National Tavern-Style Pizza Day

National Color Day

National Nut Day

National Make a Dog’s Day

International Caps Lock Day

Lip Smacking Foodie Tours: Chicago has a new VIP dining experience that takes groups to three of the city's top restaurants in one evening. Originally launched in Las Vegas, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has expanded to Chicago, offering a unique way for companies to host corporate dinners, team outings and client events for groups of up to 500 guests.

Instead of spending the entire evening at one restaurant, guests visit three different spots, enjoying signature dishes, craft cocktails and VIP treatment at every stop. Short walks between restaurants offer even more time to mingle. Participating spots include Nobu Chicago, Adalina Prime, Il Carciofo, Fioretta, Lýra and more.

Everything is taken care of in advance, from reservations to the food served at each stop. Guests are escorted straight to their tables, with dishes arriving shortly after they're seated. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with customized menus, and companies can even have their logos featured on printed menus at each restaurant.

Unlike a traditional group dinner, guests can switch seats at each restaurant, giving everyone the opportunity to meet new people and network throughout the evening. Lip Smacking also offers daytime experiences and private deep-dish pizza tours. Submit an inquiry and an event planner will respond within 24 hours.

Thursday Night Football: The Chicago Bears are back in primetime tonight, hosting the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m., with the game airing nationally on Prime Video and locally on FOX 32 Chicago. The game will also feature a special tribute to legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka, who passed away earlier this month. Ditka led Chicago to its Super Bowl victory over the Patriots in 1986. The team will honor him with a pregame moment of silence, a video tribute and fake mustaches for all fans in attendance. The first 10,000 fans will also receive a special Bears headband inspired by Ditka's signature look.

The Salt Shed: One of Chicago's most popular concert venues could be getting even bigger. The owners of The Salt Shed are looking to expand the property with another outdoor amphitheater along the Chicago River. The proposed venue would be built on land just north of the existing complex and feature a grassy seating area. The Salt Shed already has a 3,600-person indoor venue and a 5,500-person outdoor amphitheater. The plans are still in the early stages and would require approval from the city.

Restaurant Closures: Chicago is preparing to say goodbye to three restaurants that have been around for more than 20 years. River North's Hooters has closed after 35 years on Wells Street, while Lakeview's Southport Grocery will shut down at the end of the year after 23 years in business. A new diner from Chicago-based Dollop Coffee Co. will take over the Southport Grocery space, with many of its employees staying on. Meanwhile, West Town brunch favorite Flo will close in December after more than 20 years in business, following the sale of its building on Chicago Avenue.

Bon Jovi: Rock legend Bon Jovi is returning to Chicago next summer as part of the band's Forever Tour. The group will perform at Soldier Field on Wednesday, July 21, 2027, with a setlist expected to feature hits from throughout their career. Fans can sign up for the Artist Presale now, with presale tickets available starting Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m. Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m.

6 p.m. Sunsets: This past Tuesday marked the final 6 p.m. sunset of 2026 in Chicago. The sun won't set at 6 p.m. or later again until March 14, 2027. That's 145 days without a 6 p.m. sunset, so get ready for those darker evenings. And with daylight saving time ending in just 10 days on Sunday, Nov. 1, sunsets will soon be happening before 5 p.m.

Pilsen Open Studios: The 24th annual 18th Street Pilsen Open Studios returns this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24-25, from noon to 6 p.m. 30+ artist studios, galleries and creative spaces across Pilsen will open their doors, giving visitors a chance to meet local artists, explore their work and purchase original artwork. The weekend kicks off Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. with a party and fundraiser at Indigo MRKTO (2100 S. Morgan St.), featuring live music, poetry, an open jam session and a silent art auction. There will also be free guided mural tours at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The studio walk is free to attend.

Pop-Up at Mr. Beef: Fans of The Bear have something to look forward to this Sunday, Oct. 25, as actor Will Poulter, who plays Luca on the show, teams up with Michelin-starred chef Santiago Lastra for a one-day pop-up at Mr. Beef in River North. The two have created a Mexican-inspired Italian beef sandwich featuring beef tongue, mozzarella, jalapeños, avocado, refried beans and chorizo. The event starts at 1 p.m. and is walk-in only, with limited quantities available until sold out.

Hattie B’s: Nashville-based hot chicken chain Hattie B’s is opening its second Chicago restaurant on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 1542 N. Damen Ave. in Wicker Park, replacing the former Urbanbelly. The menu features chicken sandwiches, tenders and Southern-style sides, with several options for those who like their chicken extra spicy. To celebrate the opening, the first 100 customers will receive a limited-edition Wicker Park print created by Hatch Show Print.

Affy Tapple x Superdawg: Two Chicago favorites, Superdawg and Affy Tapple, are teaming up for a special Halloween event this Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Superdawg in Wheeling. Affy Tapple will be dipping fresh caramel apples on-site, with guests choosing their own toppings for free. Anyone who arrives in costume will also receive a free chocolate and caramel-dipped pretzel rod and a soft drink. Plus, Superdawg is introducing a limited-time Affy Tapple Supershake featuring caramel, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon apples and peanuts, available Saturday and Sunday only.

Meet Me on Milwaukee: The final Meet Me on Milwaukee of 2026 is happening this Sunday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event transforms Wicker Park’s Milwaukee Avenue between North/Damen and Ashland into a pedestrian-friendly stretch filled with outdoor dining, live music, local vendors and activities for all ages. Here's a reminder of what it looks like.

Arts in the Dark: Chicago’s annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade returns this Saturday, Oct. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. for its 12th year. The parade features elaborate costumes, giant puppets, live performances and illuminated floats from local artists and cultural organizations. This year, the free parade is moving back to its original location on Columbus Drive after outgrowing State Street. The route will run north from Balbo Drive to Jackson Boulevard, with the Chicago skyline and Buckingham Fountain serving as the backdrop.

Spooktacular: Lincoln Park’s annual Spooktacular is back this weekend, Oct. 24-25, from 1 to 4 p.m., turning Lincoln Avenue on Saturday and Clark Street on Sunday into neighborhood-wide trick-or-treat routes. A total of 86 local businesses will hand out candy across the two days, while families can enjoy additional Halloween activities at Lincoln Common Plaza on Saturday, including face painting, caricatures and a photo booth. The event is free and open to all ages.

Casket Races: The 14th annual Forest Park Casket Races return this Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Teams will race homemade, coffin-shaped vehicles down the street, competing for prizes including fastest casket, funniest design and even a trophy for finishing dead last. The Parade of Caskets begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the races at 11 a.m. There will also be a costume parade for kids and pets, with trick-or-treating along Madison Street immediately afterward. Spectating is free.

Zoo Brews: Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting its adults-only Halloween party, Zoo Brews: Howls and Growls, this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Guests 21 and over can trick-or-treat their way through the zoo, sampling craft beers and ciders at stations throughout the grounds. The event also features unlimited rides on the carousel, Ferris wheel and giant slide, live pumpkin carving, roaming entertainers, a DJ and a costume contest. Tickets are $67.53 through today and increase by $5 tomorrow.

Scream Club: Chicago’s Scream Club is wrapping up its second season this Sunday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. at North Avenue Beach Pier with one final group scream. The event brings people together to let out a collective scream as a way to release stress and connect with others. Whether you're a regular or have never attended, everyone is welcome to join. The first 100 attendees will also receive a free commemorative Scream Club sticker.

38%: I’m not dressing up

32%: No, still deciding

30%: Yes, I’m ready

Sunrise: 7:11 a.m. (8 minutes later)

Sunset: 5:58 p.m. (10 minutes earlier)