Finding Free Events in Chicago may not be easy, but we’ve done the hard work so you can enjoy the freebies - our up-to-date CHICAGO Free Events TODAY Calendar covers the best free concerts (classical, jazz, pop, rock, opera), free comedy shows, art exhibitions (museum, galleries), free and cheap party and nightlife activities & things to do right now, today, tonight in Chicago including Berwyn, Evanston, Gary, Oak Park, Bridgeview, Calumet City, Elmhurst, Oak Brook and more.

TODAY - Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

  • Windy City Harvest Corps 2nd Annual Partner Brunch
    FREE
    Windy City Harvest Corps 2nd Annual Partner Brunch
    January 22 @ 10am - 12pm

    Farm on Ogden, 3555 West Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623

    We will cover an overview our Corps program and referral opportunities There will be food and drinks provided along with tours of the Farm on Ogden
  • Golden Hour Featuring Luciano Antonio
    January 22 @ 5pm - 8pm

    201 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

    Join us in the Cafe Bar Thursday through Saturday for free live music, starting at 5PM until 8PM. Enjoy our exclusive food and drink specials until 7PM! Golden ...
  • SLVRRM Open Mic Night
    FREE Open Mic
    Slvrrm Open Mic Night
    January 22 @ 5pm - 7pm. Monthly - 4th Thursday

    The Silver Room, 1506 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615, USA

    Join Us Every Fourth Thursday Of The Month At The Silverroom From 6-8pm For The Slvrrm Open Mic! We're Providing An Open Platform And A Mic That Welcomes ...
  • Latine Film Gang Hangout X Mainstage Happy Hour
    January 22 @ 6pm - 9pm

    400 N Racine Ave Unit 107, Chicago, IL 60642, USA

    Join the Mainstage team and Latine Film Gang Hangout for a fun night of networking!
  • Driven By Taste
    FREE
    Driven By Taste
    January 22 @ 7pm - 10pm

    Tesla Chicago, 717 South Desplaines Street, Chicago, IL 60607

    An exclusive wine and networking experience blending curated tastings with Tesla’s bold innovation.
  • Ground Rules on Greatness: Artists Jam
    FREE
    Ground Rules On Greatness: Artists Jam
    January 22 @ 7pm - 10pm

    Experimental Station, 6100 South Blackstone Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637

    Experimental Station, in partnership with artist and curator Carlon Rosales, invites you to an evening of music, poetry, and dialogue exploring artists’ ...
  • A Fitness Carol - $15
    FREE
    A Fitness Carol - $15
    January 22 @ 7:30pm - 8:45pm

    de Maat Studio Theatre, 230 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60610

    ***THIS EVENT IS NOT FREE. TO BOOK YOUR SPOT AND ATTEND, PLEASE PURCHASE TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME AT SECONDCITY.COM*** A Fitness Carol is a new, New Year’s sketch ...
  • Apocalypse Confidential Presents: Poltergeist
    January 22 @ 7:30pm - 10pm

    5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, USA

    Apocalypse Confidential celebrates the release of Poltergeist by Jocelyn Szczepaniak-Gillece, presented by The Understudy. Featuring readings from Lake ...
  • Truth Or Dare Thursdays @ Joy District
    FREE Party
    Truth Or Dare Thursdays @ Joy District
    January 22 - January 23 @ 9pm - 1am. Weekly - Thursdays

    Joy District, 112 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

    Join us each and every Thursday at Joy District to kick off your weekend festivities. Thursday nights just got so much better. We are pleased to announce an ...

More Free Things To Do in Chicago Today

Besides many free events listed in our Free CHICAGO Events TODAY calendar above, here are some more Free Things to Do in Chicago Today & Every Day:

Newberry Library
60 West Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60610
Historic Newberry Library has been free for the public since 1887. This revered institution of learning and research shows off a collection of more than 1.5 rare books, manuscripts, maps, and more.

Lincoln Park Conservatory
2391 North Stockton Drive, Chicago, IL 60614 | https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/lincoln-park-conservatory
Lincoln Park Conservatory is lush, free, and open to the public throughout every season of the year. Established in 1877, Lincoln Park Conservatory is an iconic place that is famed above all else for its Victorian-style glass house containing an orchid room filled with the rarest, most exotic orchids in the world.

Millennium Park
201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Located in the Loop neighborhood, Millennium Park is Chicago's town square for art, culture, and relaxation. Public art installations make appearances in the park throughout the year. Cloud Gate and Crown Fountain both help to draw 25 million visitors to the park annually.

Cloud Gate
201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Cloud Gate is a famous public sculpture by Anish Kapoor that serves as the unofficial centerpiece of Millennial Park. This shiny, reflective structure is made up of 168 stainless-steel plates that have been welded together with zero seams. Its surface offers a wobbly, distorted reflection of the Chicago skyline.

Crown Fountain
201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
This 50-foot interactive work of public art was designed by a Spanish artist named Jaume Plensa. Composed of a reflecting pool made of black granite positioned between a pair of glass brick towers, this "digital" fountain cascades water from May through October.

Lurie Garden
220 East Monroe Street, Chicago, IL
Located inside Millennium Park, Lurie Garden is a 2.5-acre wonderland of perennials, bulbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees. A beautiful boardwalk cutting through Lure Garden creates a perfect opportunity for a stroll through lush terrain. Full of shade and light, the garden features the world's largest green roof.

The Magnificent Mile
https://www.themagnificentmile.com/
Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile is a glittery, manicured 13-block stretch full of many of the city's best restaurants, retail stores, and hotels. It stretches across North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street until hitting the Chicago River.

Chicago Riverwalk
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/chicagoriverwalk/home.html
The 1.25-mile Chicago Riverwalk offers a short walk with long views. Located on the south bank of the Chicago River's main branch, this path is brimming with options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The path can also be paddled!

Vietnam Memorial
330 Chicago Riverwalk
Take time out for patriotism and reflection while breezing through Chicago. Chicago's 330 Vietnam Memorial was rededicated in 2015 with a new look in honor of members of the U.S. Armed Services who served in Vietnam. The sculpture placed above the walkway leading to the memorial was designed by a Vietnam veteran named Gary Tillery.

The MART
222 West Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL
Constructed in 1930, The Mart stands today as the world's largest commercial building and design center. It was once the tallest building in the world. While the building is currently occupied by several businesses, retailers, and restaurants, visitors are free to simply walk around. The Jules Guérin murals in the lobby are not to be missed!

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