Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
5 MIN READ — Big things are on the horizon for the Loop! From brand-new storefronts to exciting expansions, a wave of businesses is set to open their doors. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming soon to the heart of Chicago in 2026.
6 MIN READ – It’s a day for love, and there’s few places like being in the Loop to keep your romance alive. Celebrate love with intimate and enjoyable experiences downtown.
5 MIN READ – Chicago Theatre Week (CTW) has become a staple in the city, especially in the Loop’s theatre district, and returns for its 13th year, February 6-16, 2025.
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.
3 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) released its quarter four 2025 State of the Loop report on downtown activity, using a variety of data sources, produced by CLA since July 2020. The report tracks pedestrian and transportation activity, investment, retail, arts and culture, and more.
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.
4 MIN READ – Choose Chicago has announced the restaurants and menus of the 18th annual Chicago Restaurant Week taking place from Friday, January 24 to Sunday, February 9, 2025.
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…
