Going out in Chicago can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s plenty of fun to be had every week without putting a dent in your wallet. We’re making it easier for you by providing a weekly guide to free things to do throughout the city.
THURSDAY, FEB. 7
‘Secret Chicago’ Trivia Night at FieldHouse Jones
312 W. Chestnut St., 312-291-9922
Author Jessica Mlinaric tests your knowledge of the Windy City by asking questions based on her book “Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure.” 6-8 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEB. 8
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‘The Total Bent’ at The Den Theatre
1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-697-3830
Haven Theatre offers a pay-what-you-can preview of the Midwest premiere of the musical about the conflict between a young musical prodigy and his gospel star father caused by an offer from a British record producer. 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, FEB. 9
Winter Block Party X: This Is Chicago at Metro
3730 N. Clark St., 773-549-4140
The 10th annual hip-hop festival features live music, poetry readings, dancing, MC battles and a pop-up barber shop. Noon-10 p.m. RSVP: showclix.com
MONDAY, FEB. 11
‘It’s Showtime, Chicago’ at Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
Get a taste of Chicago’s theater scene with performances throughout the building by The Second City, Walkabout Theater Company, Free Street Theater, Chicago Children’s Choir and others. 6-8 p.m. chicago.gov
TUESDAY, FEB. 12
‘Our Bodies as Translators’ at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 N. Dearborn St., 312-337-6543
Osnel Delgado, artistic director of Cuba’s Malpaso Dance Company, joins Chicago choreographer Robyn Mineko Williams for a discussion of how they use dance to convey universal messages to audiences that speak different languages. The event starts with Cuban food and drink and concludes with a salsa lesson. 6-8 p.m. Registration required: eventbrite.com
Samantha Nelson is a RedEye freelancer.