Free Events & Activities in Chicago

Free things to do in Chicago — festivals, library events, park activities, and community happenings. No cost, all fun.

50 results found

KidsFree

Game Design Club

Tue, Apr 7, 9:00 PM–9:45 PM UTC · Legler Regional

Bored? Games! Visit the library to play and make games! Learn about the basics of game theory, use your imagination and test your skills. Each session features a different game. For kids 6 to 13. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event?...

Free

Digital Learning Lab: Smart Sheets ll: Advanced Skills for Smarter Data

Tue, Apr 7, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM UTC · Kelly · Ages 18+

Are you ready to elevate your computer skills? Unlock your digital potential? In partnership with Touch Gift Foundation and Teamwork Englewood , join us for our Digital Learning Lab- Kelly Branch Library Series. Smart Sheets ll: Advanced Skills for Smarter Data: aimed at teaching students...

Free

Tuesdays with Menopause: Symptoms of Menopause

Tue, Apr 7, 11:00 PM–12:30 AM UTC · Sulzer Regional

Menopause is a natural transition that is often misunderstood, under-discussed, and filled with conflicting information. This monthly series brings together experts, advocates, and real women’s experiences to shed light on every stage of the journey. From hormones to mental health, relationships to.

Free

Retro Game Day: Tabletop Game Play

Tomorrow · Wed, Apr 8, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM UTC · Near North

Rediscover the joy and leisure of old-school board games. Various board games, including Mahjong, Rummikub, and Chess will be provided. Or bring your own game and teach others how to play! Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please...

Free

Adult Smash Bros. Tournament

Wed, Apr 8, 12:00 AM–1:00 AM UTC · Lisle Library District

Are you an adult who wants to flex their Smash Bros. skills? Join us for a tournament that will crown the 3rd, 2nd, and best player of Super Smash. We will use the provided controllers for the Nintendo Switch 1 console. Program may go over at most 15 minutes.

KidsFree

Family Story Time

Starts in 12 hrs · Tue, Apr 7, 2:30 PM–3:00 PM UTC · South Shore Branch

These 30-40 minute story times are designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Promoting early literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement, Family Story Time is a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning. The whole family is encouraged to participate! If...

KidsFree

Parachute Play

Tue, Apr 7, 3:30 PM–4:00 PM UTC · Dunning

Join us for 30 minutes of songs, stories and parachute movement! For kids 0 to 5 with their caregiver. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests...

Free

Sandra Hansen | Our Exquisite Pollution Series: Under the Sea

Starts in 11 hrs · Tue, Apr 7, 2:00 PM–9:00 PM UTC · Evanston Art Center

The Evanston Art Center (EAC) is excited to welcome the public to our upcoming exhibition, Sandra Hansen | Our Exquisite Pollution Series: Under the Sea. The exhibition will be on display from March 28 – April 26, 2026, with an opening reception on Sunday, March 29, from 1-4pm that will be free and.

Free

Mather's Grow-It-Together Garden Club In-Person Viewing

Tomorrow · Wed, Apr 8, 6:00 PM–7:00 PM UTC · Manning

This event is an in-person screening of the Grow-It-Together Garden Program. This online garden club is for adults 50 years and older who are interested in hydroponic gardening. Join others to learn tips from a Mather coach who will discuss a variety of garden topics and answer any questions that...

KidsFree

Supported Storytime & Family Play

Tue, Apr 7, 9:00 PM–9:45 PM UTC · Oak Park Public Library - Main

Designed for children with disabilities and support needs ages 3+ with caregiver support. Classes are structured with visual schedules and include fun picture books and songs, with fine and gross motor movement activities. Sensory supports like lap weights and fidget toys are available to help...

Free

SMART Business: State vendor certification & procurement

Tue, Apr 7, 10:00 PM–11:00 PM UTC · Douglass

The Illinois Comptroller's office will provide step-by-step information on becoming a certified vendor with the State of Illinois, navigating procurement, and programs for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance..

Free

Young at Heart: Afternoon Party Games

Tomorrow · Wed, Apr 8, 5:00 PM–6:00 PM UTC · Harold Washington Library Center Branch · Ages 55+

Welcome senior adults! Join us for a series of in-person events full of fun and relaxation. Come make new friends and reunite with old acquaintances, as we play some rounds of classic party games. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event?...

Free

Resume Workshop

Tue, Apr 7, 9:30 PM–10:30 PM UTC · West Englewood

Join us for some hands-on training on preparing and proof reading your resume. Learn about the differences between functional and traditional resumes, what to include in your resume, how to use a template to make a resume in Microsoft Word and get tips on the content and design of your resume....

KidsFree

Mad Science: Salt Painting

Tue, Apr 7, 9:00 PM–10:00 PM UTC · Avalon Branch · Ages 5–13

Join us for a colorful science program using salt to create unique, tie-dye style paintings! For ages 5 to 13. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations....

KidsFree

Tails & Tales-Deer

Starts in 12 hrs · Tue, Apr 7, 2:30 PM–3:00 PM UTC · White Oak Library - Romeoville Branch

Start your day with stories that have a bite with this furry, scaled or finned storytime! We will tell animal stories and learn some amazing animal facts and enjoy a video to see our animal in motion. Each week will have it's own animal theme so feel free to bring your own stuffed animal to enjoy.

KidsFreeOutdoor

Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

Chicago's Chinatown is a popular tourist destination with Chinese restaurants, gift shops, grocery stores, Chinese herbal stores and museums offering a rich blend of heritage,...

KidsFree

Uncertain Histories

Starts in 12 hrs · Tue, Apr 7, 3:00 PM–9:45 PM UTC · Chicago Cultural Center

The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall was built as a memorial to the sacrifices of Union Civil War veterans and their families. According to the renowned American abolitionist Frederick Douglass, their sacrifices were for freedom and a testament to the most profound declaration of human rights..

KidsFree

International Jazz Day Performance: Meet Captain Walter Dyett

In 2 weeks · Tue, Apr 21, 11:00 PM–12:00 AM UTC · West Chicago Avenue Branch

Walter Henri Dyett, known as “Captain Dyett”, was a music educator, and instrumental figure in the development of jazz and black music in Chicago. As the band instructor of Bronzeville’s DuSable High School, Dyett built a powerhouse music program that produced iconic singers such as Nat King Cole,..

Free

TEXAS ART NOW: Rhythms and Myths

Starts in 11 hrs · Tue, Apr 7, 2:00 PM–9:00 PM UTC · Evanston Art Center

The Evanston Art Center (EAC) is excited to welcome the public to our upcoming exhibition, TEXAS ART NOW: Rhythms and Myths. The exhibition will be on display from March 28 – April 19, 2026, with an opening reception on Sunday, March 29, from 1-4pm that will be free and open to the public. All four.

Free

Mindful Yoga

Tue, Apr 7, 3:30 PM–4:15 PM UTC · Near North · Ages 55+

This series will combine mindfulness practices with yogic movement. Each session will begin with a pranayama breathing technique, followed by 30 minutes of gentle movement, and conclude with a brief body scan meditation. All bodies and experience levels are welcome! This series is sponsored...

FreeOutdoor

Green City Market West Loop

Green City Market West Loop

Green City Market West Loop is a farmers market in Chicago, IL. This market is located in Mary Bartelme Park. Products: Organic (USDA Certified). Accepts: WIC; Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program; SNAP; Accept EBT at a central location.

Free

"Poet-tea" Slam

In 2 weeks · Thu, Apr 23, 11:00 PM–12:00 AM UTC · Daley, Richard M.

Join us for "poet-tea!" Drink tea and write poetry to celebrate National Poetry Month . Make a "found poem" collage out of cut-out words or free write, then share what you wrote in an open mic-style "poetry slam." Or select a poem to read from our collection by a famous poet such as...

KidsFree

Mother Goose at Play: Toddler and Preschool Story and Play Time

Tomorrow · Wed, Apr 8, 3:30 PM–4:30 PM UTC · Scottsdale Branch · Ages Up to 5

Story time featuring stories, nursery rhymes, puppets and songs. Includes open play time with blocks, puzzles, puppets and other educational toys. For children 18 months to 5. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312)...

KidsFree

Bitty Babies (ages 6 weeks-1 year)

Starts in 12 hrs · Tue, Apr 7, 2:30 PM–3:00 PM UTC · Lisle Library District

Storytime for the youngest patrons! This storytime is for babies not yet walking. Join us for songs, books, and play. Registration required.

KidsFreeOutdoor

Randolph Street Market Festival

Randolph Street Market Festival

Since 2003, Chicago's Randolph Street Market hosts several Markets throughout the year. This shopping destination celebrates all things design and style! Featured in Travel+Leisure, Art+Auction,...