Record hotel occupancy, increased visitors and workers drive Loop activity
Record tourism, planning for the future of State Street, and major events and programming provided positive trends for the downtown corridor.
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Chicago Loop Insights
Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassador program enlists youth through One Summer Chicago
3 MIN READ –Chicago Loop Alliance has announced an additional expansion of the Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassador Program, which will partner youth ambassadors with Chicago Loop Alliance ambassadors throughout the Loop including on State Street, beginning July 10 through August 12.
How is the Chicago Loop doing?
6 MIN READ – People seem to have a lot to say about downtown Chicago these days. Many rave about the famous city, while others, who have maybe haven’t visited recently (or ever), seem skeptical. But let’s cut to the chase. How is the Loop really doing these days?
My Block, My Hood, My City to host Downtown Day for Chicago youth
2 MIN READ — On July 8, My Block, My Hood, My City (MBMHC) will host a citywide event, aimed at bringing 1,000 youth, ages 13-22, to explore downtown Chicago. Thanks to the collaboration of many partners, dozens of youth organizations, local businesses, restaurants, and community-based organizations are supportive of making this day a success.
Haters gonna hate…Chicago
1 MIN READ – In an editorial piece recently published by the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board, they point out that despite the incessant bashing of our great city, Chicago is undoubtedly beloved.
History of State Street: How It Remained a Great Street
Was State Street always such a vital part of the city? How did it become the heart of the Loop?
Loop locations selected as Chicago’s coolest office spaces for 2023
2 MIN READ – Crain’s Chicago Business has revealed the winners of their annual “Coolest Offices Contest” and a handful of these winners reside right here in the Loop. Are we shocked? Of course not! Read below to see which Loop office spaces stood out as Chicago’s coolest.
Chicago Loop Ambassador program expands through Loop this summer
2 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance announced an expansion of the Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassador Program, which focuses primarily on State Street, to patrol the central Loop from Dearborn to Canal and Ida B. Wells to Wacker, beginning June 5 through October 7. The Ambassador program is contracted by Chicago Loop Alliance through Streetplus, a national business improvement district service, and will patrol the corridor during afternoons and evenings, five days a week. State Street Ambassadors will continue their patrol seven days a week.
What's Happening
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
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.
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Creepy Cruise
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.
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Sightseeing River & Lake Cruises
April 17, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
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Chicago by Night River & Lake
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.
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Theater of the Mind - with The Goodman
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…
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3D Fireworks Cruise
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.
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Summer Art Classes at SAIC
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…
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Canine Cruise
July 11, 2026
Cruise Chicago’s waterways with your dog. Pet friendly, scenic, and fun. Available July to October every Saturday and Sunday for pups of all sizes.
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Evenings at Renaissance: A Taste of Greektown
August 26, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Taste of Greektown comes early to Renaissance! Featuring a special evening celebrating local Mediterranean heritage with an artisanal mezze spread…