Loop favorites during Chicago Theatre Week
5 MIN READ – Chicago Theatre Week (CTW) has become a staple in the city, especially in the Loop’s theatre district, and returns for its 13th year, February 6-16, 2025.
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Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
How to honor Black History Month in the Loop
3 MIN READ – The beautiful thing about Black history is that it’s still being made every day. Check out what these Loop businesses and organizations have to offer, and find a way to honor Black History Month this February.
Why Chicago’s Lunch Crowd Is Going Plant-Based
2 MIN READ — More Chicagoans are choosing plant-based meals, likely because plant-forward food checks a lot of boxes people care about when it comes to dining choices: convenience, taste, sustainability, and health. The fastest-growing group in plant-based eating isn’t strict vegans, it’s flexitarians: people who still eat meat but intentionally choose plant-based meals a few times a week. That shift is reflected in grocery stores, fast-casual menus, office catering, and downtown lunch habits.
Renewed investment, holiday activity round out final 2025 quarter
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.
Chicago Loop Alliance President & CEO, Michael M. Edwards to step down after 13 years
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.
Experience Chicago Restaurant Week 2025 in the Loop
4 MIN READ – Choose Chicago has announced the restaurants and menus of the 18th annual Chicago Restaurant Week taking place from Friday, January 24 to Sunday, February 9, 2025.
2024 Free Museum Days
1 MIN READ – Visiting the many renown museums in Chicago is always an enthralling experience, better yet is when admission is free! Plan your 2025 museum visits using the free day listings here.
Why thousands of Chicagoans climb 94 floors each winter
3 MIN READ – The Hustle Chicago® stair climb returns to the former Hancock Building on February 22, 2026, and brings thousands of participants together to take on 94 floors in support of lung health and clean air.
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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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…