Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
5 MINUTE READ — When the curtain rises in the Loop, more than a show gets underway. Every theater, museum, gallery and festival that opens its doors sets a downtown economy in motion. Chicago Loop Alliance, the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and World Business Chicago released the final Arts and Culture …
5-MINUTE READ — Fall has arrived in the Loop, bringing a fresh lineup of ways to experience downtown Chicago. As the season changes, the neighborhood comes alive with art, culture, entertainment and plenty of reasons to get out and explore. From new experiences to annual fall favorites, here’s your guide to making the most of …
5 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) recently released its quarter two 2026 State of the Loop report. CLA has produced reports on downtown activity since July 2020, using a variety of data sources, tracking pedestrian and transportation activity, investment, retail, arts and culture, and more. View the quarter two (Apr.-June 2026) State of …
5 MIN READ – One of the nation’s largest music festivals, Lollapalooza, takes place July 30-August 2, 2026, in the Chicago Loop. This year’s lineup includes Charli XCX, Olivia Dean, John Summit, Lorde, Jennie, The XX and more. Here is everything you need to know.
5 MIN READ — Summertime Chi is here and we have so many ideas for how to spend it in the Loop this July. The best part? All of these events are FREE. Read more to get ideas for how you can spend your July in the Loop! Get Active Every Saturday now through September …
6 MIN READ – Summers are fleeting in Chicago, only to give way to our brutal winters, so get out and enjoy the weather while it lasts. Do everything on your summer bucket list, like listening to live music, going on a bike ride, swimming, seeing art at a museum, and visiting the Chicago Loop’s best attractions while it’s still warm.
Chicago’s legendary food festival returns to Grant Park July 8-12, with five days of free concerts, diverse local cuisine and family-friendly programming along the iconic lakefront. Read the full details here.
3 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) released its quarter four 2025 State of the Loop report on downtown activity, using a variety of data sources, produced by CLA since July 2020. The report tracks pedestrian and transportation activity, investment, retail, arts and culture, and more.
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.
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…
September 4, 2026
Experience Jaw-Dropping Magic. Enter through the doors at 50 West Randolph to discover a hidden world where the impossible becomes…
November 10, 2026
The original Broadway sensation returns to the road! Celebrating 20 years – Jersey style!
November 13, 2026
Nov 13 - Dec 31, 2026 Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL Adapted by Tom Creamer Directed by Malkia Stampley “I…
November 15, 2026
Discover “The Roots of Kindness,” a new permanent exhibit at Kohl Children’s Museum opening October 27! The exhibit is included with museum admission and membership.
