Chicago
Millennium Park: Millennium Park is every budgeter's best friend. The park hosts countless free events every day. We're dying to attend the Saturday morning tai chi, yoga, Pilates, and Zumba classes with live music, a simulated broadcast of the Paris Opéra Ballet's production of Giselle, and an eclectic summer concert series. Those are just a few of our favorites – check the calendar for the dizzying full list of events.
Between Michigan Avenue, Randolph Street, Columbus Drive, and East Monroe Drive. Take the Green, Orange, Brown, Pink, and Purple Line Express elevated lines to Madison/Wabash or Randolph/Wabash, or take the Red and Blue Lines to Monroe or Washington.
Buckingham Fountain: We can't think of a more perfect first date spot than Buckingham Fountain. Jets shoot water in stylized patterns up to 150 feet in the air, creating a mesmerizing show that's the perfect backdrop for coffee and conversation. After the initial water show at 10:15 a.m., the shows continue every hour on the hour for 20 minutes each. The evening shows, from dusk till 10 p.m., also feature a light display and live music.
Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain (301 E. Columbus Drive and 500 S. Congress Parkway). Take CTA bus lines #145 or #151 to Monroe/Michigan.
Summer Dance Festival: Blow off a little steam from your internship with the weekly Summer Dance Festival. Held every Thursday through Sunday throughout the summer, participants can take free, hour-long dance classes followed by two hours of live music and dancing. It's the best party you can find outside a college campus, so strike a pose and get ready to learn something new! Find the full schedule here.
Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden (601 S. Michigan Ave.). Take the Red Line to Harrison, the Blue Line to LaSalle, the Orange, Pink and Brown Lines to the Library, and the Green, Pink, Orange, and Brown Lines to Adams/Wabash.
Free Admission Days: Chicago's museums, aquariums, and zoos offer regular free admission days. Some are free on certain days of the month, while others are free 365 days of the year. Check this blog to stay updated on when you can gain entry for free.
