National Buttermilk Biscuit Day

National Bond With Your Dog Day

National Decency Day

National Dance Like a Chicken Day

National Online Romance Day

Naperville Artisan Market: The twice-a-year Naperville Artisan Market returns this weekend for its Spring Market. It brings together 115+ artisans from around the Midwest, featuring vendors specializing in food, fashion, art, home goods and more.

This free two-day outdoor market is family friendly, dog friendly and has plenty of free parking. It celebrates the ingenuity of independently owned small businesses that channel their passions into creating one-of-a-kind products.

The market takes place this Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. within CityGate Centre at 2135 CityGate Lane in Naperville. There are also restaurants and cafes within walking distance for before or after.

The next Naperville Artisan Market won’t take place until September, so don’t miss this one if you are looking to go! You can RSVP if you want to let them know you’re coming.

McDonald’s Park: The new Chicago Fire soccer stadium will officially be named McDonald’s Park after Chicago Fire FC and McDonald’s announced a naming-rights partnership yesterday. The new $750 million privately funded stadium is expected to open in 2028 along the riverfront within The 78 development in South Loop. The 22,000-seat stadium broke ground in March and will also include a new year-round McDonald’s flagship restaurant inside.

Lolla Schedule: Lollapalooza released its daily schedule this week, so you can officially start planning out your four days in Grant Park from July 30 through Aug. 2. This year’s lineup includes artists like Lorde, Charli XCX, The Smashing Pumpkins, John Summit and Tate McRae across seven stages and 150+ performers. Hopefully your favorite artists don’t have overlapping set times.

UChicago: The University of Chicago announced this week that it will begin offering free tuition starting in 2027 for undergraduate students whose families earn less than $250,000 per year. Families making less than $125,000 annually will also receive free housing, meals and fees. The major expansion of financial aid is designed to make a UChicago education more accessible for middle-income families and students across different backgrounds.

Ann Sather: Ann Sather is officially coming to the West Town/Wicker Park area this summer with a new location planned for the former Yolk space at 1819 W. Division St. The iconic Chicago breakfast restaurant known for its cinnamon rolls is expected to open in July. The new location will replace the longtime Belmont Avenue restaurant, which is closing this summer ahead of a new apartment development.

Jim’s Original: After 87 years near Maxwell Street, Jim’s Original announced that it will be leaving its iconic location at 1250 S. Union Ave. due to rising rental costs. The legendary Chicago hot dog and Polish sausage stand plans to relocate to East Pilsen at 551 W. 18th St., with hopes of opening the new location this fall. Jim’s Original also shared that it is working with UIC to try to remain at the current location for a few more years before redevelopment begins, but as of today they must vacate by June 30.

Star Wars Pop-Up: A new MINISO x Star Wars pop-up has officially opened at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, and it’s one of only three locations in the entire U.S. The limited-time pop-up celebrates the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu film and features Star Wars plush toys, blind boxes, collectible figures, lifestyle merchandise and more. You can visit through May 31.

NFL Schedule: It’s Schedule Release Day! The full 2026 NFL schedule will officially be announced this evening, and one of the first Bears games already revealed is a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Detroit Lions. The Bears will travel to Detroit for the nationally televised game on Thursday, Nov. 26 at 12 p.m. There are also rumors that the Bears could also play on Christmas this season.

8 p.m. Sunsets: Tuesday officially marked the return of 8 p.m. sunsets in Chicago, kicking off 89 straight days with sunsets after 8 p.m. In our opinion, this officially marks the beginning of the best three-month stretch of the year in Chicago. Summer is just around the corner!

New Openings: Chicago Eater just highlighted seven recent Chicago bar and restaurant openings to know about right now, including a popular bakery opening its first storefront in Bucktown, a new Jazz Age-style cocktail bar in Wicker Park and several other highly anticipated additions across the city.

Paper & Pencil: One of Andersonville’s cutest stationery shops is celebrating the grand opening of its new larger storefront this Saturday at 5208 N. Clark St. Paper & Pencil is marking its third birthday with an official ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., free gifts for the first 50 customers and tons of new stationery goods from around the world, including Japan-exclusive items and products from indie brands and makers.

Crosstown Classic: The Cubs and White Sox face off this weekend at Rate Field for the first Crosstown Classic series of the season. The three-game inner-city rivalry series runs Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17, with night games on Friday and Saturday followed by a Sunday day game. Don’t miss Rate Field’s new food items for 2026. The two teams will meet again in August for a second series at Wrigley Field. Tickets.

Matcha Fest: MatchaFest Chicago is taking over SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview this Saturday as part of the MatchaFest National Tour. The one-day event runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and features matcha drinks, food vendors, shopping, wellness experiences, music and more. You’ll also find exclusive merch, interactive activations and plenty of matcha-inspired treats from vendors across the region.

Farmers Markets: Three popular Chicago farmers markets officially kick off their 2026 seasons this Saturday, including the South Loop Farmers Market, Division Street Farmers Market and 61st Street Farmers Market. All three markets feature local produce, baked goods, flowers, coffee, prepared foods and more from vendors across the Chicagoland area. All three made our list of Chicago’s 10 best farmers markets to visit this summer.

Summer Workouts: Free Millennium Park Summer Workouts officially kick off this Saturday and return every Saturday through Sept. 5. The workout series includes free 45-minute Pilates, Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing and Zumba classes from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on the Great Lawn and Wrigley Square. Just bring your own workout mat.

Art + Craft Fair: The Lincoln Roscoe Art + Craft Fair returns to Lakeview this weekend with 90+ artists and artisans, live music, festival food, kids’ activities and more. The free two-day event takes place along Lincoln Avenue between Roscoe and Melrose on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll also find handmade art, jewelry, home décor, beer from Bitter Pops and more.

47%: Summer Music Series

31%: Summer Film Series

22%: Summer Workouts

Sunrise: 5:31 a.m. (8 minutes earlier)

Sunset: 8:03 p.m. (8 minutes later)