You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do all around the city. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicago, including exciting new art events, outdoor adventures, iconic Chicago attractions, and so much more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures for May 2024.
1. Watch the first summer fireworks show
The Navy Pier summer fireworks display is 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. The breathtaking display is accompanied by a soundtrack of popular music, with special themed nights for holidays.
The summer fireworks series kicks off for the season on Saturday, May 25, 2024 during Memorial Day weekend. The best places to watch the show include the Navy Pier Beer Garden, Offshore Rooftop, or along the nearby lakefront.
2. Honor AAPI Heritage Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to honor and explore the rich cultures and contributions of the city’s diverse Asian community. Check out some of the free celebrations happening this month.
- Music of Cambodia (May 4): This free performance will showcase the tradition and history of ancient Cambodian music at the Harold Washington Library Center.
- Free Admission Night at Heritage Asian Art Museum (May 17): Enjoy free admission to this fascinating museum showcasing Asian art, with complimentary tours, wine, and appetizers.
- Asia on Argyle Block Park (May 18) This free block party will showcase the vibrant Argyle corridor, cultural performances, live music, youth activities, and more.
Explore more: Find more things to do during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
3. Catch a new season of Art on theMART
A brand new season of Art on theMART is now showing along the Chicago Riverwalk. The spring edition of the massive waterfront display kicks off with a new commission by internationally acclaimed artist Nora Turato, in conjunction with EXPO CHICAGO. The spring program is on view nightly from 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. from now through June 5.
4. Scoot or skate along the Ribbon
5. Browse a local farmers market
Spring is farmers market season in Chicago! The city’s many free markets are filled with local and regional vendors selling handmade candles, seasonal produce, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, and more. Many neighborhood markets also offer free live music, performances, storytimes for kids, and workout classes.
- The Wicker Park Farmers Market opens on Sunday, May 5 with free kid-friendly activities, pilates, and yoga.
- The 61 Street Farmers Market opens for the season on May 11 just a few blocks from Jackson Park in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
- The outdoor Maxwell Street Market is brimming with eclectic, international treasures waiting to be found.
- The iconic Green City Market is now open every Saturday in Lincoln Park, overflowing with fresh produce and local favorite bakeries.
Explore more: Check out more farmers markets happening all around Chicago.
6. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Immerse yourself in Mexican culture in honor of Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 5. Mexico Fest at Navy Pier (May 3 – 5) will feature free music and dance performances from Mexican artists, a curated marketplace experience with more than 30 vendors, and exciting free workshops. Events include performances from local groups like Ballet Folklorico de Chicago, Mariachi Estrellas de Chicago, Grupo Cizma, and more.
Explore more: Delve further into Mexican culture and cuisine in Chicago’s international neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village (known as the “Mexico of the Midwest”).
7. Hit the beach
Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics
Chicago’s scenic Lake Michigan shoreline stretches for 26 miles, dotted with more than two dozen sandy beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning views. Beach season officially begins on Memorial Day weekend, when Chicago’s free beaches will be open for the public the enjoy.
People watch at North Avenue Beach, take in the views at South Shore Beach, play some beach volleyball at Foster Beach, and beyond. Many Chicago beaches are connected via the Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile path for pedestrians to run, walk, and bike.
Explore more: Check out more sandy spots to explore with our Chicago beach guide.
8. Catch the first spring blooms
Named the best garden in North America, Garfield Park Conservatory is a lush wonderland of botanical treasures from all over the globe. The soaring glass greenhouse is currently hosting its annual Spring Flower Show: Bee’s Knees through May 14, focusing on the relationship between bees and blooms. Admission to the conservatory is free; reservations are required and donations are accepted.
You can also swing by the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a warm and tranquil oasis in the lakefront Lincoln Park neighborhood. Their Spring Flower Show: Cooler by the Lake is themed around Chicago’s stunning waterfront and runs through May 12. Admission is free, you can reserve tickets online in advance.
Explore more: Find the best spots to see spring flowers all around Chicago.
9. Enjoy a free museum day
Spend an afternoon wandering through a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, provocative contemporary art, and galaxies far, far away.
Here are the upcoming free museum days in Chicago this month for Illinois residents:
- Field Museum is free every Wednesday
- Museum of Contemporary Art is free for Illinois residents every Tuesday
- Shedd Aquarium is free every Tuesday evening after 5 p.m.
- Chicago History Museum is free May 1, 27, and 29
- DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is free for all every Wednesday
- Adler Planetarium is free every Wednesday evening after 4 p.m.
You can also visit one of the city’s always-free museums, like the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Hyde Park Art Center.
Explore more: Mark your calendar for free museum days throughout the year.
10. Go back in time in Pullman
Just a train ride away from downtown Chicago, Pullman National Historic Park is the city’s only National Park Service site. The community was built as a planned industrial town for a luxury railcar company in the 1880s. While it was designed to be a utopia, Pullman has a tumultuous history that was instrumental in the labor movement. Wander the grounds, admire the striking architecture, and learn more about this unique National Monument.
Bonus! Explore a new neighborhood
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover in Chicago. Get to know a new neighborhood on a free Chicago Greeter tour, led by a friendly local who will show you each neighborhood’s landmarks, hot spots, and hidden gems.
For example, experience an urban melting pot in West Ridge, featuring plenty of international grocers and authentic restaurants. Become immersed in the historic communities of Washington Park and Woodlawn, which are home to a lively art scene, must-try eateries, and an abundance of landmarks. Or take a cultural journey with an immersive visit to the historic Chinatown neighborhood.
