This Week in South Loop & Chinatown: Free Museum Days

Your week-ahead guide to South Loop & Chinatown — 4 picks worth planning around, from free days on the Museum Campus to two nights at Ping Tom Park.

By Raj Singh · Published July 26, 2026.

It's a big free-museum week on the Museum Campus, and Ping Tom Park in Chinatown hosts two standout nights. Good timing, with rain early in the week pushing everyone indoors.

TUESDAY 7/28

Guardians of the Earth and Sky @ Ping Tom Memorial Park

An interactive dance-and-storytelling performance built around the Four Celestial Guardians, free and all-ages, 6–8pm in Chinatown. Grab soup dumplings at Qing Xiang Yuan a few blocks over first.

TUE 7/28 & WED 7/29

Illinois Resident Free Days @ the Museum Campus

Shedd Aquarium is free for Illinois residents Tuesday evening (5–9pm), and the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium both go free Wednesday. Reserve ahead — they sell out — and picnic on the lakefront in between.

WEDNESDAY 7/29

Jazzin' at the Shedd @ Shedd Aquarium

The midweek jazz series turns the aquarium into a lakeside lounge, 5–10pm, drink in hand. Stay for the skyline view at sunset.

THURSDAY 7/30

Queer Radical Fair @ Ping Tom Memorial Park

A free Night Out in the Parks fair returns to Ping Tom on Thursday. Round it out with a pineapple bun and bubble tea from Chinatown's Chiu Quon Bakery.

Planning the rest of summer? See more South Loop & Chinatown events.