National Cat Day

National Internet Day

National Oatmeal Day

National Hermit Day

World Stroke Day

Brazilian Lymph Spa: Looking for a different way to treat yourself? Brazilian Lymph Spa specializes in Brazilian lymphatic drainage massages, offering a unique wellness experience that goes beyond a traditional massage.

Founded by celebrity massage therapist Val, the Chicago spa brings techniques trusted backstage at major events like the Met Gala, Oscars and Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Every therapist is personally trained by Val to bring that same experience to clients in Chicago.

Unlike traditional massages that focus primarily on muscle relaxation, Brazilian lymphatic drainage uses gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the lymphatic system. The treatments are designed to help reduce puffiness, bloating and fluid retention while leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Best Date News readers can save 20% on any service at Brazilian Lymph Spa with the exclusive promo code BDF20. Whether you're looking for a little self-care or a new wellness experience, now is a great time to book your appointment and take advantage of this exclusive offer.

Lake Street Bridge: Good news, CTA riders: Normal Green and Pink Line service resumed this morning after crews completed the replacement of part of the 110-year-old Lake Street Bridge. Take a look at this cool video of the replacement. The bridge is undergoing a two-year renovation, with the other half scheduled to be replaced in spring 2027. While train service is back to normal, the bridge remains closed to cars and pedestrians, with the entire project expected to be completed in January 2028.

Chicago Bears: The Chicago Bears made a blockbuster trade this morning, acquiring All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans. In exchange, the Bears are sending their first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028, along with a 2027 fourth-round pick, while also receiving a 2028 fifth-round pick. Simmons, a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, is expected to provide a major boost to the Bears' defense.

Cold & Flu Season: Have you or someone you know been sick lately? Flu season started earlier than usual this year, but according to a doctor at UChicago Medicine, there's another virus making the rounds right now. Rhinovirus and enterovirus, common causes of colds, are spreading throughout the area, causing symptoms like runny noses, congestion, fatigue and coughing. While flu activity is higher than usual for October, cases in Chicago remain low, with flu season typically peaking in January.

Winter Fireworks: Navy Pier will be bringing back its free Winter Fireworks shows starting Saturday, Nov. 21. The fireworks will take place every Saturday evening through Dec. 26, giving Chicagoans six chances to enjoy a fireworks display over Lake Michigan with the city skyline in the background. The first show kicks off at 8:30 p.m., with all remaining shows scheduled for 8 p.m.

Early Sunsets: Chicago will see its first sunset before 5 p.m. this Sunday, Nov. 1, as daylight saving time comes to an end. Clocks will turn back one hour at 2 a.m., pushing Sunday's sunset to just 4:44 p.m. That means Chicagoans will soon be leaving work after dark as the city heads into the shorter days of winter.

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest: This is the final weekend of the Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest, which wraps up Sunday, Nov. 1. The free, family-friendly celebration features pumpkin picking, professional pumpkin carving, live entertainment and special fall-themed activities for the zoo animals. Visitors can also watch some of their favorite animals play with pumpkins throughout the weekend (see the schedule).

Halloween Puppy Yoga: Midwest Coast Brewing is hosting a Halloween-themed puppy yoga class this Sunday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. The 21+ event features a 45-minute yoga session surrounded by adorable rescue puppies dressed in Halloween costumes, followed by time to meet and take photos with the pups. Tickets include a free drink from the brewery, and all proceeds support Moyo Village and Paradise Rescue. Costumes are encouraged.

Chipotle Boorito: Chipotle is bringing back its annual Boorito Halloween promotion this Saturday, Oct. 31, offering $6 entrées to customers who show up in costume. The deal is available at participating Chipotle locations after 3 p.m. and is exclusively for Chipotle Rewards members (which is free to join).

Slightly Spooky: Navy Pier is celebrating Halloween this Saturday, Oct. 31 with a full day of free activities for all ages as part of its Slightly Spooky October series. Trick-or-treating begins at 11 a.m., followed by a pet costume contest, crafts, games and a Halloween costume contest. The festivities continue into the evening with free movie screenings of Ghostbusters at 5:30 p.m. and Halloween (1978) at 7:30 p.m. in Crystal Gardens.

Boo with Sue: The Field Museum is hosting Boo with SUE, a nighttime Halloween party this Friday, Oct. 30, as part of its Family Field Nights series. Guests can trick-or-treat throughout the museum, meet scientists, explore spooky specimens and experience Dioramas in the Dark, where the museum’s animal displays come to life. Admission includes access to all museum exhibitions, and costumes are encouraged.

Jack O’Lantern World: This is your final weekend to experience one of the most unique Halloween attractions in the Chicagoland area. Jack O’Lantern World wraps up its season this Sunday, Nov. 1, so there are only a few days left to visit.

You’ll walk through an interactive world filled with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, featuring incredible designs and impressive displays that light up the night. Each section is created by talented artists who turn pumpkins into glowing works of art.

This year's experience takes place at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich, with special Halloween festivities planned throughout the weekend. Saturday features trick-or-treating, a free fun zone, costume night and 20% off beer and seltzers.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, children ages 12 and under get free admission for the final night of the season, along with 20% off beer and seltzers. Tickets for other guests start at $17.99, making this your last chance to check out the glowing pumpkin displays this year.

Haunted Halsted: The 30th annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade takes place on Saturday, Oct. 31, with an expanded all-day celebration this year. Festivities kick off at noon along Halsted Street between Aldine and Addison with food, drinks, live entertainment and more. The parade begins at 7 p.m., featuring more than 300 costumed participants, followed by a costume contest with $4,000 in cash prizes. It’s free to attend.

Dog Halloween Party: The 39th annual Streeterville Dog Halloween Party takes place this Saturday, Oct. 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Sculpture Garden. Bring your dog (or cat) dressed in their best Halloween costume for a morning of fun. The Doggy Parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m., with prizes awarded to the best-dressed pets. It’s free to attend.

Halloween Parties: Chicago has several big Halloween parties happening this weekend. The Wrigleyville Halloween Crawl takes place Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., with dozens of participating bars, free dinner buffets and more. Crawlloween is hosting bar crawls across six Chicago neighborhoods on Friday and Saturday, while Death by Disco is taking over Recess, City Hall and Morgan Manufacturing with 50+ DJs, live performers and more across two nights.

Día de Muertos: Chicago is celebrating Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) this weekend with special events across the city. The National Museum of Mexican Art (Pilsen) is hosting its 40th annual Día de Muertos exhibition with free admission, while Little Village is hosting Xempasúchil on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring more than 50 participating businesses along 26th Street, special ofrendas, live entertainment and more.

Upside Down Parade: The 6th annual Upside Down Halloween Parade takes place this Saturday, Oct. 31 from noon to 2 p.m. in Washington Park. Unlike a traditional parade, children and their families become the parade as they walk down Russell Drive in their Halloween costumes, passing dance teams, musicians, acrobats, sports mascots and more. The event is free to attend, with free candy for everyone.

75%: Tavern-style

25%: Deep-dish

Sunrise: 7:19 a.m. (8 minutes later)

Sunset: 5:48 p.m. (10 minutes earlier)