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 – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced today the 2025 lineup of spring and summer festivals and events starting this May, showcasing the city’s vibrant arts, culture and community spirit.
4 MIN READ – El Grito Chicago, a vibrant 2-day festival in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, announces an exciting entertainment line-up made up of national and local performing artists from multiple musical genres. El Grito Chicago will take place in the Chicago Loop at Butler Field in Grant Park on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 2-10 p.m.
3 MIN READ – The Chicago Marathon kicks off on Sunday, October 10, in Grant Park. Whether you’re running or watching, treat yourself and celebrate in the Chicago Loop.
1 MIN READ – In late summer, the Loop is getting a 350 guestroom dual-branded hotel complex at the historical 117-year-old site of the former headquarters to the Chicago & North Western Railways at 226 W. Jackson—Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop and the Hilton Garden Inn Central Loop.
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 30, 2026
An exciting lineup of outdoor films on Tuesdays this summer.
