Free events in Chicago
There are 95 free events in Chicago in the next 30 days (16 Oct – 15 Nov). The next one is Frontier Happy Hour Chicago on Fri 16 Oct, 5:00 PM at FITZGERALDS SIDEBAR. Most of them: business (27), tech and ai (19), conferences and expos (13). Entry is free; some events ask you to register on the organiser's page.
Photo: John Picken derivative work: Georgfotoart · CC BY 2.0Today16
Friday, 16 October
1 event
16OctTech & AI · FriFrontier Happy Hour Chicago5:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
Tomorrow17
Saturday, 17 October
7 events
17OctConferences & Expos · SatBringing the Light 3rd Annual Alzheimers Association Community Conference9:00 AM · Instituto del Progreso LatinoFree
17OctConferences & Expos · SatWindy City Housing Fair & Expo 202610:00 AM · South Shore International College Preparatory High SchoolFree
17OctFood & Drink · SatFUNK BRUNCH in the CLUB w/ Greg Jacks & Brother Help12:00 PM · FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUBFree
17OctBusiness · SatAtrévete Competencia de Negocios1:00 PM · mHUBFree
17OctEvent · SatSaturday Songwriter Circle w/ host Naomi Ashley and guests Liam Davis & Kelli Owens-Hutton6:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
17OctTech & AI · Sat"High Score" Works by Anthony Bartley7:00 PM · Stereo HarmonyFree
17OctEvent · SatSaturday Night in the SIDEBAR w/ The Ooozin' Ahhhs!8:30 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
Sunday18
Sunday, 18 October
3 events
18OctFood & Drink · SunBEARS (vs FALCONS) BRUNCH in THE BABYGOLD DINING ROOM w/ host JACK O'HARA!12:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
18OctBusiness · SunChicago Creative Networking at ChiTiva Downtown CLVR LABs3:00 PM · THC by Chitiva South LoopFree
18OctConcerts & Music · SunBIG BAND & BBQ: Chicago Skyliner's w/ Bill O'Connell7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUBFree
Monday19
Monday, 19 October
3 events
19OctConferences & Expos · Mon2026 Procurement Symposium10:00 AM · Malcolm X CollegeFree
19OctConferences & Expos · MonOneTRU Fall Career Fair11:00 AM · Harry S Truman CollegeFree
19OctBusiness · MonChicago Real Producers Fall 2026 Event1:00 PM · WhirlyBallFree
Tuesday20
Tuesday, 20 October
3 events
20OctBusiness · TueAlternative Investments6:00 PM · 5995 S Archer Ave unit aFree
20OctEvent · TueSongwriter Circle w/ host Jenny Bienemann and guests Carley Baer and Lisa P. Medina7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
20OctEvent · TueSnoobz10:00 PM · Three Top LoungeFree
Wednesday21
Wednesday, 21 October
8 events
21OctBusiness · WedThe Banks We Deserve A Conversation with Author Oscar Perry Abello10:00 AM · University Club of Chicago, Madison Room 7th floorFree
21OctTech & AI · WedClaude Code in Practice2:00 PM · John Crerar Library - Kathleen A. Zar RoomFree
21OctTech & AI · WedThe Complete Innovator4:00 PM · The Second CityFree
21OctTech & AI · WedChicago Debate Showcase 20265:30 PM · Ferris & Co.Free
21OctBusiness · WedRotary Club of Chicago Cosmopolitan w Speaker Robert Snyder6:00 PM · Elephant & Castle- Buckingham RoomFree
21OctTech & AI · WedIE Masterclass Streaming Influence How Will AI Reshape Culture and Soft Power - Chicago6:30 PM · Impact HouseFree
21OctEvent · WedThe KYLE MADSEN ORGAN TRIO Funkifies the SIDEBAR7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
21OctEvent · WedFuture Rootz Vinyl Sessions10:00 PM · Three Top LoungeFree
Thursday22
Thursday, 22 October
7 events
22OctBusiness · ThuCapital for Growth A Fireside Chat with Strategic Investors9:00 AM · Bella LunaFree
22OctBusiness · ThuAmerican Heart Association EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator Demo Day10:00 AM · 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 228Free
22OctBusiness · ThuState of the Economy4:30 PM · DePaul University, Lincoln Park Campus, McGowan South 108Free
22OctEvent · ThuChicago Channel Bears Watch Party6:00 PM · BanditFree
22OctTech & AI · ThuKeystone Dialogue AI & Human Judgment Where Should Decisions Stay Human6:30 PM · Mox.E CoworkingFree
22OctEvent · ThuSylvan Esso with Sen Morimoto presented by Jack Daniel's8:00 PM · The Salt Shed Indoors (Shed)Free
22OctConcerts & Music · ThuPachanka Music Culture Presents: CALAKAS SONORAS9:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
Friday23
Friday, 23 October
6 events
23OctBusiness · FrismartXchange8:00 AM · Daley College MTECFree
23OctEvent · FriHAPPY HOUR in the SIDEBAR: KATHRYN & CHRIS!5:30 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
23OctBusiness · FriFrom Stranger to NeighborPortraits of Refuge Resilience & Welcome7:00 PM · 218 S Wabash AveFree
23OctTech & AI · FriWe Radiant Things Notes on Being Alien and Becoming Cyborg by Franny Choi7:00 PM · Women & Children FirstFree
23OctEvent · FriFRIDAY Night in the SIDEBAR w/ RIGHTEOUS ROOSTER!8:30 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
23OctEvent · FriIn the Mix10:00 PM · Three Top LoungeFree
Saturday24
Saturday, 24 October
6 events
24OctBusiness · SatPROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND BUILD WEALTH PROTEJA SU FAMILIA Y SU PATRIMONIO10:00 AM · 2520 S Western AveFree
24OctBusiness · SatChicago Home Selling Seminar October 202610:00 AM · 5653 N Ashland AveFree
24OctConferences & Expos · SatFive Bands Brotherhood Forum Series Money Ownership & Legacy10:30 AM · DuSable Black History Museum and Education CenterFree
24OctConcerts & Music · SatBluegrass Brunch in the NIGHTCLUB with The BOX BAND!12:00 PM · FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUBFree
24OctTech & AI · SatCommunity Conversations The Future of Chicago12:00 PM · Chicago Cultural CenterFree
24OctTech & AI · SatThe Signal Exchange Chicago Cross-Industry Ideas & Connections1:00 PM · Office Evolution - Chicago-O'HareFree
Sunday25
Sunday, 25 October
1 event
25OctConcerts & Music · SunBig Band & BBQ: British Buddy Big Band!7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUBFree
Monday26
Monday, 26 October
1 event26OctEvent · MonWelcome to the Show with Derek Bish7:00 PM · Three Top LoungeFree
Tuesday27
Tuesday, 27 October
4 events
27OctFood & Drink · Tue2026 Coffee Connections & Coworking9:00 AM · MATTERFree
27OctConferences & Expos · Tue2026 Supplier Summit Buy Local Chicago9:00 AM · The Sankofa Village Wellness CenterFree
27OctEvent · TueSongwriter Circle w/ host Terry White and guests Rick Sherry and Jon Williams7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUBFree
27OctEvent · Tue*SOLD OUT* This Is Lorelei with @8:00 PM · Thalia HallFree
Wednesday28
Wednesday, 28 October
9 events
28OctConferences & Expos · WedThe Resilient Americans Summit 20269:00 AM · Revel Motor RowFree
28OctBusiness · WedPower Partners Chi-Town Referral Networking Group10:00 AM · Workbox Chicago – Civic OperaFree
28OctTech & AI · WedHidden Forms of Domestic Violence10:00 AM · DePaul University - DePaul CenterFree
28OctBusiness · WedThe HVACR Networking Exchange1:45 PM · McCormick Place - East Building / Lake Side CenterFree
28OctBusiness · WedMeet the Speakers4:30 PM · McCormick Place - East Building / Lake Side CenterFree
28OctEvent · Wed360 Oak Park - "Stage and Screen"7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUBFree
28OctEvent · WedJOE POLICASTRO & FRIENDS in the SIDEBAR!7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
28OctTech & AI · WedAI & Tech Networking Event in Chicago by Ascent Valley7:00 PM · Joy DistrictFree
28OctBusiness · WedStartup Networking Chicago Founders Investors & Talent Mixer7:00 PM · Joy DistrictFree
Thursday29
Thursday, 29 October
5 events
29OctTech & AI · ThuSafe & Sound Where Fire & Security Connect11:15 AM · McCormick Place - East Building / Lake Side CenterFree
29OctBusiness · ThuMidwest Builders & Contractors Connect12:30 PM · McCormick Place - East Building / Lake Side CenterFree
29OctTech & AI · ThuConnecting The Architecture & Design Community1:45 PM · McCormick Place - East Building / Lake Side CenterFree
29OctConferences & Expos · ThuWSN Welcome Networking Event at the Booth-Kellogg ETA Conference5:00 PM · Berkshire RoomFree
29OctBusiness · ThuIllinois IP Month Celebration Innovation Experts & Networking5:00 PM · Northwestern Pritzker School of LawFree
Friday30
Friday, 30 October
1 event
30OctBusiness · FriChicago Handmade & Local Business Marketplace 202610:00 AM · Morgan MFGFree
Saturday31
Saturday, 31 October
1 event31OctConcerts & Music · SatHALLOWEEN Jazz Brunch w/ PETRA VAN NUIS!12:00 PM · FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUBFree
Sunday1
Sunday, 1 November
1 event1NovConcerts & Music · SunBig Band & BBQ: CHICAGO GRANDSTAND7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUBFree
Monday2
Monday, 2 November
1 event
2NovBusiness · MonUSPAACC Midwest Small Business Collaboration 20262:00 PM · Wells Fargo Connection Place — 10 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, ILFree
Tuesday3
Tuesday, 3 November
3 events
3NovTech & AI · TueMind Bytes 2026 New Date November 3rd12:00 PM · Ida Noyes HallFree
3NovBusiness · TueB2B Mixer Chicago - 100% networking event - making referrals5:00 PM · Hubbard InnFree
3NovTech & AI · TueTech Startup Networking Chicago Lincoln Park - Series A Venture Capital Networking Event5:00 PM · Parlay Lincoln ParkFree
Wednesday4
Wednesday, 4 November
2 events4NovBusiness · WedReal Estate Investor Networking Chicago - Property Deal Network PDN1:00 AM · Hubbard InnFree
4NovConferences & Expos · WedGlobal Trading Opportunities Forum Chicago3:00 PM · Trading Technologies International, IncFree
Thursday5
Thursday, 5 November
4 events
5NovFood & Drink · ThuWRISE Chicago - Coffee Hour for Prospective and Current Members7:30 AM · Goddess and the Baker, RiverfrontFree
5NovTech & AI · ThuBuilding solutions for the commercial team3:30 PM · 222 W Merchandise Mart PlazaFree
5NovBusiness · ThuHonores Conexiones 2026 Identity. Influence. Impact.5:00 PM · MorningstarFree
5NovEvent · ThuVictor Garcia's Listening Party Live in the SIDEBAR!7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
Friday6
Friday, 6 November
2 events6NovEvent · FriFITZGERALDS TEACHER HAPPY HOUR 11/63:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
6NovEvent · FriFRIDAY Night in the Sidebar w/ THE MENARDS!!!8:30 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
Saturday7
Saturday, 7 November
2 events7NovConferences & Expos · SatFive Bands Brotherhood Forum Series The Inner Life of a Man10:30 AM · DuSable Black History Museum and Education CenterFree
7NovConcerts & Music · SatSIDEBAR Supper Club w/ SOUL MESSAGE BAND6:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
Sunday8
Sunday, 8 November
1 event8NovConcerts & Music · SunBig Band & BBQ w/ SHOUT SECTION BIG BAND7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUBFree
Monday9
Monday, 9 November
1 event
9NovBusiness · MonCross-Border Retirement Planning Your Retirement France-USA5:30 PM · Willis TowerFree
Tuesday10
Tuesday, 10 November
1 event
10NovTech & AI · TueBioTech Fermenter: Chicago's Biotechnology Meetup6:30 PM · mHUBFree
Wednesday11
Wednesday, 11 November
1 event11NovEvent · WedThe CHRIS GREENE QUARTET in the SIDEBAR!7:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
Thursday12
Thursday, 12 November
5 events
12NovBusiness · ThuSalt & Light Gospel Living in the Workplace7:30 AM · 218 S Wabash Ave 2nd floorFree
12NovConferences & Expos · ThuAI Engineering Summit Chicago 20269:00 AM · Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Magnificent MileFree
12NovBusiness · ThuIDOT COMTO Chicago DBE & Small Business Luncheon11:30 AM · 115 S LaSalle StFree
12NovTech & AI · ThuCarr Workplaces Open House Day - Aon Center2:00 PM · 200 E Randolph St suite 5100Free
12NovStartups · ThuChicago Startup Pitch Night6:00 PM · Chicago, ILFree
Friday13
Friday, 13 November
3 events
13NovConferences & Expos · Fri2026 Research Symposium - Alzheimer's Association Community Conference9:30 AM · Malcolm X CollegeFree
13NovEvent · FriHappy Hour in the SIDEBAR w/ HILLBILLY FROLIC!5:30 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
13NovEvent · FriFRIDAY NIGHT in SIDEBAR w/ KEVIN GORDON8:30 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
Saturday14
Saturday, 14 November
2 events
14NovConferences & Expos · SatWhat Will Africa Build? - SVG AI Summit10:00 AM · The Legacy HubFree
14NovFood & Drink · SatSIDEBAR Supper Club w/ BLUE LORRAINE QUARTET6:00 PM · FITZGERALDS SIDEBARFree
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