National Horchata Day

National Punctuation Day

National Cherries Jubilee Day

National Mofongo Day

World Bollywood Day

The Forge Enchanted Adventure: Looking for a fun fall activity near Chicago? The Forge Enchanted Adventure is an exciting new nighttime pumpkin experience opening tomorrow at The Forge: Lemont Quarries, about 30 miles from downtown Chicago.

Thousands of glowing, artisan-designed pumpkins will transform the quarry along a ½-mile illuminated trail, taking you through three themed worlds of Monsters, Magic and Mischief with 20+ larger-than-life displays, including a 16-foot pumpkin troll, giant kraken, Pumpkin Stonehenge, moon portal, pumpkin catapults and more.

The full trail takes about an hour to explore, with fall photo opportunities and live pumpkin carving along the way. The experience is family friendly and designed for all ages, with strollers and wagons welcome. There will also be seasonal food, treats and specialty drinks available for purchase, plus kids activities and 18 holes of Graveyard Mini Golf that can be added on to your visit.

The Forge Enchanted Adventure runs Sept. 25 through Nov. 1 at The Forge: Lemont Quarries in Lemont. Tickets start at $24.99 for adults and $15.99 for kids, but as a Best Date News reader, you get an exclusive $5 off any ticket with code “BDF5”!

The Great Chicago Food Festival: New Ryan Field just announced The Great Chicago Food Festival, a new food experience that will take place at every Northwestern football game and concert at the stadium. The festival will feature exclusive concepts from Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Gibsons Restaurant Group, Publican Quality and the team behind Dimmi Dimmi, along with a Big Ten-inspired tailgate and rotating pop-ups from Evanston and North Shore restaurants. It opens two hours before each event, with admission included with every ticket and food and drinks available for purchase. The first festival takes place Oct. 2 for Northwestern’s first game at New Ryan Field.

Christkindlmarket Mugs: The 2026 Christkindlmarket mugs and stein were just officially revealed for the market’s 30th anniversary! Take a look at the 2026 collection. This year’s annual mug features a new flute-inspired shape in pearl white with a festive market scene and fireworks, while the nonalcoholic mug is shaped like a green Christmas tree and decorated with miniature versions of past Christkindlmarket ornaments. The collection also includes a taller green beer stein and, for the first time, a miniature souvenir shot cup.

United Center Music Hall: New renderings have been released showing a first look inside the 6,000-seat music hall coming to the United Center campus as part of the $7 billion 1901 Project! Set to open in 2028, the three-level venue will feature panoramic views of the stage, multiple large bars and an outdoor terrace overlooking United Center. The music hall will be one of the main attractions of the new neighborhood being built on 55 acres of parking lots surrounding the arena.

Windy City Smokeout: Speaking of music outside the United Center, Windy City Smokeout announced its 2027 headliners this week. Chicago’s biggest country music and BBQ festival will return July 8–11 outside the United Center, with four-day wristbands officially going on sale to the public tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Chicago Gourmet: Chicago’s premier culinary weekend is underway at Millennium Park, bringing together more than 100 top chefs from Chicago and beyond for Chicago Gourmet. The weekend features a lineup of signature events, including Tacos & Tequila tonight, Hamburger Hop on Friday, Grand Cru and live chef demos on Saturday and the Rise & Shine Gourmet brunch on Sunday. This year’s festival celebrates the intersection of food and dance with chef-led tastings, live performances, wine, spirits and more. Tickets still remain for a few select events throughout the weekend.

World Music Festival Chicago: The free World Music Festival Chicago returns tomorrow with 10 days of performances from artists representing countries and cultures around the world! Running Sept. 25 through Oct. 4, shows will take place at venues across the city, including the Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Riverwalk and different performing arts centers. The festival kicks off with Ragamala, an overnight celebration of Indian classical music running all the way from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Dolly Day in Chicago: Chicago is unofficially celebrating “Dolly Parton Day” tomorrow, Sept. 25 (9/25), with businesses across the city offering $9.25 deals and specials in honor of her hit “9 to 5.” The Anti-Cruelty Society will offer $9.25 pet adoptions, Goddess and the Grocer will have $9.25 breakfast and lunch specials and Protein Bar will debut a limited-edition shake, while several local bars and restaurants will offer drink specials benefiting the Dollywood Foundation.

Meet Me on Milwaukee: Meet Me on Milwaukee returns this Sunday, Sept. 27, with Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park closed to cars from North Avenue to Ashland. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the street transforms into a pedestrian-only space where you can dine, shop and walk Milwaukee Avenue, with local business pop-ups, live music and more throughout the day.

Big Bootie Land: Big Bootie Land is coming home to Chicago! Two Friends will return to Huntington Bank Pavilion on Saturday, May 15 for the live premiere of Big Bootie Mix, Vol. 28. You can access presale tickets now by using code “AMIGOS,” ahead of the public on-sale tomorrow at 10 a.m.

WingOut Chicago: WingOut Chicago returns to Wrigleyville this weekend, bringing together some of Chicago’s top wing spots for two days of chicken wings, live music, drinks and more! The festival takes place Sept. 26–27, with flavors ranging from classic buffalo and jerk to honey chili. General admission tickets start at $25.60, with food and drinks available for purchase separately.

Cookie Happy Hour: The Cookie Bar by Summer House Santa Monica in Streeterville has a daily Cookie Happy Hour from 4–6 p.m., including these $5 warm cookie dough sundaes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! The sundaes feature warm chocolate chip cookie dough topped with soft serve, plus they offer a different $3 cookie every day of the week.

Oktoberfest Chicago: The 24th annual Oktoberfest Chicago returns to Lakeview this weekend for three days of German food, beer and Bavarian fun. Taking place Sept. 25–27 outside St. Alphonsus Church, the festival features live oompah music, bratwurst, local and international beers, stein-holding contests, polka dancing and a Sunday Kinderfest. Admission is $10 Friday and Saturday, with a $5 suggested donation on Sunday.

Clark Street Live: A brand-new street festival is coming to Wrigleyville this weekend. Clark Street Live takes over Clark Street from Addison to Newport Sept. 26–27 with two stages of country, rock and blues music featuring national artists and neighborhood favorites (see the lineup). The festival will also feature food from local restaurants and vendors, neighborhood bars, outdoor patios, shopping and more.

Hyde Park Jazz Festival: The Hyde Park Jazz Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend with 38 free performances across Hyde Park. The two-day festival showcases Chicago jazz alongside national and international artists, with this year’s lineup featuring Joshua Redman, Nicole Mitchell, Makaya McCraven, Kris Davis, Alfredo Rodriguez featuring Pedrito Martinez and more. Taking place Sept. 26–27, the festival also features local food, artisan pop-ups and picnic areas. Admission is free, with a $10 donation encouraged.

Andersonville Arts Weekend: The 22nd annual Andersonville Arts Weekend takes place Sept. 25–27, showcasing artists from across Chicago at more than 30 local businesses throughout the neighborhood. The weekend kicks off Friday with opening parties and artist receptions, followed by art displays and special programming throughout the weekend, including free live portraits and a neighborhood history tour.

St. Helen Carnival: The St. Helen Carnival celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend with four days of rides, live music, food, drinks and neighborhood festivities in Ukrainian Village. The carnival runs Sept. 24–27 at St. Helen School and is free to attend, with rides available separately.

Sunrise: 6:40 a.m. (8 minutes later)

Sunset: 6:44 p.m. (12 minutes earlier)