Chicago isn’t the crime thunderdome the media says
But overall, crime rates in Chicago are dropping, not rising, and per capita we are decidedly average crime-wise for a large city
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Chicago Loop Insights
Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
Central Area Plan involves community in envisioning downtown
2 MIN READ — A two-year planning process to update the City’s 2003 “Central Area Plan” with contemporary, community-driven objectives will create a more equitable and resilient downtown on behalf of all Chicagoans, Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Commissioner Maurice Cox recently announced.
Loop pedestrian traffic and activity across multiple sectors continue to trend upwards
The report tracks pedestrian activity, parking volumes, hotel occupancy, office workers on-site, arts and culture, investment, and more.
Honor Earth Day in the Loop
3 MIN READ – Caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Loop? Take some time this Earth day, April 22, to pause and smell the spring flowers, and move around the planet we call home more intentionally.
Celebrate 4/20 in the Loop
2 MIN READ – Who said the Loop was all work and no play? There are plenty of ways to chill and vibe out in the Loop for 4/20. Let us lead the way!
City Selects Three LaSalle Street Adaptive Re-Use Proposals for Financial Support
5 MIN READ – Three proposals to create more than 1,000 mixed-income apartments at 111 W. Monroe St., 135 S. LaSalle St., and 208 S. LaSalle St. in the Loop were announced by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today as finalists for City financial assistance through the LaSalle Reimagined initiative.
Internationally acclaimed event series, Sundays on State returns this summer
Sundays on State is free and open to the public and will take place this year on July 16 and August 13 with an expanded footprint on State Street from Lake to Adams.
Downtown Chicago shall rise again
Read a condensed, edited version of a keynote speech by Blair Kamin given at Chicago Loop Alliance’s annual meeting on March 2, 2023.
What's Happening
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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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3D Fireworks Cruise
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.
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Summer Art Classes at SAIC
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…
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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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Evenings at Renaissance: A Taste of Greektown
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…