The seventh floor at Macy's was transformed for just one evening from a shopping destination into a discotheque. Loud music, flashing lights, even break-dancing lured hundreds into what in just its second year has become one of Looptopia's favorite venues.
"It's a great idea. Everyone comes over here. Everyone gets away from the gangs, the violence and have fun over here," said Raymond Lee.
Organizers promised 300 events, 100 locations within 14 hours as they once again showcased everything Chicago has to offer.
"It's everything from dance to visual arts to poetry readings to storytelling to film festivals to improve," said Karen Vock, Chicago Loop Alliance.
Aiming to at the very least match last year's attendance, this year Looptopia pulled out all the stops.
The band Bang Bang kicked off the celebrations with a 5 p.m. concert in Daley Plaza.
Those looking to get out of the rain Friday evening had their pick of indoor venues. Highlights included the contemporary ballet, a ballroom dance featuring CPS students, and if visual and performance art is your thing, a unique knitting show demonstrating how people are connected to each other.
"If you drop a stitch, it unravels, and I'm trying to show that if you don't pay attention to each other your citing becomes undone," said Lindsay Obermeyer, artist.
Of course, the best part of the whole night is that every single performance was free of charge.
About 200,000 turned out for last year's overnight festival. It is not clear how many people attended this year's event.
For a complete list of events, visit looptopia.com
