Chicago Free For All - CHICAGO GREETERS

CHICAGO FREE FOR ALL!

Hi everyone, my name is Lynn and I want to welcome you to the Chicago Free For All!

Chicago Free For All is where you can come and find out about all the
FREE activities in Chicago.

There are thousands of free things to see and do in Chicago throughout the year that are
FREE FOR ALL.

In addition, from time-to-time I’ll also include some best buys and some steals and deals.

Armed with all this information you can make the most of your visit to Chicago and have a
FREE FOR ALL.

Chicago Free For All

Updates

12/9/2017

Hello new readers and return readers:

If you are new to the site I recommend you start at the first blog dated Jan 1, 2015 and work your way through the posts. A small fraction of the information is no longer valid, but I have included websites for you to check to confirm what activities are still offered.

If you are looking for something to do during the holiday season, go right to the December blogs. This is a great time of year to enjoy FREE things to do and see.

For my loyal readers my goal this year was to reorganize the material to make it easier to retrieve. My plan was to sort it my day of the week, month of the year and topic. It turned out to be an enormous job, but I promise to get this done in 2018.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy holidays and see you in the new year.

Lynn

NEW YEAR'S EVE

12/23/2016

OK I couldn't resist one more post for 2016. Here's a few reminders for FREE New Year's Eve offers.

NEW YEAR'S EVE
This is the second year the city is hosting Chi-Town Rising a new year's event along the river. You can get FREE tickets to private viewing areas online or just head down to the Chicago River around Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive.

NAVY PIER

The FREE Navy Pier New Year's Eve fireworks presented by Miller Lite and Jewel-Osco will take place at approximately 12:00 am

MILLENNIUM PARK FAMILY FUN

FREE family fun can be had in Wrigley Square in Millennium Park December 31, 2016 from 3-6pm (15:00-18:00). The Chi-Town Rising Family Countdown includes FREE entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies and a countdown at 6pm (18:00). Of course there is still FREE ice skating (if you have your own skates) and the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink near by.

CHICAGO CULTURAL MILE FAMILY FUN

“Around The World For New Year’s Eve,” is an "interactive program designed to teach kids how New Year’s is celebrated around the world. International organizations from all over the city created activity stations highlighting unique customs from 10 different countries and children were able to “travel the world” with a special passport to be stamped at each station." All activities are FREE for all.

MAGGIE DALEY PARK FAMILY FUN

There is also FREE ice skating at the Maggie Daley Park (if you have your own skates). NOTE: you can not bring backpacks, purses etc on the ice - but lockers are available to rent for a modest fee.

FREE RIDES

Again this year the CTA is offering FREE rides on all CTA buses and trains starting at 10 pm.Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 until 4 am Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. You can plan your trip and track buses and trains at the CTA website.

See you in 2017!

MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS AND FREE MUSEUM

12/2/2016

I want to welcome back my loyal readers. I'm so glad you come back again and again and I hope you are enjoying all that Chicago has for FREE.

For those of you who are new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled FREE events and local organizations that offer FREE activities throughout the year.

I hope you will use the blog like a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest your start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make note of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.

If you would like to receive a notice when I send out a new post, send your email address to ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

I will update the Holiday and Museum posts for future readeres, but I wanted to make sure you had these updates if you've already read them.

TREE LIGHTING
Many of the hotels and office buildings plan a special time for a tree lighting ceremony. These often include a musical performance. Check with the hotels and management of the skyscrapers about these days. They usually occur right after Thanksgiving or the first week in December.

JINGLE FEST
FREE pictures with Santa at the French Market Saturday December 17, 11am-2pm (14:00)

QUEST THEATER ENSEMBLE
From mid-December through News Years Day Quest Theater Ensemble presents FREE performances of Blue Nativity which features “visually arresting large-scale puppetry, soaring music and the greatest story ever told. Havin toured the Midwest and Germany, Blue Nativity returns…” to Chicago for the 15th year. Performances are FREE. After the January 1st performance everyone is invited to partake in a FREE pot luck dinner. Go to the Quest Theater Ensemble website for performance dates, times and locations.

NEW YEARS EVE
This is the second year the city is hosting Chi-Town Rising. A new years event along the river. You can get FREE tickets to private viewing areas or just head down to the Chicago River around Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive.

FREE PHOTO WITH SANTA AND MORE
In the Pedway (the pedestrian walkway under the city) at Block 37 (bounded by Randolph, State, Dearborn and Washtington Streets) you can get a FREE hoto with Santa with FREE cocoa and cookies. Hours or Saturday December 10, 2016 from 10am to 3pmand (15:00) Sunday December 11, 2016 from 11am to 4pm (16:00).

MUSEUMS
I forgot to add a couple out-of-the-way, but worth the visiting. The first is The Chicago Fire Museum of Greater Chicago located 5218 S. Western Ave. opnes their doors to the public on the 4th Saturday of each month (except December) from 10am until 2pm (10:00-14:00).. They have vintage fire trucks and exhibits and galleries to explore, a library is currently under construction and you can find the list of events on their website.

Second: The Chicago Fire Academy sits on the former location of Mrs. O'Leary's home, where the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 began. It is located at 558 W. DeKoven St. Outside is a large gold flame sculpture and inside is a display of vintage equipment, and down the hall is a exhbit of the major fires in Chicago and a meorial to all those firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. In addition there is a plaque on the floor where Mrs. O'Leary's barn stood. If you call ahead 312-747-7239 they may be able to arrange a tour.

In your tour of the Museum Campus I told you about the Chicago Police Memorial Park. This park is located just east of Soldier Field. but head south along the lake just past McCormick Place Convention Center to see the Chicago Fire Department Memorial. Both are dedicated to honor, courage and sacrifice of Chicago's fallen first responders.

NOT GOOD BYE BUT SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

Through 2016 I've given you more than 40 posts of FREE things to do in Chicago. Now I am going to take a little break for the holidays. But I'll see you in 2017 with more FREE ideas, new look and an exciting announcement in the middle of the year.

So happy holidays to all. See yu in 2017!

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information. All quoted text was lifted from the website sited.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

I hope to see you in Chicago

MUSEUMS

11/25/2016

FREE MUSEUMS / TOURS

I want to welcome back my loyal readers. I'm so glad you come back again and again and I hope you are enjoying all that Chicago has for FREE.

For those of you who are new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled FREE events and local organizations that offer FREE activities throughout the year.

I hope you will use the blog like a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest your start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make note of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.

If you would like to receive a notice when I send out a new post, send your email address to ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

ADLER PLANETARIUM
Museum Campus
FREE days throughout the year for Illinois residents.

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
111 S Michigan Ave,
FREE for Illinois residents every Thursday from 5-8 pm (1700-20:00) and children 13 and under are always FREE. FREE family activities are offered in the Ryan Educational Center – no admission necessary.

BRONZEVILLE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
9301 S Stony Island Ave
FREE admission for children ages3 to 0 on the first and third Saturday of each month. FREE admission is always offered to active and retired military personnel.
.
ALFRED CALDWELL LILY POOL
Fullerton Ave. and Cannon Dr.
FREE to explore daily mid-April to mid-November and FREE tours Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, Farm-in-the-Zoo and mid-April to mid-November the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

CHICAGO CHILDRENS MUSEUM AT NAVY PIER
700 E. Grand Ave.
“FREE admission for visitors age 15 and under on Free First Sundays, offered the first Sunday of each month Additionally there is FREE admission for all visitors on Target Free Family Night, offered Thursday evenings 5-8pm.” (17:00-20:00)

CAMBODIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM
2831 W Lawrence Ave.
“This unique institution celebrates Cambodian community and culture in the United States. The museum draws awareness to the Cambodian genocide and offers an ever-changing rotation of exhibitions and original art.”

CHARNLEY-PERSKY HOUSE
1365 N Astor St.
“Tours are FREE on Wednesdays, year round (not applicable to groups of 10 or more).”

CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER
78 E Washington
FREE admission and programming year-round. Closed on major holidays.

CHICAGO DESIGN MUSEUM
108 N. State St 3rd Floor
“The Chicago Design Museum features exhibitions, tours, public and private programs, digital media, and workshops that are FREE and open to the public on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12pm to 7pm.”

CHICAOG FOODSEUM
108 N. State St.
“Through interactive exhibits, educational seminars, developmental programming and events, Foodseum provides fun accessible food education for all and inspire the next generation of great chefs, restauranteurs and most importantly food fans.”

CITY GALLERY AT THE HISTORIC WATER TOWER
806 N. Michigan Ave
“The treasured landmark on The Magnificent Mile has been turned into a beautiful showcase for rotating art exhibits from local photographers and artists.” FREE daily (closed beetween exhibits)

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

CLARKE HOUSE
1827 S. Indiana Ave.
This is the oldest house in Chicago. “one-hour guided tours are FREE on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, year round (not applicable to groups of 16 or more). While you are in the area, check out the FREE tours of the Glessner House and Second Presbyterian Church.

DE PAUL ART MUSEUM
935 W. Fullerton
FREE Admission daily

DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
740 E. 56th Pl.
Admission is FREE every Sunday. Children under 5 are always FREE.

FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Museum Campus
FREE days throughout the year for Illinois Resdients.and FREE admsition every day for active military and teachers K-12th grades.

FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
126 E. Chestnut
Art gallery FREE, sanctuary open daily, FREE tours following Sunday services. FRREE concerts every Friday at noon.

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY
300 N Central Park Ave.
FREE admission

GLESSNER HOUSE MUSEUM
1800 S. Prairie Avenue
Tours are FREE on Wednesdays, year round (not applicable to groups of 10 or more. While you are in the area, check out the FREE tours of the Clarke House and Second Presbyterian Church.

GRAHAM FOUNDATION FOR ADVANCED STUDIES IN THE FINE ARTS
4 W Burton Pl.
Admission is FREE every day. Open Wednesday through Saturday.

HYDE PARK ARTCENTER
5020 S Cornell Ave.
FREE cultural exhibitions, gallery talks, poetry readings and musical performances.

IINTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF SURGICAL SCIENCE
1524 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Tuesdays are FREE. Children under 3 always admitted FREE

JANE ADDAMS HULL-HOUSE MUSEUM
800 S. Halsted St.
“This museum is dedicated to providing free to the public exhibits and programs that focus on policy efforts. The tribute to Jane Addams serves as an educational conduit to addressing issues that affect the sociological conditions of underserved communities” Admission is always FREE.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO
2001 N Stockton Dr.
Open every day of the year (so a great place to visit on holidays when other attractions are closed). Admission is always FREE. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Farm-in-the-Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and mid-April to mid-November the Caldwell Lily Pond.

LINCOLN PARK FARM-IN-THE-ZOO
1911 N. Stockton Dr.
Open every day of the year (so a great place to visit on holidays when other attractions are closed). Admission is always FREE. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and mid-April to mid-November the Caldwell Lily Pond.

LINCOLN PARK CONSERVATORY
2391 N Stockton Dr.
Admission is FREE and FREE tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, Farm-in-the-Zoo and mid-April to mid-November the Caldwell Lily Pond.

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF ART
820 Michigan Avenue
Admission is FREE for Illinois residents every Tuesday, year round. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Musseum of Contemporary Art and City Gallery at the Hhistoric Water Tower and Fourth Presbyterian Chuch.

MCCORMICK BRIDGEHOSUE & CHICAGO RIVERMUSEUM
In the SW Bridgehouse on the Michigan Ave. bridge
Open for FREE on Sundays May to OCtober.

MONEY MUSEUM AT THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO
60690, 230 S La Salle St,
FREE admission year-round

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
220 E Chicago Ave,
FREE Tuesdays for Illinois residents; children 12 and under are always FREE.
FREE the second Saturday of the month (October-May) for families with children12 and under. While you are in t he neighborhood visit the Loyola Museum of Art and the City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY
600 S. Michigan Ave.
FREE daily throughout the year. While you are in the neighborhood visit the

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSSTRY
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
FREE days throughout the year for Illinois Resdients.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART
1852 W 19th St.
FREE every day.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PUERTO RICAN ARTS AND CULTURE
3015 W Division St,
Always FREE

NATIONAL VETERAN ART MUSEUM
4041 N Milwaukee Ave, 2nd Floor
FREE admission daily.

THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY
60 W Walton St.
FREE admission, exhibits and programming.

THE ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
1155 E 59th St.
FREE admission open Tuesday through Sunday. A donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 is appreciated. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Smart Museum of Art and the Rockefeller Chapel and the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago..

PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM
2430 N Cannon Dr,
FREE Thursdays for Illinois resident and children under 3. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Farm-in-the Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Caldwell Lily Pool.

POETRY FOUNDATION
61 W. Superior St
FREE to visit exhibits and many events.

REBUILD FOUNDATION
6916 S Dorchester Ave
FREE programs and exhibits

THE RENAISSANCE SOCIETY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
5811 S Ellis Ave.
“The society offers exhibitions and programs that aim to provide insight and educate on the wonders of art history “ FREE of charge. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Smart Museum of Art and the Rockefeller Chapel and the Oriental Institute..

ROCKEFELLER CHAPEL
Open to the public for FREE late September through mid June) 10 am to 5:30 pm Tuesday through Friday

ROCKEFELLER CHAPEL CARRILON
"The Laura Spelman Rockefeller Carillon is played live in recital Monday to Friday, 12 noon and 5 pm while the University is in session, and at weekends for events. During the academic quarter, we offer the opportunity for visitors and members of the University community to climb the tower for carillon recitals, Tuesday through Friday (the Chapel is closed to visitors on Mondays), and on Sundays. Check our home page for current details, including notification of academic breaks when we do not offer tours. Read more about visiting the carillon.
During the summer, we present a special series of Sunday evening concerts, The Bells of Summer, seven Sundays at 5 pm. These concerts last for an hour, and you’re invited to bring a lawnchair or blanket and a picnic. Children and nicely behaved animals are welcome." All events are FREE.

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
While you are in the area, check out the FREE tours of the Clarke House and Glessner House. While you are in the neighobrhood visit the Glessner House and the Clark House.

SHEDD AQUARIUM
Museum Campus
FREE days throughout the year for Illinois Reisdents.

SMART MUSEUM OF ART
5500 S Greenwood Ave
FREE daily. While you are in the neighborhood stop by the Oriental Institute and the Rockefellar Chapel

ST. JAMES CATHEDRAL STIANED GLASS WIDOWS
835 N. Rush St.
FREE tours Saturdays 9am to 11am except holidays. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Loyola Museum of Art, Fourth Presbyterian Church and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM
5211 N. Clark St
Admission is FREE of all on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

UKRAINIAN INSTITUTE OF MODERN ART
2320 W. Chicago Ave.
Admission FREE: $5 donation requested

UKRAINIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CHICAGO
2249 W. Superior St.,
Admission FREE: $5 donation requested

THE ZHOU B ART CENTER
1029 W. 35th St
FREE exhibitions every 3rd Friday of the month with an evening reception from 7pm-10pm.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

BANK OF AMERICA MUSEUMS ON US PROGRAM
FREE admission to participating museums on the first full weekend of each month

KIDS MUSEUM PASSPORT
This program, sponsored by the 15 Museums Work for Chicago institutions, allows individuals with a Chicago Public Library card to check out a pass for FREE general admission participating museums.
§ Each pass admits a maximum of four people for general admission, including special exhibitions.
§ Each group using a pass must be accompanied by at least one child under the age of 18.
§ A maximum of two adults are admitted on one pass.

SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE FREE DAYS
The 2017 FREE museum dates and sites have not been announced.

So if it's too cold for you to enjoy an FREE outside event, head into one of our wonderful museums for FREE!

For more information about activities in the city this season check out the City of Chicago website www.cityofchicago.org/holiday

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information. All quoted text was lifted from the website sited.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

I hope to see you in Chicago

MISC.

11/18/2016

I want to welcome back my loyal readers. I'm so glad you come back again and again and I hope you are enjoying all that Chicago has for FREE.

For those of you who are new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled FREE events and local organizations that offer FREE activities throughout the year.

I hope you will use the blog like a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest your start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make notes of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.

ANOTHER FREE APP
Vamonde is a FREE app to enhance your time as you travel around the world.

"We believe the world is full of stories just waiting to be discovered...in the places where we live our lives, where we laugh, we cry, we remember and we celebrate. But so often, the question, “what happened here?” goes unanswered. What if we really could make these walls talk? What if we could explore the world around us - not just seeing what's in front of us now, but seeing who and what came before?
Vamonde (vah-mond) brings together two French words - Va, meaning “Go” and Monde, meaning “World.” Put together, Vamonde means “Go World.” This is the spirit that drives us. We want to help users and organizations create beautiful experiences out in the world and connect stories into amazing adventures that encourage others to get out of their offices, homes, hotel rooms to touch, feel, smell, hear and experience place!"

Most of the Vamonde Chicago stories are FREE but some require a nominal fee.

FREE LECTURES AND EXHIBITS

The Chicago Athletic Club Hotel offers FREE events and FREE art exhibits not just for their guests but for the general public. From the home page click on Explore and select Hotel Happenings. You can even listen to pod casts of previous events online.

Landmarks Illinois offers FREE monthly lecture series. From their website select Events and Preservation Snapshot Lectures for dates, times and locations.

Friends of Downtown also offers FREE lectures throughout the year. You can find their calendar by selecting Events on their homepage.

FREE (or discounted) THEATER TICKETS
Oracle Theater offers FREE admission to all of their performances. Their mantra “free art for all”.

Theater Oobleck price for their original productions is “$8 to $10 suggested donation, more if you’ve got it, free if you’re broke.”

Neo-Futurists offers the “longest running show in Chicago, an ever-evolving attempts to perform 30 Plays in 60 Minute Half of all tickets to Too Much Light (Make the Baby Go Blind) are not available for purchase online. Advance purchase tickets are $20 with a roll-back refund, meaning patrons will roll a six-sided die and receive $1-$6 back in cash.

PATCH CALENDAR
I just found another source of things to do.in Chicago. PATCH calendars are available in more than 20 states and in scores of communities in Illinois. Here’s the link to Chicago CALENDAR. Some of the activities are FREE so check it out.

Wherever you go, don’t forget (and don’t be shy) to ask about student, senior and military discounts.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information. Quoted text was lifted from the website sited.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS

11/11/2016

I want to welcome back my loyal readers. I'm so glad you come back again and again and I hope you are enjoying all that Chicago has for FREE.

For those of you who are new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled FREE events and local organizations that offer FREE activities throughout the year.

I hope you will use the blog like a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest your start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make note of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS
As you busy yourself getting ready for the holidays, I hope you will find some time to enjoy all there is to do in Chicago during this season that is FREE FOR ALL!

MAGNIFICENT LIGHT PARADE
The holiday season always kicks off with the Magnificent Mile Light Festival. Always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, you can enjoy family-friendly events along North Michigan Avenue 10am – 4pm (16:00) from Oak Street to the Chicago River. The day concludes with the Magnificent Mile Light Parade starting at 5pm (17:00). The day ends with a fireworks display at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River at 6:55pm (18:55).
If you can’t make it downtown you can watch all the evenings activities on ABC Channel 7 TV starting at 6pm (18:00).
This year an extra event is being held on Friday. At the “Lights Festival Lane” located on Pioneer Court (at North Michigan Avenue and the River) you will find family-friendly activities from 4pm (16:00) to 8pm (20:00).

900 N. Michigan Ave.
The shopping mall at 900 N. Michigan Avenue is kicking of the holidays with "Illuminate 900: 1st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting" on Nov. 17, 2016 at 7pm (19:00). The evening will include entertainment by the Chicago Children’s Choir, The Ruth Page Center for Performing Arts, The Chicago Academy for the Arts, New Music School, Piano Forte, Ava Fain, cookie decorating and other give aways.

THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Come on downtown early to see the Thanksgiving Day Parade along State Street. The parade steps off at 8am at Congress and State Street and goes north to Randolph Street. You can watch the parade from home on WGN Channel 9 TV.

WREATHING OF THE LIONS
Each year the iconic lion statues in front of the Art Institute wear giant wreaths around their necks. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this holiday event. The festivities start at 10am at Michigan Avenue and Adams Street. Some of the cast of Hamilton the musical will be on hand offering FREE hot chocolate.
Afterwards families are invited to the Ryan Learning Center (entrance on Monroe Street) for “art-making fun”.

LIGHTING THE CHICAGO CHRISTMAS TREE
For 103 years Chicago has presented a live Christmas Tree for all of Chicagoans. For the second year, the tree will be located in Millennium Park. This year the tree will be adorned with more than 80,000 lights. The festivities begin at 6pm (18:00) Nov. 18th.

VISIT SANTA
Santa will set up shop in Millennium Park starting Nov 18th from 12pm to 6pm (18:00). Other hours include

Saturday, November 19 & Sunday, November 20: 12 Noon-6pm
Thursday, November 24 (Thanksgiving Day): 12 Noon-3pm
Saturdays & Sundays, November 26-December 18: 12 Noon-6pm

DALEY PLAZA MENORAH
Every night of Hanukah another light on the city’s menorah will be lit at 5:30pm (17:30pm)

CAROLING AT CLOUD GATE
Also in Millennium Park, you can listen to and sign along with choral groups singing Christmas Carols. https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/caroling_at_cloudgate.html Join in the fun by Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”) Fridays from November 25 through December 2 from 6pm (18:00) to 7pm (19:00).

CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP
Keeping up the tradition and in memory of Herman Scheunemann who brought Christmas trees for the poor for decades in the early 1900’s the US Coast Guard Christmas Tree Ship will dock at Navy Pier this year on December 2nd. On Deceber 3rd ceremonies and unloading of the trees begins at 10am. Come down and volunteer to unload the trees that will be heading to a home of someone in need.

LINCOLN PARK AND GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY
Each year the conservatories erect special holiday flower shows. Days and hours can be found on their websites
Lincoln Park Holiday Flower Show and Garfield Park Holiday Flower Show

ZOO LIGHTS
While you are in the neighborhood of Lincoln Park stop by in the evening to see the Zoo Lights. This is a festival of lights and music and a fun time to see the animals as they sleep.

CTA HOLIDAY TRAIN AND BUS
The Chicago Transit Authority just announced the 2016 schedule for the Holiday Bus and Holiday Train. This is one you won’t want to miss. It’s worth seeing and riding these elaborately decorated vehicles. The train even has Santa in his sleigh in the middle. It does cost the price of a ride, but the sights, sounds, smells and yes tastes (in years past the elves passed out candycanes) are FREE.

PALMER HOUSE HOTEL TUBA CONCERT
Each year a Tuba Concert is held at the Palmer House Hotel. This year you can enjoy this FREE concert on Saturday, December 17th at 12:30pm (17:30) in the Grand Ballroom. Seating is limited so get there early.

MACY’S ON STATE
Macy’s continues the Marshall Field tradition of a Christmas tree in the Walnut Room restaurant and decorated windows along State Street. Best to view the tree from above on the 8th floor.

DANCE-ALONG NUTCRACKER
Once again this year the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events invites you to be part of the Nutcracker. Join in the fun at the Chicago Cultural Center December 4th in Preston-Bradley hall of the 3rd floor. FREE lesson are offered to “dancers” of all ages between 11am and 2p (14:00). The Dance-Along Nutcracker performances are at 12:00 and 3pm (15:00) Tutus and dance shoes NOT required.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Once again the Museum of Science and Industry will show how people all over the world decorate their Christmas trees. This year if you are an Illinois residents you can visit the Museum for FREE December 1st.

ICE SKATING
You can skate for FREE (if you have your own skates) at Millennium Park and the Maggie Daley Park. Find days and times on the websites.

Don’t know how to skate? That’s OK. You can attend the FREE skating lessons offered at the Millennium Park rink every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (except holidays) 1 hour before the rink opens. Just want to watch? Go and see the FREE special programming including speed skating, Noodle Hockey and ice dance demonstrations.
You can find the hours of operation on the City of Chicago website.

I know it's getting cold, but all the FREE things to do during the season are worth bundling up and doing.

For more information about activities in the city this season check out the City of Chicago website www.cityofchicago.org/holiday

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information. All quoted text was lifted from the website sited.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

I hope to see you in Chicago

MORE FREEBIES

10/28/2016

I want to welcome back my loyal readers. I'm so glad you come back again and again and I hope you are enjoying all that Chicago has for FREE.

For those of you who are new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled FREE events and local organizations that offer FREE activities throughout the year.

I hope you will use the blog like a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest you start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make notes of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.

FREE THEATER

I just found out about more FREE theater. Well, not completely FREE but buy 5 get 1 FREE with the Edgewater Theater District Passport. Eighteen theaters in the Edgewater Theater District joined forces to offer this opportunity. You can pick up a passport at any of the participating theaters, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, and other businesses and organizations in the neighborhood. Purchase your ticket(s) and be sure to have your passport stamped when you attend a performance. The 6th performance is FREE. Tickets are affordable and the talent is top notch.

Participating Theaters include:
Artemisia Theatre*
Babes With Blades Theatre Company*
Barrel of Monkeys*
CityLit Theater*
Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble*
Chicago Theatre Workshop*
Idle Muse Theatre*
Jackalope Theatre*
Li’l Buds Theatre*
Otherworld Theatre*
The pH Comedy Theater*
Quest Theatre Ensemble
Raven Theatre Company*
(re)discover theatre*
Redtwist Theatre*
Rivendell Theatre*
Steep Theatre*
Stockyards Theatre Project*
Three Cat Productions*

In addition, you can find the full calendar of performances online.

I've already told you about Quest Theater that always offer FREE performances - of course donations are greatly appreciated and welcomed.

FREE CHICAGO HISTORY APP

“The Chicago00 Project is a partnership between the Chicago History Museum and filmmaker Geoffrey Alan Rhodes to produce and publish a series of sit-specific, multimedia experiences that showcase the Museum’s film, photo, and sound archive. This episode features of 70 captioned historical photographs and newsreel films showing the disaster and ensuing relief efforts on the river where the Eastland capsized in 1915.

Chicago 00 The Eastland Disaster is an Augmented Reality experience that takes place along the Chicago Riverwalk between Clark and LaSalle Streets: the site of one of the largest nautical disaster in U.S. history, the capsizing of the SS Eastland I 1915. The app provides an Augmented Realty Tour, specifically designed to be used along Chicago’s Riverwalk and Virtual Reality Gallery of images that can be viewed anywhere. Together they reveal the story of the disaster in a new and visceral way.”

The FREE app is available for IPhones and Android devices. For more details, go to the Chicago 00 website and watch for more upcoming tours.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

I hope to see you in Chicago!

OCTOBER

10/21/2016

I want to welcome back my loyal readers. I'm so glad you come back again and again and I hope you are enjoying all that Chicago has for FREE.

For those of you who are new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled FREE events and local organizations that offer FREE activities throughout the year.

I hope you will use the blog like a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest your start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make notes of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.
This week is the exception as I just found out about this weekend's event.

HALLOWEEN

I already mentioned the Chicago Park District, Navy Pier, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County all offer FREE events during the Halloween season. Check their website for events in your neighborhood. But I neglected to mention the 2nd annual Halloween Gathering Festival and Parade.

The Chicago Cultural Mile (the stretch of Michigan Avenue form the River south to Congress) Association is again sponsoring this day-long event. This Saturday, October 22, 2106 the festivities kick off at 2PM (14:00) in Millennium Park, Grant Park and the George Solti Garden. This family-friendly event will feature live performances, an artisans’ market, arts and crafts for kids, a children's costume procession (NOTE: MASKS ARE NOT PERMITTED. Face painting and wigs are allowed) and an “interactive experience” with Marvel Comics’ Dr. Strange.

In addition, hundreds of amateur and professional dancers will lead what some are calling Chicago’s longest ever “All Souls Train” on the Van Buren Street bridge in Grant Park between 2PM (14:00) and 5PM (17:00)

A costume parade will begin at 6PM (18:00) or when the sunsets. The parade route runs along Columbus Drive from Balboa Avenue to Monroe Street. Leading the parade will be 13 “creative sprit fellow” including celebrity chef Graham Elliot and artist Tony Tasset. Groups from across the city will be performing as well. The parade is expected to last until 8PM (20:00)

All activities are FREE but NOTE: MASKS ARE NOT ALLOWED, but face painting and wigs are. Please leave your umbrellas, lawn chairs and large bags at home.

I know this year many Chicagoans will be in Wrigelyville, at their favorite watering hole or at home watching our Chicago Cubs playing the (hopefully) last playoff game sending them to the 2016 World Series. But downtown will be a great place to celebrate as well!

RIVERWALK
The last 3 “rooms’ of the Riverwalk open Saturday Oct 22, 2016. For more than a year the Riverwalk between State Street and LaSalle Streets has welcomed visitors. These spaces include:
State – Dearborn (across from Marina Towers) The Marina Room
Dearborn – Clark The Cove
Clark – LaSalle The River Theater

The newest spaces between LaSalle and Lake Streets include:
LaSalle – Wells The Swimming Hole
Wells – Franklin The Jetty
Franklin – Lake The Boardwalk

For details about the design and features of each room go to the City of Chicago website.

OPEN HOUSE ARTS CLUB OF CHICAGO
Also October 22, 2016 the Arts Club of Chicago is celebrating 100 year of contributions to modern arts and culture by welcoming the public to an afternoon of music and art for FREE. Enjoy Artist performances, talks, and installations from noon until 5pm (17:00). Head to the Arts Club of Chicago at 201 E Ontario St.

WAC CRAWL
Don't forget tonight is the annual Wabash Arts Corridor WAC Crawl offering an evening of FREE activities.

WIN $1,000.00

Chicago is one of the cities chosen to by Ally Bank to be part of the 100 Ally Lucky Pennies sweepstakes" Ally pennies "each worth $1,000. Each hidden in plain sight in select cities around the country, waiting for you to pick them up."Check out the website for official sweepstakes terms and rules. For help click on #AllyLuckyPennyhint?
Good luck!

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

I hope to see you in Chicago!

ART AND ARCHITECTURE

10/14/2016

For those of you new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled event and local organizations that offer FREE events throughout the year.

I hope you will use the blog as a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest your start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make note of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.

Chicago Public Art Group

The Chicago Public Art Group has a great website offering FREE self-guided tours. Go to the home page, click on Community Public Art Guide. Then you have a choice of selecting Community Murals, Mosaics and/or Sculptures and Space Design. At each of these pages select Portfolios where you will find a list of the art work and information about each piece, the artists and locations. Then get your walking shoes on and let the Chicago Public Art Group help you discover more of Chicago’s public art.

SCAVENGER HUNT
The Chicago Architecture Foundation has organized its 2nd FREE scavenger hunt. Fifty Clue are posted on CTA bus shelters all over the city. The event runs from October 11 through November 6, 2016. Answer the #CAFhunt clues and enter to win a chance to win a prize. For instructions on how to play, a map and to register for prizes go to the CAF scavenger hunt page click on PLAY. When you are ready click on Go To Clue Cards.

ARCHITECTURE
The Graham Foundation was “founded in 1956, the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts … produces public programs to foster the development and exchange of diverse and challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture, and society.” The Foundation is housed in the Madlener House built in 1902 and located at 4 West Burton Place

ART
Just a few blocks away from the Graham Foudnation you will find The Palate and ChiselAademy of Fine Arts a space of artists’ studios and classrooms for art instruction. It is located in an historic mansion at 1012 North Dearborn Street in the William Waller mansion built in 1874 just 3 years after the Great Chicago Fire. FREE exhibitions are open to the public throughout the year.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

I hope to see you in Chicago!

MORE FALL FUN

10/7/2016

All’s well with my email account. The email addresses of those who wanted email alerts when I post were restored. If you have not heard from me in a couple of weeks there are 2 posts you missed. Sorry for the inconvenience.

For those of you new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled event and local organizations that offer FREE events throughout the year.

I hope you will use the blog as a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest your start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make note of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.

For those of you returning I’m sorry I’ve been silent for a couple of weeks. And please forgive the (too) late notice of some events this year, but I hope you will make note and attend in 2017.

OHC
My favorite weekend all year long is always held in the middle of October. It is Open House Chicago (OHC) OHC is a weekend of opportunities to explore the city’s built environment for FREE. OHC is run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Through them several hundred sites around Chicago and this year in 2 suburbs are open to the public. This year OHC is being held next weekend October 16 and 17, 2016

Some of the OHC places are open during the year for FREE such as the Chicago Cultural Center. Other sites require an admission fee or are not usually open to the public. The list of sites and the times and days they are open are on the OHC website. While most are open the entire weekend, double check the open and close times for each site and make note of those only open on Saturday OR Sunday.

When you arrive at a site you will most likely encounter 2 lines. One is a very long line for the general public and the other a much shorter and faster moving line. Don’t worry – you can get in the shorter line if you know the secrets.

While I am all about FREE things to do, you can join the shorter line if you become a member of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. In this case I think it is worth it for a couple of reasons. The first as I mentioned is you get in the OHC sites’ shorter and faster lines. Second, your membership is good for 1 year. If you live in the area, plan on coming back or can extend your visit, your CAF membership allows you to take advantage of all the CAF walking tours for FREE and receive discounts on their bus and boat tours..

Don’t want to or can’t join the CAF? There is still a way to get in those short lines and that is to volunteer for OHC. Months in advance of the event, the CAF will put out a call for volunteers. You can sign up on their website. You will be asked to do a 4-hour shift and you can choose the neighborhood in which you want to volunteer and the shift (Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning or Sunday afternoon). Volunteering for 1 shift gets you a pass for yourself AND 1 guest to the short lines. In addition, this year volunteers receive a 50% discount on a CAF membership (then that’s good for the next year), 15% discount on merchandise at the CAF store, a souvenir OHC t-shirt and lanyard, a priority-access pass and admission to members-only sites and FREE passes good for 2 CAF walking tours.

As a volunteer you will be required to attend 1 informational meeting before the event. They schedule dozens of meetings to make sure at least one meeting time and location will fit everyone’s schedule. There is now a waiting list for OHC volunteers, but you can still leave your contact info and they will reach out to you if there is an opening or remember to sign up for 2017.

WAC
My second favorite day in Chicago is the annual WAC Crawl. WAC stands for the Wabash Arts Corridor. It stretches along Wabash Avenue downtown from Van Buren Street to Roosevelt Road. There several arts and educational organizations have joined forces to beautify the area and bring art to the public. This year the WAC Crawl will be held the evening of Friday October 21, 2016. Check the website the complete list of visual arts installations and performing arts events. And come back again and again to take part in the 1,000 cultural events each year.

BOAT RUNS
This time of year the sailboats are heading back from Lake Michigan to the dry docks on the River. the Boat Runs are an opportunity to watch the procession and raising of each of the bridges on the Main Branch of the Chicago River and the South Branch to Ashland Avenue. Boats gather between the Chicago lock and the Lake Shore Drive Bridge at 9AM every Wednesday and Saturday for the next few weeks. You can find the schedule on the City of Chicago website.

This is also an opportunity to see how the bridges work by visiting the McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse and River Museum. The museum is in the bridgehouse on the southwest corner of the River and Michigan Avenue. There is a $10.00 admission for these dates, but it’s worth is. Head to the lower level of the museum you can watch the bridge lifting mechanism. Then go to the top of the museum you can see the bridge raising from the view of the bridgehouse tenders of yore.

HALLOWEEN
During October there are lots of Oktoberfest and Halloween events across the city. Don’t forget to check Navy Pier, the Chicago Park District, the Cook County Forest Preserve District, Millennium Park and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for their FREE fall activities, family-friendly and adult/after hours events throughout the Halloween season. Check their websites for description of events as well as days and times.

COLUMBUS DAY PARADE
The annual Columbus Day Parade will march down State Street on October 10, 2016. The parade steps off at 12:30pm from Wacker Drive and to Van Buren Street. The parade will feature 150 units including bands and floats.

EAR TAXI
So sorry, but today is the last day of this music festival, but if you are in the area there is still time to catch some performances. Ear Taxi Festival some performances are FREE

CHICAGO OPEN ARCHIVES
Unfortunately, this is another event that ends today. So sorry, but I just found out about it. Chicago Open Archives is another multi-day, free event that gets you into many spaces that are not usually open to the public. “Over thirty local archives, research centers, and cultural institutions in the Chicago area will offer special events open to members of the public on October 6-8, 2016. Chicago Open Archives: Yours to Explore is an opportunity to discover unique historical materials and engage with archivists, librarians, and museum curators. You won't want to miss this opportunity to see sites, spaces, and materials that are normally not open to the public.” Chicago Open Archives events can be found on their website. If you can’t make it today, be sure to mark you calendars for next year.

The summer is over, but it's never too late to have a Chicago Free For All.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

I hope to see you in Chicago!

Come back every Friday to see the newest post.
I'll be glad to send you a reminder if you send your email address to ChicagFreeForAll@gmail.com.

Hi, I am Lynn and I have been a professional tour guide in Chicago for more than 15 years. I worked on the tour boats and successfully completed the rigorous training with the Chicago Architecture Foundation and the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. I specialize in customizing itineraries to help guests make a personal connection to the city. Whether learning about Chicago history, exploring our world-class architecture and public art or getting to know the famous and infamous characters from the past and present, I deliver a unique and memorable experience.

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