12 venues · 46 upcoming events
Things to do in Downtown & Near North: free events and every venue
Every place we list events for, grouped by neighbourhood. Each venue page shows what’s coming up (recurring shows on their next date), what we’ve listed there before, the address, the 'L', CTA buses and Metra and what’s nearby — checked by a person, not a crawler.
Free in Downtown & Near North this week
3 free events in the next seven days, soonest first. Free means the venue prints it as free; a few still ask you to register.
- Poetry Foundation
FRI, OCT 23Pegasus Awards ReadingPoetry FoundationFree · registration encouragedDetails → - Newberry Library
SAT, OCT 24Guided Tour of the NewberryNewberry LibraryFree and open to allDetails → - Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
FreeTUESDAYS · 7:00 AMSOAR Farmers MarketMuseum of Contemporary Art ChicagoFreeDetails →
Downtown & Near North
- Art InstituteArt Institute of Chicago0 pastThe LoopEncyclopedic art museum on Michigan Avenue running free daily gallery tours, Mindful Looking sessions, Spanish-language tours and drop-in Artist's Studio making.See what's on →
- Cultural CenterChicago Cultural Center0 pastThe LoopCity-run landmark with free exhibitions, concerts, talks and performances year-round, open daily 10am–5pm.See what's on →
- Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum9 upcomingOld Town / Lincoln ParkCity history museum running neighborhood walking tours, film screenings, partner events and exhibition programs.See what's on → - Embers + Apothecary
Embers + Apothecary Co.0 pastSouth Loop / Printers RowPrinters Row candle bar where you pour your own scented candle, with seasonal perfume-making and Gift & Glow holiday sessions.See what's on → - Field MuseumField Museum0 pastMuseum CampusNatural history museum on Museum Campus hosting after-hours nights, cultural performances and family programs.See what's on →
- Friends of the Chicago RiverFriends of the Chicago River0 pastThe LoopRiver advocacy group running volunteer stewardship days, paddles and talks along the Chicago River system.See what's on →
- Harold Washington LibraryHarold Washington Library Center0 pastSouth LoopChicago Public Library flagship with free talks, author events, maker programs and exhibits across its floors.See what's on →
- MCA Chicago
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago14 upcomingStreetervilleContemporary art museum in Streeterville with artist talks, performances, live-art activations and a free Tuesday SOAR farmers market on its plaza.See what's on → - NewberryNewberry Library1 upcomingGold CoastIndependent research library with free guided building tours, talks, seminars and hands-on archive workshops.See what's on →
- Poetry FoundationPoetry Foundation1 upcomingRiver NorthPoetry library and event space in River North hosting free readings, awards and hybrid literary programs.See what's on →
- SAIC Continuing StudiesSAIC Continuing Studies (Adult Continuing Education)0 pastThe LoopThe School of the Art Institute's non-credit evening and weekend courses for adults, from frame-loom weaving and sewing to printmaking, drawing and painting, plus winter weekend intensives.See what's on →
- Palette & Chisel
The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts21 upcomingGold CoastHistoric Gold Coast artists' academy offering seven-week drawing, portrait and oil painting classes, master workshops and open figure studios.See what's on →