Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
5 MIN READ — Big things are on the horizon for the Loop! From brand-new storefronts to exciting expansions, a wave of businesses is set to open their doors. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming soon to the heart of Chicago in 2026.
2 MIN READ — More Chicagoans are choosing plant-based meals, likely because plant-forward food checks a lot of boxes people care about when it comes to dining choices: convenience, taste, sustainability, and health. The fastest-growing group in plant-based eating isn’t strict vegans, it’s flexitarians: people who still eat meat but intentionally choose plant-based meals a few times a week. That shift is reflected in grocery stores, fast-casual menus, office catering, and downtown lunch habits.
5 MIN READ — Big things are on the horizon for the Loop! From brand-new storefronts to exciting expansions, a wave of businesses is set to open their doors by the end of 2025. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming soon to the heart of Chicago.
Surprisingly, only some locals and far fewer travelers know about the Palmer House’s chocolate brownie despite its notable history.
Whether you’re running to work with a coffee in hand or just need an afternoon pick-me-up, these Loop coffee spots will ensure you stay caffeinated all day long.
4 MIN READ – Long gone are the days when a restaurant’s only vegetarian option is a side salad. In fact, vegan and vegetarian dishes are becoming so abundant, it might be easy to miss the most mouthwatering offerings. So we’ve handpicked the must-try menu items from some of the best restaurants in the Chicago Loop.
What is the Chicago Athletic Association? How old is the building? Why am I seeing the Chicago Cubs logo all over the place?
March 15, 2026
Chicago’s top-rated architecture boat tour, 90 minutes with expert CAC guides, stunning skyline views, open-air seating, and onboard amenities.
March 21, 2026
Explore Chicago’s haunted past on a nighttime river cruise featuring ghost stories, mob history, and eerie secrets of the Windy City.
April 17, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
April 17, 2026
Experience Chicago at night on a 90-minute river and lake cruise, featuring a glittering skyline, cool breezes, and lively, family-friendly commentary.
April 22, 2026
Directed by Andrew Scoville. Co-created by Academy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne* and writer Mala Gaonkar, Theater of the Mind is a new theatrical…
May 23, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cruise from the Chicago Riverwalk to Lake Michigan for skyline views and a 3D-enhanced fireworks show with music and narration.
June 1, 2026
Let your creative potential shine this summer with a class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with options available for kids, teens and…
June 20, 2026
MUSIC BY MARK HOLLMANNLYRICS BY MARK HOLLMANN AND JAY REISSBOOK BY ERIN QUINN PURCELL AND JAY REISSDIRECTED BY MARC BRUNISTARRING…
June 30, 2026
An exciting lineup of outdoor films on Tuesdays this summer.
