New to the Loop

1. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – 1 N. State Street, Suite 4

2. Amorino Gelato – 209 S. LaSalle

3. Ground Up Coffee & Bites – 140 S. Dearborn

4. The Halal Guys – 100 N. LaSalle

5. Groundswell Coffee – 410 S. Michigan

6. RAYGUN – 133 N. State

7. Hello Kitty – 85 E. Wacker

8. Panda Express – 85 E. Wacker

9. Kilwin’s – 60 E. Randolph

10. Chicago Cut Steakhouse – 300 N. LaSalle

11. The Flip Pinball Museum – 108 N. State #15

12. Fatback – 222 N. LaSalle/176 W. Wacker

13. Bud & Rita’s Dispensary – 105 W. Madison

14. Crave Cookies – Located at Michigan and Washington

15. Portillo’s – 300 N. Michigan

16. Barnes & Noble – 150 N. State

17. Seedo’s Levantine Bakery – 181 W. Madison

18. Velvet Taco – 174 N. Michigan

19. Genki 

20. Kanpai Hot Pot & BBQ 

21. The Jibarito Stop – 174 N. Wabash

22. Seoul Spice -233 S. Wacker –Willis Tower Lower Level

23. Bagel and Bean – 111 W. Jackson

24. Prasino – 33 S. Wabash

25. Chitown Food and Deli – 34 E. Adams

26. Espiritu – 1 E. Wacker

27. Henrietta – 151 W. Adams

28. Dos Toros – 1 N. Dearborn

29. NAIA – 300 N. LaSalle

30. Bye Bye Chicago

31. The Ives – 12 S. Michigan Ave

32. Da Local Boy – 335 S. Franklin

33. Mariela – 1 W. Washington

34. Cafe Pisolino – 71 W. Monroe

35. Mexican Radio – 100 W. Monroe

36. Old Town Pour House – 120 N. LaSalle

37. The Carlyle Club – 316 N. Clark

38. SALT Chicago – 60 E. Jackson

39. Mojo Coffee & Eats – 70 W. Madison

40. Molly’s Cupcakes

41. Mood Fabrics – 109 S. State

The post 2026 New to the Loop appeared first on Loop Chicago.

“While the Loop’s foundation as a central business district continues to thrive, we are heartened by the neighborhood’s progress transitioning to a fully activated, multi-use district – filled with vibrant arts and culture, bustling retail activity, and engaged residents,” said Dr. Suzet McKinney, President & CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “The previous quarter’s data reveals that Chicagoans and visitors alike are exploring the Loop in a variety of ways, cementing our city as a world-class destination for unique experiences and innovative opportunities that champion us as a district to model successful downtowns.”

Economic Investment
A new business openings map shows the 19 new restaurants and cafes that opened in the Loop in Q2, along with 20 other establishments that recently opened or are set to open in 2026. Overall, investment in new construction and renewed uses of existing Loop property totaled $673 million.

In the last year, 18% of Chicago property buyers have been local while 29% of sellers have been from outside of the United States, indicating a renewed interest in local buying (CoStar). This has shown up in the Loop with local purchases of 227 S. State, 133 S. State, and the Thompson Center’s local redevelopment.

Office and commercial vacancies in the Loop, which have increased since 2020, began to level off in Q2 2026; and properties in the Loop are on the leasing market approximately the same amount of time as they were in Q2 2025. This includes new multi-floor office leases from Huntington Bank and law firm Vedder Price. Office occupancy stayed at an average of 101% of 2024 levels in April and May, showing that hybrid work trends are here to stay in the Loop.

Momentum in the LaSalle corridor continues, as three residential buildings are under construction as a part of the LaSalle Corridor Revitalization Initiative. Along with these city-funded projects, there are 19 other privately funded downtown conversions planned—more than the last 20 years combined. In total, these projects will bring nearly 4,000 new residential units and over $1.67 billion in investment to the Loop (Department of Planning and Development).

Arts and Culture
Arts and culture event and venue visitors contributed over $395 million to the economy in Q2, representing a 20% increase from Q2 2025. As summer festival season began, the Loop’s arts and culture events and venues saw nearly 1.5 million visitors in Q2. Events like Sueños Music Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Daley Plaza Farmers Market, and the beginning of Millennium Park’s music and film series drew visitors to the Loop to enjoy the spring weather.

Transportation
CTA ridership averaged just under 1 million riders each weekday in Q1, representing 111% of Q1 2025 ridership. Metra, which also converges in the Loop, averaged 300,000 riders each month in Q1, a nine percent increase from the same time last year. Crimes at CTA locations are down by about 25% compared to this time last year, showcasing one benefit of increased ridership.

Daily pedestrian activity on State Street averaged around 82% of 2019 levels. However, weekend events continue to draw visitors to the Loop, as Saturday and Sunday pedestrian numbers on State Street averaged 105% of 2019 levels.

Methodology
Sources for pedestrian activity provided by Springboard MRI; public transportation provided by Regional Transportation Authority and Chicago Transit Authority; retail activity arts and culture provided by Choose Chicago Cultural Index, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and Art Institute of Chicago.

The post World-class experiences and billions in investment drive Loop’s Q2 economy appeared first on Loop Chicago.

Tips & Tricks

Whether it’s your first time or if you are a certified veteran, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to have a memorable Lolla experience in the Chicago Loop. Here are some helpful tips everyone should note to make the festival experience as smooth as possible:

• WHEN TO ARRIVE
  • Lollapalooza opens at 11 a.m. each day and closes at 10 p.m. each night. The festival tends to get crowded around 4 p.m.; if you want to eat or browse brand activations without long lines, we recommend arriving before 4 p.m.
• WHAT TO WEAR
  • Make sure to wear comfortable and closed toed shoes. The festival grounds cover a lot of space, be prepared to get your steps in.
• HEALTH & SAFETY
  • Stay hydrated and keep cool! Lollapalooza allows attendees to bring in EMPTY re-usable water bottles (plastic/aluminum) or hydration packs that you can re-fill for FREE at hydration stations located throughout the festival.
  • With large crowds, the cell reception is weak. If you are traveling in groups and decide to split up, make sure to plan both a meet up location and time.
  • Register for Cashless. Lollapalooza allows guests to link their Credit/Debit cards to their wristbands, so no need to worry about losing your cards. The wristbands also allow guests to register an emergency contact in case emergency personnel need to know.
• HAVE FUN & EXPLORE
  • Lollapalooza is not just about the music. Many brands have fun activations to explore with cool freebies to take home.
  • Don’t miss out on the smaller artists. Lollapalooza is a great festival to discover new artists before they get big; take your time to explore an artist you’ve never heard of.

Who we are planning to see

Of course, we are excited about the headliners–the lineup this year is STACKED with amazing performers. Lollapalooza also partners with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) to program local Chicago artists at the Tito’s stage. See below for all the artists performing in the Chicago Made set presented by DCASE:

• Corr Kendricks
• Free Joel Band
• Lil M.U.
• Sherrionn
• Queen Key
• Peter CottonTale
• Tony “Chicago” Russel

How to get to Lollapalooza

With thousands of festival goers attending Lolla each year, the best way to get there is via public transportation. If you’re traveling by Metra and Amtrak, both will drop you off downtown.

If you’re taking the CTA, every “L” line will transport you into the Loop. Bus routes are also available. Map out your route with the CTA’s quick trip planner tool.

Chicago is one of the most accessible biking cities in the country. Bring your own bike and park it at the main entrance (Michigan Ave. and Ida B. Wells Drive), or rent a bike or scooter from Divvy. Click here for more ways to get to the Chicago Loop.

If you’re driving to Lolla, several parking lots and garages are accessible once in the Loop. Millennium Garages also has several convenient parking garages steps away from the festival grounds. Use the code below and save 20% off your parking spot with Millennium Garages.

If you’re staying at a hotel downtown, call ahead to see if valet parking is available. Or you can use the Spot Hero app to secure garage parking in advance online.

Chicago Attractions

With only a weekend stay for Lollapalooza, your time to explore the rest of downtown Chicago is limited. Use this guide to make the most of your time in the Loop. To see what else is happening browse our event calendar below!

Traffic Impacts

The Lollapalooza team and the City of Chicago are working together to ensure there is a plan in place to maximize convenience to all of our neighbors.

Check out the full list of street and sidewalk closures linked below in our Loop Advisory page.

Share your experience!

Be sure to share your pictures on Instagram and TikTok by tagging @LoopChicago so all your friends know about your Lolla experience. 

The post Lollapalooza Tips and Tricks appeared first on Loop Chicago.

Get Active

Every Saturday now through September 5, 2026, attend FREE summer workouts at Millennium Park. These workouts are 45-minute sessions ranging from Pilates, Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing, and Zumba. View the schedule below:

8-11:45 a.m. | Wrigley Square and the Great Lawn | 45-minute sessions

• 8 a.m. – Pilates (with live music)
• 9 a.m. – Yoga (with live music)
• 10 a.m. – Cardio Kickboxing
• 11 a.m. – Zumba

*Classes take place at Wrigley Square or on the Great Lawn and are led by top local instructors. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available upon request.

Watch a Movie in the Park

Every Tuesday – August 18, 2026, the Department of Special Affairs and Special Events, is hosting free movies in Millennium Park. Catch a movie every Tuesday in Millennium Park this month! See the full schedule below:

6:30 p.m. | Jay Pritzker Pavilion

• Tuesday, July 14, 2026 – When Harry Met Sally… (1989, R) & This is Spinal Tap (1984, R)
• Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – NO FILM SHOWING
• Tuesday, July 28, 2026 – Hamilton (2020, PG 13)

*These movies run through Thursday, August 6, 2026. Click the button below to browse the full film schedule!

Spend a day at a museum

The American Writers Museum is the first museum in the nation devoted to American writers and their works. Take a visit to the museum to learn more about some of your favorite writers. On the third Sunday of every month, the museum is offering FREE admission for all.

Take a trip back to Chicago’s Gilded Age, by visiting the Glessner House. Immerse yourself in this celebrated architectural treasure that inspired a generation of architects like a young Frank Loyd Wright. The Glessner House is offering free tours for Illinois residents on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Wander through the Art Institute and see historical pieces as well as contemporary works in the modern wing. Are you an Illinois resident? Explore the Art Institute for FREE with the museum’s Free Summer Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. now through September 17, 2026.

Go to Trivia at Sterling Food Hall

Take your friends to Trivia at Sterling Food Hall. Trivia happens inside Sterling Food Hall at the Flamingo Bar every Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. Arrive early to grab a bite and a cocktail before they start.

Second Fridays at the Fine Arts Building

The second Friday of every month, from 5-9 p.m., the Fine Arts Building opens all ten of its floors for the public. Attendees can meet participating artists who make the Fine Arts Building a home for different kinds of art.

As you wander throughout the building, you will discover open studios, live performances, galleries, and creative spaces.

Get fresh produce at the Farmers Market

Need some fresh produce downtown? Every Thursday the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events hosts FREE farmers markets at Daley Plaza. These vendors are all from the Chicago area serving up everything from fresh produce, to flowers, baked goods, dairy and more. The farmers market happens now through October 22, 2026.

Browse more Events!

Make sure to browse our event page for more ideas below!

The post FREE things to do this July in the Chicago Loop appeared first on Loop Chicago.

ENJOY LIVE MUSIC

Festival season is thriving in Chicago, with many live concerts to attend. Everything from Broadway Musicals to House music, to Jazz, Chicago has something for all to enjoy.

Monday, August 10 2026, Broadway in Chicago will bring its free annual summer concert to Millenium Park. The one night only event will feature performances from current and upcoming Broadway in Chicago productions, including The Notebook, The Outsiders, along with selections from Dirty Dancing: The Musical. Learn more about the event here.

Thursday, August 27- Sunday, August 30, 2026, The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events hosts the Chicago House Music Festival at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. This four-day festival celebrates the global impact of Chicago’s home-grown genre with free programing, performances, and events at Millenium Park.

Thursday, September 3 – Sunday, September 6, 2026, The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events presents the Chicago Jazz Festival. The 2026 Chicago Jazz Festival will take place in Millenium Park, offering a free opportunity for audiences to experience the full spectrum of jazz, from classic and contemporary to global and experiential. The festival will showcase an all-star lineup of legends, rising stars and hometown icons.

SPEND A DAY AT A MUSEUM

The Loop is home to some of the best museums in the country, as well as smaller, niche museums you’ll only find here. Go to the Museum of Illusions where you can truly experience the impossible. Illusions allow us to see things differently, and they expose a lot about how the brain interprets reality.

Wander through the Art Institute and see historical pieces as well as contemporary works in the modern wing.  Are you an Illinois resident? Explore the museum for free with the Art Institute’s Free Summer Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. through September 17, 2026. Find out about more Loop museums to check out here.

Be sure to check out other museums and experiences in and around the Loop—everything from specialized spots like the American Writers Museum, Museum of Contemporary Photography, and Museum of Contemporary Art, or fun newbies like  Color Factory, and Medieval Torture Museum.

HAVE DRINKS ON A ROOFTOP

Take your night to a whole new level at one of the many Chicago Loop rooftop bars, offering some of the best views in the city. Three top Loop spots are: Boleo, AIRE Rooftop Bar, and Cindy’s.

Located 15 stories up inside the Kimpton Gray Hotel, Boleo is the perfect spot to hear the sultry beats of South America paired with bold cocktails and savory Peruvian and Argentinian street snacks.

Another Loop favorite is AIRE Rooftop Bar, located on the 24th floor inside the Hyatt Centric Hotel. This rooftop is the perfect spot for 360 views of the city, and sharable small plates with friends. The fire pit makes it cozy for those breezy summer nights.

Finally, a Loop staple is Cindy’s, located in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. This is a great spot for stunning views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.

Want more? Explore our full rooftop guide here.

RELAX ON THE CHICAGO RIVERWALK

Take a stroll or a bike ride (if it’s not too crowded!), read a book, or simple sit and enjoy the views along the Chicago Riverwalk. Feel as if you’re floating as you take in the cityscape along the water. This pathway rests along the bank of the Chicago River for an exclusive view of the Loop’s world-class architecture, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and attractions along the way.

MAGGIE DALEY PARK

Take advantage of the weather and spend some time at Maggie Daley Park. Keep yourself and the kids busy all day with activities like mini golf, wall climbing, and scooter and rollerblade rentals. Also treat yourself to hot dogs and ice cream for the ultimate day out.

VISIT LAKE MICHIGAN

Cool off with a swim, play volleyball or frisbee, listen to music, have a barbeque with friends, or lay out in the sun and relax with your toes in the sand. Check out Ohio Street Beach just north of the Loop, or 12th Street Beach a little to the south. After some fun in the sun and sand, mosey along the Lakefront Trail to the Loop proper for some gorgeous views of the skyline and Millennium Park.

GO FOR A RIDE

Enjoy the weather and get a workout while you’re at it. Enjoy the Loop’s protected bike lanes and the Lakefront Trail for a safe, easy breezy ride. If you don’t own a bike or e-scooter, rent a Divvy for easy access to the city.

The post Must-do activities before summer ends appeared first on Loop Chicago.

In the Albert Theatre (856 -seat proscenium stage) 

The Attic 

September 5 – October 5 | A World Premiere

From the primal vista of her childhood bedroom springs Shana Carroll’s wildly imaginative, ground-breaking memoir that takes theater to new heights. Inspired by the Tony Award-nominated former trapezist’s mesmerizing life story, a company of fearless performers transforms memory into daring aerial feats that are as moving as they are breathtaking. In the air, on the floor and from the heart, Montreal’s multidisciplinary creative collective, The 7 Fingers, brings its “thrillingly modern brand of circus” (Time Out New York) to The Goodman in this moving new work that embraces the fear and courage of being human. 

49th Annual Christmas Carol 

November 13- December 31 | Starring Tim Hopper as Ebenezer Scrooge

“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”  

Millions have rediscovered Dickens’ classic at The Goodman over the past five decades—and know why it’s “the best Christmas story ever told!” (Time Out Chicago). Follow the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as ghostly intervention transforms his holiday disdain into delight one fateful Christmas night. Chicago favorite Tim Hopper—”for whom a furrowed brow and serious visage comes easily” (Chicago Tribune)—makes his debut as Scrooge. This timeless production, long heralded for its “first-rate cast and marvelous staging” (Chicago Sun-Times), is not to be missed. 

John Proctor is the Villain 

January 23-February 21, 2027 | A Chicago Premiere

The kids are not only all right, they’re on fire. 

Fueled by pop music, optimism and fury, five young women are about to light up some of the darkest secrets of their one-stoplight town. The Chicago premiere of the Tony Award nominated Broadway smash sensation—hailed as “the new era of cool-girl theater” (BrooklynRail.org) “igniting its own cultural moment” (Variety)—pulses with humor and energy. Heroes, villains and who gets blamed when the hysteria starts are up for debate in this “vital, hilarious, thrilling and urgently necessary” (The New York Times) unflinching perspective of a generation staking its claim. A co-production with Guthrie Theater. 

‘Night, Mother

March 27-April 25, 2027 

How well do we know the ones we love most?  

Four decades after its astonishing debut, Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning darkly comic landmark drama returns in a new, of-the-moment production—starring Emmy- and Golden Globe-award winner S. Epatha Merkerson (Law and Order, Chicago Med, the HBO film Lakawanna Blues, Broadway’s Come Back Little Sheba). When a daughter makes a life-altering confession to her mother, their ordinary evening exchange gives way to a breathtaking roller coaster ride—gripping, profoundly relevant and “more harrowing than even its plot suggests” (The New York Times). With unblinking honesty, Emmy Award-winner Michael Pressman directs this profound reckoning about choice, care and what it means to be truly heard. 

Green Day’s American Idiot

June 18 – July 25, 2027

“A global knockout” (Rolling Stone). 

Tune in, wake up, fight back! With urgent new creative force, Green Day’s two-time Tony Award-winning smash sensation that defined a generation roar back to the stage—for the first time in Chicago in more than a decade—in Susan V. Booth’s major new production. Three lifelong friends search for meaning in a world that never stops demanding it, each pulled deeper into chaos—of war, of responsibility, of escape. Every song from the band’s eponymous Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum album and hits from 21st Century Breakdown punctuate this high-octane, adrenaline-fueled experience about the ever-elusive promise of the American dream. 

In the Owen Theatre (400 – seat flexible stage) 

Dead Girl’s Quinceañera

September 26-November 1, 2026, | A World Premiere 

Detective skills: unverified. Determination: unmatched.  

FACT: Maria was last seen at her Quinceañera. FACT: The party ended early due to an unknown emergency. FACT: Maria has not responded to any messages in 36 hours. Now, her three best friends—armed with confidence, questionable clues, and zero adult supervision—are on the case, racing against the clock to find out what happened. Half-baked theories, big feelings and the pressures of Latine girlhood punctuate this joy ride through the power and pleasure of adolescent friendships—a comic thriller of secrets, sisterhood and solving crime. A Collective World Premiere with Barrington Stage Company and Hartford Stage. 

Feast!

February 27 – March 28, 2027 | A World Premiere 

Nothing spoils faster than pride. 

Carol has just been fired. Meantime, her husband Michael has bought and paid for her company’s $12,000 dinner. Instead of canceling, they decide to go through with it to prove they still have a place at the table. But when no guests arrive, the evening unravels into a darkly funny collision of money and marriage that asks what we are prepared to normalize in exchange for belonging. Susan V. Booth directs this smart, searing new satire that serves up a slice of privilege and power from “one of the best playwrights in Chicago. Or maybe the country. Or the universe” (Chicago Reader). FEAST! is the recipient of the 2026 Laurents / Hatcher Foundation Award. 

The Xixth (The Nineteenth) 

April 17 – May 16, 2027 | A Chicago Premiere 

“Visual pop, fleet pacing, muscular energy, welcome humor” (San Diego Union Tribune). 

In Mexico City, 1968, courage comes with a price. When two Black American sprinters deliver a protest seen around the world, what followed was more complex—and far more dangerous. With a blend of sharp wit and searing emotion, Academy Award-nominee Kemp Powers explores what it truly costs to speak out when everyone is watching in this gripping Chicago-premiere production. 

22nd Annual New Stages Festival 

December 5-13 

Offered free of charge, the annual New Stages Festival is designed to give playwrights an opportunity to experience their work in front of an audience. New Stages offers Chicago theatergoers a first look at dozens of plays, many of which have gone on to become successful full productions—including three plays featured in the Centennial season, Ashland Avenue, Revolution(s) and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao—as well as Noah Haidle’s Smokefall, Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Ruined and more.

The post The 26/27 Season at Goodman Theatre appeared first on Loop Chicago.

Taste of chicago is back!

From beloved neighborhood restaurants and emerging chefs to performances by globally recognized artists and family-friendly programming along the city’s iconic lakefront, Taste of Chicago 2026 will showcase the cultural diversity and creative energy that continue to make Chicago a premier culinary destination.  

2026 musical lineup

This year’s Taste of Chicago will feature an exciting lineup of acclaimed artists and performers at Grant Park, including indie rock pop favorites Beach Bunny, Grammy-winning Reggae singer-songwriter Original Koffee, Chicago hip-hop icon Common, legendary R&B singer, songwriter and producer Babyface and international Mexican Latin pop-rock sensation Julieta Venegas. The diverse music lineup will bring renowned talent to the lakefront while celebrating the energy and creativity that define Chicago’s summer festival season. 

The festival will feature returning favorites and new restaurants representing Chicago’s dynamic culinary landscape from across the city. Participating new vendors include Aaron’s FOF BBQ and Catering, Bust Outs, Café Tola, Cebu Chicago, CHKN Box LLC, Classic Cobbler Baked Goods Company, Daniel’s Test Kitchen, Fernando’s Blue Agave Restaurant, Havana Banana, Joey G’s Mac N Cheese, Kaya Grill & Gyoza, Kinnaree Thai Kitchen, LC Pho Restaurant, Lindsey’s Ice Cream, Molly’s Cupcakes, MsP’s GFree Inc, Oooh Wee It Is, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Rickshaw, S2 Express Grill, Saffron Street Chicago, Soul Veg City, Taco Pros, Taylor’s Tacos, TE’AMO, The Tamale Guy and many other vendors representing cuisines from across Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. A full list of vendors can be viewed by clicking here. 

Taste of Chicago’s food truck lineup will bring even more flavor to Grant Park with 20 food trucks serving a wide array of culinary offerings throughout the five-day festival. Participating food trucks include Caseras Food Truck, Decadent Flavor, Delicias Tacos Inc., El Azteca Sanchez Inc., Haire’s Gulf Shrimp, Halal Truck Guys, Happy Lobster, La Cocinita Food Truck, La Guerita Mexican Food Truck, Mr. Quiles Mexican Food, Ms. Tittle’s Cupcakes, Route 66 Mobile Diner LLC, Soul & Smoke, Sausage Fest, Taco Motora Inc., Tasty Chicago, Uncle Remus SFC, Whadda Jerk, Willie P’s BBQ & Catering, Yummy Halal Food. From barbecue and seafood favorites to tacos, comfort food, global flavors and sweet treats, the food truck lineup adds even more opportunities for festivalgoers to discover something new while experiencing Chicago’s dynamic culinary scene.  

The post Taste of Chicago 2026 appeared first on Loop Chicago.

Q: Please introduce yourself and what you do. 

A: My name is Alex Linardos, @mrsouthloop. I’m a Chicago based content creator and flight attendant. I’m a huge fan of live theater, going to the movies, and trying new restaurants. 

Q: What inspired you to start posting content and pursuing content creation?

A: I started my account @MrSouthLoop during the pandemic. I wanted to connect with my South Loop neighbors and inform them what was going on in the neighborhood. My first few posts were mostly what businesses were open and/or closed in the South Loop. I wanted to create a resource for the South Loop community and that’s how “Mr. South Loop” was born. 

Q: What motivated you to embrace the title “Mr. South Loop”?

A: So, I’m really into commercial real estate, if I had the time, I would get my broker’s license and start leasing up the city. One day, I was out to dinner with some friends and my friend Yubi said: “Alex, you know everything that’s going on in the neighborhood, you’re like Mr. South Loop.” As soon as he said it, I was like I guess I kind of am. I’m always looking up leasing sites, building permits, you name it. It all really fascinates me. 

Q: There are 77 neighborhoods in Chicago — what made you choose the Loop?

A: While I call South Loop home, the Loop is a huge part of my day-to-day life. Whether I’m walking to my favorite restaurant for a quick bite to eat, walking to the theatre district to catch a show, or just doing some quick shopping on State Street. I think I kind of take the Loop for granted. I know it’s there and I don’t do my best to really take full advantage of it. This is going to sound crazy, but I’ve never walked the full pedway before. I’ve never been to The Berghoff! There’s still so much I need to continue exploring. 

Q: Do you have a favorite “Loop hack” or insider tip? 

A: So, my insider tip would be rushing Broadway In Chicago shows. The day of a show, Broadway in Chicago sells a few discounted tickets at the box office right when it opens. I highly suggest getting in line at least an hour prior. For past shows I’ve really wanted to see, I’ve waited in line for about two hours…OUTSIDE!  Even during the winter, I’ve layered up and put on a nice podcast. It’s so much fun chatting to other theater lovers while waiting in line. 

Q: What is the most underrated gem in the Loop? 

A: Exile in Bookville. It’s one of my favorite bookstores and small businesses in Chicago. I love that it’s slightly hidden within the second floor of the Fine Arts building. It’s one of those “if you know, you know”. They’ve got a great selection of books, records, and stationery.

Q: What does a perfect day in the Loop look like for you? 

A: So, I would start my morning with a matcha and a bagel. Full disclosure, I’m not a coffee drinker. After breakfast, I would make my way to one of our fabulous city parks. Either Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, or the riverwalk. There’s just something about sitting outside in Chicago. Especially on a nice summer morning. After that, I would love to stop at a small business for lunch. Maybe catch a matinee Broadway show or a movie. Then I’m totally open for doing a happy hour before a quick walk home. 

 Q: Why should people visit the Loop?

A: The Loop is truly the heartbeat of Chicago. I believe Chicago wouldn’t be what it is today without the small businesses that call the Loop home. I really want to see the entire city of Chicago get behind the Loop and help it thrive. Whether it be supporting a local business, taking in the art scene, or encouraging friends and out of town guests to stay here –some of my some of my favorite hotels are located in the Loop. 

We want to thank Alex –aka Mr. South Loop for being this month’s “People of the Loop” profile! To watch the video version of this segment, click here. Follow Mr. South Loop on social channels here.

The post Why Mr. South Loop Loves Chicago’s Loop appeared first on Loop Chicago.

Millennium Park Summer Workouts

The Millenium Park Summer Workouts are returning this summer for FREE. These outdoor fitness classes invite Chicagoans to stay active right in the heart of downtown. These workouts will be held on select Saturdays from May 16 through September 5 from 8 to 11: 45 a.m. at Wrigley Square and the Great Lawn in Millenium Park. 

Attendees can expect a variety of 45-minute sessions. Classes include yoga, Pilates, cardio kickboxing and Zumba. 

Summer Workout Schedule

Saturdays, May 16-September 5 | 8 – 11:45 a.m. | Wrigley Square and the Great Lawn

• 8 a.m. – Pilates (with live music) 
• 9 a.m. – Yoga (with live music)
• 10 a.m. – Cadio Kickboxing 
• 11 a.m. Zumba 

*Workouts will not take place July 4th

Millenium Park Summer Music Series

The Millenium Park Summer Music Series will return on select Mondays and Thursdays, June 15 through August 6. This year’s series features standout performances from Sheila E., Arrested Development, Linda Sol, DJ Ca$h Era, La Rosa Noir, and more.

2026 Music Festival Lineup

Mondays & Thursdays, June-August | 6:30 p.m. | Jay Pritzker Pavilion 

• June 15 (Monday) – Arrested Development, Linda Sol, DJ Ca$h Era 
• June 18 (Thursday) – Let the Spirit Out! A Jubilant Celebration of Juneteenth with D-Composed and Kahlil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, with special guests Nona Hendryx and David Murray
• June 22 (Monday) – Sheila E, Melody Angel, DJ Larz Natural 
• June 25 (Thursday) – Patrice Rushen, Sparklmami, DJ Shon Dervis
• June 29 (Monday) – Sir Chloe, Venus & the Flytraps, DJ Jill Hopkins
• July 16 (Thursday) – Marcos Valle, Daniel Villarreal, DJ Clark Quente 
• July 27 (Monday) – Aterciopelados, LaRosa Noir, Lumpen Radio DJs 
• August 3 (Monday) – The Budos Band, Zeshan B, Radius
• August 6 (Thursday) – GRAMMY Legacies and Looking Ahead feat. Lila Ike’, Matt B, DJ Blair Elise

Millenium Park Sumer Film Series

The Millenium Park Summer Film Series returns to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion with free weekly screenings on Tuesday evenings. You can catch the film series starting June 30 and running through August 18 at 6:30 p.m. on a 40-foot LED screen. 

2026 Film Schedule

• June 30 – Independence Day (1996, PG-13) –30th anniversary
• July 7 – Ratatouille (2007, G) –Kickoff to Taste of Chicago 
• July 14 – When Harry Met Sally… (1989, R) & This is Spinal Tap (1984, R) –Tribute to Rob Reiner Double Feature
• July 21 – NO FILM SHOWING 
• July 28 – Hamilton (2020, PG 13) –America 250 celebration 
• August 4 – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001, PG-13) — 25th anniversary
• August 11 – The Devil Wears Prada (2006, PG-13) — 20th anniversary 
• August 18 – Sinners (2025, R)

*These events are programed by the the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), learn more about DCASE here. 

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Gift her flowers

Your friendly neighborhood florist makes it easy this Mother’s Day! Stop by A Tree Grows in Brooklyn for your choice of two floral arrangements or a mini.  Pickups and limited deliveries available. More details can be found here. 

They are also offering gift cards that can be redeemed at any branch and the most gorgeous floral subscription selections around!

Go out for brunch

Mercadito in River North (and soon Lincoln Park!) have put together a $45 three-course prix fixe menu to help celebrate mom. For just $45 per person, guests can enjoy their choice of: Tropical Mahi Ceviche made with mahi mahi, Chilaquiles featuring a 4 oz sirloin with crispy tortillas, and warm, cinnamon-sugar Churro Bites! For the full menu you can view here. 

Stop by Roanoke, this Sunday May 10, 2026, for a delicious Mother’s Day brunch. Their menu features a Buffet with seasonal specials you won’t want to miss. To make a reservation click here. 

Treat her to a spa day

In the Loop there are plenty of places to enjoy a day of relaxation. Do a spa day with mom at JW Marriot Chicago, Kimpton Gray Hotel, Spa at Palmer House, or the Godfrey Spa Boutique. Services include facials, body treatments, waxing, and in-room massages. 

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