Articles by Amy Hayden
Amy L. Hayden, founder and webmaster for Cheap Free Chicago, lives in Lincoln Square, where she co-parents two boys and spends her free time writing stories, both real and imagined. She is grateful to consumer capitalism for Manic Panic hair dye, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Wonder Bras, and vegan riblets. She is frugal above all else; hence, this website. Namaste.
I’m taking a brief hiatus from working on this website. On Friday, January 22, the man who inspired this website (Jack Strom) died of a massive heart attack in his home. He was 48. Grieving …
Lots of bands host cool events week after week, but Faith & Whiskey has to be at the top of that heap…or you’re just not able to have fun. Regular gigs include:
“Walk This Way Wednesdays” …
A few weeks ago, I was asked to contribute my picks to Time Out Chicago for its “Cheap!” issue…and guess what? That issue comes out Thursday. And on Friday the magazine — along with Broke …
The best part about Drew’s Eatery in Lincoln Square isn’t the owner’s friendly disposition, the eco-friendly set-up, or even the daily specials that will net you a fine lunch for less than $6. Nope. It’s …
The environs of NYC and LA have long had places where fashion forward (yet pocket poor) ladies can rent dresses and accessories for events, but until recently Chicago women were forced to buy their finery. …
January 23rd is the Yoga Alliance’s Free Yoga Day, which means you can check out free yoga classes at The Mystical Sciences Institute in Evanston (which, I know, isn’t in Chicago…but the CTA will take …
I don’t normally post on free stuff that isn’t exclusive/specific to Chicago, but Crown Publishing’s Read it Forward program was too good to pass up. Sign up online for a free galley proof of one …
Northerly Island — otherwise known as the former Meigs Field — hosts three Family Polar Adventure days every winter; this year’s dates are Dec 12, Jan 23, and Feb 20. While it’s best to show …
I’ve been a bit distracted looking for a full-time job, trying to balance launching this website and staying afloat. (I was laid off of my full-time gig eight months ago… and, as you might have …
Note: Lollapalooza isn’t exactly the first thing that jumps to mind when thinking of cheap or free things in Chicago, but it’s also a festival that offers a good deal of value for those who …
