Introducing Canvas Chicago: Curators of ACTIVATE 2018
For the first time ever, Chicago Loop Alliance is teaming up with one curatorial team for the entire ACTIVATE season. Get to know the people behind Canvas Chicago.
Chicago Loop Insights
Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
Introducing Party Noire: Producing ‘ACTIVATE: A.K.A. Power House’
Party Noire, an inclusive cultural hub celebrating Black femmes, queer women of color and Black womynhood along the gender spectrum, is joining Canvas Chicago in co-producing “ACTIVATE: A.K.A. Power House” on Aug. 16.
ACTIVATE Celebrates Chicago’s House Music Legacy
As a placemaking pop-up art program, ACTIVATE encourages people to see the Loop anew. And it didn’t fail to deliver at A.K.A. Power House as it transformed Garland Court into a visual exhibition.
The Blackstone Hotel: Storied History in the Chicago Loop
Known as the “Hotel of Presidents,” The Blackstone Hotel was the tallest building in Chicago. Although taller buildings dwarfed the hotel over the years, its story looms larger than many skyscrapers.
Why Design Downtown for Women? Author Sheila D. Grant Explains
Get a sneak peek at what Grant has in store for her presentation, and click here to learn more about the Annual Meeting and purchase tickets.
Year in Review: A Great Year for the Great Street
State Street, the Chicago Loop’s spine of retail, dining, entertainment, and historic attractions, had nothing short of an eventful year.
Downtown Futures Series Inspires a Smarter Chicago
Chicago Loop Alliance completed its third year of the Downtown Futures Series, a trio of conversations – moderated by David Broz, principal of Gensler Design – with innovative minds to create a smarter Chicago.
Chicago Loop Alliance’s Placemaking Initiatives Revered at IDA Conference
Chicago Loop Alliance’s placemaking efforts recognized as an “immersive urban experience and a best practice of how to create mini destinations.”
What's Happening
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
marzo 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
marzo 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
abril 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
abril 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
abril 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
mayo 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
junio 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
julio 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
agosto 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…