National Chili Dog Day

National Cheesecake Day

National Intern Day

International Day of Friendship

World Snorkeling Day

La Cuisine: Do you ever wish a local Chicago chef could meal prep for you? La Cuisine is a locally owned meal delivery service where real Chicago chefs prepare fresh, scratch-made meals from its kitchen in Albany Park, then deliver everything fully prepared right to your doorstep.

Here's the really cool part. As an exclusive opportunity for Best Date News readers, La Cuisine is selecting up to 10 Chicago-area households to receive a complimentary tasting that includes two chef-prepared entrées, two sides and Monday home delivery.

Selected households place a $100 refundable deposit, which is returned in full after a brief feedback call. There is no subscription, purchase requirement or sales pressure, and applying does not guarantee selection.

If you're a busy family, a couple or simply looking for an easier way to handle weeknight dinners, this is a great opportunity to experience La Cuisine before making any commitment. Since this opportunity is exclusive to Best Date News readers and only 10 households will be selected, be sure to apply soon if you're interested.

Lollapalooza: Today kicks off Lollapalooza, Chicago’s largest music festival, with four days of performances in Grant Park from July 30 through Aug. 2. More than 400,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which features more than 170 performances across eight stages. Metra and the CTA have added extra service for the weekend, while drivers should expect heavy traffic and street closures around Grant Park. Want to get up to speed on everything happening this year? Here's a guide to Lollapalooza 2026.

Ariana Grande: Ariana Grande is taking over Chicago next week, but she's kicking things off early this weekend. Before bringing her Eternal Sunshine Tour to the United Center for three shows on Aug. 3, 5 and 6, she'll open a reservation-only Eternal Sunshine pop-up from Aug. 1-6 and debut the Ariana Grande Petal Trolley, which will offer free rides to and from Lollapalooza on Aug. 1 and 2. The citywide activation has fans wondering if a surprise Lollapalooza appearance could also be in the works.

New Ryan Field: We got a special behind-the-scenes first look inside Northwestern's $875 million New Ryan Field in Evanston ahead of its official opening this fall. The brand-new stadium is the most expensive college football stadium ever built and the first NFL-style stadium in college football. There truly isn't a bad seat in the house. Check out our first-look video before the Wildcats host Penn State in the stadium's first-ever game on Friday, Oct. 2.

Brookfield Zoo: Brookfield Zoo Chicago needs your help naming its adorable new rescued Virginia opossum! This little guy was found with injuries that left him unable to return to the wild and will soon join the zoo's Animal Ambassador program. Voting is open now through Aug. 3. The zoo also announced that gorilla sisters Kamba and Nora will soon move to another accredited zoo, with two new female gorillas from the Columbus Zoo arriving later this summer.

Ann Sather: Exciting news, cinnamon roll fans! Ann Sather is now open at its new flagship location in Wicker Park. The iconic Chicago restaurant relocated from its longtime Belmont Avenue home to 1819 W. Division St., where it's serving its classic breakfast and lunch menu along with its famous cinnamon rolls and other fresh-baked pastries.

Eli’s Cheesecake: Happy National Cheesecake Day! Celebrate with Chicago's own Eli's Cheesecake, which is offering 46¢ slices today at Eli's Cheesecake World in honor of its 46th birthday. They're also debuting a new Cookie Dough Cheesecake, while the Eli's Cheesecake Mobile will be making stops around the city handing out free slices throughout the day. The celebration continues Saturday with a Family Day event at Eli's Cheesecake World. Get all the details.

Smashing Pumpkins: The Smashing Pumpkins are making their long-awaited return to the Lollapalooza stage for the first time since 1994, and they're celebrating with "Pumpkinpalooza," a series of fan experiences across Chicago. Highlights include a limited-time merch pop-up, a Madame Zuzu's lounge inside Lollapalooza and a special Smashing Pumpkins-inspired cocktail at The Aviary ahead of the band's Friday night performance.

New Chicago Spots: Chicago's dining scene had a busy July. Eater Chicago rounded up 15 new restaurant and bar openings across the city, from coffee shops and bakeries to steakhouses, cocktail bars and international cuisine. Highlights include a Japanese hand roll counter, a Wisconsin-style supper club, a Puerto Rican favorite's new home, a French bakery and several other spots that just opened their doors.

Millennium Park Movies: Time is running out to catch a free movie under the stars in Millennium Park. There are just three films remaining in this year's Summer Film Series, with screenings held Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. on the 40-foot LED screen at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch from the Great Lawn, or grab a seat in the pavilion. Up next is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Thompson Center: Google's transformation of Chicago's iconic Thompson Center continues to take shape. After two years of exterior work, the building's new glass facade is now largely complete, offering a first look at what will become Google's future Chicago headquarters. Check out our video to see the transformation from start to finish.

Special Olympics Illinois: One of Chicago's most beloved summer traditions in support of Special Olympics Illinois returns on Thursday, Aug. 6, when more than 85,000 rubber ducks will splash down into the Chicago River and race to the finish line in the annual Chicago Ducky Derby.

You can take part by adopting one (or more) of the race's rubber ducks starting at just $10. Every adopted duck is entered into the race, with one lucky duck winning its adopter a brand-new Chevy Trax. Even better, every adoption helps provide free year-round sports training and competition for Special Olympics Illinois athletes.

The Derby Festival begins at 10 a.m. at Pioneer Court before the ducks are released from the Columbus Drive Bridge at 1 p.m. Whether you're planning to attend in person or cheer the ducks on from afar, it's one of Chicago's most unique summer traditions.

In addition to adopting a single duck for just $10, there are also four discounted package options if you'd like to increase your chances of winning. For example, six ducks can be adopted for just $30. Help Special Olympics Illinois reach its goal of 88,000 ducks adopted this year while supporting thousands of athletes across Illinois.

Lollapalooza: Lollapalooza is taking over Chicago this weekend. Even if you don't have a wristband, there are still plenty of ways to join in the fun. The city is packed with artist pop-ups, plus dozens of Official 2026 Aftershows with some last-minute tickets still available. If you still want to attend the festival, limited verified resale tickets remain, or you can stream performances live on Disney+ and Hulu.

Italian Beef Fest: Chicago's iconic Italian beef finally has its own festival. The inaugural Chicago Italian Beef Fest takes over Jefferson Memorial Park this weekend with seven local restaurants serving their signature Italian beef sandwiches, plus the chance to vote for your favorite. There will also be two stages of live music, a kids area, local vendors and more. Admission is $10, while kids 17 and under get in free with a paid adult.

Sports Collectors Convention: The 46th National Sports Collectors Convention runs through Sunday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, bringing together rare sports cards and memorabilia, hundreds of dealers and appearances from legends like Jerry Rice, Barry Sanders, Joe Montana, Julius Erving, Allen Iverson, Dennis Rodman, Sammy Sosa, Cal Ripken Jr., Mariano Rivera, Mike Tyson and many more. See the full list. Plenty of Chicago sports legends will also be in attendance. General admission tickets are still available for $30.

Navy Pier Fireworks: Summer is flying by! If the heavy fog ruined your view of the Fourth of July fireworks, don't worry. Navy Pier's free, award-winning Summer Fireworks continue every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m. through Sept. 5. They're also still releasing free Centennial Wheel tickets every Thursday at 10 a.m. for the following Wednesday evening.

Sunflower Farm: Sunflower season has officially arrived! Von Bergen's Sunflower Farm and Country Market in Hebron is now open for its annual Sunflower Festival, where you can stroll through thousands of blooming sunflowers, snap photos and enjoy a summer day in the countryside. Admission starts at $10 on weekdays and $12 Friday through Sunday, and the festival is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting).

32%: Jonathan Toews

30%: Patrick Kane

27%: Duncan Keith

11%: Patrick Sharp

Sunrise: 5:42 a.m. (7 minutes later)

Sunset: 8:10 p.m. (7 minutes earlier)