11 Cheap or Free Things to Do in Chicago This November - OppLoans

11 Cheap or  Free Things  to Do in  Chicago  This November - OppLoans 11 Cheap or  Free Things  to Do in  Chicago  This November 11 Cheap or  Free Things  to Do in  Chicago  This NovemberWallet got you down? Here’s how you can hang on to your cash and still have a great time in the Windy City.There is nothing like  Chicago  in November, except maybe  Chicago  in late October or  Chicago  in early December. Whether you like wildly inconsistent temperatures or hoping against all reason the Bears will return to the Super Bowl, November in  Chicago  is the month and city, respectively, for you!Like in any major city, you can spend a lot of money in  Chicago  if you are not careful. But unlike every other major city, there are many cheap or  free activities  you can do in  Chicago  this November.No, do not look up other cities to find out if you can get by without spending much money when you are there â€" just trust us when we say  Chicago  alone is a haven of  free events  and cheap activities. Like, for example, the following 11.1. ChristkindlmarketImagine wandering through  downtown  Chicago, when suddenly, y ou stumble into a  Christmas  wonderland.  Christkindlmarket, which magically appears on November 15, feels like wandering into a Claymation  Christmas  special; or it would feel that way if “Claymation” was not actually a trademarked term.Copyright law aside, Christkindlmarket evokes a wintery village high in the German Alps, and admission is free. While you will have to spend some cash if you are looking to get a sausage, pretzel, potato pancake, or  hot chocolate  in a unique mug, the smells and ambiance are totally free. Additionally, on weekends and several other afternoons or evenings, you can take in free music performances, which may help to offset the expense of any purchases you make.2. Lights Festival LaneMost cities in the world have kilometers. American cities have miles. But only one city has a  Magnificent Mile, and that city is  Chicago. The lights come out all over the city toward the end of November, and no display is more fantastic than that on the ole’ MM  â€" or  Michigan Avenue, if you arent a  Chicagoan  and familiar with that term.The  Magnificent Mile  Lights Festival  takes place at â€" you guessed it â€"the  Magnificent Mile  on November 22 and 23, and features  live music  performances and entertainment,  free activities  for kids and adults alike, and the culminating  tree-lighting  parade. Popcorn? Pizza? Tacos? A kid zone tent? The Lights Festival has it all and more.3. Arts of Life Chili Cook OffLook, cheap is a relative term. $100 is very expensive for a can of soda, but it is very cheap for a Gulfstream G200 private jet.Is $20 cheap? One could certainly argue the answer is “yes” if it buys you two beers, unlimited chili, and unlimited gelato. Such is the deal at the  Arts of Life Chili Cook Off,  and here is a bonus: The proceeds benefit the work of disabled artists.If you are looking for chili in  Chicago  on November 2, you should consider swinging by.4.  Chicago  Latino  Music FestivalReady for Latin rhythms? If not, you better get ready quickly because the  Chicago  Latino  Music Festival  has already started. Concerts will be happening in various locations throughout the city, including the  Art Institute of  Chicago, the Harold Washington Library in the  loop,  Old Town School of Folk Music in Lincoln Square, and at the  University of  Chicago, just to name a few. And of course, many of them are free.Check out the  schedule  to see where your favorites are playing, or if you are not a deep expert in a wide range of Latin music subgenres, you can make new favorites you never had.5. JASC Holiday DelightAs the temperature cools, why not keep warm with some teriyaki, onigiri, and Japanese dance and drumming demonstrations? Admission to the Japanese American Service Committee  Holiday Delight  is free â€" the cheapest price of all.This seasonal event takes place November 9, but rumor has it that Santa will be making an appearance. And by “rumor,” we mean the JASC’s website told us.6. L ycee French MarketBonjour! How do you feel about French food, fashion, and art? Well, if it is at all positive, then you should consider the  Lycee French Market  at Lycée Français de Chicagoon (The  French International School) November 17 and 18.You can bring kids if you have them, so they can have their faces painted and receive an introduction to French culture while you introduce yourself to French wine (in moderation). Maybe you can even ride a bicycle with a baguette poking out of a bag.7.  Chicago  Toy and Game FairToyland, toyland, this fair is sort of a to land. In case it was not clear, that last sentence was meant to be sung to the tune of “Toyland” from the 1903 operetta Babes in Toyland.If you have children who like games and toys, there is a good chance they will enjoy the  toy and game fair  at  Navy Pier  â€" one of the citys premier  lakefront  attractions. There is even an inventor challenge for the young Teslas out there.And of course, there is a beer gard en, because no  Chicago  event, whether aimed towards kids or not, is apparently complete unless the adults can also get their buzz on. It takes place November 23 and 24; tickets are $14 for adults and $7 for children.8. Thanksgiving ParadeWho needs the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade when you could have a similar one in  Chicago? It all goes down on Thanksgiving Day, running down  State Street, from Congress Parkway to  Randolph. Or rather, it all goes up! Because there are a bunch of giant balloons of popular characters. You know how a parade works, right?Anyway, go  check it out  for free if you are feeling up to it. Even if it costs money to attend, which it does not, nobody can stop you from looking up at the inflated, cartoon majesty.9. Lightscape  Chicago  Botanic GardenThe  Chicago  Botanic Garden  is beautiful on any given day of the year. But starting November 22, it will be decked out in gorgeous light displays for more than a month.Tickets are $21 for adults and $10 for children, unless those children are under three years old … or really, really look like they are under three … and then their ticket is free.10. Arboretum  Free DayDo you like the idea of gorgeous gardens, but would rather not pay anything at all to see them? Good news! The  Morton Arboretum  in Lisle, IL (about 40 minutes outside of  Chicago), is offering  free admission  on Thanksgiving, and it could be a nice way to walk off all that turkey, stuffing, and pie while enjoying the wonder of nature and the cool fall air.11. Annual Arts Showcase at BergerSpeaking of Thanksgiving (as we already have have multiple times in this article), you might want to have some new art to bring to the Thanksgiving table. Or you might just want to look at some art the Saturday beforehand without spending any money. Regardless, you should check out the  Annual Arts Showcase at Berger Park.Illinois PlaygroundChicago  truly is  Illinois playground. The number of  free events  and  free activities   is endless. This article skims the top of what you can find to do for free in November in the Windy City, with even more offerings taking place at sights like the  Lincoln Park Zoo  or  Millennium Park. Additionally, museums like the  Adler  Planetarium  and  The Field Museum  offer  free days  for  Illinois  residents, a definite bonus for those who are looking for  fun things  to do indoors.