Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
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.
1 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) announced President and CEO, Michael M. Edwards, will step down on March 31, 2026, following 13 years of leadership. During his tenure, Edwards helped share the organization into an internationally recognized model for downtown activation through award-winning programming such as Sundays on State and ACTIVATE.
2 MIN READ – Crossing items off your holiday shopping list can be hard, especially when you’re drawing blanks. Get inspired by this Loop holiday gift guide that’ll surely draw nothing but smiles this holiday season.
4 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) released its quarter three 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.
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
Experience Chicago at night on a 90-minute river and lake cruise, featuring a glittering skyline, cool breezes, and lively, family-friendly commentary.
April 17, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
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 HOLLMANN LYRICS BY MARK HOLLMANN AND JAY REISS BOOK BY ERIN QUINN PURCELL AND JAY REISS DIRECTED…
June 30, 2026
An exciting lineup of outdoor films on Tuesdays this summer.
July 7, 2026
BEHIND EVERY POWERFUL WOMAN… ARE MORE POWERFUL WOMEN.
