Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
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.
As the air cools and leaves begin to change, First Lady invites locals and visitors to experience fall in Chicago from the water. Now through November, guests can enjoy crisp breezes, glowing sunsets, and stunning skyline views aboard a variety of sightseeing and specialty cruises.
3 MIN READ – There’s nothing quite like it. One of the nation’s largest music festival, Lollapalooza, takes place July 31- August 3 in the Chicago Loop, and this year’s lineup lineup includes Tyler the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Twice, Sabrina Carpenter, A$AP Rocky, and many more.
3 MIN READ – Take your dad for a day out in the town, downtown to be more specific! Enjoy some iconic Chicago events downtown on Father’s Day, cruise on a boat ride, go to dinner, play darts or pingpong, or shop for gifts. Make the day memorable and celebrate Father’s day in the Loop.
5 MIN READ – Celebrate this Mother’s Day in the Loop. Go out to brunch and drink specialty cocktails. Appreciate the spring weather with a boat ride on the Chicago River. For a scenic view, dine at a rooftop bar. To relax, rejuvenate at the spa. Give gifts, sweet treats, and floral arrangements. Regardless of how you spend your day downtown in the Loop, you will bond with Mom, and that’s all that matters.
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.
1 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance is pleased to announce the Chic Chicago Celebration gathered over 400 key Loop stakeholders and supporters for a glamourous evening honoring the work of the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation.
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.
March 14, 2026
Chicago’s top-rated architecture boat tour, 90 minutes with expert CAC guides, stunning skyline views, open-air seating, and onboard amenities.
March 20, 2026
Explore Chicago’s haunted past on a nighttime river cruise featuring ghost stories, mob history, and eerie secrets of the Windy City.
April 16, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
April 16, 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 21, 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 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cruise from the Chicago Riverwalk to Lake Michigan for skyline views and a 3D-enhanced fireworks show with music and narration.
May 31, 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 5, 2026
From June 6th until July 5th, the phenomenal Champions of Magic bring their acclaimed illusion spectacular to Chicago. Featuring their biggest illusions ever, experience the Broadway-scale…
June 19, 2026
MUSIC BY MARK HOLLMANNLYRICS BY MARK HOLLMANN AND JAY REISSBOOK BY ERIN QUINN PURCELL AND JAY REISSDIRECTED BY MARC BRUNISTARRING…
