National Filet Mignon Day

National Prosecco Day

International Left-Handers Day

Strength in the City: Strength in the City is bringing a massive four-day fitness and wellness festival to Chicago’s lakefront this September! oneSTRNGTH Weekend takes place Sept. 10–13 with four days dedicated to movement, wellness and community.

Throughout the weekend, expect workouts with local instructors and studios across multiple stages, wellness experiences, community events, local brands, opportunities to connect and more. Whether you’re already part of Chicago’s fitness scene or just looking for a fun way to get moving, there will be plenty to experience. See the four-day schedule of events.

It all kicks off Thursday, Sept. 10 with STRENGTH IN THE CITY Festival at Theater on the Lake, featuring five stages of movement classes, mindfulness and sunset sessions from 5 to 11 p.m. The packed lineup includes Yoga Sculpt, HIIT, Power Flow + Breathwork, Reformer Pilates, Cycles, Boxing, Reggaeton Yoga, LAGREE, Rave Run + Walk along the lakefront and more.

Friday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. brings EDCTN+, featuring six workshops, community discussions and coworking for wellness professionals and enthusiasts. On Saturday, Sept. 12, Paddlepalooza takes over Ohio Street Beach from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a morning movement class, DJ sets on paddleboards, beach lunch and drinks.

Want to check it out? General admission tickets start at $39 and include access to festival classes and vendors, plus the DJ set on the Green. You can also make a weekend out of it with a Full Weekend Pass covering all four days for $100 while first-wave passes last. Get all the details here.

Chicago Air and Water Show: One of Chicago’s biggest summer traditions returns to the lakefront this weekend. The Chicago Air and Water Show runs Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15–16, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a full rehearsal Friday, Aug. 14. This year’s lineup is headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Golden Knights, along with dozens of aerial acts performing over the lakefront between Fullerton and Oak Street. This video of the Thunderbirds flying over Chicago is a must-watch.

Powerball Winner: Someone in Illinois just became VERY rich! A single Powerball ticket sold at a Hy-Vee gas station in Quincy, Ill., won last night’s $1.04 billion jackpot, the eighth-largest Powerball prize ever. The winner can choose between the full $1.04 billion annuity or a $450.5 million lump-sum cash option before taxes. Which one would you choose?!

Shops at North Bridge: A major makeover is coming to The Shops at North Bridge on the Magnificent Mile. The shopping center is beginning a multimillion-dollar renovation this month that will bring a new glass façade and LED display along Michigan Avenue, upgraded entrances, lighting, signage, floors and more. The project will also focus on bringing in new retailers, flagship concepts and entertainment experiences, with stores remaining open throughout construction. The new exterior is expected to be completed in 2027.

Meta Lab: The first-ever Meta Lab in the Midwest is coming to Chicago. Meta confirmed the new retail store will open at 932 N. Rush St. in Gold Coast, taking over the former Glossier space. The store will let shoppers try and buy Meta’s AI glasses, including its Ray-Ban and Oakley collaborations, along with virtual reality headsets. Meta currently has eight Meta Lab locations across the country, with the Chicago store expected to open ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Lights Out Chicago: Chicago’s fall bird migration season begins Saturday, Aug. 15, which means Lights Out Chicago is back in effect. Through Nov. 15, Chicagoans are encouraged to turn off unnecessary lights or close their blinds from 11 p.m. to sunrise, especially in high-rises and buildings near the lakefront and river. About 8 million birds from more than 250 species migrate through Chicago each season, and reducing nighttime lighting helps prevent them from becoming disoriented and colliding with buildings.

F1 Arcade: The long-anticipated F1 Arcade officially opens tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 14 at 1 W. Grand Ave. in River North. Taking over the former Rock Bottom Brewery space, the Formula 1-themed venue features state-of-the-art, full-motion racing simulators where you can compete against friends on some of the world’s most iconic tracks. The Chicago location is the first F1 Arcade to feature a rooftop terrace and also includes a full food menu, cocktails and mocktails.

Caleb Williams Mural: A massive new Caleb Williams mural just popped up in West Loop. Located behind La Josie at 159 N. Halsted St., the mural was created by Chicago artist Asend and shows the Bears quarterback doing his signature “Iceman” pose, complete with blue and orange fingernails. The artwork arrives just in time for the release of Madden NFL 27, which features Williams on the cover.

El Che: Free steak sandwiches, anyone? West Loop restaurant El Che is celebrating its 10th anniversary by giving away free steak sandwiches this Friday, Aug. 14 at 12:30 p.m. The sandwiches will feature the same Australian Wagyu beef served at the restaurant. You may want to get there early because once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Seth Meyers Live: Seth Meyers is coming to The Chicago Theatre in January, and a second show was just added due to high demand. The newly added show is Saturday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m., and you can access venue presale tickets right now using code SOCIAL. Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m.

Sunrise Pilates: Start your Friday with a free sunrise workout on the lakefront. The final Rise Pilates Club meetup of the summer takes place tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 14 at Oak Street Beach. A 45-minute, all-levels Pilates class begins at 6:15 a.m., followed by a 45-minute social sound bath at 7 a.m. The event is free to attend. Bring your own mat or towel and water.

Air & Water Show Guide: Planning to catch the Chicago Air & Water Show this weekend? The free show runs Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with North Avenue Beach serving as the center of the action. You can also catch great views from Oak Street Beach, Fullerton to Diversey or Montrose if you want a little more space. With huge crowds expected, arriving early and taking the CTA can help avoid some of the traffic and parking headaches. Here’s what you need to know.

Taylor Street Festival: Chicago’s Little Italy comes alive for the Taylor Street Festival from Thursday, Aug. 13 through Sunday, Aug. 16. The event runs Thursday and Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m., with 17 food vendors and live music on five stages, plus a meatball eating contest, bocce tournament, cultural displays and family-friendly activities.

Chicago Bears: The Chicago Bears officially return to game action this weekend! The Bears kick off their 2026 preseason at Soldier Field on Saturday, Aug. 15 at noon against the Cleveland Browns. Tickets currently start around $40, or you can watch locally on FOX 32 or stream the game on the Bears website or app. ICYMI, we attended Bears practice at Stevenson High School this week. Take a look!

Glenwood Ave Arts Fest: The 25th annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest takes over Rogers Park this weekend from Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16 along Glenwood and Morse avenues, right by the Morse Red Line stop. The weekend kicks off with the Cobblestone Jam Friday evening, followed by the Artists’ Market Saturday and Sunday featuring more than 140 booths (vendor booth map), live performances, food and more.

Pillow Fight: Chicagoans really do think of everything. A big pillow fight meetup is taking place in Pilsen this Saturday, Aug. 15 from 3 to 8 p.m. at 1119 W. Cullerton St. You can bring your own pillow and join in on the action.

Sunrise: 5:56 a.m. (7 minutes later)

Sunset: 7:53 p.m. (9 minutes earlier)