"Free, Free, Free!" is an e-newsletter and website that provides a monthly curated list of free programs, events and activities happening throughout the city in our libraries, museums, cultural centers and parks. We encourage you to express your culture through the arts and take advantage of the many opportunities the City of Chicago provides you to engage, create and participate!
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Rahm Emanuel
Mayor
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Mark Kelly
Commissioner |
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February 23 - March 25
Chicago Cultural Center and other Locations, Various Hours
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) presents the fourth annual OnEdge, the experimental live performance series, February 23-March 25, 2017. The FREE admission series will feature Chicago and world premieres from national and international artists and companies at venues including the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.), Dfbrl8r gallery (1463 W. Chicago Ave.), American Theater Company (1909 W. Byron St.), The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts (915 E. 60th St.) and the Hamlin Park Fieldhouse (3035 N. Hoyne Ave.) Visit the
website for a complete listing of events!
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Clarke House Museum Tours
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Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1pm and 3pm
Clarke House Museum, 1827 S. Indiana Ave.
The
Clarke House Museum is Chicago's oldest home. Tours of this 1836 Greek Revival-style house reveal what life was like for a middle class family in Chicago, when the city was in its formative years before the Civil War. Hour-long guided tours of Clarke House Museum are now free. Tours are limited to 15 people, available on a first-come, first-served basis. For groups of 5 or more, please contact
[email protected].
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Gospel Music A&R Auditions Performance
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Saturday, March 11, 6-9pm
Westpoint Missionary Baptist Church, 3566 S. Cottage Grove
The
Gospel Music A&R Auditions on March 11 will feature live performances by artists and groups selected to perform for an audience including a panel of major music and marketing executives. Additionally, participants will be considered for a set at this year's
Chicago Gospel Music Festival. The public is invited to watch the FREE performances and cheer on their favorite artists.
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Weekdays, performances begin at 12pm
Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St.
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events presents FREE cultural programs year-round weekdays at Noon at the Daley Civic Center. Visit the
website for a complete list of March's programs!
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Navy Pier
ARTWORK: Impulse
March 10 - May 21
Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Polk Bros Park
Located in Polk Bros Park, Impulse is a new winter public art installation comprised of 15 completely illuminated see-saws. When the see-saws are being used they begin to light up and emit tones that result in various musical harmonies. Visit
Navy Pier's website for more information.
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The University of Chicago
TOUR: From Spaces to Places: Public Art Walking Tour
Third Wednesdays of the month, March 15 - June 21, 5:30-6:30pm
Starts: Black Sphere, across from Cobb Hall, 5811 S. Ellis Ave.
UChicago Arts and the Office of Civic Engagement present monthly tours of a small sample of the stunning works that have helped shape the University's intellectual and cultural life, from works that boldly claim open spaces to those tucked unexpectedly between buildings.
Sign up today
for your free tour!
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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
EXHIBIT: The Wall of Respect: Vestiges, Shards and the Legacy of Black Power
February 25 - July 30
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.,
Chicago Rooms, 2nd Floor North
Guest curated by Romi Crawford, Abdul Alkalimat and Rebecca Zorach, this
exhibition chronicles how the Organization of Black Arts and Culture - a collection of 14 designers, photographers, painters and others - designed and produced one of the most significant projects in Chicago's storied public art history - now covered over, at 43rd St. and Langley Ave.
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National Museum of Mexican Art
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1852 W. 19th St.
Visit The National Museum of Mexican Art, where you can immerse yourself in the richness of Mexican art and culture right here in Chicago. They showcase 3,000 years of creativity from both sides of the border, connecting museum visitors to the diversity of Mexican culture. Admission is always free to the Museum! Check out their
website for information on events and exhibitions.
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Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
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Thursdays are suggested donation days for Illinois residents
2430 N. Cannon Dr.
For 160 years, The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has been connecting Chicagoans to nature and science. Visit their
website to follow biologists on their latest expedition, explore their rich history and discover what exhibits await you on your next visit. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission as part of our Suggested Donation Thursdays.
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Presented by Mayor Rahm Emanuel,
Night Out in the Parks brings over 1,000 cultural events to neighborhood parks each year. Chicagoans and visitors alike, enjoy the breadth of world-class events in every one of the city's 77 community areas. Here are a few programming highlights happening in March, but be sure to check out their
website (or
download the app!) for a full listing of events!
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Movie in the Parks at Revere
March 3, 7-9:30pm
Revere Park, 2509 W. Irving Park Rd.
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T. Daniel Mime Company at Indian Boundary
March 5, 3-4pm
Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt Ave.
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Family Night Out at Dvorak
March 24, 6-8pm
Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton St.
A
night out for the whole family! Enjoy quality time together at the park playing games and having fun. Best of all it is Free!
Register today!
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Since first opening our doors in 1873,
Chicago Public Library has served all Chicagoans with free and open places to gather, learn, connect, read and be transformed. The libraries are that special third place-beyond home and work-where people come to improve their lives, nourish their intellect or savor entertainment. Their 80 locations host a variety of free events ranging from performances, arts and crafts, writing and poetry, continuing education and more. Here are a few stand-out events happening in March, but be sure to check out their full event calendar for programming at your local library!
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Making a Chicago Farmers Market: How to Bring Fresh Foods to Your Community
March 13, 4:30pm
Sherman Park Branch Library, 5440 S. Racine Ave.
Learn how to start a local Chicago Farmers Market in your neighborhood! Whether you're an entrepreneur or just a curious resident, this
workshop explores the history and growth of local markets in Chicago - and offers simple tools, training and tips to start your own!
The Chicago Farmers Markets program brings nearly 70 city-run and independent markets throughout Chicago's neighborhoods. In addition to bringing fresh foods and produce, local markets are becoming a unique way to connect residents and families to their communities -- showcasing neighborhood artisans, chefs, bakeries and more who contribute to local food culture and making Chicago's communities vibrant. This workshop is presented in collaboration with
One Book, One Chicago.
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 Creative Writing Workshop
March 14, 6-7pm
King, 3436 S. King Drive
Writers within all genres are invited to participate in this weekly
workshop. Come prepared to share your writing, receive constructive feedback and network with fellow writers.
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Cultural Appreciation: Cantonese Opera
March 18, 10:30am-1pm
Chinatown, 2100 S. Wentworth Ave.
Come to enjoy traditional
Cantonese Opera performed by Zhaoqiu Chinese American ART Center at Chinatown. Cantonese Opera has been a popular form of drama and musical theatre in China, and has been reformed and continue to be performed today.
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