This month in Chicago, explore lush indoor gardens, admire iconic works in one of the world’s top art museums, and join in colorful cultural celebrations — all without spending a dime.
Chicago is bursting with free things to do this March 2026, including plenty of free museum days, outdoor adventures, cultural happenings, a Lunar New Year parade, and so much more.
Start planning your budget trip to Chicago with this round-up of the free things to do and see all month long.
1. Catch the Lunar New Year parade
March 1, 2026
Head to Chicago’s historic Chinatown neighborhood for the annual Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, March 1, 2026. This colorful cultural celebration features traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, elaborate floats, marching bands, and more.
The parade will begin at 1 p.m. at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and travel north on Wentworth toward the viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth.
2. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
March 14, 2026
Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are among some of the most iconic in the world — and you can experience them for free. This year’s downtown festivities will take place on Saturday, March 14.
Get up bright and early to watch the Chicago River dyeing, an annual tradition when the water turns brilliant shade of emerald green.
Next, head to Columbus Drive to catch the annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade filled with Irish dancers, bagpipers, marching bands, and more.
3. Get free admission at Chicago museums
Through March
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 during March 2026 for Illinois residents:
- Shedd Aquarium: March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 after 5 p.m.
- Field Museum: Wednesdays in March
- Adler Planetarium: March 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, and 25
- Chicago History Museum: March 4, 12, and 25
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: March 9, 10, and 11
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago: Tuesdays after 5 p.m.
- DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center: Free for all every Wednesday
4. Celebrate Holi at Navy Pier
March 7, 2026
Holi is an ancient Hindu tradition that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Experience the country’s largest free Holi celebration with live music, DJs, dance, interactive programs, and colorful powder throwing.
Part of Navy Pier’s Global Connections Series, this event will take place at the lakefront Beer Garden and inside the Aon Grand Ballroom on Saturday, March 7. Admission is free, colored powder will be available for purchase on-site.
5. Admire the first blooms of spring
Through March
It’s always springtime in the city’s indoor conservatories.
At the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the annual spring show is called “Jewels of Spring” and runs through May 10, 2026. Admire the wide range of colorful, artfully presented blooms. Book your free reservations online in advance.
Named the best garden in North America, Garfield Park Conservatory will be hosting its spring celebration now through May 10, 2026. This year’s theme is “Showers of Flowers,” highlighting more than 80 hanging baskets. Admission is free for Chicago residents, non-residents are $10.
6. Honor Women’s History Month
Through March
Chicago’s history has been shaped by a long line of bold, pioneering women and Women’s History Month is the perfect time to honor that legacy. The city is home to monuments for trailblazers like Jane Addams, Ida B. Wells, Pearl Hart, and beyond.
Dive into Chicago’s female-led history by visiting these free historic sites:
- The Light of Truth Ida B. Wells National Monument in Bronzeville
- Jane Addams Hull-House Museum near Little Italy
- Chicago Legacy Walk in Lakeview
- Mahalia Jackson Court in Chatham
- Gwendolyn Brooks Park in Kenwood
7. Explore artist galleries
March 20, 2026
Head to Bridgeport Art Center on the third Friday of each month to enjoy Open Studio hours. Meet local painters, sculptors, photographers, fashion designers, ceramic artists, woodworkers, and more during this free evening event. Each month offers something new to see.
Nearby, the Zhou B Art Center also opens its doors for free open studio nights on the third Friday of the month. Wander through different galleries, chat with resident artists, and explore a blend of international and local art.
8. Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden
March 16 – 19, 2026
Located just outside Chicago, the sprawling Chicago Botanic Garden is offering various free admission days this year for Illinois residents.
This month, the gardens are free from Monday, March 16 to Thursday, March 19. Celebrate the beginning of spring in Chicago by exploring the sprawling grounds then checking out the lush greenhouses. Tickets are free but pre-registration is required.
9. Visit free cultural spaces
Through March
Along with the city’s popular free museum days, Chicago is also filled with museums and cultural institutions that are free all year round.
Here are just a few of the free-admission museums and cultural spaces in Chicago.
- National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen
- Renaissance Society in Hyde Park
- National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture in Humboldt Park
- Chicago Cultural Center in the Loop
- Hyde Park Art Center in Hyde Park
- The Climate Action Museum near West Loop
10. Discover a new neighborhood
Through March
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.
Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.
