Free things to do today in Chicago: Sundays on State 2025 returns with plans to expand into the fall season

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.

The interactive display “Skeletons on State,” featuring 20 large skeletons that highlight notable Chicago and Loop institutions, is back from October 1 to November 3.

“Inspired by the success of Sundays on State and recognizing the significant role of arts and culture in the Loop’s economic vitality and recovery, we felt it was important to broaden our programming to celebrate Chicago’s vast cultural assets,” stated 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.

By registering for Sundays on State, attendees are automatically eligible to win a $1,000 Loop staycation package. For more details and to register for free, visit 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.

Places participating in the event 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 a free event available to the public, featuring 8-foot skeletons placed in State Street planters, each decorated to honor local Loop and Chicago institutions.

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