Blacksmithing 101
Learn the art of blacksmithing with an introduction to safety, tools and the forge in this two-session class. Participants will learn hammer techniques while making an item to take home. For adults ages 18 and up. Classes are limited to six participants. Admission is $150 per person and includes both sessions. Reservations are required. All materials provided. Blacksmithing 101 will take place Saturdays, July 8 and 15, from 8 to 11AM.
Mini Makers Day: Folk Art & Crafts
Discover the history of the original Makers Movement! Families can experience traditional trades and crafts that were taught hands-on person-to-person. Watch live demonstrations and converse with folk artists and craftspeople. Mini Makers Day will take place July 9 from 1 to 4PM. Between 2 and 3:30PM, the first 300 guests will be treated to free ice cream from Colonial Café! Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for youth (Ages 4-12). Naperville residents with proof of residency, children under 4 and members are free.
Naperville Ale Fest
The fifth annual Naperville Ale Fest will take place on Saturday, July 15 from 1 to 5PM. The Naperville Ale Fest will feature over 200 unique American craft beers, live music and food from some of the area’s favorite restaurants and food trucks. Situated on the grounds of the Naper Settlement, with downtown Naperville as a backdrop, it is the ideal setting to experience craft beer. During this 21 and over event, the museum’s historic buildings will be closed to the public. For more info, visit www.napervillealefest.com.
Third Thursday Thinkers
Experience history through your senses as you take your young thinker on a museum adventure. The theme of this month’s program is Growing Up Wild. Come explore the sensory garden and see the growth of plants firsthand with a take-home lima bean experiment. Third Thursday Thinkers will take place July 20. The program welcomes children ages 2-5 from 10:30 to 11AM and children ages 5-7 from 2 to 2:30PM. This program is free with museum admission.
Naper Nights Community Concert Series
Naper Nights sets the stage for three summer weekends of nonstop music in June, July and August. Experience a weekend full of great rock music, delicious food and cold drinks! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy music under the stars on the beautiful grounds of Naper Settlement this summer. July will be jam-packed with bands that have never before graced the Naper Nights stage. Friday, July 21, will showcase Journeyman, an Eric Clapton tribute band; followed by the nation’s premier tribute to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, the Pettybreakers. Visitors will “groove” to a fun-filled evening on Saturday, July 22. Kicking the night off will be The Chicago Experience, a tribute to the legendary band Chicago. They are then followed by Shining Star, a band that recreates the magic of Earth, Wind & Fire. Both are sure to perform all the songs you know by heart. Food will be provided by Sharko’s BBQ. Gates are open from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults and $10 youth (ages 4-12). No outside food or beverages are allowed. Free admission for members and children under four. For more information visit www.napernights.org or call (630) 420-6010.
Tosi Architecture Tour
Suburban home builder Don A. Tosi left a distinct legacy of 1950s-80s Aurora and Naperville homes. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to view Tosi architectural drawings and other archival materials at the Collections Care and Storage Facility, then join a guided trolley tour of Tosi homes with a mid-century modern bent in Naperville neighborhoods. The Tosi Architecture Tour will take place July 23 from 1 to 4PM. The tour is $25 per person and will meet at the Collections Care and Storage Facility in the Naperville Department of Public Works Building, Door F, 180 Fort Hill Dr. in Naperville. Reservations are required.
Playscape Readers
Find a seat on the quilt for an engaging story time featuring changing seasonal themes. Playscape Readers will take place on July 26. Story time for children ages 2 to 5 is at 11AM and story time for children ages 5 to 7 is at 1PM. This program is free with museum admission.
History comes to life at Naper Settlement, Chicagoland’s outdoor history museum, located at 523 S. Webster St. in Naperville. Visit www.napersettlement.museum or call (630) 420-6010 for tickets and info.
