You don’t have to break the bank to have tons of fun all over the city. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicagoincluding can’t-miss festivals and events, outdoor adventures, concerts, parades, iconic Chicago experiences, and more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures for September 2024.
1. Visit a jazz festival
September is a great month for jazz lovers in Chicago. Check out these unique festivals that bring local, national and international jazz musicians to Chicago for several days of free live music.
- Chicago Jazz Festival: Labor Day weekend in Chicago can only mean one thing – the Chicago Jazz Festival. From August 29 to September 1, head to Millennium Park to check out the free festival known for attracting big names and emerging talent, and enjoy shows against a skyline backdrop.
- Englewood Jazz Festival: Enjoy three days of free music at the 25th annual Englewood Jazz Festival from September 19-21. Shows featuring local and national artists take place in Hamilton Park and the adjacent cultural center.
- Hyde Park Jazz Festival: This historic neighborhood hosts its annual free jazz festival on September 28 and 29. The multi-venue event includes both an outdoor festival at the Midway Plaisance and shows at the area’s many cultural institutions, including the Rockefeller Chapel and the DuSable Museum.
2. See a symbol of the labor movement
Just a train ride from downtown Chicago, Pullman National Historic Park is the only National Park Service site in the city. The community was established in the 1880s as a planned industrial town for a luxury railroad company and played an important role in the early labor movement. Join the Chicago Labor Day Parade and Eddie Fest on September 2nd for a day of fun activities. Afterwards, you can explore on your own or join a guided tour of the impressive grounds and exhibition centre.
3. Participate in the Taste of Chicago
One of the largest food festivals in the world with free entry. Taste of Chicago takes over the lakefront Grant Park from September 6-8. This year, festival-goers will find more than 40 restaurants and food trucks serving up their finest bites. While you’ll have to pay for food and drinks at the various vendors, there’s plenty to do without breaking the bank.
- Catch free concertswith headliners on the main stage including CeeLo Green, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Atlas Genius and more.
- The Goose Island Stage There will also be live music from up-and-coming local stars throughout the day.
- Learn new moves at a Chicago SummerDance Popupwith live music and dance of various genres.
4. Explore a new neighborhood
Chinatown; Photo by Adam Alexander
International Greeter Day is an annual event celebrating the Greeter program that brings locals and visitors together for free walking tours in over 140 cities around the world.
This year, Chicago Greeter is hosting free pop-up walking tours throughout the city led by knowledgeable locals on Saturday, September 7. Take walks in the following neighborhoods and downtown locations:
- Andersonville
- Bronzeville
- Chinatown
- Hyde Park
- Millennium Park
- Pilsen
- Uptown
- Ribbon
- Chicago: The River Walk
Learn more about International Greeter Day.
5. Experience Chicago culture at Navy Pier
Come to the Pier on September 21 and 22 for two days of back-to-back performances. Live in Chicago! is a free performance festival on the lakeshore Navy Pierwith more than 100 acts on five stages (including a headlining set by Chicago legend Jeff Tweedy).
This year’s lineup also includes local groups such as Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Joffrey Ballet, The Second City, Teatro ZinZanni, Red Clay Dance Company, DJ Lady D, Chicago Philharmonic and more.
6. Listen to music from all over the world
World Music Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings hundreds of musicians from around the world to Chicago to celebrate international music at multiple venues. The festival begins September 20 and runs through September 29.
Guests can experience the sounds of world music and its subgenres from various geographic regions such as Brazil, South Korea and Senegal. Don’t miss Ragamala, an all-day performance of Indian classical music at the Chicago Cultural Center that is always a favorite with fans.
7. Attend a neighborhood party
Almost every Chicago neighborhood has its own event. There are music festivals, street fairs, art events, and street festivals dedicated to food, culture, and more. Here are just a few of the free festivals happening this month:
8. Watch a show under the stars
Every summer, visitors and locals flock to Chicago’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park to relax, picnic and soak up a little Chicago culture. This is the last month to enjoy free concerts, dance performances and more with the illuminated skyline as a backdrop.
9. Enjoy a free museum day
Spend an afternoon strolling through a Chicago museum and immersing yourself in fascinating history, provocative contemporary art, and galaxies far, far away.
Here are the upcoming Free Museum Days in Chicago this month for Illinois residents:
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is free on 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 September
- Shedd Aquarium is free all day on 10 September and in the evenings on 3, 17 and 24 September
- Chicago History Museum is free on 2 and 25 September
- Field Museum is free every Wednesday
- Museum of Contemporary Art is free every Tuesday
- Art Institute of Chicago is free every Thursday evening after 5pm until September 26th
- Adler Planetarium is free every Wednesday evening from 4pm
You can also visit one of the city’s always free museums, such as the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and CultureThe National Museum of Mexican Artand the Hyde Park Art Centre.
Discover more: Mark your calendar for free museum days all year round.
10. Experience the new season of Art on THE MART
Art on THE MART is now showing brand new works along the Chicago Riverwalk. The latest edition of the massive waterfront exhibition kicks off on September 12 with Chicago-based dancer and visual artist Brendan Fernandes reimagining THE MART by projecting “new” doors and windows onto the building’s facade. The new program will be on view nightly (7:30-8:00 p.m.) all month long.
