The Chicago Cubs will close out August with visits from the Cincinnati Reds August 23-26 and New York Mets August 27-29. 
As part of the Cubs' commitment to providing best-in-class service and creating memorable moments, fans now have access to an automated, 24-hour response system listed as "Ask Fan Services" in the MLB Ballpark app. This real-time tool provides fans with answers to questions on resources and amenities available at the ballpark, ticketing and much more. Visit www.cubs.com/ballparkapp for additional information.
MLB Players' Weekend is back for the second season starting Friday, August 24, through Sunday, August 26. Players will showcase their personalities and interests by wearing their nicknames on the back of their jerseys, as well as wear and use uniquely colored and designed equipment including bats, spikes, batting gloves, wristbands, compression sleeves and catcher's equipment. Game-worn, Players' Weekend jerseys will be auctioned at www.mlb.com/auctions. All proceeds will be donated to the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, a joint effort established in July 2015 by MLB and the MLBPA with an initial commitment of $30 million focused on improving the caliber, effectiveness and availability of amateur baseball and softball programs across the United States and Canada.
Kyle Schwarber, with support from Cubs Charities, will host his Second Annual Block Party Sunday, August 26, to benefit Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes. The campaign celebrates and honors Chicago's first responders and their families by providing resources to improve the quality of life for first responders through education, essential tools and experiences in their efforts to better serve their communities. The event will feature delicious food straight off the grill, appetizers, signature cocktails and an exclusive live and silent auction. Guests will play lawn games, listen to live music and hang out alongside Cubs players and first responders in attendance. Limited tickets are still available for purchase at www.cubs.com/blockparty. 
The Chicago Cubs and 670 The Score will host the final installment of the 2018 On Deck Luncheon Series presented by XFINITY, Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern and AZEK Building Products with Cubs pitchers Cole Hamels, Brandon Kintzler and Jesse Chavez Monday, August 27, from noon-1 p.m. CDT. The luncheon series, hosted at Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern, gives attendees a chance to interact with Cubs players and enjoy a live broadcast hosted by 670 The Score on-air personalities Dan Bernstein and Connor McKnight. More information and tickets are available at www.670thescore.com/ondeck. 
Highlights of the homestand follow
Food and Beverage Offerings:
The Chicago Cubs and hospitality partner Levy end the second year of their crowd-pleasing Chef Series presented by Maker's Mark with an expanded lineup of local celebrity chefs. Fans can expect a dynamic menu of offerings inspired by the chefs' signature items and their take on ballpark favorites.
Graham Elliot, a die-hard baseball enthusiast, award-winning chef, restaurateur, television personality and cookbook author, will give fans a taste of his eclectic take on baseball classics August 23-29. Fans can enjoy the following menu at the Sheffield Corner near the Wintrust Right Field Gate:
•    Spicy fried chicken sandwich with Sriracha mayo and kimchi slaw
•    Grilled cheese with crispy bacon and tomato jam
•    Gideon avocado hummus with summer veggies
•    Double burger with whipped cheddar, onion rings, oven-roasted tomatoes and watercress on a warm pretzel bun
Hot Doug's continues its rotating selections on Platform 14, located behind the center field scoreboard in the Budweiser Bleachers. Served this homestand are the Don and Marrily, a Cajun andouille sausage with Cajun mustard, caramelized onions and Swiss cheese; the Steve Lake, a Roman luganega sausage with marinara, sautéed peppers and mozzarella cheese; and the Keith Moreland, a spicy Vienna polish sausage with chipotle dijonnaise, pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. 
Cubs Charities and Community events:
On Friday, August 24, Javier Báez will receive the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) Heart and Hustle Award during a pregame on-field ceremony. 
Cubs manager Joe Maddon will continue his "Respect Community" T-shirt initiative. After every Friday home game, Maddon represents a local nonprofit organization by wearing their T-shirt during his postgame press conference. On August 24, Maddon will represent Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes, an initiative designed to recognize first responders for their heroism, personal courage and devotion to duty. 
On Saturday, August 25, Cubs wives will sell Mystery Baseballs at Gallagher Way from 11:20 a.m. CDT until the bottom of the fifth inning. Baseballs are $50 each and proceeds from the event will benefit Cubs Charities. 
During a pregame on-field ceremony Sunday, August 26, Cubs Charities will present United Services Organization (USO) with a $5,000 check to support their youth programs. 
Cubs pitcher Mike Montgomery will host a group of veterans from The Mission Continues as part of Monty's Marvels Monday, August 27. This program is part of Montgomery's season-long effort to recognize and honor those who have served in the military.
Homestand Details August 23-29:
Thursday, August 23, Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, 7:05 p.m.
•   Promotion: Cubs Beach Towel presented by NBC Sports Chicago, up to the first 10,000 early arriving fans
•   Community Night presented by PEAK: Women's Empowerment Night
•   First pitch: Cubs Charities Board Chair Laura Ricketts
•   First pitch: YouTube vlogger and Chicago native David Dobrik 
•   7th inning stretch: Award-winning chef and television personality Graham Elliot
•   Broadcast: NBC Sports Chicago, MLB Network, 670 The Score, Cubs.com
 
Friday, August 24, Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1:20 p.m.
•   First pitch and 7th inning stretch: Northwestern University men's basketball head coach Chris Collins
•   Broadcast: NBC Sports Chicago, MLB Network, 670 The Score, WRTO 1200, Cubs.com
Saturday, August 25, Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1:20 p.m.
•   Promotion: Youth Sun Protection Shirt, up to the first 5,000 early arriving children 13 and younger 
•   First pitch: U.S. Olympic swimmer Conor Dwyer
•   First pitch: Ron Santo Foundation members Vicki Santo, Spencer Brown, Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins and Gwen Minard
•   First pitch and 7th inning stretch: Members of the 2018 NCAA National Champion Notre Dame women's basketball team 
•   Broadcast: ABC 7, 670 The Score, Cubs.com
Sunday, August 26, Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1:20 p.m.
•   First pitch: Stand-up comedian and Chicago native Cameron Esposito 
•   First pitch: Representative from the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration
•   Broadcast: WGN, 670 The Score, Cubs.com
•   Postgame: Kids Run the Bases, first 1,000 children 13 and younger
•   Postgame: Kyle Schwarber's Block Party at Revel Fulton Market
Monday, August 27, Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets, 7:05 p.m.
•   Pregame: On Deck Luncheon at Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern with Cole Hamels, Brandon Kintzler and Jesse Chavez
•   Community Night presented by PEAK: Grateful Dead Night
•   National anthem: Cast members from the Chicago company of "Hamilton"
•   First pitch: Country music artist Tyler Reeve 
•   First pitch and 7th inning stretch: Star of AMC's "Better Call Saul" and Chicago native Bob Odenkirk
•   Broadcast: NBC Sports Chicago, 670 The Score, Cubs.com
Tuesday, August 28, Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets, 7:05 p.m.
•   Community Night presented by PEAK: Back to School Night
•   Community Night presented by PEAK: Diabetes Awareness Night
•   First pitch and 7th inning stretch: Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood 
•   Broadcast: WGN, 670 The Score, Cubs.com
Wednesday, August 29, Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets, 1:20 p.m.
•   Pregame: Red Bull Air Force presented by Jewel-Osco will parachute into Wrigley Field during the national anthem
•   Community Night presented by PEAK: Summer Camp Day
•   Broadcast: NBC Sports Chicago, MLB Network, 670 The Score, WRTO 1200, Cubs.com