National Peach Day

National Pots De Creme Day

National Just Because Day

National Crab Soup Day

National Petroleum Day

The Hand & The Eye: The Hand & The Eye is one of Chicago’s newest and most unique date night experiences, bringing world-class magic and elevated dining together inside the historic McCormick Mansion. The experience is designed as a revival and evolution of the golden age of Chicago-style live magic.

Guests make their way through the Mansion’s parlors, drawing rooms and grand salons for a series of intimate performances from magicians from around the world. Each evening is carefully choreographed so no two visits are exactly alike, with hidden effects, illusions and pieces of magic to discover throughout the Mansion.

The full experience starts at $225 and includes a $75 credit to use toward dinner. The Hand & The Eye also offers additional programming, including Sunday Brunch, Summer Fridays (through Labor Day) and Summer Sundays. Sunday Brunch offers a family-friendly opportunity for guests ages 5+ to experience the Mansion, while Summer Sundays feature an hour of magic in the Vault.

If you’re looking for a memorable date night or a completely different way to experience magic in Chicago, this is definitely one to add to your list. Step into a new golden age of magic and book your experience here.

O’Hare Flyer: Chicago could be getting a new 15-minute express train connecting downtown and O’Hare Airport. The proposed O’Hare Flyer would run battery-electric trains every 15 minutes between a downtown station near the Old Post Office and Terminal 2, with luggage racks and seating designed for airport travelers. The privately funded project would use existing freight rail corridors, with construction potentially starting in 2028 and service beginning within five years.

BTS in Chicago: K-pop superstars BTS are taking over Soldier Field for two sold-out concerts tonight and tomorrow night as part of their ARIRANG World Tour. Gov. JB Pritzker has declared Aug. 27 and 28 “BTS Day” in Illinois, while the Willis Tower will light up purple both nights from 8:30 to 11 p.m. The Chicago BTS Army can also find celebrations around the city, including gatherings at Buckingham Fountain and in Chinatown.

Dolly Parton: Chicago came together this week to remember Dolly Parton after the country music icon passed away on Tuesday. Dozens of flowers, candles and handwritten notes surrounded her mural at 5517 N. Broadway in Edgewater, while the Willis Tower lit its antennas pink in her honor. Lyft is also offering 50% off rides through Aug. 30 when you add the promo code DOLLYFOREVER to your Lyft Rewards.

Lunar Eclipse: Chicagoans can catch a near-total lunar eclipse tonight, with 96% of the moon expected to be covered at its peak. The best viewing window runs from 9:33 p.m. to 2:51 a.m., with the eclipse peaking at 11:12 p.m. No special equipment is needed to watch, and Chicago won’t have another comparable lunar eclipse until 2029.

Pizzeria Gabbo: Lettuce Entertain You is bringing a new neighborhood pizzeria and bar to Fulton Market this fall. Pizzeria Gabbo will open at 834 W. Fulton Market, taking over the former Kuma’s Corner space, with thin and crispy pizzas, antipasti, salads, pasta, Italian-inspired spritzes and wine. An exact opening date has not yet been announced.

Gurnee Mills: One of the Chicago suburbs’ biggest shopping centers is getting some major new additions. Gurnee Mills has announced seven new businesses, including an IKEA, Toys ‘R’ Us and Sky Zone. The new 66,000-square-foot IKEA is expected to open this fall, while Toys ‘R’ Us will arrive in October and Sky Zone is planned for spring 2027.

Cubs 150th Anniversary: The Cubs are celebrating their 150th anniversary as a National League franchise at Wrigley Field this Saturday. Festivities include the dedication of a new Founders’ Clock at Clark and Addison, recognition of the fan-selected Cubs 150th Anniversary Team (see if your favorite player made it) and a replica 1876 championship banner that fans can sign. Gallagher Way will also offer $1.50 Budweisers from when gates open through the second inning.

Meet Me on Milwaukee: Milwaukee Avenue is going car-free in Wicker Park this Sunday for Meet Me on Milwaukee. The street will close to cars between North/Damen and Ashland from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, local businesses, shopping, dining and free activities including outdoor yoga, bike check-ups and inflatable activities for kids.

Tinx in Chicago: Social media creator Tinx, known as “TikTok’s older sister,” is teaming up with Under Armour for a free community walk along the lakefront tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 28, from 9–11 a.m. Part of the Summer of Outside series, the one-mile walk starts at Shore Club Chicago, 1603 N. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., and is designed as a screen-free morning of movement and connection.

Full Moon Jam: The Chicago Full Moon Jam returns to Palmisano Park, 919 W. 29th St., tonight from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The free, family-friendly event features a drum circle followed by fire performances as the sun goes down, bringing together fire artists, musicians and spectators for one of the final jams of the summer.

Panda Fest: Panda Fest takes over Butler Field in Grant Park this weekend with one of the country’s largest Asian food festivals. The three-day event features 100+ food vendors serving more than 200 Asian street foods, along with cultural performances, merchandise vendors and plenty of panda-themed fun. General admission starts at $17.40 and includes two free panda gifts.

PAWS Chicago: Looking for plans this Saturday? Chicago’s largest dog-friendly charity event returns to Montrose Harbor on Aug. 29! Celebrating its 26th anniversary, the PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives brings together thousands of animal lovers for a morning of running, walking and plenty of dog-friendly fun, all while raising critical funds to help pets in need.

The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the 5K run starting at 7:45 a.m. and the walk at 9 a.m. Beyond the 5K, attendees can check out a Doggy Oasis relaxation station, dog agility course, raffles, giveaways, entertainment, treats, sponsor activities and adoptable pets.

All participants receive an event T-shirt, wristband and personal fundraising page to raise funds and earn prizes. Anyone who raises at least $250 also receives access to the Hero Hangout, featuring additional food and alcoholic beverages.

Whether you want to run, walk or simply spend Saturday morning surrounded by dogs and fellow animal lovers, it’s all for a great cause. Register for the PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives and help support PAWS Chicago’s lifesaving work for pets in need.

Taste of Greektown: The 36th annual Taste of Greektown takes over Halsted Street from Adams to Van Buren this weekend for a celebration of Greek food and culture. The free three-day festival features food and drinks from longtime Greektown restaurants, along with live music, Greek dancing, shopping and family activities. It runs Friday 4–10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

House Music Festival: The Chicago House Music Festival and Conference takes over downtown this weekend, celebrating the city’s homegrown genre that shaped dance music worldwide. The free four-day celebration includes DJs, performances, dance workshops and more, highlighted by the main festival at Millennium Park on Saturday 1–9 p.m. and a closing celebration along the Chicago Riverwalk on Sunday.

Edgewater Music Fest: Edgewater Music Fest returns to Broadway between Thorndale and Ardmore this weekend with three days of live music and neighborhood fun. The festival features more than 35 bands, 100+ vendors, local food and drinks throughout the weekend. It runs Friday 5–10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon–10 p.m.

Bucktown Arts Fest: The Bucktown Arts Fest returns to Holstein Park, 2200 N. Oakley Ave., this weekend for two days of art, music and food. The free neighborhood tradition dates back to the 1980s and features 160 artists, two live music stages, craft beer and food trucks, with proceeds supporting arts education in the community. It runs Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Edison Park Fest: Edison Park Fest returns this weekend with three days of family-friendly fun, including a carnival, live music, bingo and food vendors. The fest runs Friday 5–10 p.m., Saturday noon–10 p.m. and Sunday noon–9 p.m. Admission is a suggested $10 donation, with unlimited carnival ride wristbands available for $35 per day.

Sunrise: 6:11 a.m. (8 minutes later)

Sunset: 7:33 p.m. (10 minutes earlier)