Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
5 MIN READ – Celebrate this Mother’s Day in the Loop. Go out to brunch and drink specialty cocktails. Appreciate the spring weather with a boat ride on the Chicago River. For a scenic view, dine at a rooftop bar. To relax, rejuvenate at the spa. Give gifts, sweet treats, and floral arrangements. Regardless of how you spend your day downtown in the Loop, you will bond with Mom, and that’s all that matters.
Want to know where to go for Cinco de Mayo? The Chicago Loop has fantastic specials for the celebration of the May 5 holiday honoring the Mexican army’s victory over France at the battle of Puebla in 1862. Sneak in a siesta before you fiesta, and enjoy some of the hottest deals in town.
2 MIN READ – After over a decade of memorable moments, The Auditorium’s event formally known as Devil’s Ball transforms into a new fundraising event, The Bea Hive Bash on Friday, June 6. All the fun that made our summer event a success will be a part of crowd-funding competition and best party of the summer.
Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) recently released its quarter one 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. View the quarter one (Jan.-Mar. 2025) State of the Loop report here.
What if the world you thought you knew wasn’t real? That question takes center stage in The Space in Between, where those who encounter truth must decide: Will I step forward into reality, or will I retreat into the comfort of illusion.
5 MIN READ: The Chicago National Landmark formerly known as The Auditorium Theatre, unveils a new identity as The Auditorium. The Auditorium also released their 2025-2026 dance season Celebrating Women Leaders in Dance. This season will showcase Five Female-led companies breaking barriers and paving the way for future dance generations. Featuring Tyler Peck and Friends, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Martha Grahm Dance Company, Trinity Irish Dance Company and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
2 MIN READ – Hop into the Chicago Loop this Easter and Passover season for an egg-cellent adventure with your friends and family! With plenty of egg-citing events and activities, you’re sure to have an un-bunny-lievable time.
5 MIN READ — Cheers to 100 years! Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins announce an epic line-up of world-class talent for Goodman Theatre’s upcoming Centennial 2025/2026 Season.
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…
