Head to State Street, that great street, to participate in free art activations, live music, dance, theater and fashion shows at the Loop Arts Fest on October 17, 2026. Sample local food and art vendors as you roam down State for three blocks of art and creativity.
Photo courtesy of Loop Arts Fest
The streets on State between Jackson and Madison will be closed to cars and open to pedestrians to roam through displays of local art and performances from local musicians, actors and dancers. The fest will feature two stages for presentations from local organizations including Broadway in Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre and Carpacho Y Su Super Combo.
Photo courtesy of Loop Arts Fest
Headliner Simone Green will take the main stage at 5 pm to enchant the audience with soulful music inspired by Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and Prince. The Loop Arts Fest runs from noon to 6 pm in the heart of the Loop, on State between Jackson and Madison. All performances and activations are free. Check out the schedule below.
Main Stage Schedule
12:05 PM | Broadway in Chicago
A performance of In His Eyes from Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning revival of JEKYLL & HYDE making its Broadway in Chicago debut at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, now through November 8
12:30 PM | Harold Washington College
Hear the next generation of Chicago musicians take the stage! Students from Harold Washington College, part of the City Colleges of Chicago and located in the heart of the Loop, bring their talents downtown for a performance celebrating the city’s emerging artists.
1:15 PM | The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University
Experience the talent of Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA), a nationally recognized conservatory right here in downtown Chicago. This performance features a performance from the CCPA Jazz & Contemporary Ensemble.
2:30 PM | DePaul University School of Music & Theatre
Get ready for a performance that brings music and movement together! The DePaul Vocal Jazz Ensemble, featuring more than 10 vocalists backed by a full rhythm section, joins DePaul dance performers for a dynamic set filled with vocal harmonies, choreography and energy.
3:45 PM | Carpacho y Su Súper Combo
Turn up the energy with Carpacho y Su Super Combo! This high-energy group brings the tropical sounds of salsa and cumbia to the Loop Arts Fest stage for a set made to get you moving.
5:00 PM | Simone Green
Close out the Main Stage with Loop Arts Fest headliner Simone Green! The Chicago-based soul singer, songwriter and producer has been captivating audiences for more than two decades. Inspired by icons including Prince, Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle, Simone brings her powerful voice and soulful sound to State Street for a performance you won’t want to miss.
Photo courtesy of World Fashion Festival
Second Stage Schedule
12:00 PM | Joffrey Ballet
Experience the next generation of dance with 20 Joffrey Ballet students presenting two contemporary dance pieces, showcasing the artistry, athleticism and creativity of Chicago’s emerging dancers.
12:30 PM | Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre
The pre-professional ensemble of Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre brings contemporary dance to the stage through powerful storytelling. Through movement, music, and expressive physicality, the dancers explore heritage, culture, identity and belonging in a performance that celebrates difference while highlighting our shared humanity.
1:15 PM | Kalapriya
Journey to South India through the traditional Indian classical dance of Bharatanatyam. Kalapriya Chicago will present selections from the Mārgam (“Journey”), highlighting the rich storytelling, intricate rhythms and expressive movement of this centuries-old tradition from Tamil Nadu.
2:00 PM | Second City Outlaws
Get ready to kick up your boots! Second City Outlaws will teach the crowd a few quick and easy line dances before taking the stage for an afternoon of country dancing, music and fun.
2:45 PM | Chicago Multicultural Dance Center
Meet the next generation of diverse dance talent through Hiplet NEXT, a mentorship-driven training program dedicated to empowering dancers to grow as artists and professionals. The program uses dance to build leadership, integrity and character while creating opportunities for dancers to thrive.
3:15 PM | South Asia Institute
Discover the vibrant traditions of South Asia with the South Asia Institute, Chicago’s independent South Asian American arts and cultural center dedicated to preserving, promoting and presenting South Asian arts and culture. Don’t miss this special performance!
4:00 PM | Ballet Chicago
Join Ballet Chicago for an experience that celebrates the artistry and joy of ballet! The performance features new choreography from the 2026 DanceVision program, excerpts from The Nutcracker, and a mini ballet lesson where audiences can join in on the fun.
4:45 PM | Cloggin’ Craze
Get ready for some high-energy footwork! Cloggin’ Craze is a nonprofit clogging team based in New Lenox, bringing this lively Appalachian dance tradition to the stage. Enjoy a mix of traditional and popular country music as the team showcases the rhythm, energy and fun of clogging.
5:30 PM | World Fashion
Experience fashion as a celebration of culture and connection. World Fashion brings designers, brands, diplomats and global communities together through a shared runway in Chicago. Stay tuned for something special! Learn more about the full Chicago World Fashion Festival here.
Loop Arts Fest
State Street, between Jackson and Madison
October 17, 2026
noon- 6 p.m
Free
Lollipop Cheong says
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