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FALL FUN

9/23/2016

NOTE: I had a glitch in my Gmail account (no I was not hacked – don’t worry) and I lost all the email addresses of those of you who wanted an email reminder when I publish a new post. Please resent your email address to ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com . I apologize for the inconvenience.

If you are new to my site, please notice this is not a "what's happening today" information. Rather it is a place to plan your visit to Chicago in advance. I recommend you begin with my first post 1/1/2016 and work your way through.

FALL FUN
I can’t believe summer is over and this is the first full day of fall. I hope you had a great summer and a Chicago Free For All. But just because we are saying goodbye to summer doesn’t not mean the end of FREE things to do in Chicago. Here are a few events coming up through the end of September that are Free For All.

CHICAGO WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Continuing through this weekend, “The World Music Festival…is held annually by the city. It lasts for eight days and has featured musicians from over 75 countries since its inception” The festival ends September 25, 2016. This is a citywide event so check the website for locations, line ups and times.

OKTOBERFESTS
Can anyone tell me why Oktoberfests are held in September? Anyway, the magazine Time Out Chicago magazine and the RedEye paper have a lists of festivals. The RedEye is a FREE periodical.

HYDE PARK JAZZ FESTIVAL
For the 10th year, head south to Hyde Park and the University of Chicago to enjoy the sounds of world-class musicians. A list of artists, times and locations of performances is listed on the website. A map should be available to download soon. They say all performances are FREE but a $5 (or more) donation is always appreciated.

WEST TOWN ART WALK
Running from September 30-Oct 1, 2016 this event will offer FREE family-friendly and adult events throughout both days. The website features a FREE app and a FREE downloadable map. FREE transportation around the event on rickshaws. For most sites head west on Chicago Ave. between Hoyne and Milwaukee.

PATCH CALENDAR
Sign up for the Lakeview Patch and the Lincoln Square Patch calendars to receive updates for delivery to your in box.

So, it’s not to late too get out and have a Chicago Free For All!

NOTE: Please don’t forget to resend your email address to ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com to continue to receive email reminders of new posts.

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!

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APPS

9/16/2016

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I have come across several FREE apps that can help guide you around the city. Before downloading, be sure to read the ratings and reviews and carefully study the features on your phone the app needs to access. Then you can decide for yourself if this is an app you want to download. I’ve been told to only get apps from the IStore or Google Store.

Public Art Chicago “GPS-guided walking tours of public art in the City of Chicago”

Statue Stories: “If statues could talk what would they say?” You can go to the website to find a list of the talking statues and their location. Then look for the nearby red, white and blue sign; swipe your phone at the QR logo and wait for the sculpture to call you back.

Art Institute of CHicago: “Planning a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago? Let the museum help you navigate its nearly one million square feet and thousands of works of art on view.”

Field Museum of Natural History: “It’s the best of The Field Museum… Get more out of every visit to The Field Museum of Chicago. The Field Museum app is loaded with exclusive content, experiences and curated tours.”

Chicago Park District: “My Chi Parks is your hub for over 1,000 free summer events in Chicago’s parks.

Chicago Public Library: Features include finding FREE events.

Millennium Park: “Keep up with every event and exhibit at Chicago’s Millennium Park…photography and the in-depth story of the park’s history…suggested self-walking tours.”

Choose Chiccago: Here you will find information on “Neighborhhoods, Things To Do, Plan Your Trip, Find A Hotel, Blog, Deals, What’ Nearby”

Chicago Transit Authority Here you will find the CTA Trip Planner and the BUS and TRAIN TRACKER

CHICAGO “L” MAP and CHICAGO MAP There are several versions of these, pick the one that best meets your needs.

RADISSON BLUE AQUA HOTEL TOUR “The Art of Blue explores art features in the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel.”
StoryCorps “StoryCorps’ mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.”Spot Hero: Looking for the best parking? This app will help you find the lowest price in your area and let you book a space in advance.

Gas Buddy: You can find the best gas prices in your area..

These are some FREE apps some friends and colleagues recommend. I have not used them, but they sound great.

VAMONDE CHICAGO “Explore Chicago’s hidden stories through location-aware, interactive adventures.” (Currently only available for IPhones but stay tuned. An Android version is in the works.)

Chicago City Guide “Offers insider reviews and photos for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to go in Chicago. Named Editor’s choice on Google Play.”

Detour “Beautifully produced GPS audio walks that take you beneath the surface of cities around the world.”

Field Trip “…your guide to the cool, hidden, and unique things around you. (Note this app is designed to run in the background and will drain your battery.)

History Hero / Chicago “The 1st interactive educational video game guide to museums & historical sites!”

HISTORY HERE “An interactive guide to thousands of historic locations across the United State.”

Periodically check organizations and facilities for FREE apps. I suspect if they don’t already exist more FREE apps will be developed.

If you have favorite FREE Chicago apps please let me know. I’ll be sure to add them in a future update. Send them to ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com.

NOTE: Please don’t forget to resend your email address to ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com to continue to receive email reminders of new posts.

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!

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GETTING INFO

9/9/2016

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Some of you have asked me, “How I find out about all of these FREE things to do?” So here are a few suggestions so you to find out what’s going on in Chicago for FREE. I hope as you come across FREE events and activities you will let me know so I can share them with all of my blog readers.

First, keep your eyes and ears open. Watch local TV broadcasts and listen to local radio stations. The Chicago TV news programs on ABC, NBC, CBS and WGN, talk radio like WGN 720AM, news radio WBBM 780AM and WBEZ 91.5FM are great sources of what’s going on in the city. WTTW, WYCC are TV public broadcasting stations offering many programs devoted to local issues. Many cable companies broadcast City of Chicago channels . There you can see programs about the Chicago Park District facilities and activities among other shows. You can check the websites for lists of programs and broadcast schedules.

Second, look around. Watch for billboards, posters, kiosks and flyers on bulletin boards around town announcing upcoming events.

Third, check the websites of local organizations like the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Park District, Navy Pier and Millennium Park. Then sign up for the enewsletters of these and other organizations. You will get announcements right to your inbox.

Fourth, if you are more tech savvy than I you can follow groups on Facebook, Twitter and other social media.

Next; sign up for the enewsletters from the city Alderman. Most send weekly or monthly updates on news in the area including FREE activities. You can search for the Alderman for each neighborhood on the city website.

Finally, of course I hope you will continue to follow my blog and contribute to the blog as you discovery the FREE things to do in Chicago. I have some special posts coming up in the next few weeks.

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!

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Plans for September

9/2/2016

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September

Labor Day weekend is upon us marking the unofficial end of summer. I hope you have enjoyed a fun packed summer with loads of things to do for FREE. But this does not mark the end of FREE things to do in Chicago.

In case you haven’t already filled your weekend with activities, here is one more activity to do and some others to plan for later in the month for FREE

CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL

This year September 3-4, 2016 is the annual Chicago Jazz Festival. Held in various locations throughout Millennium Park the weekend is packed full of world-class music and it is FREE. Each day the concerts start at 11:30am and end at 3:30pm (15:30 on the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace. On the south promenade, The Von Freeman Pavilion performances run from noon to 3:30pm (15:30). The Jazz and Heritage Pavilion on the north promenade hosts musicians from 12:30pm to 3:30pm (15:30). Then end your day at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion starting at 5:30 (17:30) and ending at 8:30pm (20:30). For the complete lineup check out the Chicago Jazz Festival website.

BARGAIN
The Midnight Circus in the Park started its 10th season last Saturday but will perform every weekend through October 16, 2016. Shows are offered at 3PM (15:00) on both Saturdays and Sundays and tickers are only $5.00. This is a great family-friendly and affordable event. You will find weekly locations on the Midnight Circus in the Park website.

BIRD WATCHING WITH AN EXPERT
Stop by on the way to work and look for birds along the rivewalk with the experts from the National Audubon Society on October 7, 2016. Meet on the Chicago Riverwalk at LaSalle Street & Wacker Drive between 8am and 8:30am. Everyone is welcome including beginners. Don’t forget to take your own binoculars, but some extras will be loaned if needed.

BRIDGE LIFTS
As fall approaches we can look forward to the “boat runs”. As the sailboats head to dry dock for the season, each of the movable bridges on the main and south branches of the river are lifted. Check the schedule at www.chicagoloopbridges.com/schedule.

SMITHSONIAN FREE DAY OF MUSEUMS
Museum Day Live! is the annual celebration hosted by the Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket. On their website click on “find a museum” then search by state, zip code or keyword. Click on your choice, enter you name and email and a ticket good for 2 people will be emailed to you. It’s that easy.

The participating museums in Chicago include:
The Adler Planetarium,
Clarke House Museum,
DuSable Museum of African-American History,
Glessner House Museum,
International Museum of Surgical Science,
Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art,
Loyola University museum of Art,
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago,
National Hellenic Museum,
Smart Museum of Art,
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

(Hint: Not in Chicago? There are participating museums all over the country.)

FREE TOURS
Don't forget about the International Greeter Day. To celebrate the volunteer Greeters all over the world and to show off Chicago, the Chicago Greeters will be conducting FREE guided walks on September 10, 2106. Join us for 1 or more of the fun and interesting walks.

The summer may be coming to a close, but that does not mean the end of FREE things to do in Chicago.

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

Until then I hope to see you in Chicago!

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CHICAGO FREE FOR ALL!

FALL FUN

APPS

GETTING INFO

Plans for September

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