Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
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 — This month for our People of the Loop series, we caught up with Alex Linardos — better known to many as “Mr. South Loop.” The Chicago-based content creator took us around the Loop to share his favorite hidden gems, insider tips, and what makes downtown Chicago such a special place to live, work, and explore. From local recommendations to his perspective on the neighborhood’s energy and growth, Alex gives an inside look at why the Loop continues to inspire him. Read the full Q&A below, and don’t forget to check out the video feature on our social channels.
3 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) recently released its quarter one 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.
3 MIN READ – Classic St. Patrick’s Day activities in the Loop are back in full bloom! From the Chicago River dyeing to the best bars and restaurants, we’ve rounded up the best ways to get your green on for St. Paddy’s.
4 MIN READ – March is all about celebrating the incredible women shaping our world. Join us in honoring their legacy by supporting women-led businesses in and around the Chicago Loop this Women’s History Month.
3 MIN READ – The beautiful thing about Black history is that it’s still being made every day. Check out what these Loop businesses and organizations have to offer, and find a way to honor Black History Month this February.
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.
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.
