Free things to do this weekend in and around Chicago
Chicago's Top Picks for FREE family-friendly fun Friday, September 18, 2026 to Sunday, September 20, 2026
(Scroll down for full, detailed list of free weekend activities.)
Join the Mall Walker Club at North Riverside Park Mall - North Riverside Park Mall - 7501 West Cermak Road, North Riverside, IL 60546 - Friday, September 18, 2026 to Sunday, September 20, 2026, Monday – Saturday 9AM – 8PM; Sundays 10AM – 6PM
FREE fall and holiday mini photo sessions with Shoott! - Chicago - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY - Friday, September 18, 2026 to Sunday, September 20, 2026, see link for times
Family Bingo Night at Franklin Park - Franklin Park - 4320 W. 15th St., Chicago, IL 60623 - Friday, September 18, 2026, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Folklorico in the Park at Calumet - Calumet Park - South Avenue G, Chicago, IL - Friday, September 18, 2026, 7 - 8 pm
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Gage Park - Gage Park - Chicago, IL - Saturday, September 19, 2026, 12 - 4 pm
RiverLab: Art and Science Workshop at Garfield Park - Garfield Park - Chicago, IL - Saturday, September 19, 2026, 1 - 3 pm
September Free Museum Day at the American Writers Museum - American Writers Museum - Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL - Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10 am - 5 pm (check the schedule for special events throughout the day)
Chicago Kid Fest West Rogers Park - Music House, School of Performing Arts - West Rogers Park - West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL - Sunday, September 20, 2026, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Earth Jam & Family Day in Sankofa for the Earth at Burnham Park - Burnham Park - South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL - Sunday, September 20, 2026, 4:30 - 8 pm