Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents

Thursday, March 19, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR NON-MEMBERS. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a number of Free Admission Days for Illinois residents each year. Please note: Parking fees still apply. Preregistration for nonmembers is required and will extend until the Garden is at capacity; parking fees apply. Visitors can preregister up to two months in advance for free admission days. Please see the chart below for this year's Free Admission Days. Please note: Free admissions are not applicable during ticketed events (e.g., Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, Lightscape, the Orchid Show, Orchids After Hours). Preregister for free admission January 2026 5 – 11, 19 February 2026 1 – 6, 16 March 2026 16 – 19 April 2026 6 – 10 May 2026 5, 7 June 2026 9, 11, 19 July 2026 7, 9 August 2026 4, 6 September 2026 15, 17, 29 October 2026 1, 12 November 2026 2 – 6, 9, 11 December 2026 7 – 13   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.