News Feed

October 2 is National Fried Scallops Day, an unofficial food holiday with a very clear dinner suggestion. Scallops lend themselves to everything from a crisp breaded coating to a simple sauté in butter.

Celebrate at a seafood restaurant or make them the centerpiece at home. The calendar has done the hardest part: deciding what sounds good.

October 2 is National Smarties Day, launched in 2022 on founder Edward Dee’s birthday. Dee brought his family from England to New Jersey in 1949 and started the candy business with two machines in a rented facility.

The familiar wafer rolls have a different identity north of the border: Rockets. The company makes candy in Union, New Jersey, and Newmarket, Ontario. A tiny piece of Halloween nostalgia, with an international backstory.

October 2 is Indonesia’s National Batik Day, marking the country’s batik tradition and its recognition by UNESCO in 2009.

Artisans apply dots and lines of hot wax to cloth, then dye it. The wax protects selected areas; removing it and repeating the process builds layers of color. UNESCO’s recognition includes the techniques, symbolism, and cultural traditions surrounding the garments. Next time batik catches your eye, there’s a whole practice behind the pattern.

SAUCED Night Market takes over HOSTE, 1857 W. 16th St. in Pilsen, Friday and Saturday, October 2–3, from 5–10 p.m. Admission is free with RSVP, and all ages are welcome.

Browse local art, jewelry, ceramics, and vintage finds between bites and DJ Johnny Walker’s soundtrack. The vendor lineup includes 5411 Empanadas, Double Entendre Tea Company, and Mindful Baking; some vendors appear only one night. RSVP through the organizer’s page, then bring an accomplice who appreciates a good detour.

Sumo + Sushi runs October 2–4 at The Fields Studios South, Studios 6 and 7, 2750 N. Karlov Ave. Konishiki hosts an experience combining sumo traditions, demonstrations, and exhibition matches.

Choose carefully: viewing-only tickets exclude food, while Sushi + The Show includes a Kamehachi bento, miso soup, and mochi. Vegetarian options are available. Friday and Saturday performances are 21+; Sunday is open to all ages. Doors open one hour before each show. Check the official booking page for session times, current prices, and remaining seats.

Stephen Colbert’s Late Show set begins its next chapter October 2 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, 440 W. Randolph St. The new display includes his desk, guest chairs, and other set pieces, joining the museum’s exploration of late-night television.

Adult admission is $24. Friday and Saturday hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday hours are noon–6 p.m., with last entry an hour before closing. Colbert’s comedy career took shape at Chicago’s Second City, making this a fitting homecoming for the furniture.