Free University Experiences Near Oak Park

TRITON COLLEGE | RIVER GROVE

The Triton College Performing Arts Center, located in the Robert M. Collins Center at 2000 5th Avenue, in River Grove, IL, offers a full season of events, including art exhibitions, a variety of concerts, including jazz, choral, and concert band performances, and theater performances. Many events are free or easily affordable, with general admission typically around $10. 

Fine Arts Gallery

Each year, the Fine Arts Gallery (J Building, Room 107) presents engaging exhibitions showcasing work by Triton faculty and students, local high school students, and community arts organizations. The gallery is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Triton College Library

You can quietly study or browse the stacks of the Triton College Library, located on the second and third floors of the A building; it houses 60,000 print books, around 750,000 digital items, and more than 9,000 streaming media titles. The library hosts various free community events, including a Silent Book Club, matinee films every Thursday afternoon, and a non-traditional book club, BYOB (Bring Your Own Book), that offers you a chance to hear about great books others are reading. All events are held in the library classrooms or at other locations within the A Building.

Cernan Earth and Space Center

This facility offers fun and educational experiences for all ages and is open year-round. Multisensory shows on its 44-foot dome screen explore topics including the race to the moon and the evolution of the planets and stars. The center also features captivating laser light shows set to music by Pink Floyd, Taylor Swift, Jimi Hendrix, and during the holidays, Mannheim Steamroller. 

Entry fees for shows range from $3 to $10, depending on showtimes and attendee ages. For a schedule of events at Cernan Earth and Space Center, visit triton.edu.

Triton Botanical Garden

Nature enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to explore the Triton Botanical Garden, a 3.2-acre garden and greenhouse next to the Triton College campus in the Fullerton Woods area of River Grove, IL. Featuring ornamental plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and vegetables, the gardens are perfect for a peaceful meditation in nature.

Planning Your Visit

Check the complete Triton College events calendar before you visit. Note building names and room numbers ahead of time; large campuses feel smaller when you know your way around. Aim for afternoons or early evening visits for easier parking and the chance to pair a gallery trip with a concert or sporting event.

Note: Cernan Earth and Space Center does not offer advance or online ticket sales. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the show you want to attend.

Accessibility and Comfort

Triton College is committed to providing campus accessibility and accommodations that foster the development of students' abilities. To ensure your comfort and safety, please keep the following tips in mind:

Identify the nearest visitor lot and a curbside drop-off close to your venue.

Confirm restroom locations near the gallery or performance space.

For the botanical garden, choose paved paths if mobility is a concern.

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO | RIVER FOREST

Concordia University Chicago’s campus at 7400 Augusta Street in River Forest, IL, hosts a variety of free events, from chamber orchestra and choral concerts to academic lectures, sporting events (Go, Cougars!), and regularly scheduled Pluralist Labs—small-group discussions that foster understanding across philosophical divides through civil discourse. The university also presents ticketed performances, conferences, and special programs throughout the year, which are worth exploring if you’d like to extend your time on campus.

Fine Arts Exhibits and Performances

Concordia University Chicago hosts a variety of music performances on campus in Clara and Spencer Werner Auditorium, known as the Chapel of Our Lord. Upcoming events include the Chamber Orchestra's fall concert, the University Band's Christmas concert, and the beloved annual Service of Lessons and Carols. Most on-campus concerts, including the Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, and University Band concerts, are free, with free parking. However, it’s a good idea to check the details for each event to see if there are exceptions. Visit CUChicago.edu for a complete calendar of concerts and details.

Ferguson Art Gallery

Ferguson Art Gallery, located in Kretzmann Hall at Concordia University Chicago, showcases the work of established and emerging artists from the Chicago area year-round. The gallery hosts special events, including opening receptions, artist talks, and exhibits that celebrate Black perspectives, Hispanic heritage, women’s history, and Chicago Artists’ Month.

Take a Walk

Whatever intrigues you on the campus calendar of events, be sure to arrive early or stay late so you have plenty of time to explore the 40-acre campus, which blends older, classically designed academic buildings, lush greenery, and mature trees with modern additions. Because the campus and neighborhoods are residential, the vibe is quieter and more intimate than being in the heart of a city. 

Planning Your Visit

Check the complete Concordia University Chicago events calendar before you go. Look for weekend or late-afternoon listings; pairing a gallery visit with a short concert or a tour of the chapel works well. Arrive a few minutes early for Chapel of Our Lord events, as seating is usually first come, first served. Also, pack a light layer, as sanctuary spaces can run cool.

Accessibility and Comfort

Concordia University Chicago recognizes and supports the standards and laws designed to eliminate discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. To ensure your comfort and safety, please keep the following tips in mind:

Use posted visitor lots; identify the closest accessible entrance to the chapel or gallery.

Confirm elevator access to gallery floors if needed.

Restrooms are typically near event spaces; note the nearest option upon arrival.

DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY | RIVER FOREST

Every year, Dominican University, located at 7900 West Division Street in River Forest, IL, hosts a variety of events during its Performing Arts season. This year’s highlights include The Nutcracker in December, the high-energy Fly Dance Company in February, and Sondheim's Company in April. Additionally, the university will host community and cultural events such as Día de los Muertos celebrations, author talks, sporting events, and guest lectures. Most events have free or low-cost admission.

O’Connor Art Gallery

The O’Connor Art Gallery is located on the fourth floor of Lewis Hall at Dominican University. It features contemporary art exhibitions, receptions, and timely panel discussions. The exhibitions offer art students a space to display work across various disciplines. In addition to the curated exhibitions, the gallery hosts an annual juried student show and senior thesis exhibitions. The gallery is free and open to the public from Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., during the academic year.

Rebecca Crown Library 

Two defining features of the library are the exterior shape, a St. Andrew’s Cross, and the dramatic multistory central atrium pierced by a dramatic, sculptural spiral staircase. Take a moment to observe the ceiling geometry and exposed structural patterns that give the interior a textured, gridlike vaulting in places, lending it a somewhat brutalist feeling. Visitors can view the library’s archives, rare books, manuscripts, and other special collections by making an appointment; some items are also available to view online.

The library hosts the annual Butler Lectures, featuring speakers on children's literature, and the Follett Lectures, which focus on library and information science issues, as well as the popular Lit Fest and other events. Visit dom.edu to learn more.

Take a Walk

Dominican University’s campus features the Cloister Walk, a well-marked path that plays a key role for graduating seniors in the traditional Candle and Rose ceremony. Visitors can quietly stroll along the path to appreciate the solemnity of the ceremony. The Quad and the courtyards are among the other beautiful spots on campus that invite you to pause—and provide great backgrounds for photos.

Planning Your Visit

Check the complete Dominican University events calendar before you go. For talks and readings, scan the calendar for “free” markers and note room locations as well as opening hours, as gallery hours may differ during installation weeks. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, check any special entry instructions for the building you’re going to. Although not free, Dominican presents low-cost ticketed theater performances, arts series events, and community programs—check those if you’d like to add a paid experience to your visit.

Accessibility and Comfort

Dominican University advocates for the unique needs and accommodations of students and visitors. To ensure your comfort and safety, please keep the following tips in mind:

Choose a lot near your first stop to minimize hills and stairs.

Favor interior routes in extreme weather; many buildings connect at ground level.

Identify quiet rest spots (library nooks, courtyard benches) between events.

Snap a photo of posted maps and wayfinding signs when you park; it makes the campus feel instantly familiar.