National Cheese Curd Day

National Mushroom Day

National Lemon Bar Day

National I Love Lucy Day

National Grouch Day

Chicago Artisan Market: One of Chicago's best markets for shopping local is back this weekend. The Chicago Artisan Market returns for its one-day Fall Market this Sunday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at historic Morgan MFG in Fulton Market (401 N. Morgan St.).

Shop from 115+ talented Chicago and Midwest artisans, all under one roof. Discover unique items across a variety of categories, including food, fashion, home decor, artwork, jewelry, handbags, skincare, pet products and more.

This indoor market offers much more than shopping. Enjoy artisan coffee, pastries, desserts and a variety of lunch options, plus a full bar serving cocktails, wine and beer. There's even bistro seating where you can relax between shopping. Kids under 12 get in free and dogs are welcome too.

Tickets are just $8 per person or four for $20 when purchased online in advance. You can also upgrade to a deluxe Chicago Artisan Market tote for an additional $2 per ticket.

Pope Leo: Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV is recovering after undergoing surgery for lung cancer earlier this week. The Vatican announced that the 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, following Tuesday's procedure. Doctors are conducting additional tests to determine the cancer's stage and whether further treatment will be necessary. According to the Vatican, Pope Leo is recovering well and has already resumed walking and eating normally.

Chicago Film Festival: The 62nd Chicago International Film Festival is officially underway, running Oct. 14–25. As North America's longest-running competitive film festival, the annual event brings filmmakers and movie lovers together for screenings of films from around the world. Explore the full lineup of films, showtimes and ticket options with help from the Festival Guide and Screening Schedule.

Rattiest Cities: Chicago is no longer America's rattiest city, but we're still near the top. Pest control company Orkin just released its annual ranking of the 50 Rattiest Cities in America, with Chicago coming in at No. 2 for the second consecutive year. Los Angeles claimed the top spot again this year after ending Chicago's 10-year reign at No. 1 last year. See Orkin’s Top 50 Rattiest Cities.

Caleb Williams: The Chicago Bears head to Atlanta this Sunday, Oct. 18 to face the Falcons at noon, and quarterback Caleb Williams appears to be on track to return after missing three games with a hamstring injury (watch the Week 6 Game Preview). Williams was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's estimated practice report, and the Bears plan to make him available to speak with the media following Thursday's practice.

Calvin Harris: One of the biggest names in EDM is finally returning to Chicago. Calvin Harris has announced his first-ever North American headline tour, including a stop at the United Center on Friday, April 30, 2027, at 8 p.m. Harris previously performed in Chicago at Lollapalooza in 2014. Tickets go on sale next Thursday, Oct. 22 at noon.

Holiday Touchdown: The Chicago Bears' Hallmark Christmas movie, “Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story,” premieres this Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. on the Hallmark Channel. Here's a sneak peek at the movie. Filmed right here in Chicago, it features familiar locations like Soldier Field, the Riverwalk, a recreation of Chicago's Christkindlmarket and the Irish Nobleman Pub. The holiday romance follows a reporter covering a woman attending her 500th Bears game and features appearances from Bears players and legends, including Colston Loveland, Caleb Williams, Mike Singletary, Peanut Tillman and more.

Jack-O’-Lanterns: Three great illuminated pumpkin experiences are currently happening across the Chicago suburbs. Jack O’Lantern World in Lake Zurich features thousands of glowing pumpkins along a three-quarter-mile trail with 20+ themed worlds (use code BESTDATEFOOD5 for $5 off with the purchase of 2+ tickets). The Forge's Enchanted Adventure in Lemont offers larger-than-life pumpkin displays (use code BDF5 for $5 off any ticket), while Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe showcases more than 1,000 intricately carved pumpkins and live carving demonstrations.

Ricobene’s: Chicago's iconic Ricobene's is celebrating its 80th anniversary with special Monday meal deals throughout October. This Monday, Oct. 19, you can get two regular-size Chicken Vesuvio sandwiches, two orders of fries and two bottled Coca-Cola products for just $19.46 plus tax. The deal is available for dine-in or takeout when ordering in person, while supplies last. The Monday, Oct. 26 special will feature their famous breaded steak sandwiches.

Chicago Marathon Signs: One of our favorite parts of the Chicago Marathon every year is seeing all the hilarious and creative signs that spectators bring to cheer on the runners. We shared a collection of fun signs from the 2026 Chicago Marathon, and people loved it. If you missed it, give it a watch and try not to smile.

Canine Cruises: Chicago's First Lady is bringing back its Howl-O-Ween Canine Cruises on Oct. 17–18 and 24–25. Bring your dog dressed in their best Halloween costume for a 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, featuring guided sightseeing, pumpkin-flavored dog treats and a costume contest with prizes. Winning pups will also have a chance to earn a $1,000 donation in their name to local animal rescue One Tail at a Time.

Open House Chicago: One of Chicago's coolest annual traditions is back this weekend. On Oct. 17 & 18, the Chicago Architecture Center is opening 200+ incredible buildings across the city for free, including many that are normally closed to the public. To help you plan your weekend, here are our top 10 must-visit sites: Chicago Board of Trade Building, Cliff Dwellers Club, Columbia Yacht Club, Avalon Regal Theater, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Money Museum, House of Blues, Walt Disney House & Birthplace, Pui Tak Center, Uptown Theatre and Cadillac Palace Theatre. Be sure to check the full site list and each site's hours since some are only open for one day.

Loop Arts Fest: The first-ever Loop Arts Fest is taking over State Street on Saturday, Oct. 17, from noon to 6 p.m. This free street festival spans three blocks from Jackson to Madison, featuring two stages of live entertainment, music, dance performances, local artists, food vendors and more. Highlights include performances from Broadway in Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Chicago and headliner Simone Green.

Nightmare on Chicago Street: One of the Chicago suburbs' biggest Halloween events, Nightmare on Chicago Street, is taking over downtown Elgin for two nights this weekend. Friday, Oct. 16 features a special concert with Gym Class Heroes, Plain White T's and The Ataris, along with haunted attractions and roaming performers. On Saturday, Oct. 17, the main event transforms eight city blocks into a post-apocalyptic world featuring hundreds of costumed performers, three stages of live music and DJs, immersive horror experiences, a costume contest and more.

BooPalooza & BarkPalooza: Wicker Park's annual BooPalooza and BarkPalooza Halloween celebrations return on Saturday, Oct. 17, with performances beginning at 10 a.m. BooPalooza features live music, games, pumpkin decorating, face painting, an all-ages costume parade at 11:30 a.m. and a music and magic show at 12:30 p.m. BarkPalooza brings the fun to four-legged friends with a Pup Parade and Costume Contest at 1:15 p.m.

Deadmau5: One of the biggest names in EDM is performing at Navy Pier this weekend. The Grammy-nominated DJ and producer, known for his signature mouse-head helmet, will headline Navy Pier Open Air on Saturday, Oct. 17. The outdoor concert takes place at East End Plaza along the lakefront, with opening acts starting at 5 p.m. and deadmau5 performing from 9–11 p.m. Tickets start at $76, and the event is for ages 18 and older.

Thrift Riot: The Wicker Park Bucktown Thrift Riot is a free neighborhood-wide thrifting event happening Saturday, Oct. 17 from noon to 6 p.m. Explore 20+ vintage, resale and secondhand shops, with unique finds, exclusive deals and chances to win $50 gift cards. You can shop on your own or purchase a VIP shopping shuttle ticket ($35–$45) that takes you to curated stops along Milwaukee, Damen and Division, with drinks, snacks and giveaways included.

52%: Not attending

38%: Spectator

10%: Runner

Sunrise: 7:03 a.m. (8 minutes later)

Sunset: 6:08 p.m. (12 minutes earlier)