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, AUG. 1
‘Still/Here’ at Cornell Square Park
1809 W. 50th St., 773-772-7248
Free Street Theater’s touring ensemble show explores why equity, joy, justice and sustainability matter in Chicago and who the city is designed to serve. 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 2
Back on the Block at Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave., 800-595-7437
Pianist Greg Spero fuses hip-hop, rap and bebop in a performance inspired by the work of Quincy Jones as part of the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s weekly Water Colors concert series. 6:30-8:30 p.m.navypier.org
SATURDAY, AUG. 3
‘The Tasters’ at Victory Gardens Theater
2433 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-871-3000
Hear a reading of Meghan Brown’s new play about a hunger strike started by a taster working to protect government leaders from being poisoned. 7:30 p.m. Reservations strongly recommended: victorygardens.org/ignition
SUNDAY, AUG. 4
The Big Deal at Maxwell Street Market
800 S. Desplaines St. 312-745-4676
The open-air market hosts live music on two stages, art-making from the National Museum of Mexican Art, a fair trade pop-up bazaar, the release of a new Maxwell Street lager from Marz Community Brewing Co. and exhibitions from Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. chicago.gov
TUESDAY, AUG. 6
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Tuesday Funk at Hopleaf
5148 N. Clark St., 773-334-9851
Poet H. Melt, novelist Vojislav Pejovic and Story Sessions co-producer Jill Howe perform at the monthly reading series. 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. tuesdayfunk.org
