Summer might be long gone but street festival season in Chicago isn’t over just yet!
An all-new outdoor block party is taking over downtown this month and admission is completely free.
Here’s everything to know about the first-ever Loop Arts Fest.
Loop Arts Fest—Saturday, Oct. 17
The Chicago Loop Alliance will host the inaugural Loop Arts Fest on Saturday, October 17, from 12–6 p.m.
The festival will cover three blocks along the State Street corridor from Madison Street to Jackson Boulevard.
The event will feature more than 20 art vendors, plus local live music and dance acts across two stages.
Chicago soul artist Simone Green will headline the festival. Additional performances include a showcase from the Joffrey Ballet students, a World Fashion runway show, and more.
Other activations include a line dancing workshop courtesy of dance troupe the Second City Outlaws, and a ballet lesson and Nutcracker excerpts from Ballet Chicago.
The new event comes months after the Chicago Loop Alliance announced it would not bring back the Sundays on State street festival in 2026.
The Loop Arts Fest will fill the space left by the cancelation, ushering in a new era of free downtown programming for all Chicagoans to enjoy.
Know before you go
When: Saturday, October 17 | 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Chicago Loop | State Street from Madison Street to Jackson Boulevard.
Admission: Free!
Transit: Enjoy convenient festival access by taking the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line to the Monroe station (north entrance) or Jackson station (south entrance).
Click here to view the full festival lineup and learn more information.
