April is here, and if you’re looking for ways to enjoy Chicago without spending a lot of money, there are still plenty of free things to add to your calendar.
From art events and jazz celebrations to museum free days and neighborhood markets, this month offers a mix of cultural experiences, community-centered outings, and simple ways to get out of the house without stretching your budget. Here are some free things to do in Chicago in April 2026.
Shedd Aquarium Free Night
Date: Tuesday, April 7, April 14, April 21, and April 28, 2026
Location: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605
Cost: Free for Illinois residents
Learn more about Shedd Aquarium free nights here.
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center Free Day
Date: Every Wednesday in April 2026
Location: DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637
Cost: Free
Learn more about DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center free days here.
Field Museum Free Day
Date: Every Wednesday in April 2026
Location: Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605
Cost: Free for Illinois residents
Learn more about Field Museum free days here.
61st Street Indoor Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Location: 6100 S. Blackstone Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
Cost: Free
Learn more about the 61st Street Indoor Farmers Market here.
Art Institute of Chicago Free Evening
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Location: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603
Cost: Free for Illinois Residents
Learn more about Art Institute of Chicago free evenings here.
Bridgeport Art Center Open Studios
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Location: Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago, IL 60609
Cost: Free
Learn more about Bridgeport Art Center Open Studios here.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Free Day
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Location: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60637
Cost: Free for Illinois residents
Learn more about Griffin Museum of Science and Industry free days here.
Jazz in the Chi Public Concert
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, 211 S. Laflin Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Cost: Noted as part of the free event schedule
Learn more about Jazz in the Chi Public Concert here.
At the Forum – The Bronzeville Roots of Chicago Jazz
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: The Forum Cafe, 318 E. 43rd Street, Chicago, IL 60653
Cost: Free
Learn more about At the Forum – The Bronzeville Roots of Chicago Jazz here.
Tangible Sound: Arrival to a Higher Ground
Date: Opens Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: Chicago Cultural Center
Cost: N/A
Learn more about Tangible Sound: Arrival to a Higher Ground here.
Trail Day Block Party
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: 39th & Federal, Chicago, IL 60609
Cost: FREE
Learn more about the Trail Day Block Party here.
Our Jazz Life: A Celebration of the History of Jazz Radio in Chicago
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Location: Chicago Cultural Center
Cost: Not specified on the Choose Chicago schedule snippet
Learn more about Our Jazz Life: A Celebration of the History of Jazz Radio in Chicago here.
A South Side Celebration of Chicago Jazz
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Location: Compassion Baptist Church
Cost: Free
Learn more about A South Side Celebration of Chicago Jazz here.
