Free Things to Do in Chicago This Fall

Chicago has endless opportunities for free fun, entertainment, learning, and culture all year round. This fall is a great time to take advantage of free Chicago favorites as well as a few seasonal events that only come around once a year.

Here are over 75 free activities and events all around the City of Chicago to keep you entertained and enjoying fall.

Number 1-5: Celebrate Chicago Artists Month
October is Artists Month in Chicago and there are events taking place all over the city.
- To help you kick off the month Around the Coyote, a non profit gallery that showcases the artistic talent of Chicagoans, is holding a Fall Arts Festival with an opening party that is free to the public.
- Take a self guided art walk at the Andersonville Arts Weekend.
- Use your cell phone to lead you to the historic public art that can be found in Bronzeville.
- For a totally unique look at Chicago Art take a walking tour of the Hubbard Street Mural Project that lines the Union Pacific Railroad.
- Check out the Dia de Los Muertos Exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Number 6: Stargaze at the Dearborn Observatory
Fall is a great time to stargaze and even though it's always free here's a fun new way to view the Heavens. Every Friday night the Dearborn Observatory is open to the public to come in and view the heavens with a historic refraction telescope. Check the website for hours and special closings. The first hour of the night requires a reservation but the second hour welcomes walk ins.

Number 7: Visit the Jane Addams Hull House Museum
Jane Addams is known throughout the world for her work and writings, Hull House is where it all started. Admission to the museum and many of its programs and exhibitions are free. 800 South Halsted, Chicago

Number 8: Watch Fall Visit the Osaka Japanese Gardens
Located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, the Osaka Japanese Garden was built for the 1893 World Columbian Exposition. Fall is a great time to view the gardens, waterfall, bridge, and the surrounding park. The Gardens are located within Jackson Park which is behind the Museum of Science and Industry at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive.