This month in Chicago, explore lush indoor gardens, admire iconic works in one of the world’s top art museums, and join in milestone cultural celebrations — all without spending a dime.

Chicago is bursting with free things to do this month, including plenty of free museum days, spring flower shows, concerts, exciting art happenings, and so much more.

Start planning your budget trip to Chicago with this round-up of the free things to do and see throughout April 2026.

1. Celebrate International Jazz Day

A performance during International Jazz Day
International Jazz Day Tangier

Through April 2026
Chicago is proud to be the official host city of International Jazz Day 2026, a global celebration that honors jazz and the genre’s profound cultural impact. Music lovers can enjoy a variety of concerts and programs, including many free community events:

Explore all International Jazz Day 2026 events in Chicago.

2. Experience EXPO ART WEEK

View of an exhibit inside Hyde Park Art Center
Hyde Park Art Center; photography by Tom Van Eynde

April 7 – 12, 2026
EXPO ART WEEK is a citywide celebration of Chicago’s vibrant and diverse art scene. The annual event is hosted by EXPO CHICAGO, an international contemporary art fair held at Navy Pier each April.

EXPO ART WEEK includes open galleries, public art displays, guided tours, and more free events. Don’t miss highlights like:

  • South Side Night (Tuesday, April 7): Head to Chicago’s historic South Side to enjoy late opening hours at galleries in Hyde Park and beyond.
  • Art After Hours (Friday, April 10): Explore dynamic galleries and cultural institutions across the city during special evening hours.

See the full EXPO ART WEEK schedule for more details.

3. Get free museum admission

Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood
Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood; photo by Kathleen Hinkel

Select dates in April
On select days throughout the year, Chicago’s top museums open their doors and offer free admission for Illinois residents. This April, delve into the far reaches of space, explore local history, meet aquatic creatures from around the world, and so much more. 

This month’s free museum days for Illinois residents include: 

Explore more: Mark your calendar for free museum days throughout the year.

4. Admire spring flower shows

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Through April
It might be just warming up outside but it’s always a beautiful day inside the city’s conservatories. This April, the annual spring flower shows will be in bloom on the city’s North and West Sides.

  • Lincoln Park Conservatory (through May 10, 2026): This always-free conservatory is hosting its annual spring flower show, titled “Jewels of Spring.” The centerpiece is the amazing Tower of Jewels plant, with blooms two to three feet high.
  • Garfield Park Conservatory (through May 10, 2026): This historic indoor garden is now displaying “Showers of Flowers,” featuring more than 80 hanging baskets. Admission is free for Chicago residents, non-resident admission is $10.

Check out more spots to admire spring flowers in Chicago.

5. Visit a spring farmers market

Through April
Celebrate the bounty of spring during the opening weeks of select Chicago farmers markets. These free markets pop up in neighborhoods all over the city, marking the transition from winter to spring. Stroll the aisles of local vendors and artisans, sample their products, enjoy live music, and more.

In April, find Chicago farmers markets at these locations:

6. Celebrate National Poetry Month

Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation

Through April
Celebrate National Poetry Month at the Poetry Foundation, which houses a massive library, an exhibition gallery, a tree-lined courtyard, and a performance space. All year long, visitors will find an array of events that are free and open to the public.

Chicago Public Library locations throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods will also be hosting a series of events to celebrate National Poetry Month, including experiential workshops, book clubs, documentary screenings, and more.

7. Catch a new season of Art on THE MART

Art on the MART

Starts April 6, 2026
Art on THE MART is back and as big as ever, with a brand new season debuting this April. One of the world’s largest digital art platforms, this massive waterfront display transforms an architectural landmark into a larger-than-life canvas.  

The spring edition of Art on THE MART will kick off with a new commission by Luis Úrcolo, a Madrid-based artist whose works have been exhibited in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and beyond. The spring program will be on view nightly from 8:30 – 9:00 p.m. through May 31.

Explore: Find more things to do this month in Chicago.

8. Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden

April 6 – 10, 2026
Located just outside Chicago in suburban Glencoe, the sprawling Chicago Botanic Garden offers various free admission days throughout the year. This month, the gardens are free to all from Monday, April 6 to Friday, April 10, 2026. Explore the 385-acre grounds and check out all the spring blooms throughout the dozens of gardens and natural areas. Tickets are free but pre-registration is required.

9. Take advantage of open gallery nights

Bridgeport Art Center
Discover local artists at Bridgeport Art Center.

Select dates in April
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. This month, the open studio night falls on April 17.

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.

On the second Friday of each month, the Chicago Fine Arts Building invites the public to come inside their historic space and explore 10 floors of art and creativity. Meet an array of artists across disciplines, view their works, and learn more about their process. Come visit on Friday, April 10.

10. Explore a new neighborhood with Chicago Greeter

Monument to the Great Migration

Through April
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. Tours can be customized based on your interests and conducted in a variety of languages.

Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.