2024 Free Museum Days
1 MIN READ – Visiting the many renown museums in Chicago is always an enthralling experience, better yet is when admission is free! Plan your 2025 museum visits using the free day listings here.
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Chicago Loop Insights
Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
Why thousands of Chicagoans climb 94 floors each winter
3 MIN READ – The Hustle Chicago® stair climb returns to the former Hancock Building on February 22, 2026, and brings thousands of participants together to take on 94 floors in support of lung health and clean air.
New Year’s Eve in Chicago’s Loop: Free and Ticketed Events to Know
2 MINUTE READ — Ring in the New Year in the heart of Chicago! The Loop comes alive with dazzling celebrations—from iconic citywide spectacles to intimate cultural events—offering something for every kind of reveler. Whether you’re looking for free community festivities, live performances, riverfront fireworks, or ticketed parties with a view, the Loop is the place to be as we count down to 2026.
Celebrate Fall on the Water
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.
Haunted Happenings in the Loop
5 MIN READ — Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and vibrant colors mean one thing—fall has arrived in Chicago! From festive riverfront celebrations and pumpkin patches to colorful Halloween experiences and seasonal treats, the city is buzzing with ways to soak in the season. This guide is your go-to for the best fall happenings in the Chicago Loop—perfect for family outings, date nights, or a fun day with friends.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the Loop
2 MIN READ – There are many ways you can honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place September 15 through October 15. Here are a few ways you can support and uplift Hispanic arts & culture in the Loop!
Christkindlmarket Returns to Three Locations in 2025
2 MIN READ: The Christkindlmarket is delighted to announce the return of its cherished holiday tradition for its 29th season at Daley Plaza in Chicago, with new special activations.
The 2025 Sundays on State lineup is here
5 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance announced the full lineup of artists and activations for Sundays on State. The internationally acclaimed, award-winning event series closes the most iconic parts of State Street in the Loop to vehicle traffic for two Sundays this fall. Free and open to the public, this year’s events will take …
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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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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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THE MAGIC PARLOUR - Presented by The Goodman and Petterino's
September 4, 2026
Experience Jaw-Dropping Magic. Enter through the doors at 50 West Randolph to discover a hidden world where the impossible becomes…
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THE ATTIC
September 5, 2026
Sept 5 - Oct 11, 2026 Extended by popular demand through October 11! The Goodman premieres The 7 Fingers "The…
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Jekyll & Hyde
September 8, 2026
Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed revival of the 10-time 2025 Jeff Award–nominated musical JEKYLL & HYDE will make its Broadway In Chicago debut at the Broadway Playhouse…