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.
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MUSEUMS

11/25/2016

1 Comment

 
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
1 Comment

MISC.

11/18/2016

1 Comment

 
​
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) a
t www.chicagogreeter.com

1 Comment

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS

11/11/2016

2 Comments

 
 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
2 Comments
    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.
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    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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