Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
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.
2 MIN READ – Crossing items off your holiday shopping list can be hard, especially when you’re drawing blanks. Get inspired by this Loop holiday gift guide that’ll surely draw nothing but smiles this holiday season.
4 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) released its quarter three 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.
5 MIN READ — Chicago has once again been crowned the Best Big City in the U.S. in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions a destination can receive. This is the ninth consecutive year Chicago has claimed this title, a streak unprecedented in the awards program’s more than 30-year history.
4 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance is announcing programming for the fall season under the campaign, Falling for the Loop, positioning the month of October as a celebration of arts and culture.
5 MIN READ: LUMA8 and the City of Chicago present the 11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade—a family-friendly celebration featuring dazzling floats, larger-than-life puppets, and dynamic performances. The parade takes place on Saturday, October 18, from 6–8 p.m. along historic State Street, stepping off at Randolph Street. This event is also part of Chicago Loop Alliance’s Falling for the Loop fall programming.
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!
marzo 14, 2026
Chicago’s top-rated architecture boat tour, 90 minutes with expert CAC guides, stunning skyline views, open-air seating, and onboard amenities.
marzo 20, 2026
Explore Chicago’s haunted past on a nighttime river cruise featuring ghost stories, mob history, and eerie secrets of the Windy City.
abril 16, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
abril 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.
21 de abril de 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…
mayo 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.
mayo 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…
junio 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…
junio 19, 2026
MUSIC BY MARK HOLLMANNLYRICS BY MARK HOLLMANN AND JAY REISSBOOK BY ERIN QUINN PURCELL AND JAY REISSDIRECTED BY MARC BRUNISTARRING…
