
BEST DATE NEWS
July 23, 2026: Best Date News Volume #188
Welcome to Best Date News, your go-to guide for what's happening in Chicago! This week, we're diving into Patrick Kane’s return, the WNBA All-Star Game, the Savannah Bananas, Karol G, new beluga whales at the Shedd, weekend festivals and much more.

Via National Day Calendar
July 23: National Holidays
National Lemon Day
National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
National Sprinkle Day
National Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day
International Yada Yada Yada Day
Sponsored by our friends at River Shannon

Via River Shannon
Celebrate 80 Years of River Shannon this August
River Shannon: One of Chicago's oldest neighborhood pubs is turning 80, and the celebration lasts all month long. Throughout August, Lincoln Park's River Shannon (425 W. Armitage Ave) is marking the milestone with a lineup of themed events, exclusive giveaways, drink specials, and the warm Irish hospitality that has made it a neighborhood favorite since 1946.
Celebrate with a bagpiper kickoff party, $8 Whiskey Wednesdays, 80¢ Friday Power Hours, an '80s-themed party, complimentary pet caricatures, spirit samplings, Bears and Cubs ticket giveaways, a Regulars Reunion, and limited-edition anniversary keepsakes available while supplies last.
In addition to special events, guests can enjoy Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 4pm to 6pm throughout August featuring $8 pizzas, $12 pitchers of Michelob Ultra and Bud Light and $14 Stella Artois pitchers.
Visit River Shannon throughout August to celebrate 80 years, explore the full event calendar, and follow @rivershannonpub for anniversary updates and event announcements.

Via Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago News
Patrick Kane: Patrick Kane is officially returning to the Chicago Blackhawks after the team announced his signing this morning. One of the greatest players in franchise history, Kane helped end the team's 47-year Stanley Cup drought in 2010 before winning two more championships in 2013 and 2015. After spending the past three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, the future Hall of Famer is heading back to Chicago.
WNBA All-Star Game: The WNBA All-Star Game is taking over Chicago this weekend, bringing fans from around the country for one of the league's biggest events. While Saturday night's game at the United Center is the main attraction, the city will also host fan festivals, player appearances, the 3-Point Contest, Skills Challenge and other events throughout the weekend as Chicago once again takes center stage for women's basketball. Here’s a good roundup of all the details.
Shedd Aquarium: Four rescued beluga whales have arrived at Shedd Aquarium after being relocated from the now-closed Marineland in Ontario, Canada. The four females were brought to Chicago after officials determined they needed specialized veterinary care and long-term support that was no longer available. They'll remain off exhibit while they acclimate to their new habitat. You have to watch them being lifted in.
PAWS Chicago: PAWS Chicago has broken ground on its new 20-acre Rescue Ranch in Hawthorn Woods, a new home for homeless pets in Chicago's northwest suburbs. Opening in 2027, the campus will focus on rescuing, rehabilitating and adopting large dogs and cats while also expanding access to affordable spay/neuter services through a new veterinary clinic.
Sound-Bar: One of River North's most iconic nightclubs is nearing the end of an era. The Leahy Building at 226 W. Ontario St., home to Sound-Bar since 2003, has been sold and will be converted into a 70-unit apartment building. The nightclub is expected to remain open for about eight more months before closing in spring 2027 to make way for the redevelopment.

Via Savannah Bananas
Just For Fun
Savannah Bananas: The Savannah Bananas are bringing Banana Ball, known as "The Greatest Show in Sports," to Wrigley Field this weekend for three sold-out games against the Firefighters. The team has become a nationwide sensation by turning baseball into a fast-paced, fan-focused spectacle with dancing players, unique rules and nonstop entertainment. If you didn't score tickets, Friday's and Sunday's games will air on ESPN2, while all three games will stream live on YouTube. Want to check out a local version? The Chicago Snowballs are heating up!
Karol G: Chicago will kick off Karol G's new Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour this weekend as the global Latin music superstar launches her worldwide stadium tour with two concerts at Soldier Field on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25. Fans attending the shows will be the first in the world to experience her brand-new stadium production before it heads across North America, Latin America and Europe.
Statue of Liberty: A giant Statue of Liberty sculpture has arrived in Millennium Park for a limited time as part of artist Zaq Landsberg's new public art installation. Visitors can walk up to, touch and even sit on Reclining Liberty, while the accompanying Flame of Liberty reimagines Lady Liberty's torch as a melting ice cream cone. Watch our video for a closer look.
The CUBE: One of Chicago's coolest new interactive experiences has officially opened just off Michigan Avenue. The CUBE, based on the hit British TV game show, just opened its first-ever U.S. location at 600 N. Michigan Ave., where teams of two compete in seven fast-paced interactive challenges inside a giant cube. It's one of our favorite new double date ideas in the city. Take a look at our video.
Andersonville Sidewalk Sale: The annual Andersonville Sidewalk Sale returns Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26 along the 4800–5800 blocks of N. Clark St. More than 40 local businesses will bring their merchandise outside with special deals on clothing, home goods, vintage finds, gifts and more. As you shop, you'll also find live performances from local musicians throughout the neighborhood.
Sponsored by our friends at Castaways Beach Club

Via Castaways Beach Club
Watch the Chicago Air & Water Show from Castaways Beach Club
Castaways Beach Club: Castaways Beach Club at North Avenue Beach is hosting an epic Air & Water Show Viewing Party on Sunday, Aug. 16, complete with a fully stocked open bar, breakfast and lunch buffets, incredible lakefront views and guaranteed seating for every guest. It's one of our favorite events of the summer!
For $175 per person (including tax and gratuity), you'll enjoy nearly six hours of an open bar, a continental breakfast, an elevated lunch buffet (full menu), a Chicago-style hot dog cart, desserts and a front-row seat to all of the Air & Water Show action.
Saturday's event is already sold out and Friday is nearly sold out, making Sunday your best chance to experience the event. Whether you're watching the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds or the rest of the high-flying performances, it's one of the most comfortable and fun ways to spend the day at the lakefront.
Reserve your tickets now for the Sunday, Aug. 16 Castaways Chicago Air & Water Show Viewing Party while spots are still available.

Via Wicker Park & Bucktown Chamber of Commerce
Weekend Plans
Wicker Park Fest: Wicker Park Fest returns Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26 along Milwaukee Avenue between North Avenue and Ashland Avenue. The three-day street festival features 50+ local and national music acts, local food vendors, art installations, international dance performances, a Pet Fest, kid-friendly activities and hundreds of neighborhood businesses. Admission is free with a suggested donation.
Fiesta Del Sol: Pilsen's Fiesta Del Sol returns for its 54th year from Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26. One of the Midwest's largest Latino festivals features carnival rides, live music, cultural art exhibits and plenty of delicious local and regional food. Admission is free, while an $85 four-day Mega Pass is available for unlimited carnival rides.
Taste of Lincoln Ave: The 42nd annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue takes place Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26. The neighborhood festival features live music, food vendors, art vendors, a dog parade, a Kids' Carnival, inflatables, whiskey tastings and more. Admission is free with a suggested donation.
Chinatown Summer Fair: Chicago's Chinatown hosts its 46th annual Chinatown Summer Fair this Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26. Admission is free, and the festival features a lion dance procession, dragon dance performances, cultural demonstrations, plenty of food, a Copi Fish Ball Eating Contest and more.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival: The free Chicago Gospel Music Festival returns to Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25. The annual festival celebrates the power of gospel music with performances from local and national artists, including Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Hezekiah Walker, Ricky Dillard and more, while bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds.
Poll Question of the Week
Who was your favorite Chicago Blackhawks player from the Stanley Cup team that broke the drought?
Poll Results: Last week, we asked if you're a fan of cherries, and 76% of you said yes. One of our favorite poll responses was: "Cherries are wonderful! They are like little pieces of candy, only healthier."
Sunrise & Sunset in Chicago
Here is today’s outlook in Chicago (compared to last week):
Sunrise: 5:35 a.m. (6 minutes later)
Sunset: 8:17 p.m. (6 minutes earlier)
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