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.
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.
5 MIN READ – Chicago Theatre Week (CTW) has become a staple in the city, especially in the Loop’s theatre district, and returns for its 13th year, February 6-16, 2025.
4 MIN READ – Choose Chicago has announced the restaurants and menus of the 18th annual Chicago Restaurant Week taking place from Friday, January 24 to Sunday, February 9, 2025.
1 MIN READ – Visiting the many renown museums in Chicago is always an enthralling experience, better yet is when admission is free! Plan your 2025 museum visits using the free day listings here.
3 MIN READ – The Hustle Chicago® stair climb returns to the former Hancock Building on February 22, 2026, and brings thousands of participants together to take on 94 floors in support of lung health and clean air.
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.
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 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.
