Cost-Free Activities in Chicago: Sundays on State 2025 Comes Back with Plans to Extend into Autumn

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Loop Alliance announced the lineup for the Falling for the Loop series.

Sundays on State, returns for its fifth year on September 7 and October 5.

Better Cities Film Festival returns from October 9 to 11 and LUMA’s 11th Annual Arts in the Dark Parade on October 18.

A new Lurking in the Loop bar crawl at 14 Loop bars and restaurants is happening on October 25.

Skeletons on State, an interactive display of 20 oversized skeletons showcasing iconic Chicago and Loop institutions, returns from October 1 to November 3.

“Based on the success of Sundays on State, and the power of arts and culture on both the Loop’s economy and its recovery, we felt compelled to expand our programming to uplift Chicago’s plethora of cultural assets,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance.

Sundays on State
Sundays on State is free and open to the public and will take place this year on State Street from Randolph to Jackson.

Those who register to attend Sundays on State are automatically entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Loop staycation package. Learn more and register for free at LoopChicago.com/Sundays.

Lurking in the Loop

Lurking in the Loop is free and open to the public, and serves as the Loop’s official Halloween bar crawl, exploring nearly a dozen unique bars.

Participating establishments include Bandol Brasserie, Bar Sotto, Brando’s Speakeasy, Elephant & Castle, Emerald Loop Bar & Grill, Exchequer Pub, Hoyt’s Royal Sonesta Chicago, Industry Ales, Land & Lake Kitchen, Palmer House Hilton, Petterino’s and The Berghoff Restaurant & Adams Street Brewery.

Registration is encouraged. Learn more and register for free at LoopChicago.com/barcrawl.

Skeletons on State

Skeletons on State is free and open to the public, activating various State Street planters with 8-ft. skeletons adorned with tributes to local Loop and Chicago institutions.