Chicago on the Cheap

Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue will shine even brighter during the 35th annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on November 21, 2026. This beloved holiday tradition combines a parade, lights, music, tree lighting and family activities for joy-filled holiday fun. The event kicks off at 11:00 a.m. starting at Lights Festival Lane (401 North Michigan Avenue) with […]

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Chicago weather may be getting chilly but there are plenty of activities to lend some heat. The second annual Andersonville Autumn Restaurant Week runs from  November 1-15, 2026.  The two-week event features 13 restaurants serving prix fixe deals.  The popular Andersonville neighborhood dining scene includes a diverse array of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian, Spanish […]

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Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Chicago? There are tons of free and cheap events in the city. Here’s our list of the top free events, discounts, and deals to have fun around town on your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are many diverse events, so choose your favorite.  Some events may […]

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One of Chicago’s most iconic holiday traditions is viewing the holiday trees from around the world at the Christmas Around The World exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, which opens on November 7, 2026 and runs through January 3, 2027. This year’s display includes Holidays of Light, a celebration of global holidays […]

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The Chicago holiday season roars into gear with the 92nd annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, which marches down the heart of downtown on State Street on November 26, 2026.  This free family-friendly event is highly anticipated because of the exciting showcase of talented performers from across the country and the joyful hallmarks of the start of […]

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