RedShelf books it to new Loop office space
1 MIN READ – A Chicago-based tech company specializing in digital educational materials for nearly half of the U.S.’s colleges and universities, recently signed a multi-year lease for a Loop office space.
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Chicago Loop Insights
Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
Exploring the artistry of Shonna Pryor at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and beyond
When you stand in acclaimed conceptual artist Shonna Pryor’s studio, deconstructed dinner tables hang draped in fabrics screen printed with pages from 19th century census archives. One of her Afrofuturist works is tacked up on the wall displaying a jump rope, sketchbook, and gas-mask shrink wrapped among other objects of pleasure in one of her “Care Packages for an Afro Migration to Mars.”
Quarter one pedestrian activity exceeds 2019 levels in some cases, indicating a bustling Loop
3 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) released its quarter one 2024 State of the Loop report on downtown activity, using a variety of data sources, which the organization has produced since July 2020. The report tracks pedestrian activity, hotel occupancy, office workers on-site, arts and culture, retail, investment and more. View the quarter one (Jan.-Mar. 2024) State of the Loop report here.
Chicago River Swim to make history as first open water event in nearly 100 years
4 MIN READ – Get ready to witness history in the Loop as the inaugural Chicago River Swim breaks a nearly century-old tradition, marking a revival of open water swimming events in the heart of downtown Chicago. Scheduled for September 22, 2024, this remarkable occasion will not only celebrate the river’s renaissance but will also serve as a fundraiser for ALS research.
Mayor Johnson announces proposed City assistance for four adaptive re-use projects in the Chicago Loop
4 MIN READ – Four adaptive re-use projects within the Loop’s historic financial district will be formally proposed for development assistance this spring as part of the City of Chicago’s ongoing commitment to mixed-use, mixed-income vitality downtown, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced on April 3, 2024.
The Artistry and Advocacy of Ballet 5:8’s Julianna Rubio Slager
4 MIN READ – According to the Dance Data Project, female voices are underrepresented in ballet, with just 23.6% of works in the 2023-2024 season choreographed by women. Ballet 5:8’s Lost Women of Juarez performance at the Harris Theater is 75% female and 100% minority choreography.
JPMorgan Chase commits to staying in the Loop
2 MIN READ — JPMorgan Chase is investing big in their 55-year-old Chase Tower building, located in the Loop on 10 S. Dearborn, with a massive renovation that is to take place over the next couple of years.
Chicago Loop Alliance announces plans for New Year’s Eve, return of Sundays on State and more
3 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance and the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation hosted their sold-out Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 29. More than 400 key Loop stakeholders gathered during the breakfast meeting held at Convene Willis Tower. The organization inducted new board members and leadership; unveiled their 2023 Impact Report; and announced major 2024 plans.
What's Happening
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
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.
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Creepy Cruise
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.
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Sightseeing River & Lake Cruises
April 16, 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 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.
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Theater of the Mind - with The Goodman
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…
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3D Fireworks Cruise
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.
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Summer Art Classes at SAIC
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…
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Champions of Magic Tour
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…
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Iceboy! The Musical
June 19, 2026
MUSIC BY MARK HOLLMANNLYRICS BY MARK HOLLMANN AND JAY REISSBOOK BY ERIN QUINN PURCELL AND JAY REISSDIRECTED BY MARC BRUNISTARRING…