Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
4 MIN READ – Chicago Loop Alliance and the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation hosted their Annual Meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 24. Nearly 300 key Loop stakeholders gathered during the in-person event held at Palmer House, a Hilton hotel. New board members were inducted, the organization’s 2021 Annual Report was unveiled in both print and digital format, and major plans were announced for 2022.
6 MIN READ – Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) released its February report on downtown activity, using a variety of data sources to track operations during COVID-19, as it has done monthly since July 2020.
2 MIN READ – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown, and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Dorval Carter, Jr. have recently announced new measures designed to improve public safety and security for Chicago commuters.
5 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance announced the expansion of the Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassadors Street Team, which patrols State Street in the Loop seven days a week. In addition to State Street, the ambassadors will provide a visible presence on key east and west streets, to welcome workers and visitors coming to the Loop on Metra. The ambassador program is contracted by Chicago Loop Alliance through Streetplus, a national business improvement district service.
5 MIN READ –Today, Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) released its January report on downtown activity, using a variety of data sources to track operations during COVID-19, as it has done monthly since July 2020. The report tracks COVID-19 positivity rates, pedestrian activity, parking volumes, hotel occupancy, number of office workers on-site and more. Hotels reported a new record recovery rate for December; and pedestrians, parking, office occupancy and transportation rates remain within positive recovery margin when compared to the same period in 2019. View the full January report here.
5 MIN READ – In deep partnership with the local dance community, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Commissioner Erin Harkey have designated 2022 as the “Year of Chicago Dance.”
2 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) recently released its December report on downtown activity. The report tracks COVID-19 positivity rates, pedestrian activity, parking volumes, hotel occupancy, number of office workers on-site and more. Pedestrians, hotels and office occupancy all recently hit their highest-measured rates since the impact of the pandemic when compared to the same period in 2019.
6 MIN READ – The popular event series, Sundays on State, has been nominated by PRWeek Awards for “Best in Crisis,” and Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) now joins major national and international powerhouse brands recognized by the communications industry’s highest accolade. Final winner(s) to be announced in March 2022.
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…
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.
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…
