Notebaert Nature Museum, DuSable Museum of African American History, and Museum of Contemporary Art are among the Chicago museums offering people free tickets Saturday Sept. 22 as part of Smithsonian magazine’s national Museum Day promotion. Check out these other museums offering tickets to people who visit the Smithsonian website and download a pass include the Peggy , American Writers Museum, National Hellenic Museum and Intuit museum of outsider art.
