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 2025.
1. Watch the first summer fireworks show
May 24, 2025
The Navy Pier summer fireworks kick off for the season on Saturday, May 24, 2025, during Memorial Day weekend.
This popular season series is one of the most iconic parts of a Chicago summer. The 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.
2. Attend a free workout at Millennium Park
Saturdays starting May 17, 2025
Grab your mat and head to the Great Lawn for a free weekend fitness class. Millennium Park will be hosting outdoor workouts every Saturday morning this summer, starting on May 17. Get your heart pumping with pilates, yoga, cardio, kickboxing, Zumba, and more. Learn more about Millennium Park Summer workouts.
3. Watch Buckingham Fountain switch on for the summer
May 10, 2025
Mark your calendar for this Chicago summer tradition. Switch on Summer celebrates the start of the season with the official turning on of the city’s iconic Buckingham Fountain. The event, which takes place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, will also include free performances from local dance, music, and cultural groups.
4. Honor Asian American Heritage Month
All month long
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to honor and explore the rich cultural contributions of the city’s diverse Asian community. Check out some of the free celebrations happening this month.
- Music of Cambodia (May 3): This free performance will showcase the tradition and history of ancient Cambodian music.
- Origami Workshop (May 6): Learn the art of Japanese paper folding at this free workshop, where attendees will learn three basic origami patterns.
- Free Admission Night at Heritage Museum of Asian Art (May 16): Enjoy free admission to this fascinating museum showcasing Asian art, with complimentary tours, wine, and appetizers.
Explore more: Find more things to do during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
5. Catch a new season of ART on THE MART
All month long
A brand new season of ART on THE MART is now showing along the Chicago Riverwalk. The spring edition of the massive waterfront display kicks off with a new commission by Shana Moulton, a video, performance, and installation artist. The spring program is on view nightly from 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. from now through July 6, 2025.
6. Enjoy a free museum day
All month long
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 for Illinois residents during May 2025:
- Field Museum is free every Wednesday in May
- Museum of Contemporary Art is free for Illinois residents every Tuesday after 5 p.m.
- Shedd Aquarium is free every Tuesday evening after 5 p.m.
- Chicago History Museum is free on May 8 and 26
- 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 Chicago’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.
7. Browse a local farmers market
All month long
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 kicks off its 25th season on Sunday, May 4, with free kid-friendly activities, pilates, yoga, and more.
- The 61st Street Farmers Market opens for the season on Saturday, May 17, just a few blocks from Jackson Park in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
- The outdoor Maxwell Street Market opens on Saturday, May 17, with free live entertainment and programming from cultural partners.
- The iconic Green City Market is now open every Saturday and Wednesday in Lincoln Park, overflowing with fresh produce and local favorite bakeries.
Explore more: Check out more farmers markets happening all around Chicago.
8. Celebrate Mexican culture at Navy Pier
May 2 – 5, 2025
Immerse yourself in Mexican culture during Mexico Fest at Navy Pier (May 2 – 5) . This free event will feature live music and dance performances, 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 Rimel, 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”).
9. Attend the Chicago Memorial Day Parade
May 24, 2025
Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day with the City of Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade. The ceremony will start at 11 a.m. in Daley Plaza, followed by the parade at noon. The parade route will proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street.
10. Swim at a free Chicago beach
Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics
Starting May 24, 2025
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.
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.
