Staff Reporter
Chicago’s popular street festival, Sundays on State, known for transforming the city’s famous State Street into a vibrant block party, is making a notable change this year. Traditionally held during the summer months, the event has shifted its schedule to two Sundays this fall — September 7 and October 5 — from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The change offers attendees a fresh seasonal experience while keeping the festival’s signature lively atmosphere intact.
Story Highlights
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Sundays on State festival shifts from summer to fall dates: September 7 and October 5, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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State Street from Randolph to Jackson will be closed to traffic to create a safe pedestrian zone
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Festival features nearly 400 vendors, live performances, and local food vendors
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More than one million visitors since 2021, expect large crowds
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Free entry with online registration and chance to win a $1,000 Loop Staycation Package
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Festival supports economic recovery and complements other major downtown summer events
The event is hosted by the Chicago Loop Alliance in partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. For these two days, State Street will be closed off to traffic from Randolph Street to Jackson Boulevard, creating a safe and pedestrian-friendly environment where visitors can freely roam, explore, and participate in various activities. This closure allows the street to fully embrace its festival identity without the usual city hustle of vehicles.
Throughout the day, festival-goers can expect an engaging lineup of live performances featuring local talent such as the Chicago Movement Collective, Windy City Ramblers, and Rhythm Revolution. The festival is not only about music; it also highlights Chicago’s rich culinary scene. Food stalls from well-known local vendors like Bad Johnny’s Wood-Fired Pizza, Moor’s Brewing Company, and Taqueria La Ciudad will offer a diverse range of tasty options to satisfy all palates.
The shopping experience is equally impressive. Nearly 400 vendors will showcase an eclectic mix of goods — from handcrafted leather items and unique jewelry to luxury bath products and nostalgic retro video games. Attendees can also enjoy interactive attractions and special happenings scattered throughout the festival grounds. Since 2021, Sundays on State has attracted more than one million visitors, making it a major event in the city’s cultural calendar. Visitors should prepare for sizable crowds given its popularity.
Michael Edwards, President and CEO of the Chicago Loop Alliance, offered insights into the festival’s growth and timing. He explained, “What started as an initiative to support the Loop’s economic recovery post-pandemic has transformed into one of the city’s marquee events.” He added that moving Sundays on State to the fall aligns well with the Alliance’s efforts to support other major downtown summer events such as Lollapalooza and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. This strategic scheduling ensures that the city’s summer events calendar remains vibrant without overlapping large-scale activities.
The best news for attendees is that Sundays on State remains completely free and open to the public. By registering online, visitors can also enter a drawing for a $1,000 Loop Staycation Package, adding an exciting incentive to attend. Those interested in planning their visit can find a full lineup of performances, vendors, and food options through the official event website.
As Chicago prepares to welcome this refreshed edition of Sundays on State, the festival promises to be a celebration of community, culture, and commerce, showcasing the best of what the city has to offer in a pedestrian-friendly, open-air setting.
Sundays on State’s move to the fall season marks an exciting new chapter for this beloved Chicago event. By offering a safe, vibrant, and diverse celebration of local culture, food, and art, the festival continues to strengthen the Loop community and support the city’s economic recovery. With free entry, a wide range of activities, and the chance to win exclusive prizes, this fall edition invites Chicagoans and visitors alike to come together and enjoy everything the city’s iconic State Street has to offer—this time, with the crisp air of autumn adding a fresh vibe to the festivities.
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