The Loop will host its annual arts and culture festival Sundays on State this weekend, closing off several blocks along State Street for pedestrians to shop and eat from more than 400 vendors and artists.

The free event, also scheduled for Oct. 5, is a prime example of Chicago neighborhoods becoming more inclined to street closures over the years to jump-start economic development.

The inaugural Meet Me On Milwaukee event that took place Aug. 31 took over several blocks of Milwaukee Avenue, as a portion of the street was closed to vehicle traffic for most of the day — a rarity beyond the popular Wicker Park fest in July.

The movement also has legs nationwide. Southern California’s coastal city Santa Monica recently debuted a pilot program that allows visitors to purchase and openly drin

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