Downtown Chicago Belongs to Everyone
Downtown Day is about rewriting the narrative. Every Chicagoan deserves exposure and access to what’s possible.
Saturday, July 11th at 10 A.M. - 3 P.M. | Downtown Chicago
Our fourth annual Downtown Day aims to bring 1,000 youth—primarily from Chicago’s South and West sides—into the heart of our cultural and business corridors for a day of exploration, belonging, and new opportunities! Join us on July 11th, 2026, and help change the narrative.
What Is Downtown Day?
Many teens growing up on Chicago's South and West Sides have never been Downtown. They can see the Sears Tower from their neighborhood but have never ridden its elevators to the top, never walked along the city’s lakefront, never taken in the skyline from Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel.
Even more troubling, many teens can’t afford and don’t feel welcome in the city’s business and entertainment districts.
Downtown Day invites chaperoned groups of youth to Chicago’s vibrant cultural center and partners with local businesses to create a safe, enriching environment that aims to shift public perceptions while fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among Chicago’s young people.
How Does It Work?
Youth participants receive a $50 prepaid debit card to enjoy cultural and recreational activities Downtown that fall under one of the following categories:
Vocation and Education
Youth gain access to new career paths and post-high school educational opportunities.
Arts and Expression
Youth express themselves through arts-based learning; including music, dance, and design.
Culinary Experiences
Youth learn about new cuisines through dining alongside culinary experts and entrepreneurs.
Recreation and Fun
Youth engage in physical activities meant to explore the world around them in new and exciting ways.
Youth from our inaugural Downtown Day proudly show off their $50 prepaid debit cards.
Previous Host Businesses Include
You Can Change the Narrative
Join a diverse group of businesses that have opened their doors to our youth participants offering exciting discounts and unique personalized experiences.