Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
2 MINUTE READ — Ring in the New Year in the heart of Chicago! The Loop comes alive with dazzling celebrations—from iconic citywide spectacles to intimate cultural events—offering something for every kind of reveler. Whether you’re looking for free community festivities, live performances, riverfront fireworks, or ticketed parties with a view, the Loop is the place to be as we count down to 2026.
3 MIN READ — After work, go out for drinks! Happy hour is happening all throughout the Loop, so you can wind down after a long day. Choose from all these unique venues, each with their own style and atmosphere.
5 MIN READ — This December, Libby Dennen steps onto the stage as Anastasis in Beyond the Nutcracker, it’s more than a return — it’s a full-circle moment. Nearly a decade after first performing the role as a young student, the now–Ballet 5:8 Solo Artist brings to it the artistry, grace, and maturity shaped by years of growth on and off the stage.
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.
As the air cools and leaves begin to change, First Lady invites locals and visitors to experience fall in Chicago from the water. Now through November, guests can enjoy crisp breezes, glowing sunsets, and stunning skyline views aboard a variety of sightseeing and specialty cruises.
5 MIN READ — Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and vibrant colors mean one thing—fall has arrived in Chicago! From festive riverfront celebrations and pumpkin patches to colorful Halloween experiences and seasonal treats, the city is buzzing with ways to soak in the season. This guide is your go-to for the best fall happenings in the Chicago Loop—perfect for family outings, date nights, or a fun day with friends.
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.
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.
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.
abril 17, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
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.
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…
junio 20, 2026
MUSIC BY MARK HOLLMANN LYRICS BY MARK HOLLMANN AND JAY REISS BOOK BY ERIN QUINN PURCELL AND JAY REISS DIRECTED…
junio 30, 2026
An exciting lineup of outdoor films on Tuesdays this summer.
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.
