Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
2 MIN READ — Growing up, my Papa shared the story of La Llorona with me—a tale many children in Mexico hear. Maria, in a fit of rage, drowns her children after being abandoned by her husband, and her haunting wails warn children: “Don’t wander alone, or La Llorona will find you.” For years, I viewed Maria as a symbol of fear. But as a mother, I began to ask: What if there’s more to Maria’s story?
4 MIN READ – El Grito Chicago, a vibrant 2-day festival in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, announces an exciting entertainment line-up made up of national and local performing artists from multiple musical genres. El Grito Chicago will take place in the Chicago Loop at Butler Field in Grant Park on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 2-10 p.m.
3 MIN READ – Revel in the benefits of in-person shopping where instant gratification and a multi-sensory experience await. From enjoying personalized assistance to supporting local businesses, here’s why visiting a store provides a rich and rewarding shopping experience.
5 MIN READ – For many, Labor Day offers one last three-day weekend to enjoy summertime weather, so you’d better make the most of it! Spend the day in the Chicago Loop enjoying major events, great outdoor public space, world-class museums, delicious dining, an iconic shopping district, and more. If you’re having way too much fun, turn it into a vacation with an overnight stay in one of the Loop’s luxurious hotels. No matter what you’re into, the Loop’s got you covered.
Join The Wabash Lights on Thursday, Aug 15 at 8:15pm CDT for a celebration and reveal of this one-of-a-kind, interactive light installation.
2 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) recently released an in-depth Value of Downtowns report, created by the International Downtown Association (IDA), detailing that the Chicago Loop surpasses other U.S. downtowns studied by most value metrics and serves as the most significant and vital of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Chicago’s Loop is as an established downtown, showcasing robust employment rates, burgeoning population density, and sustainable growth prospects for the future.
4 MIN READ – Fall in love with your city all over again with this guide from the locals. Whether you want to sit back and relax or go on many active adventures, in the Chicago Loop, the possibilities are endless.
4 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) recently released its quarter two 2024 State of the Loop report on downtown activity, using a variety of data sources, which the organization has produced since July 2020. The report tracks pedestrian activity, hotel occupancy, office workers on-site, arts and culture, multimodal transportation, investment and more
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.
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.
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.
April 17, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
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.
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…
June 20, 2026
MUSIC BY MARK HOLLMANN LYRICS BY MARK HOLLMANN AND JAY REISS BOOK BY ERIN QUINN PURCELL AND JAY REISS DIRECTED…
June 30, 2026
An exciting lineup of outdoor films on Tuesdays this summer.
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.
