7 Things to do on a Budget in Chicago this Fall

Cooler temperatures, gorgeous colours and a whole world of amazing – and affordable – activities make Chicago a fabulous destination during fall.

With the peak season tourist masses having departed and pleasant temperatures meaning outdoor fun and adventure continues to be an attractive proposition, the Illinois capital certainly retains its appeal once fall arrives. If you’re visiting Chicago from late September to early December and would like some ideas on what to see and do while you’re here without spending a fortune, check out our list below.

Columbus Day Parade

For over 70 years, the Columbus Day celebration has been held to honour the rich and enduring contributions of Chicago’s Italian American community. Taking place on State Street, one of the city’s main avenues, the free to attend event sees a range of activities take place throughout the day. Perennial favourites include a glorious mass at The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii before a procession down the block in Arrigo Park with a wreath-laying ceremony, honouring Italian American war veterans.

State Street / October each year

‘Mariachi Potosino: The Sound of Home’ exhibition

Many of Chicago’s museums are free to enter and all of them are hosting exhibitions through Fall. Among them is this exhibition at the National Museum of Mexican Art which tells the story of the musician José Cruz Alba and his immigrant journey from Durango, near the New Mexico border, to Chicago. Archival photographs, video, newspaper clippings and family interviews trace his life’s work with Mariachi Potosino, one of the first mariachi bands to form in Chicago, from its founding in 1958 until it disbanded in 2019. During those years, the band’s music became an integral part of family celebrations, community events, city parades, protests and political gatherings in Chicago Mexican communities and beyond.

National Museum of Mexican Art / Through 13 October 2024

‘Level Up: Writers & Gamers’ exhibition

Another museum worth checking out this Fall is the American Writers Museum, who are playing host to this evocative exhibition all about video gaming. Timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of fantasy tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, visitors are invited to embark on a thrilling adventure into the world of game writing and explore the role of narrative and storytelling in gaming, from the 1970s to the current day. Through fun and interactive formats, the exhibition is designed to enrich our understanding of writing video games and inspire young people to try a new form of writing, and encourages exploration of the worlds created through games. Highlights include a mock basement game room where you can play games and take a deep dive into the world of game writing,

American Writers Museum / Through 5 May 2025

Open House Chicago

Every year, the Chicago Architecture Center hosts a free public festival that invites visitors to embark on a self-guided tour of the city’s rich architectural landscape. During the event, festival-goers can follow designated architecture trails throughout Chicago, as well as watch talks by notable speakers and enjoy behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s most significant buildings, including skyscrapers, historic spaces, private residences and other areas not normally open to the public.

The Chicago Lakefront Trail

Located along the western shore of Lake Michigan, the Chicago Lakefront Trail is picturesque at all times of year, but perhaps never more so than during fall. Spanning over 18 miles of free-to-use pathway, the fully-paved trail attracts large numbers of walkers, joggers, skateboarders and cyclists who come to enjoy the uninterrupted lakeside route. To avoid the crowds, come early morning or early evening, with sunrise and sunset particularly spectacular times.

‘Steven Luu: A Path to Healing & Transformation’ exhibition

Another Chicago museum that’s free to enter, the National Veterans Art Museum is hosting this exhibition by artist Steven Luu through Fall, exploring art as a means of addressing and confronting trauma. Formerly a medic and wounded veteran, Luu creates sculptural installations that deal with the traumatic experiences resulting from his childhood and his numerous military deployments in the Middle East. The artworks featured in the exhibition, aim to establish narrative potentials that could help transform emotions centred on loss and traumas into positive messages around survival and rebirth.

National Veterans Art Museum / Through 13 December 2024

Chicago Riverwalk

For those who enjoy a tranquil stroll, the Chicago Riverwalk, which aligns both sides of the river, offers a one-and-a-half mile stretch of completely free scenic pedestrianised walkways that provides fantastic views from the western end of the Loop across Lake Michigan. Along the route, as well as marvelling at the world-famous architecture flanking the river, visitors can also stop to enjoy plenty of food and drink outlets to keep those energy levels up as well as benches and seating areas for a well-earned rest.

Positions: New Landscapes

Hosted by the free-admission Hyde Park Art Center, this group exhibition features works by six Chicago-based artists who explore the potential of landscape art in contemporary art to contribute to conversations about place and belonging, and how we deal with the stewardship of land. Spanning a diverse range of media including photography, sculpture, sound, installation, and painting, the work on display aims to reshape the traditional genre of landscape art and its capacity to intervene in civic dialogue rooted in place.

Hyde Park Art Center / Through Fall 2024

By Paul Joseph