18 listings in Chicago, IL: free concerts, theater, art and nights out, no kids required.
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Tuesdays, 5–9pm
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
The MCA is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays from 5 to 9pm, when the museum stays open late. Adult admission is otherwise $19 for Chicago residents and $22 for everyone else.
Verified Oct 27 · mcachicago.org
Catch: Illinois residents only
Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm (first Wednesday to 8pm)
National Museum of Mexican ArtChicago
The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen is free every day it's open. Hours are Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm, and it stays open until 8pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Verified Oct 27 · nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
No catch
Wednesdays, 12:15–1pm
Seventeenth Church of Christ, ScientistChicago
The International Music Foundation's Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts are free weekly classical performances on Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1pm, now held at Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist on Wacker Drive.
Verified Oct 27 · classicalmusicchicago.org
No catch
Tuesday–Sunday 10am–4:30pm
Smart Museum of ArtChicago
The University of Chicago's art museum in Hyde Park is free and open to the public. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am–4:30pm; closed Mondays.
Verified Oct 27 · smartmuseum.uchicago.edu
No catch
Tuesday–Friday 10am–4:50pm; Sunday noon–4:50pm
Jane Addams Hull-House MuseumChicago
The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum at UIC is free. Open Tuesday–Friday 10am–4:50pm and Sunday noon–4:50pm; closed Monday and Saturday. Public tours run Tuesdays and Fridays at 2pm; reserve a spot on the museum's site.
Verified Oct 27 · hullhousemuseum.org
No catch
Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Thursdays to 8pm
Museum of Contemporary PhotographyChicago
Columbia College's Museum of Contemporary Photography on South Michigan Avenue is free for everyone. Open Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Thursdays until 8pm; closed Sundays and major holidays.
Verified Oct 27 · mocp.org
No catch
Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
Lincoln Park ConservatoryChicago
The Victorian-era Lincoln Park Conservatory, next to Lincoln Park Zoo, is free to visit. It uses timed entry: book a free reservation through the Lincoln Park Conservancy. Open Wednesday–Sunday 10am–5pm; closed Monday and Tuesday.
Verified Oct 27 · chicagoparkdistrict.com
Catch: Free timed-entry reservation required
Wednesdays, 4–10pm
Adler PlanetariumChicago
Illinois residents get free Museum Entry to the Adler Planetarium every Wednesday evening from 4 to 10pm. Tickets must be booked on the Adler's website ahead of time, and sky shows cost extra (residents can upgrade at a discount). Bring an Illinois driver's license or photo ID, or a photo ID plus a bill or lease with your Illinois address.
Verified Oct 27 · adlerplanetarium.org
Catch: Illinois residents only: bring proof of residency · Reserve a ticket on the Adler website in advance · Sky shows cost extra
Wednesdays 10am–8pm; Thursday–Sunday 10am–5pm
Garfield Park ConservatoryChicago
One of the country's largest conservatories, with acres of plants under glass, is free for Chicago residents. Reserve a timed visit online ahead of time (same-day only if space) and bring proof of Chicago residency for everyone in your group. Open Wednesday 10am–8pm and Thursday–Sunday 10am–5pm; closed Monday and Tuesday. A $10 donation is suggested but not required.
Verified Oct 27 · garfieldconservatory.org
Catch: Chicago residents only: proof of residency for each visitor (others pay $5–10) · Reserve a timed visit online in advance; same-day only if space
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am and 1:30pm
Chicago Cultural Center (Randolph St. entrance)
Volunteer Chicago Greeters lead free, hour-long walks of the Loop every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am and 1:30pm, no registration needed. Meet at the Welcome Desk at the Chicago Cultural Center's Randolph Street entrance.
Verified Oct 27 · choosechicago.com
No catch
Thursdays and Fridays at 1:15pm
Chicago Cultural Center
Docents lead free tours of the Chicago Cultural Center, the 1897 former central library with its famous Tiffany dome, every Thursday and Friday at 1:15pm, year round.
Verified Oct 27 · chicago.gov
No catch
Any day
Chicago Greeter
Book a free visit with a volunteer Chicago Greeter who shows you a neighborhood or theme you choose. Groups of up to six guests. Register ahead on the Chicago Greeter site.
Verified Oct 27 · choosechicago.com
Catch: Register in advance · Up to six guests per visit
Third Thursday of each month, 5–8pm
Art Institute of Chicago
Illinois residents get free general admission to the Art Institute on the third Thursday of each month from 5 to 8pm. Bring proof of Illinois residence such as an ID, lease or a bill. Adult general admission is normally $32.
Verified Oct 27 · artic.edu
Catch: Illinois residents only: bring proof of residence (ID, lease, bill or mail)
Tuesdays, 10am–5pm (last entry 3:15pm)
Obama Presidential CenterChicago
Every Tuesday, Illinois residents can visit the Obama Presidential Center Museum for free. Book a timed Tuesday slot online with Illinois Resident tickets and your Illinois ZIP code; there are no tickets at the door. Bring photo ID or proof of residency. New dates are released on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am, about six months ahead.
Verified Oct 27 · obama.org
Catch: Illinois residents only: show a photo ID, Illinois license, state ID or city ID · Book a timed ticket online ahead; none sold at the door
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am, Memorial Day–Labor Day
Chicago Riverwalk (Vietnam Veterans Memorial)
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, volunteer Chicago Greeters lead free, hour-long walks along the Chicago Riverwalk at 11:30am every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Verified Oct 27 · choosechicago.com
No catch
Any day
Harold Washington Library Center, Maker LabChicago
Chicago's first free public maker space, on the 3rd floor of Harold Washington Library Center, offers free introductory workshops and open shop time with 3D printers, laser cutters, Cricut cutters, sewing and knitting machines. Workshops are for ages 14 and up (10–13 with an adult); supplies are provided unless noted. Check the events calendar for open shop hours.
Verified Oct 27 · chipublib.org
Catch: Workshops: register ahead and arrive within 5 minutes or lose your seat · Ages 14+; up to two children 10–13 with an adult
Open daily, 10am–5pm (closed holidays)
Chicago Cultural Center
The city's landmark Chicago Cultural Center is free to enter, with free exhibitions, the Tiffany dome in Preston Bradley Hall, and free music, dance, film and family events throughout the year. Open daily 10am–5pm except holidays; no tickets needed.
Verified Oct 27 · chicago.gov
No catch
By appointment: request a mentor online
SCORE Chicago
SCORE pairs small business owners and people starting a business with volunteer mentors, free for as many sessions as you need, in person through a local chapter or by video. SCORE Chicago is SCORE's local chapter. Eligibility: Anyone starting or running a small business.
Verified Oct 27 · score.org
Catch: For small business owners and would-be owners · Mentoring is free; some SCORE workshops and courses charge a fee
