Taste of Chicago 2026
Chicago’s legendary food festival returns to Grant Park July 8-12, with five days of free concerts, diverse local cuisine and family-friendly programming along the iconic lakefront. Read the full details here.
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Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
Why Mr. South Loop Loves Chicago’s Loop
5 MIN READ — This month for our People of the Loop series, we caught up with Alex Linardos — better known to many as “Mr. South Loop.” The Chicago-based content creator took us around the Loop to share his favorite hidden gems, insider tips, and what makes downtown Chicago such a special place to live, work, and explore. From local recommendations to his perspective on the neighborhood’s energy and growth, Alex gives an inside look at why the Loop continues to inspire him. Read the full Q&A below, and don’t forget to check out the video feature on our social channels.
2026 Millennium Park Summer Series
5 MIN READ — The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announces the return of the Millenium Park Summer Workouts, Summer Music Series and Summer Film Series. Running May through August, these signature free programs bring world-class performances, fan-favorite films and energizing fitness experiences all in the heart of the Loop.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Loop
5 MIN READ – Celebrate this Mother’s Day in the Loop. Go out to brunch and drink specialty cocktails. Appreciate the spring weather with a boat ride on the Chicago River. For a scenic view, dine at a rooftop bar. To relax, rejuvenate at the spa. Give gifts, sweet treats, and floral arrangements. Regardless of how you spend your day downtown in the Loop, you will bond with Mom, and that’s all that matters.
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the Loop
Want to know where to go for Cinco de Mayo? The Chicago Loop has fantastic specials for the celebration of the May 5 holiday honoring the Mexican army’s victory over France at the battle of Puebla in 1862. Sneak in a siesta before you fiesta, and enjoy some of the hottest deals in town.
Best Rooftops in the Loop
3 MIN READ – Take your night to a whole new level at one of the Chicago Loop’s finest rooftop bars, offering some of the best views in the city.
Loop’s first quarter driven by new business investment, cultural events
3 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) recently released its quarter one 2026 State of the Loop report. CLA has produced reports on downtown activity since July 2020, using a variety of data sources, tracking pedestrian and transportation activity, investment, retail, arts and culture, and more.
Chicago Loop Alliance names new President & CEO
2 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) announced its new President and CEO, Suzet McKinney. Her career spans public health, public safety, real estate, corporate, tech and government sectors and will provide strategic implementation in expanding the organization’s impact, increasing confidence in the Loop while ensuring it is everyone’s neighborhood, and creating a complete urban district.
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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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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THE MAGIC PARLOUR - Presented by The Goodman and Petterino's
September 4, 2026
Experience Jaw-Dropping Magic. Enter through the doors at 50 West Randolph to discover a hidden world where the impossible becomes…
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Undertale: The Determination Symphony
September 5, 2026
UNDERTALE: The Determination Symphony is an unforgettable concert experience featuring the most memorable themes from the hit indie game, newly…