Sundays on State Street Festivals Are Coming in July to the Loop | Eater Chicago

"A new summer program will close State Street between Lake and Madison on Sundays starting July 11 to create pedestrian-only, block party–style gatherings with street dining, retail pop-ups, art events, and cooling vendors such as cold‑brew coffee carts. The Chicago Loop Alliance is soliciting proposals for pop-ups, demonstrations, and classes (deadline May 26), and restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are specifically invited to apply; participating restaurants within the designated area can set up street dining without space fees, and building-based businesses may join pending permits. City officials say outdoor events must follow public‑health rules — including masking, distancing, and a cap of 15 people per 1,000 square feet — though some restaurant owners have expressed questions about enforcement. If it attracts the right mix of crowds and vendors, organizers say the program could return for as many as 12 Sundays over the summer." - Naomi Waxman