Welcome, adventurous listeners, to Things to Do in Chicago with your intrepid host Oly Bennet, scouring the globe for the wildest competitions—but today, we’re right here in the heart of the action on Saturday, October 18, 2025! Pull on your wackiest hat and tighten those shoelaces: the Windy City’s vibe is absolutely electric with a cool fall breeze, a touch of Halloween mischief in the air, and a whopping dose of cultural fireworks.

Let’s zero in on the city’s pulse today. Step outside, and you’ll feel that crisp October zing—a perfect day for urban adventures or a mad dash to the nearest dance floor. And speaking of floors, it’s a full house everywhere you look, with parties, parades, and performances lighting up the city like a Diwali sparkler.

What’s on the docket for today? If you’ve got a costume that’s been dying to see daylight, don’t miss Chicago’s largest Halloween parade, Arts in the Dark, strutting down State Street tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. This is not just any parade—we’re talking giant glowing puppets, wild floats, local artists busting every creative move, and about a hundred thousand open-mouthed spectators. It’s so legendary USA Today rates it among the world’s best Halloween parades, so get your glow sticks ready.

But maybe your celebration style leans more “Festival of Lights” than “Monster Mash”? Lore nightclub is throwing the city’s biggest Diwali Glow Party starting at 10 p.m. with top DJs, Bollywood beats, rooftop views, neon decor, and a dress code calling for your flashiest saree, kurta, or clubwear. Pack your stamina, because this party is set to go off like a box of fireworks in a candy store.

For my family squad or fans of heartwarming nostalgia, the Chicago Children’s Museum debuts “Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit” today. Step into the world of Charlie Brown and Snoopy with interactive activities around self-care, empathy, and saving the planet. It’s smiles for days and perfect for Peanuts lovers big and small.

Concert fiends, prepare your vocal cords. The United Center hosts the epic Brandy and Monica: The Boy Is Mine Tour tonight, joined by Kelly Rowland and Muni Long. This is a historic, once-in-a-generation R&B blowout and a must for serious music lovers. Meanwhile, the Civic Opera House is staging “Coco in Concert,” where you can experience Pixar’s smash hit live with a full orchestra—bring tissues for tears of joy.

The city’s not just about spectacles—there’s high culture on tap, too. Chicago Architecture Center launches Open House Chicago this weekend, turning the whole city into a backstage pass for architecture geeks and urban explorers. Wander into beautiful historic mansions, cutting-edge skyscrapers, and spaces usually off-limits. Free, citywide, and only two days a year!

If you’re craving street eats, Jackson Plaza’s Chi Food Truck Fest rolls up with flavors from around the world, while the weekly Farmer’s Market is perfect for snagging local treats.

Now, some handy news to grease your adventure engines. Transit is humming along, and the city’s gotten a shiny batch of new hybrid CTA buses, making zipping between neighborhoods even smoother. For foodies, keep your eyes peeled for the grand opening of Banh Mi Galaxy in Wicker Park—word is, their lemongrass tofu banh mi is the Vietnamese sandwich Chicago never knew it needed.

Oly’s tip of the day: when the crowds swell or you need to zip between events, hop on the Green Line—fast, efficient, and perfect for parade or night-out hopping. And for a truly hidden Chicago treat, detour to the quaint Giddings Plaza in Lincoln Square—bring a coffee, soak up the local color, and catch some fabulously quirky street music.

Before you dash off in a blaze of Diwali neon or Halloween glitter, get ready for tomorrow’s encore: Open House Chicago continues, Lion King roars on at the Cadillac Palace Theater, and rumor has it there’s a...