The three things you need to know today: Thu, Jun 7

1. The Chicago Loop Alliance kicks off its series of ACTIVATE events with a pop-up party on the Chicago Riverwalk (at Wabash and Upper Wacker) featuring art installations, music from futuristic jazz band MindSwimmer, a roving magician and a wall of free cotton candy. The free event runs from 5–10pm.

2. After playing Lollapalooza last summer, quirky British rock outfit Alt-J return to the city to headline the Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island. The show begins at 7pm and tickets are $40–$113.

3. Head to Millennium Park for an evening of contemporary dance from some of the city's top companies at Stomping Grounds, the culmination of a two-month city-wide festival. Admission is free and the performances begin at 6pm.

For more events, check in with Time Out throughout the day.