ACTIVATE: Finale is a free pop-up event that transforms a hidden alley in the Loop through the art of improv and comedy. Celebrate the end of summer with whimsical performances, interactive art installations, live music, and surprises guaranteed to make you laugh. ACTIVATE: Finale is a project of the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation curated by Hot Kitchen.

Elements of ACTIVATE: Finale include:

• Curation and installations (including a giant magnetic wall with fridge-style word magnets; canopy and chandelier made of beach inflatables; and a coloring book wall) by Hot Kitchen

• Music by DJ Carly Wicks

• Interactive performances featuring Hot Kitchen collaborators Kaylyn Carter, Kori Whitby, Carol Crosby, and Charley Guptill

• Live performances by Lindsey Barlag Thornton, The Neo-Futurists, Growing Concerns Poetry Collective, Billie Bullock, Shannon Noll, Odinaka Ezeokoli, Eunji Kim, Kate O’Connor, Holmes Holmes, Eddie Miller, Laurel Zoff Pelton, The Grelley Duvall Show’s Alberto Mendoza, Alex Grelle and Robin Lee, The Shrimp Boys, and more

• Murals by Peyton Stewart and Shawnimals

• Interactive photo booth by GlitterGuts

• Interactive shadow puppet installation by Kevin Wesson

• Interactive video installation by Nate Coleman of Videowaste

• Visual art by Harold Washington College students

Launched in 2014 as a placemaking initiative, ACTIVATE is a series of pop-up arts programs that encourage visitors to see the Loop anew. The event transforms alleys and other urban locations into creative exhibition spaces that bring artists and the public together for an evening of exploration, interaction and celebration of the arts. Events take place once a month from June through September and are free and open to the public.