Free things to do this weekend in and around Chicago

Chicago's Top Picks for FREE family-friendly fun Friday, October 2, 2026 to Sunday, October 4, 2026.

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

• Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo - Lincoln Park Zoo - 2400 North Cannon Drive, Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL 60614, Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, 8 am - 5 pm
• Lincoln Square Ravenswood 2026 Apple Fest - Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce - N. Lincoln Avenue between W. Lawrence and W. Sunnyside Avenues, Chicago, Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, Friday, 3–7 PM | Saturday, 9 AM–6 PM | Sunday, 9 AM–6 PM
• Tour & Coffee at St. Josaphat School - St. Josaphat School - 2245 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, Friday, October 2, 2026, 9 - 10:30 am
• Halloween Hoot and Howl at Trailside Museum of Natural History - Trailside Museum of Natural History - 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, Friday, October 2, 2026, 5 - 7 pm
• Animal Enrichment Studio at Trailside Museum of Natural History - 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, Saturday, October 3, 2026, 1:30 pm
• Maxwell Street Market - West Maxwell Street, Chicago, Sunday, October 4, 2026, 10 am - 3 pm