The Chicago Loop Alliance has announced it is bringing back its Activate event this week, a gathering of local arts and culture for one night on Thursday at the corner of Quincy and LaSalle Streets in the Loop.
The free street festival, which started in 2014, transforms alleys and other urban places into exhibition spaces where attendees can enjoy art, music and other performances. Activate has been on hiatus for the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year’s Activate is rooted in the vibrancy of the Loop that we have all missed, and encourages attendees to envision spaces in unexpected ways, filled with color, art fantastical ideas, and captivating experiences,” said Michael Edwards, president and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance.
Coinciding with Pride Month, the event hopes to encourage attendees to “dream in color” said Allison Gerlach, director of events of Chicago Loop Alliance. The attendee with the most colorful outfit will also win a special prize.
“For years, Activate has celebrated what makes us all unique,” she added. “This event invites the city’s most creative to express themselves through moving installations in an open space — be it visual, performing or mixed-media art.”
This year’s event will include performances by A Queer Pride, hip-hop violinist Windy Indie, tap dancer Djedi, interactive art displays by Paint the City and visual arts by Opera-Matic. Plus, Marc “Moose the DJ” Moder will provide live DJ sessions. There will also be a fashion and accessories trading post, where shoppers can haggle for goods, as well as food and drinks from Solemn Oath Brewery, City Water Hard Seltzer and GoPuff.
June 30 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the intersection of LaSalle and Quincy Streets; free, RSVP in advance to get a complimentary drink ticket. More information at loopchicago.com/events/activate
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