Inspired Chicago - Find fun things to do in Chicago!

Are you looking for something fun, educational, and free to do this summer? Visit Chicago’s world-class museums! Read on to find out which museums are free and when admission is free. For additional Chicago museums, an interactive museum map, and links to current and upcoming temporary exhibitions, please visit the Museums page. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum ,  The University of Illinois at Chicago, 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago The museum suggests a donation of $5 per person; however, no one will be turned away for lack of a contribution. Adler Planetarium , 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago Illinois residents receive free general admission on the following days: June 6–8, 13–15 No dates have been announced for July. No dates have been announced for August. Art Institute of Chicago , 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago Illinois residents receive free general admission on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 July 7, 14, 21, 28 August 4, 11, 18, 25 Busy Beaver

Grab your workout gear and head to Millennium Park this summer for free classes! Get your midweek workout done early with Wednesday Yoga at 7:30 a.m. June 1–August 31, 2016. On Saturdays, June 11–September 3, 2016, Tai Chi (7 a.m.), Yoga (8 a.m.), Pilates (9 a.m.), and Zumba® (10 a.m.) are on the schedule. All classes take place on the Great Lawn and are 45 minutes long. In celebration of the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Saturday, June 4, Yoga at 7 a.m. and Cardio Workout at 8 a.m. will feature gospel music. Pilates at 9 a.m. and Zumba® at 10 a.m. will follow. For more information, please visit the Millennium Park Summer Workouts page.

Chicago has some wonderful races scheduled for June! If you love to bike and are looking for a challenge, you might enjoy the 175-mile Ride Across Illinois (RAIL) North from Moline to Chicago on June 18. Several events support local schools, including the June 11 5K Summer Dash which helps provide summer programming for seven schools in Chicago's southwestern neighborhoods. Another event that grabbed my attention is the TJ Trot Block Party on June 18, a fundraiser by the Willis family in support of The Menkes Foundation. If you can't make it to the event, consider taking a moment to read about Menkes syndrome, either at The Menkes Foundation's website or by doing your own online search. As you review the events below, be sure to visit the charity websites to learn more about the organizations benefiting from your registration fees, donations, and fundraising efforts. In addition, check the event's website to see how the charity partner is benefiting. Are 100 per

Hyde Park's Harper Court kicks off its Summer Music Series on Wednesday, May 25, with Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings and DJ Eric "ET" Taylor. Concerts continue all summer long on the last Wednesday of each month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free! There are a limited number of outdoor chairs available, so if you have a portable chair, please bring it. If you plan to dine nearby, both Harper Court and East 53rd Street offer many restaurant options. If you have a vehicle, you will find paid parking in the Harper Court building (entrance on South Lake Park Avenue near McDonald's), a small paid surface parking lot on South Harper Avenue (near Kilwins), and street parking. Harper Court Summer Music Series 5235 South Harper Court, Chicago Map May 25 | Blues & Steppers Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings DJ Eric "ET" Taylor June 29 | Jazz Makaya McCraven DJ Duane Powell July 27 | Latin Music DJ El Caobo DJ Kamani Rashad August 31

The 31st Chicago Gospel Music Festival will take place June 3–4, 2016, with performances at the Chicago Cultural Center and at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion. In addition, there will be a festival preview concert and conversation on May 18 and a panel discussion on June 2 (details below). All festival and preview events are free! Chicago Gospel Music Festival Preview Events Up Close & Personal Wednesday, May 18 • 6:30 p.m. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street Claudia Cassidy Theater, 2nd Floor North In a conversation moderated by GRAMMY Award Winner Michelle Williams, GRAMMY Award Winner Lalah Hathaway and Vice President and General Manager of Urban Inspiration | Entertainment One Music Phil Thornton will discuss their careers and answer audience questions. The event will also feature performances by Kinsmen and Kymar Garner. Every Year Carries a Number: Preserving the Endangered Gospel Music Recordings of the Great Migration Era Thursday, Ju

The fourth annual Israeli Jazz and World Music Festival will run from May 26 through June 2, 2016. This year's festival features Chicago, New York, and Israel-based musicians performing a variety of music including jazz, blues, rock, and soul. Take a look at the schedule for this year's lineup. Be sure to check out the interactive map (at the end of this article) to help plan your festival experience. For additional information, visit the Israeli Jazz and World Music Festival online. To find more events in Chicago celebrating music, please visit the Music page. Lazer Lloyd Thursday, May 26, 2016 9:30 p.m. (21 and over) $10 Buddy Guy's Legends 700 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago Marbin Saturday, May 28, 2016 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. (21 and over) $15 Andy's Jazz Club 11 East Hubbard Street, Chicago Lazer Lloyd Sunday, May 29, 2016 7:30 p.m. (21 and over) $10 FitzGerald's 6615 West Roosevelt Road, Berwyn Uri

Calling all artists and creative entrepreneurs! Lake FX Summit + Expo is Friday, May 13, through Sunday, May 15. Attend industry-focused sessions—there are more than 100—designed for members of the performing arts, film and media, music, technology and design, visual arts, culinary arts, and fashion fields. Admission is free! Learn from the experts! IN Conversation workshops and panel discussions feature industry leaders sharing their experiences. Improve your business savvy! Learn how to manage the business side of your creative endeavors with sessions focusing on law, money, marketing, and engagement. Connect! Visit with representatives from more than 70 organizations at the Lake FX Expo on Friday and Saturday. Build connections and gain new resources! Support! Shop more than 60 local artisans at Sunday's Lake FX Marketplace by Dose Market . Locations: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street, Chicago Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 North State Street, Chicago