#1
Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleSep 25, 2026–Oct 18, 2026Free
Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park, Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo is listed for Chicago this weekend.
FreeLimited Run
Free Things to Do in Chicago Columbus Day Weekend 2026
27 picks
The 10 best free things to do in Chicago over Columbus Day Weekend (Oct 9–12)
- Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo — Sep 25–Oct 18, 2026 · Free · Lincoln Park
- Abbott Health & Fitness Expo — Thursday, October 8 – Saturday, October 10 · Free · Downtown
- Chicago Latino Dance Festival at Humboldt — Sunday, October 11, 3:00–5:00 PM · Free · Logan Square
- Family Day | Warmups — Saturday, October 10 11 AM–3 PM · Free · Downtown
- Chicago Zine Fest 2026 — Saturday, October 10 11 AM–4 PM · Free · Loop
- teamLab & Allison Martino in Conversation — Sunday, October 11 4–5 PM · Free · Hyde Park
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day — Monday, October 12 9:30 AM–4:30 PM · Lincoln Park
- The Paper Machete — Saturdays at 3pm (doors 1pm) · Free · Uptown
- Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration at Harrison — Saturday, October 10, 11am–4pm · Free · Pilsen
- Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Eckhart — Friday, October 9, 5:00–7:00 PM · Free · Logan Square
Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & Wrigleyville#1Sep 25, 2026–Oct 18, 2026 · Limited Run
Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleFall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo is listed for Chicago this weekend.
Add to calendar#2
McCormick Place, North Building, Hall B1, Near South Side, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopWarren LeMay from Chicago, IL, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsThursday, October 8 – Saturday, October 10, 2026Free and open to the public
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
Free and open to anyone: marathon bib pickup and the whole race-weekend trade floor.
FreeOne Weekend Only
#2Thursday, October 8 – Saturday, October 10, 2026 · One Weekend Only
McCormick Place, North Building, Hall B1, Near South Side, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopWarren LeMay from Chicago, IL, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsAbbott Health & Fitness Expo
Free and open to anyone: marathon bib pickup and the whole race-weekend trade floor.
Add to calendar#3
Humboldt (Alexander Von) Park, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park & BucktownGazeboJake · CC0 · Wikimedia CommonsSunday, October 11, 2026, 3:00–5:00 PMFREE
Chicago Latino Dance Festival at Humboldt
Logan Square, Wicker Park & Bucktown
Eight companies dance free and outdoors in Humboldt Park, from Afro-Latin to folkloric styles.
FreeOne Day Only
#3Sunday, October 11, 2026, 3:00–5:00 PM · One Day Only
Humboldt (Alexander Von) Park, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park & BucktownGazeboJake · CC0 · Wikimedia CommonsChicago Latino Dance Festival at Humboldt
Eight companies dance free and outdoors in Humboldt Park, from Afro-Latin to folkloric styles.
Add to calendar#4
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Streeterville, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopSaturday, October 10, 2026 · 11 AM–3 PMFREE for Family Day attendees
Family Day | Warmups
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
Free museum admission, artmaking and ASL interpretation open the MCA family season.
FreeOne Day Only
#4Saturday, October 10, 2026 · 11 AM–3 PM · One Day Only
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Streeterville, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopFamily Day | Warmups
Free museum admission, artmaking and ASL interpretation open the MCA family season.
Add to calendar#5
Harold Washington Library Center, LoopSaturday, October 10, 2026 · 11 AM–4 PMFree
Chicago Zine Fest 2026
Harold Washington Library Center, Loop
More than 70 zinesters fill two library floors with DIY publishing, panels and workshops.
FreeOne Day Only
#5Saturday, October 10, 2026 · 11 AM–4 PM · One Day Only
Harold Washington Library Center, LoopChicago Zine Fest 2026
More than 70 zinesters fill two library floors with DIY publishing, panels and workshops.
Add to calendar#6
Smart Museum of Art, Hyde ParkSunday, October 11, 2026 · 4–5 PMFREE
teamLab & Allison Martino in Conversation
Smart Museum of Art, Hyde Park
A teamLab member and the exhibition curator discuss the collective’s creative practice.
FreeOne Day Only
#6Sunday, October 11, 2026 · 4–5 PM · One Day Only
Smart Museum of Art, Hyde ParkteamLab & Allison Martino in Conversation
A teamLab member and the exhibition curator discuss the collective’s creative practice.
Add to calendar#7
Chicago History Museum, Lincoln ParkGoldnpuppy · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsMonday, October 12, 2026 · 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park
Illinois residents get free Monday access to the museum’s permanent and temporary shows.
FreeOne Day Only
#7Monday, October 12, 2026 · 9:30 AM–4:30 PM · One Day Only
Chicago History Museum, Lincoln ParkGoldnpuppy · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsChicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
Illinois residents get free Monday access to the museum’s permanent and temporary shows.
Add to calendar#8
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, UptownKenneth C. Zirkel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSaturdays at 3pm (doors 1pm); no end date announcedFREE
The Paper Machete
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Uptown
The script is new every week at this free two-hour show in the Green Mill, a bar since 1907.
FreeLimited Run
#8Saturdays at 3pm (doors 1pm); no end date announced · Limited Run
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, UptownKenneth C. Zirkel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsThe Paper Machete
The script is new every week at this free two-hour show in the Green Mill, a bar since 1907.
Add to calendar#9
Harrison (Carter) Park, PilsenSaturday, October 10, 2026, 11am–4pmFree
Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration at Harrison
Harrison (Carter) Park, Pilsen
A free afternoon of music, dance and stories for Indigenous Peoples' Day in Harrison Park.
FreeOne Day Only
#9Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11am–4pm · One Day Only
Harrison (Carter) Park, PilsenIndigenous Peoples' Day Celebration at Harrison
A free afternoon of music, dance and stories for Indigenous Peoples' Day in Harrison Park.
Add to calendar#10
Eckhart (Bernard) Park, West Town, Logan Square, Wicker Park & BucktownFriday, October 9, 2026, 5:00–7:00 PMFREE
Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Eckhart
Logan Square, Wicker Park & Bucktown
Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Eckhart has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
FreeOne Day Only
#10Friday, October 9, 2026, 5:00–7:00 PM · One Day Only
Eckhart (Bernard) Park, West Town, Logan Square, Wicker Park & BucktownTransilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Eckhart
Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Eckhart has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendarMore this weekend
#11
Old Town School of Folk Music, Lincoln SquareMonday, October 12, 2026, 7:30pmFree
Indigenous Peoples' Day featuring Colectivo Sayba, Tamanaco Tambor & Trio Axol
Old Town School of Folk Music, Lincoln Square
Indigenous Peoples' Day featuring Colectivo Sayba, Tamanaco Tambor & Trio Axol has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
FreeLimited Run
#11Monday, October 12, 2026, 7:30pm · Limited Run
Old Town School of Folk Music, Lincoln SquareIndigenous Peoples' Day featuring Colectivo Sayba, Tamanaco Tambor & Trio Axol
Indigenous Peoples' Day featuring Colectivo Sayba, Tamanaco Tambor & Trio Axol has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#12
Douglass Park, North Lawndale, Pilsen, West Town & the West SideFriday, October 9, 2026 · 6–8 PMFREE
The Heart of the Story at Douglass
Pilsen, West Town & the West Side
Cerqua Rivera’s Dance Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra lead a free all-ages performance.
FreeOne Day Only
#12Friday, October 9, 2026 · 6–8 PM · One Day Only
Douglass Park, North Lawndale, Pilsen, West Town & the West SideThe Heart of the Story at Douglass
Cerqua Rivera’s Dance Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra lead a free all-ages performance.
Add to calendar#13
Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery, Ravenswood, Andersonville, Uptown & Lincoln SquareSaturday, October 10, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM, and Sunday, October 11, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, 2026Free
Oktoberfestiversary
Andersonville, Uptown & Lincoln Square
Oktoberfestiversary has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
FreeOne Weekend Only
#13Saturday, October 10, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM, and Sunday, October 11, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, 2026 · One Weekend Only
Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery, Ravenswood, Andersonville, Uptown & Lincoln SquareOktoberfestiversary
Oktoberfestiversary has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#14
100 W. Division St.Sep 19, 2026–Oct 17, 2026Free
Division Street Farmers Market
100 W. Division St.
Division Street Farmers Market is listed for Chicago this weekend.
FreeLimited Run
#14Sep 19, 2026–Oct 17, 2026 · Limited Run
100 W. Division St.Division Street Farmers Market
Division Street Farmers Market is listed for Chicago this weekend.
Add to calendarThe whole weekend, in one email.
Friday at 5pm, one email. Unsubscribe anytime.
#15
Wish Field, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleRuns through Oct 3, 2026Free
DePaul Athletics Women’s Soccer
Lincoln Park, Lakeview & Wrigleyville
DePaul Athletics Women’s Soccer has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
FreeLimited Run
#15Runs through Oct 3, 2026 · Limited Run
Wish Field, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleDePaul Athletics Women’s Soccer
DePaul Athletics Women’s Soccer has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#16
Chicago Cultural Center, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopGrant Henninger · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsApr 25, 2026–Oct 18, 2026Free
Tangible Sound: Arrival to a Higher Ground
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
Tangible Sound: Arrival to a Higher Ground is listed for Chicago this weekend.
FreeLimited Run
#16Apr 25, 2026–Oct 18, 2026 · Limited Run
Chicago Cultural Center, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopGrant Henninger · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsTangible Sound: Arrival to a Higher Ground
Tangible Sound: Arrival to a Higher Ground is listed for Chicago this weekend.
Add to calendar#17
AIDS Garden Chicago, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleSat, Oct 10, 2026 · 10:00amFree
Really Really Free Market
Lincoln Park, Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Really Really Free Market has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
FreeOne Day Only
#17Sat, Oct 10, 2026 · 10:00am · One Day Only
AIDS Garden Chicago, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleReally Really Free Market
Really Really Free Market has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#18
Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, EvanstonNick Number · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsMonday, October 12, 2026, 10:00 AM–5:00 PMFree admission all day
Indigenous Peoples' Day Free Admission at Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, Evanston
Indigenous Peoples' Day Free Admission at Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
FreeOne Day Only
#18Monday, October 12, 2026, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM · One Day Only
Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, EvanstonNick Number · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsIndigenous Peoples' Day Free Admission at Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Indigenous Peoples' Day Free Admission at Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#19
Chicago Riverwalk (Wells St. to Franklin St.), River North, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopChris Rycroft from Madison, Wisconsin, United States · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsThursdays through Sundays, 7:30–8:00 PM, through Nov 15, 2026Free and open to the public
ART on THE Mart
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
ART on THE Mart is listed for Chicago this weekend.
FreeArt
#19Thursdays through Sundays, 7:30–8:00 PM, through Nov 15, 2026 · Limited Run
Chicago Riverwalk (Wells St. to Franklin St.), River North, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopChris Rycroft from Madison, Wisconsin, United States · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons#20
Malcolm X College, Near West Side, Pilsen, West Town & the West SideSaturday, October 10, 2026; doors 10:30 AM, programming 11:00 AM–4:00 PMFREE
Healing Arts Chicago Summit
Pilsen, West Town & the West Side
Healing Arts Chicago Summit has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
FreeLimited Run
#20Saturday, October 10, 2026; doors 10:30 AM, programming 11:00 AM–4:00 PM · Limited Run
Malcolm X College, Near West Side, Pilsen, West Town & the West SideHealing Arts Chicago Summit
Healing Arts Chicago Summit has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#21
Annoyance Theatre & BarSep 18, 2026–Oct 17, 2026Free
Comedy Hour at Annoyance Theatre
Annoyance Theatre & Bar
Comedy Hour at Annoyance Theatre is listed for Chicago this weekend.
FreeLimited Run
#21Sep 18, 2026–Oct 17, 2026 · Limited Run
Annoyance Theatre & BarComedy Hour at Annoyance Theatre
Comedy Hour at Annoyance Theatre is listed for Chicago this weekend.
Add to calendar#22
Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopSep 18, 2026–Oct 18, 2026FREE
Chicago Greeter Riverwalk InstaGreeter Walk
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
Chicago Greeter Riverwalk InstaGreeter Walk is listed for Chicago this weekend.
FreeLimited Run
#22Sep 18, 2026–Oct 18, 2026 · Limited Run
Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopChicago Greeter Riverwalk InstaGreeter Walk
Chicago Greeter Riverwalk InstaGreeter Walk is listed for Chicago this weekend.
Add to calendar#23
Chicago Cultural Center, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopSep 18, 2026–Oct 18, 2026FREE
Chicago Greeter – Loop InstaGreeter
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
Chicago Greeter – Loop InstaGreeter is listed for Chicago this weekend.
FreeLimited Run
#23Sep 18, 2026–Oct 18, 2026 · Limited Run
Chicago Cultural Center, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopChicago Greeter – Loop InstaGreeter
Chicago Greeter – Loop InstaGreeter is listed for Chicago this weekend.
Add to calendar#24
Greektown Chicago, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopSep 18, 2026–Oct 18, 2026Free
We the People: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Beauty in Greektown Chicago
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
We the People: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Beauty in Greektown Chicago is listed for.
FreeLimited Run
#24Sep 18, 2026–Oct 18, 2026 · Limited Run
Greektown Chicago, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopWe the People: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Beauty in Greektown Chicago
We the People: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Beauty in Greektown Chicago is listed for.
Add to calendarAbout this list
Stumblday's hand-checked ranking of the best free things to do in Chicago over Columbus Day weekend 2026 (Oct 10–12): 27 picks, refreshed weekly.
