Enjoy Chicago, for free

Tian Huang — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:19:05 +0000

Free February at the Art Institute. Tian Huang/Medill

February has been a particularly busy month for me, so it only was this week that I was able to take advantage of the Art Institute’s Free February. I’ve been to the Art Institute quite a few times, and I have to say, this was the first time I have seen this many people there.

I saw people who looked like they had sneaked out of work to take a break at the Michigan Ave. gallery, as well as teachers bringing in their classes for tours. I polled around 30 people there, and all of them said that Free February was one of the main reasons why they came.

One of the visitors was Jordan Falduto, 19, from Kenosha, Wisc. It was Falduto’s first time in the Art Institute, and part of the reason why was because it was free.

“I probably would not have come if it wasn’t,” Falduto said. “I’m not a big fan of art, but these events are great, especially at a time like this because it can spark interest in someone who would not otherwise come here.”

Ashley Stephens, 25, of Bucktown, said she came because she had an off day at work, and the free admission was a draw as well.

“I think it’s great,” Stephens said. “It gives people something to do.”

With free entertainment such a big draw for people, I decided to compile a list of free things to do around town. Enjoy and save your money!

Visitors of the Art Institute enjoy a free tour. Tian Huang/Medill

Entertainment that is always free:

Entertainment that is sometimes free:

Museum of Science and Industry: Click here for calendar of free days.
Chicago Children’s Museum: Free on Mondays
Field Museum: Free the second Monday of every month and click here to see additional free days.
Museum of Contemporary Art: Free on Tuesdays.
Art Institute: Free February, but schedule for the rest of the year has not been released.
Adler Planetarium: Click here for a calendar of free days.

Medill Money Mavens » entertainment

Enjoy Chicago, for free