Downtown Day
Our third 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!
July 12, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Kickoff Festivities Location: TBA
Sponsors
Partners
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.
“Damn, we have this in my city!”
Check out a story about 2024’s Downtown Day in the Chicago Sun Times
How does it work?
Youth participants receive a $50 prepaid debit card to enjoy cultural and recreational activities in Chicago’s 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 will express themselves through arts-based learning; including music, dance, and design.
Culinary Experiences
Youth will learn about new cuisines through dining alongside culinary experts and entrepreneurs.
Youth will engage in physical activities meant to explore the world around them in new and exciting ways.
Recreation and Fun
Youth from our inaugural Downtown Day proudly show off their $50 prepaid debit cards.
In addition to the $50 prepaid debit card, all youth participants receive a My Block My Hood My City t-shirt, a guide to exploring downtown, and an unforgettable experience. However, we can't make it happen without the support of downtown business partners!
Join a diverse group of businesses that have opened their doors to our youth participants offering exciting discounts and unique personalized experiences.
Youth from the 2024 Downtown Day enjoy the sunshine with business host Navy Pier!
Previous host businesses include:
