We’ve written in the past about the evolution of the Loop district into a distinct neighborhood in its own right and a vibrant one, at that. So we’re eagerly anticipating the Chicago Loop Alliance‘s planned Looptopia, an all-night cultural extravaganza slated for May 11, 2007, inspired by similar festivals in Paris and Montreal. The idea is to showcase the cultural, retail and other attractions of the Loop to Chicagoans and other Midwesterners. If the festival takes off, the Loop Alliance plans to market subsequent Looptopias to the rest of the United States and the world.
The Alliance hopes to attract 100,000 people to the Loop for the 12-hour event which is being held through the night to demonstrate that the Loop is not the dangerous, deserted place that it was back in the 70s, 80s and much of the 90s, say the folks at the Alliance. Performances and displays of opera, theater, film, comedy, world music and contemporary bands are planned, as are family-friendly events, including a story telling and sleepover (yes, you read it correctly) at the Harold Washington Library. Retailers like Macy’s will stay open for extended hours, as will museums. We’re marking the date in our calender and wishing the Alliance the best of luck. What do readers think of the idea of an all-night festival in the Loop?