Free things to do this weekend in and around Chicago

Chicago's Top Picks for FREE family-friendly fun Friday, August 14, 2026 to Sunday, August 16, 2026

(Scroll down for full, detailed list of free weekend activities.)

Free summer mini photo session with Shoott! - Chicago - Broadway, New York, NY, USA - Saturday, August 15, 2026 & Sunday, August 16, 2026, see link for times

Back to School Pokemon Trade Event - Dane's Games West Chicago, 1895 North Neltnor Boulevard, West Chicago, IL 60185, USA - Saturday, August 15, 2026, 2:00PM

Join the Mall Walker Club at North Riverside Park Mall - North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 West Cermak Road, North Riverside, IL 60546, United States - Friday, August 14, 2026 to Sunday, August 16, 2026, Monday–Saturday 9:00AM–8:00PM; Sundays 10:00AM–6:00PM

Summer Fireworks at the Navy Pier 2026 - Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, United States - Saturday, August 15, 2026, 10:00PM–10:10PM

Chicago Kid Fest 2026 - 1018 North California Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA - Sunday, August 16, 2026, 9:00AM–1:00PM