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Naperville
Friday, March 29, 2024

Things to do around Naperville this weekend: August 11-13

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If it’s Thursday, the Naperville Municipal Band begins at 7:30PM in Central Park. 

The 11-week summer concert series is finishing up the season this week with the jazz sounds of the NMB Big Band with The Pete Ellman Big Band and next week, Aug. 17, with the final outdoor concert, “School Daze.”

ICYMI / Friday

Go Fish! – Anytime, weather permitting
Riverwalk Fishing Pier at Eagle Street – Also in local ponds.
Naperville residents who enjoy recreational fishing can find a spot right here in Naperville with 19 parks that offer fishing in stocked ponds, streams or rivers. Anyone looking for bait will find a selection at Dog Patch Pet & Feed located at 1108 E. Ogden Avenue.

A new Gaga Pit, Ethan Schimelman’s Eagle Scout Project, will be introduced for the fun of it during the Y’s Back to Class Block Party in Central Park.

Join the Kroehler Family YMCA for a Back to Class Block Party! – 6PM | Free
Kroehler Family YMCA – 34 S Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540
Believe it or not, summer vacation is almost over. As the days start to get shorter, it’s almost time to go back to school. To celebrate the end of summer, the Kroehler Family YMCA invites you to our center on Friday, August 11 from 6-8PM for a free Back-to-Class Block Party. We look forward to seeing you and hope you join us for: Inflatable obstacle course Tropical themed crafts, Hula Hoops contest, Relay race and coconut toss Outdoor movie night featuring Moana at 8:15PM sponsored by Compass Mortgage Program and membership info plus an exciting raffle to win 1-month FREE membership! Of course, school isn’t the only place your children can learn, grow and thrive this fall. YMCAs across Chicago will be offering sports, aquatics, fitness, youth development classes and so much more.

ICYMI / Saturday

Springfield Happenings – 8:30AM, 9:30AM & 10:30AM | Free
Waubonsie Valley High School – 2590 Ogden Avenue in Aurora
Public officials State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit and Sen. Linda Holmes will host three continuous sessions about property taxes, the recently passed balanced budget, and the newly proposed educational funding formula beginning each hour starting at 8:30AM.

Orientation to the Community Career Center – 9AM | Free
Community Career Center – 1815 W. Diehl Rd., Suite 900 Naperville, IL 60563
Are you a job seeker? Learn about the services and resources available at the Community Career Center. Prioritize the steps of your search after learning about each type of the one-on-one sessions, workshops, and networking/accountability groups offered with membership. Membership is nominal for a one-year period. No need to RSVP.

School Funding Town Hall – 9:30AM | Free
Goodwin Hall 4th Floor at Benedictine University in Lisle
Public officials serving Naperville in Springfield will host a School Funding Town Hall on Saturday. Join Sen. Mike Connelly, Rep. Grant Wehrli and Rep. Jeanne Ives with Assessor Warren Dixon on August 12 at Benedictine University Goodwin Hall 4th Floor in Lisle.

Ding! Ding!

Historic Trolley Tour of Naperville – 11AM | $16
Trolley Stop’on Jackson Ave. at Eagle Street Naperville, IL 60540
Learn about old Naperville, and see the new Naperville. This one-hour Historic Tour of Naperville blends the past with the present, highlight’s Naperville’s growth, and includes some fun stories. Note the Trolley Tours are Saturday this week. Meet at the ‘Trolley Stop’ on Jackson Ave. at Eagle Street by 10:50AM. $16 per person, all ages. Trolley is fully enclosed and will run rain or shine, no refunds. DING! DING! Info and tickets at www.napervilletrolley.com.

Casey’s Fires Up the Grill – 11AM | Price varies with purchase.
Casey’s Foods – 124 W. Gartner Rd. Naperville, IL 60540
Casey’s Foods located at Naperville Plaza will be firing up its grill every Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 2PM through October, weather permitting. Choose from a variety of options, including burgers, brats, tacos or the weekly special. It’s great food, at a good price, in a fun atmosphere. Saturday Special! Casey’s Parmesan Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast with Light Seasoning this Saturday Only $5.98 per lb. (regularly 8.98)  from 8AM – 7PM while supply lasts! Tip: Cook on aluminum foil to make clean up easy.

VeggieFest Chicago 2017 – 11AM | Free
Benedictine University – 5700 College Road Lisle, IL 60532
VeggieFest Chicago 2017 will be held from 11AM to 8PM Saturday and Sunday August 12 and 13. 11AM to 8PM. VeggieFest Chicago 2017 in Lisle, Illinois will feature health booths, vegan and vegetarian food demos, talks by health professionals, drawings, live music and dancing, delicious food to purchase, kids’ activities and more. INFO: www.veggiefestchicago.com, (630) 955-1200 or (800) 222-2207,  veggiefest@sos.org.

Sunday

Enjoy the ride!

Naperville Rotary Ride – 6AM | $15-$50
Commissioners Park – 3704 111th Street Naperville, IL 60564
The Rotary Ride will start and end at Commissioners Park located at 3704 111th St. Naperville, IL 60564 on Sunday, August 13. The Ride has a 1.4 mile family loop, 21, 41, and 62 (metric century) mile routes. Plenty of Parking is available at the Race Start and Finish. Kids and families can participate in the 1.4 Family Fun Loop by walking, running or riding anything with wheels (non-motorized). The cost is $15 per family. Riders may start at 6:30AM and no later than 10AM. Rest Stops and SAG support will end at 2:30PM. The price is $50 per rider. This is a well supported recreational ride for beginners and veteran riders. All routes are SAG supported and Rest Stops are fully staffed with nutritious food & drinks.Helmets are required for all riders. Bikes of all shapes and sizes are welcome. No motorized vehicles.The route is an open road course. Riders must follow all rules of the road. Proceeds support Rotary Charities.The Ride will take place, rain or shine. Register at www.active.com.

Casey’s Fires Up the Grill – 11AM | Price varies with purchase.
Casey’s Foods – 124 W. Gartner Rd. Naperville, IL 60540
Casey’s Foods located at Naperville Plaza will be firing up its grill every Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 2PM through October, weather permitting. Choose from a variety of options, including burgers, brats, tacos or the weekly special. It’s great food, at a good price, in a fun atmosphere.

VeggieFest Chicago 2017 – 11AM | Free
Benedictine University – 5700 College Road Lisle, IL 60532
VeggieFest Chicago 2017 will be held from 11AM to 2PM Sunday August 13.  VeggieFest Chicago 2017 in Lisle, Illinois will feature health booths, vegan and vegetarian food demos, talks by health professionals, drawings, live music and dancing, delicious food to purchase, kids’ activities and more. INFO: www.veggiefestchicago.com, (630) 955-1200 or (800) 222-2207,  veggiefest@sos.org.

India Day Parade & Celebration – 11AM – 9:30PM
Knoch Park – 724 S West St. Naperville, IL 60540
Indian Community Outreach invites you to experience the 3rd annual INDIA DAY COLORFUL PARADE & CELEBRATION FEATURING FREE CONCERT by BOLLYWOOD ROCK STAR MIKA SINGH. Large decorated floats, colorful Indian Folk, classical & modern dances, food, drinks, children area, fashion show, concert, shopping of Indian Ethnic Dresses/Jewelry and fireworks will be the highlights.  INFO: www.indiadaycelebration.com.


Consider ‘save the dates’ today for future events

Local businesses sponsor weekly raffles at the NMB concerts, 7:30PM Thursdays, in Central Park.

Last call for 2017! Come hear the music in Central Park! The Naperville Municipal Band plays on from the stage of the Community Concert Center during its final summer concert at 7:30PM Thursday, Aug. 17. Enjoy the bake sale in the gazebo and be sure to pick up a numbered program to play a part in the weekly raffle. The free concerts welcome everybody to be part of the tradition that dates back to 1859 in Central Park!

Keep Moving to help keep local charities running! Register now for upcoming Runs, Walks and Bike Rides that will keep you outdoors for more than a good cause until Nov. 23.

When State Rep. Grant Wehrli served on the Naperville City Council, he also was the liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission. Wehrli supports the Save Old Nichols Campaign.

‘Save Old Nichols Library’ Open House is slated from 7 to 8:30PM Mon., Aug. 14, in the community room at the current Nichols Library, located at 200 W. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville. Whether opinions are pro or con, the community is welcome and encouraged to stop by and visit table-top demonstrations that focus on the rich history of the handsome building that was the city’s first library. Folks also will get a look at possibilities for the developer to preserve the significant structure as a cultural asset with economic promise. Meanwhile, visit www.saveoldnicholslibrary.org and check out other links to local commentary.

School begins Thurs., Aug. 17, in School District 203.

School beings Thurs., Aug. 24, in School District 204.

It’s up to everybody to help keep our community safe. Drive the speed limit and watch out for children—especially when school begins again.

On the navigation bar atop this page, “Events” offers a pull down option where you’ll find calendars specific to Charity Golf (This page has been updated for 2017 with the “Change in Course” for the Mayor’s Charity Outing on Aug. 25, 2017.), Festivals & Traditions over the course of the year as well as this month’s Book Events hosted by Anderson’sNorth Central College Performing Arts and happenings at Naper Settlement.

Witches Night Out Naperville is a new “women helping women” event hosted by the Naperville Woman’s Club, also at Naper Settlement. Enjoy dressing up for the bewitching occasion from 5PM to 9:30PM on Thurs., Oct. 15, to benefit Families Helping Families. For details or to purchase tickets online ($45 each), click here.

2nd Annual Pumpkin Race, hosted by Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. A flyer available at the 2017 graduation ceremony provided info about the Pumpkin Race slated for Oct. 28 at Rotary Hill. Save the date! For details and a look at last year’s “fun” raiser, click here.

Year-round Gift Ideas

Find fine clothing for men and women at Dean’s. Summer sale days are now in progress.

Think dinner and the show and combine a gift certificate/card to a restaurant and theater tickets to performances on stage at North Central College. Perhaps give memberships to places such as Naper Settlement, DuPage Children’s Museum or Naperville Art League. Or provide a gift of music lessons with one of the teachers available at Ellman’s Music Center.

‘Tis the season to give DNA gift cards or to create an experience in 2017. Downtown Naperville Gift Cards make great gifts for teachers, coaches, graduates and any special occasion. With a Downtown Naperville gift card, the recipient can find a new outfit, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, take a fitness class, pick up a pair of new running shoes, discover a great new book or enjoy a wonderful meal. There are so many choices.

Downtown Naperville gift cards may be purchased in person at the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (ask for a gift box and bow) or Pinot’s Palette. You may also order via phone by calling (630) 355-4141 or ordering online. Call the 1-800 balance number on the back of your gift card or visit the Check My Balance web page to check a gift card balance. Lastly, remember to use your card at least once a year to avoid fees.

Or give special certificates for a pair of tickets or an entire table to some other charity gala this year.

Shop locally, too!

Dine Around Naperville!

From Catch 35 to Meson Sabika, discover more than 260 delicious places to dine in or out at www.dinenaperville.com.

And 40 of the eateries are located throughout downtown Naperville where there are plenty of shopping opportunities in between meals. Cheers!

Thanks for supporting live music such as the sounds of bands at Quigley’s Irish Pub (Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays) or local bands at Club Mamalu’s on the first Friday of the month with OMT lite and friends. No cover.  Or enjoy the keyboard played during Sunday brunch, 10AM to 3PM, at Heaven on Seven, 224 S. Main St. in downtown Naperville. Brunch is served New Orleans-style Saturday, too.

And there’s more latest news…

Look forward with photo-enhanced stories every day on PN’s Latest NewsIn addition to events and other happenings, find public meeting notices scheduled at the Naperville Municipal Center.

Check out PN’s Events Calendar for other events as well as to help plan next week and upcoming weekends.

PN’s Event Calendar features Things to Do, too! Plus… Event planners can post events. 

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PN Ombudsman
PN Ombudsman
An ombudsman is Scandinavian in origin dating back to Viking times; and refers to a community representative; usually acting independently on behalf of an organization, body of elected officials, or civic group. Thanks Scandinavia for inventing ombudsman.

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