National Pumpkin Spice Day

National Homemade Cookies Day

National Black Dog Day

National CD Player Day

World Vegetarian Day

Oak Brook Artisan Market: The twice-a-year Oak Brook Artisan Market returns to Oakbrook Center this weekend for its fall market. This massive two-day outdoor market is free to attend, kid and dog friendly and has plenty of free parking.

What makes this market incredibly unique is that it takes place right in the heart of the shopping center! Where else can you shop from 115+ Midwest artisans while also visiting all your favorite stores and brands in the same place?

The market features vendors specializing in art, jewelry, woodworking, gourmet food, sweets, handbags, clothing, sauces and spices, ceramics, dog items and so much more. Look for the collections of white tents set up throughout Oakbrook Center.

Oak Brook Artisan Market takes place on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

MLB Playoffs: Chicago entered the MLB playoffs with two teams in the postseason for just the fourth time ever, but only one is moving on after last night. Soxtober has arrived as the White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win their first playoff series since their 2005 World Series run, with a little help from Pope Leo. They will now face the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS beginning Saturday. Munetaka Murakami is also quickly becoming an internet meme thanks to his amazing celebration videos. The Cubs’ season came to an end after they were swept by the San Diego Padres, the same team Chicago eliminated from the Wild Card Series last year.

Mag Mile: Two major retailers are making moves on Michigan Avenue as the Mag Mile continues to attract new leases, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Nike is downsizing from its longtime 57,000-square-foot Niketown location to a new 43,000-square-foot, two-level store at the Shops at North Bridge, filling space left vacant by Forever 21 in 2018. Lululemon is also headed to the southern end of the Mag Mile with a new 12,000-square-foot store at the base of Tribune Tower.

Michigan Ave Bus Lane: A dedicated bus lane is coming to Michigan Avenue in the Loop, stretching nearly 1.5 miles northbound from Roosevelt Road to Wacker Drive. The lane will serve 21 CTA routes and an estimated 22,000 riders each weekday, with the goal of reducing delays and improving bus reliability downtown. Installation begins this week and is expected to take seven to 10 days, weather permitting.

Thompson Center: Morningstar is officially moving its Chicago headquarters to the Thompson Center, where it will join Google in the redeveloped Loop building. The investment research firm plans to make the move in late 2028, leaving its longtime headquarters at Block 37 after 20 years. Morningstar’s move is expected around the same time as Google, which recently pushed back the planned opening of its new Thompson Center offices to 2028.

Uptown Theatre: Chicagoans will have a rare chance to step inside the historic Uptown Theatre during Open House Chicago Oct. 17–18. The long-closed theater was just added to this year’s lineup, with guided groups getting access to both the Broadway lobby and rarely seen 4,400-seat auditorium. Built in 1925, the Uptown Theatre has been closed since 1981. The tours are free and no advance registration is required.

Chicago Food Awards: The finalists have been announced for the 25th annual Banchets, Chicago’s local food awards celebrating the city’s restaurants and hospitality industry. This year’s nominees span 12 categories, including Restaurant of the Year, Best New Restaurant, Chef of the Year and Bar of the Year. Asador Bastian, Brasero, Cellar Door Provisions and Maxwells Trading are competing for Restaurant of the Year, with plenty of other popular Chicago restaurants, bars and chefs among this year’s finalists.

Chicago Bears: After Case Keenum, the ultimate girl dad, led the Bears to an exciting 27–7 Monday Night Football win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bears are back at Soldier Field this Sunday. They’ll take on the New York Jets at noon as they look to improve to 3–1 on the season. With Caleb Williams still sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Bears have yet to announce whether they’ll continue to roll with Keenum or turn to Tyson Bagent at quarterback.

Northwestern: In other local football news, Northwestern will officially open the new Ryan Field tomorrow night with a prime-time matchup against Penn State. The $850 million stadium will host its first game exactly 100 years to the day after the original Ryan Field opened in 1926. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Evanston, with the game airing nationally on FOX. The new Great Chicago Food Festival will also make its debut at the stadium.

Hooligan: Chef Christian Hunter opens his first solo restaurant, Hooligan, today in Logan Square. The 50-seat “neo-Midwestern bistro” combines classical French techniques with ingredients from the Great Lakes region, with dishes including Great Lakes perch, pike ravioli and hot water cornbread. See the full menu. Hooligan is open for dinner Thursday through Monday at 2528 N. California Ave.

Free Museum Days: Looking for something free to do this October? Illinois residents can take advantage of 21 free museum days across six of Chicago’s most popular museums this month. Take a look at our October free museum days roundup to see all the dates and start planning your next museum visit.

Apple Fest: The annual Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest returns to Lincoln Avenue this weekend for three days celebrating all things fall. Taking place Oct. 2–4, the festival features apple pies, cider, donuts, caramel treats and other seasonal bites, along with local vendors, live music and family-friendly activities. Hours are 3–7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A $5 donation is suggested.

Fall Fest: Lincoln Park Zoo’s 12th annual Fall Fest continues this weekend with free, family-friendly fall fun throughout the zoo. The festival features a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, live music, apple cider donuts, caramel apples and s’mores, plus ticketed attractions including a giant fun slide, Ferris wheel and inflatables. Fall Fest runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1, plus Monday, Oct. 12. Admission to the zoo and festival is free.

West Town Art Walk: The 16th annual West Town Art Walk returns Oct. 2–4, showcasing local artists at galleries and small businesses throughout the neighborhood. The free weekend includes self-guided exploring, public art walking tours, street musicians and specials at local businesses. Free pedicab rides will also be available Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. to help visitors explore the art, culture, food and more throughout West Town.

Latina Comedy Festival: The 5th annual Latina Comedy Festival returns Oct. 1–3 with three days of stand-up from Latina comedians from around the world. Taking place at The Lincoln Lodge in Logan Square, the festival features a packed lineup of comedy showcases with big laughs, bold stories and performances in both English and Spanish. Tickets are available for individual shows or the full festival.

Taste of Northalsted: Northalsted’s neighborhood tasting crawl returns Saturday, Oct. 3 as the Fall Taste of Northalsted features 20+ food and drink samples per route from local restaurants and businesses. New this fall, you can choose between two routes running from noon–3 p.m. and 3–6 p.m., or purchase a discounted ticket to experience both. Samples include dishes from local restaurants plus beer, spirits and cocktails.

36%: Sweater weather

33%: Fall colors

18%: All things pumpkin

13%: Halloween

Sunrise: 6:47 a.m. (7 minutes later)

Sunset: 6:31 p.m. (13 minutes earlier)