Now that you have arrived (or returned or decided to continue to live) in the Windy City, you can begin to enjoy all the city has to offer on weekends and nights. Unfortunately, for those of you returning to DePaul, you know that the biggest issue is not finding entertainment but rather finding cheap entertainment. (Nobody likes paying $11.50 for a movie or spending $75 for a Broadway in Chicago show.) Not to worry, fellow freshmen/returning student. Here are several entertainment options you can enjoy without breaking your budget.

“The Harold” at iO Theatre, 3541 N. Clark St.

This comedy institution is best known for its signature improv show “The Harold,” created by comedy genius Del Close, in which comedy groups create a long-form improv show based on audience recommendations (they can work with any topic or idea). “The Harold” takes place every night at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $9 with student ID every night except Wednesdays when it’s free. Most of iO’s shows cost between $5 and $15. Compare iO’s shows to Second City comedy shows, in which tickets are double the price and are often sold out weeks in advance.

“Essay Fiesta” at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave.

This monthly essay reading series is a fun, friendly, and free event that also helps the community. “Essay Fiesta” was created and is produced by Keith Ecker and DePaul alumnus Alyson Lyon. The duo has raised over $3,500 for charities, including the Harold Brown Center, which provides medical assistance to the LGBTQ community, and 826CHI, a non-profit organization that helps grammar and high school students excel in creative writing. A series of writers, comedians, and other performers read essays that are humorous, thought-provoking, and poignant. The next “Essay Fiesta” takes places on Monday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia

This intimate bar has been offering some of the most interesting shows in the city for nearly a century in the same balloon-frame house. Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy recently performed several Black Eyed Peas songs in front of an audience that also received a surprise visit from Mayor Emanuel. If that alone doesn’t spark your interest, a majority of the shows are $10 and under. Most of the bands are indie and local. It’s a great way to discover new music while enjoying some moderately priced drinks. Plus they have plenty of specials and a friendly, down-to-earth staff who make you feel at home.

“The Brew and View” at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield

At any AMC theater in Chicago, it will cost you $11.50 to see a newly released movie. Most of those movies are not worth that absurd price. Luckily, there are several movie houses that have second-run movies for a much lower price. The Vic Theatre’s “Brew & View” has double and triple features for only $5. If you’re 21 and over, you can certainly enjoy the “Brew” portion while watching this past summer’s movies. This week, catch “Super 8,” “Horrible Bosses,” and “Bridesmaids.”

The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn

Yes, this theatre is downtown, which means it’s going to be pricey, right? Yes and no. It’s pricey for those who purchase seats in the front row or buy the season pass (which runs well over $100). You can go to their website after 10 a.m. (or visit the box office at noon) and purchase a ticket for a show that evening for $10. While you might not get a great seat in the front row, it’s still a great deal for a top-notch play. This season, the Goodman has John Logan’s Red, which won the Tony Award last May for Best Play (opens Sept. 17); David Mamet’s Race; Eugene O’Neill’s “The Iceman Cometh,” starring Nathan Lane and Brian Dennethy; and, of course, “The Christmas Carol” for the holiday season.

The DePaul Art Museum at the Lincoln Park Campus, 935 W. Fullerton

The long-awaited new home to DePaul University’s growing art collection (which includes over 2,000 works) opens on Saturday, Sept. 17, with the inaugural exhibit RE: Chicago. The three-story building, located just east of the Fullerton “L” station, contains four galleries for temporary exhibits and one gallery for the permanent collection. It’s free to the public, so this is a good place to take your parents or out-of-town visitors if they enjoy art.