BEST DATE NEWS

June 25, 2026: Best Date News Volume #184

Welcome to Best Date News, your go-to guide for what’s happening in Chicago! This week, we’re diving into the Bears’ new Hallmark movie, Season 5 of The Bear, Lou Malnati’s, Hello Kitty Cafe, H&H Bagels, summer concerts, weekend events and much more.

Via National Day Calendar

June 25: National Holidays

  • National Bomb Pop Day

  • National Handshake Day

  • National Strawberry Parfait Day

  • National Catfish Day

  • Global Beatles Day

Sponsored by our friends at North Shore Artisan Market

Via North Shore Artisan Market

Free Outdoor Market in Northbrook this Weekend

  • North Shore Artisan Market: More than 100 talented Midwest artisans will gather in downtown Northbrook this weekend for the free two-day North Shore Artisan Market. Visitors can browse vendors specializing in food, fashion, art, home goods and more.

  • This free outdoor market celebrates independently owned small businesses by giving visitors the chance to shop one-of-a-kind products directly from the people who create them. The event is also family-friendly and dog-friendly.

  • The market will take place this Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Village Green Park, located at 1810 Walters Ave. in downtown Northbrook. It's also easily accessible via the Metra Milwaukee District North Line, and you can explore the restaurants, cafes and shops throughout downtown Northbrook before or after your visit.

  • Since the North Shore Artisan Market only comes to Northbrook once this year, it's a great opportunity to spend a day on the North Shore while supporting local small businesses.

Via Kara Durrette/Getty Images

Chicago News

  • Bears Hallmark Movie: The Chicago Bears are getting their own Hallmark Christmas movie. Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story will film entirely at locations throughout Chicago this summer before premiering later this year as part of Hallmark Channel's annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. Casting details will be announced at a later date. Bears head coach Ben Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland helped announce the news this morning.

  • Lou Malnati’s: The flagship Lou Malnati's in Gold Coast will permanently close on Tuesday, June 30 after its lease was not renewed as the property moves forward with redevelopment plans. The site, which also includes the former Barnes & Noble, is zoned for a 345-foot apartment tower with more than 300 units. Lou Malnati's says it is already searching for a new full-service restaurant in the Near North area.

  • Hello Kitty Cafe: The long-awaited Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago officially opens tomorrow, Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m. at 360 N. Michigan Ave. The Grand Opening Celebration will feature exclusive treats, beverages, merchandise and surprise experiences, along with a Hello Kitty meet and greet on Friday. Afternoon Tea reservations for the Bow Room are now open as well.

  • H&H Bagels: Chicago's bagel scene continues to grow with the arrival of another big name. The New York City bagel shop H&H Bagels officially opened its first Chicago location today in the heart of Fulton Market at 164 N. Peoria St. Founded on Manhattan's Upper West Side in 1972, the shop is known for its classic New York-style bagels and has been featured in popular shows like Seinfeld, Sex and the City and The Office.

  • Champions Gate: The Cubs have introduced Champions Gate, a new monument at the entrance to Gallagher Way honoring the franchise's three World Series-winning teams. It commemorates the 1907, 1908 and 2016 titles and will be dedicated on July 18 during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Cubs' 2016 World Series championship.

Via Disney Plus

Just For Fun

  • The Bear: Chicago's favorite fictional restaurant is back one last time. The fifth and final season of The Bear premieres this evening, with all eight episodes available to stream on Hulu beginning at 7 p.m. CT. The Emmy-winning series has become one of television's most celebrated shows while shining a spotlight on Chicago's restaurant scene. Watch the trailer.

  • Summer Concerts: We put together a guide to the biggest concerts coming to Chicago this summer at venues including Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, Rate Field, United Center and Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. From BTS and Karol G at Soldier Field to Noah Kahan at Wrigley Field and Ariana Grande at the United Center, there are some huge shows coming to the city this summer.

  • World Cup: Team USA is back in action tonight in its third and final World Cup group-stage match, taking on Turkey at 9 p.m. The Americans have already clinched first place in Group D, so they'll head into the knockout stage regardless of tonight's result. Not sure where to watch? We put together a guide to the best Chicago World Cup viewing spots.

  • F1 Arcade: Chicago's first F1 Arcade will officially open on Aug. 14 inside the former Rock Bottom Brewery space in River North. The Formula One-themed entertainment venue will feature 61 full-motion racing simulators, a 1,500-square-foot rooftop terrace, food and drinks, plus Formula One watch parties. The first 1,000 bookings can also lock in $15 introductory race pricing.

  • Salt Shed Dog Show: The Salt Shed's 2nd annual "Must Love Dogs" dog show returns on Tuesday, June 30 with a "hilarious take on a canine obstacle course," dog treats, games, vendors, prizes and more. Dogs can even compete for a chance to help their owners win tickets to a future Salt Shed concert. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Via Logan Square Arts Festival

Weekend Plans

  • Logan Square Arts Festival: The free Logan Square Arts Festival returns this weekend after taking a year off in 2025 due to the Logan Square plaza renovation. Enjoy two stages of live music featuring Porches, Bad Bad Hats, Catie Turner and more, plus 100+ local vendors, neighborhood restaurants, locally crafted beer and cocktails. The festival also features art installations and live demonstrations celebrating the creativity and community of Logan Square. It takes place Friday, June 26 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 from noon to 10 p.m. near the Logan Square Monument.

  • Pride Parade: The 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade steps off this Sunday, June 28 at 11 a.m. from Grace and Broadway in Northalsted under this year's theme, "Free to Be Proud." Nearly 150 floats and marching groups will travel through Uptown and Lakeview during one of Chicago's largest annual celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community. As many as 1 million spectators are expected, so taking the CTA is highly recommended.

  • Millennium Art Festival: More than 100 artists will showcase original paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry and more at the free Millennium Art Festival on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. just steps from Millennium Park. The festival will also feature live music, food trucks, beer and wine, live art demonstrations, face painting and kid-friendly art tents.

  • Taco & Tequila Fest: The Chicago Taco & Tequila Fest returns to Wrightwood Park in Lincoln Park on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. The two-day festival features tacos from 14 local vendors, margarita flights, tequila tastings, live music and more. General admission tickets start at $15 in advance ($18 at the gate), with an optional tequila tasting package available.

  • Porchfest Roscoe Village: Front porches will transform into intimate concert venues during Porchfest Roscoe Village this Sunday, June 28 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The neighborhood music festival features local musicians performing on front porches, giving visitors the chance to stroll from performance to performance. Ticket purchases support the musicians and include an event guide with a map of all the performance locations.

Poll Question of the Week

Do you plan on watching Season 5 of The Bear?

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Last Newsletter's Poll Results

Poll Results: Last week, we asked what your favorite part of summer in Chicago is. Here were the results:

  • 29%: Patios and Rooftops

  • 25%: Street Festivals

  • 24%: The Lakefront Trail

  • 22%: Beaches and Boating

Sunrise & Sunset in Chicago

Here is today’s outlook in Chicago (compared to last week):

  • Sunrise: 5:16 a.m. (1 minute later)

  • Sunset: 8:29 p.m. (1 minute later)

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