{"id":109699,"date":"2025-08-01T07:47:19","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T07:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/109699\/"},"modified":"2025-08-01T07:47:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T07:47:19","slug":"10-free-things-to-do-in-chicago-this-month-events-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/109699\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Free Things To Do In Chicago This Month | Events &#038; Activities"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>This month, catch jazz legends at a free music festival, explore an interactive science museum, and tour a Chicago neighborhood with a friendly local \u2014 all without spending a dime.<\/p>\n<p>Chicago is bursting with free things to do this August, including plenty of live music, free museum days, and neighborhood craft fairs and festivals. Summer is an especially great time for travelers on a budget \u2014 check out our guide to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/budget-summer-chicago\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free and cheap things to do this summer<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0for even more ideas.<\/p>\n<p>1. See the Chicago Air &amp; Water Show<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-343644\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-and-water-Show-8.15.2022-900x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\"  \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Aug. 15 \u2013 17, 2025<\/strong><br \/>The\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/articles\/festivals-special-events\/chicago-air-water-show\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chicago Air and Water Show<\/a><\/strong> is one of the city\u2019s most spectacular summer events. A beloved tradition for more than 60 years, this Lake Michigan spectacle has grown into the largest free show of its kind in the country.<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 16, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with practice flyovers on Friday, Aug. 15. Check out a few of our favorite <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/blog\/free-cheap\/where-to-watch-the-chicago-air-water-show\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">places to watch the show<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>2. Attend the Bud Billiken Parade<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-88478\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AA_BudBilikenParade_17_a74ceaf0-1ab7-475b-a04c-f627afaf57f0-900x675.jpg\"   alt=\"Bud Biliken Parade\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\"\/>Bud Billiken Parade<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aug. 9, 2025<\/strong><br \/>The 96th annual <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/event\/96th-bud-billiken-parade\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bud Billiken Parade<\/a><\/strong> is a long-standing Chicago tradition and the largest African American parade in the United States.<\/p>\n<p>Every summer since 1929, the joyous procession of bands, floats, dancers, and more kicks off the start of the school year and celebrates the culture of Chicago\u2019s historic South Side neighborhoods. This year\u2019s parade on Saturday, Aug. 9 stretches two miles through the Bronzeville community and into Washington Park.<\/p>\n<p>3. Honor Chicago history<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-580913\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Pullman_6-1-900x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\"  \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Through Aug. 25, 2025<\/strong><br \/>On the city\u2019s South Side, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/neighborhoods\/humboldt-park\/pullman\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pullman National Historical Park<\/a><\/strong> is a stunning landmark that represents Chicago\u2019s lasting contributions to the labor movement. This planned industrial community, accessible via Metra train from downtown, is famed for its urban design and preserved architecture.<\/p>\n<p>And now is the perfect time to visit, as the community celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Explore the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/pull\/learn\/news\/pullman-celebrates-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-brotherhood-of-sleeping-car-porters.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">special exhibit in the Visitor Center<\/a><\/strong> to learn more about the the first all-Black labor union in the US.<\/p>\n<p>4. Check out Chicago Jazz Festival<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-823382\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Jazz-Festival_5995-Photo-credit-Patrick-L.-Pyszka-City-of-Chicago-900x600.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago Jazz Festival stage lit up at night\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\"  \/>Chicago Jazz Festival, credit Patrick L. Pyszka<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aug. 28 \u2013 31, 2025<\/strong><br \/>The oldest of Chicago\u2019s free lakefront music festivals, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/articles\/festivals-special-events\/chicago-jazz-festival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chicago Jazz Festival<\/a><\/strong> boasts an incredibly diverse lineup of both living legends and up-and-coming talent.<\/p>\n<p>The free outdoor show in Millennium Park spans four days over <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/articles\/holidays\/chicago-labor-day-weekend-must-dos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Labor Day weekend<\/a><\/strong> from Thursday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Aug. 31. Grab a blanket or some chairs and find your spot on the lawn for this iconic event. This year\u2019s headliners include esperanza spalding, Monty Alexander, Kermit Ruffins, and Eliades Ochoa.<\/p>\n<p>5. Explore a new neighborhood<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-299801\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AA_ChicagoGreeter_ChinaTown_48-900x615.jpg\" alt=\"The Nine Dragon wall in Chinatown\" width=\"900\" height=\"615\"  \/> Chinatown; photo by Adam Alexander<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aug. 16 and 23, 2024<\/strong><br \/>Whether you\u2019re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there\u2019s always something new to discover in Chicago. Get to know a new neighborhood on a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/chicago-greeter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free Chicago Greeter tour<\/a><\/strong>, led by a friendly local who will show you each neighborhood\u2019s landmarks, hot spots, and hidden gems.<\/p>\n<p>This summer, Chicago Greeter is bringing <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/chicago-greeter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free pop-up walks<\/a><\/strong> to neighborhoods across the city. Check out this month\u2019s neighborhood pop-ups:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Explore ornate architecture and authentic cuisine in <strong>Chinatown on Aug. 16<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican art and culture in <strong>Humboldt Park on Aug. 23<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>6. See a movie under the stars<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-317337\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2021_0916_Concert_Serieres_Millennium_Park-29-2-900x600.jpg\" alt=\"Millennium Park Pritzker Pavilion\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\"  \/>Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aug. 5, 12, and 19, 2025<\/strong><br \/>Every summer in Chicago, visitors and locals flock to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to watch blockbusters, award-winning films, family classics, and cult favorites. The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/articles\/festivals-special-events\/millennium-park-summer-film-series\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Millennium Park Summer Film Series<\/a><\/strong> is back this August with free movies on select Tuesdays. Check out this month\u2019s lineup of free movie screenings in downtown Chicago:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Aug. 5:\u00a0My Best Friend\u2019s Wedding (1997, PG-13)<\/li>\n<li>Aug. 12:\u00a0Wicked\u00a0(2024, PG)<\/li>\n<li>Aug. 19:\u00a0Pride and Prejudice (2005, PG)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>7. Enjoy a free museum day<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-439454\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Museum-of-Contemporary-Art-Gary-Simmons-Photos-by-Ricardo-Adame-1-900x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\"  \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>All month long<\/strong><br \/>Spend an afternoon wandering through a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, provocative contemporary art, and galaxies far, far away.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the upcoming <strong>free museum days in Chicago for Illinois residents<\/strong> this August:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Explore more<\/strong>: Mark your calendar for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/articles\/museums-art\/free-museum-days-in-chicago\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>free museum days<\/b><\/a> throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p>8. Attend a neighborhood celebration<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-299368 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2021_0909_Gallery_Guichard-4-900x600.jpg\" alt=\"The sculpture garden at Gallery Guichard\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\"  \/>Gallery Guichard; photo by Abel Arciniega @tequilagraph<\/p>\n<p><strong>All month long<\/strong><br \/>Almost every Chicago neighborhood has its own signature summer event. There are music festivals, block parties, vintage markets, and street fairs dedicated to food, culture, and more. Here are just a few of the free fests happening in Chicago neighborhoods this month:<\/p>\n<p>9. Hear free live music<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-329936\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ToTT_20170725_711-900x601.jpg\" alt=\"Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MOCAC\" width=\"900\" height=\"601\"  \/>Tuesdays on the Terrace at the Museum of Contemporary Art<\/p>\n<p><strong>All month long<\/strong><br \/>Chicago\u2019s musical roots run deep, from locally born genres like house music to our own unique spin on the blues. And summer is filled with opportunities to hear live music with free concerts all over the city, from our museums to our public parks and beyond.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.grantparkmusicfestival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Grant Park Music Festival<\/b><\/a>: This 80-year tradition brings free classical music to Millennium Park\u2019s Great Lawn all summer long.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/articles\/festivals-special-events\/millennium-park-summer-music-series\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Millennium Park Summer Music Series<\/a><\/strong>: Grab a spot on the grass and enjoy free weekly concerts from local and national artists.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/articles\/festivals-special-events\/chicago-summerdance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chicago SummerDance<\/a><\/strong>: Learn some new moves with live music and dance classes held in Chicago parks, celebrating a diverse variety of genres.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mcachicago.org\/Programs\/Music\/Tuesdays-On-The-Terrace\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tuesdays on the Terrace<\/a><\/strong>: The Museum of Contemporary Art\u2019s popular series is back, with free weekly concerts highlighting artists from Chicago\u2019s internationally renowned jazz community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>10. Watch the summer fireworks on the lakefront<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-302455\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/NYE-Fireworks-at-Navy-Pier-900x600.jpg\" alt=\"NYE Fireworks at Navy Pier\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\"  \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Wednesdays and Saturdays in August\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/navypier.org\/summer-fireworks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Navy Pier fireworks<\/a><\/strong> are one of the most iconic parts of a Chicago summer. These twice-weekly shows take place on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m. all summer long.<\/p>\n<p>The breathtaking display is accompanied by a soundtrack of popular music. The last show of the summer will take place on Labor Day weekend. Top places to watch include the Navy Pier Beer Garden, Offshore Rooftop, or along the nearby lakefront.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Looking for more? Check out our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/articles\/tours-and-attractions\/free-chicago-museums-attractions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free things to do in Chicago<\/a> all year long.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This month, catch jazz legends at a free music festival, explore an interactive science museum, and tour a&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":109700,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5124],"tags":[960,3723,69870,5386,1818,1072],"class_list":{"0":"post-109699","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-chicago","8":"tag-chicago","9":"tag-free","10":"tag-free-events-in-chicago","11":"tag-il","12":"tag-illinois","13":"tag-things-to-do"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/114952407869121749","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109699","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109699"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109699\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/109700"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109699"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109699"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109699"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}