Above / ‘Tis the season to take time to experience the gorgeous autumn days as they reflect peacefully on the pond at May Watts Park and many other places throughout this city. Sunsets and sunrises can be striking, too!
October turns to color, color, color as the days cool, the trees change and the leaves begin to fall in Naperville and all around. Visit the Riverwalk, Knoch Knolls Park, neighborhood parks and local forest preserves to enjoy America, the beautiful, right here in your hometown.
Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. —Elizabeth Lawrence
Check organized events inside and out beginning with the Ghost Stories in the Park . . . In the Dark set for Oct. 5-7, and Naperville’s third annual Pumpkin Race on Oct. 27, hosted by Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.
Trick-or-treaters and costume enthusiasts will be delighted with all the choices to experience Halloween events and family-friendly ways to run around Naperville until the last week in October.
Celebrate safely.
Small Sampling of 2018 Autumn & Halloween Events in Naperville
October is chock full of seasonal traditions and family-friendly events. Don’t be frightened by all the opportunities. Make appropriate choices. No family is expected to do everything!
Enjoy Autumn Weekends in Downtown Naperville
West Suburban Irish Quiz Night at Quigley’s Irish Pub / Oct. 2 (Check!)
The West Suburban Irish present Quiz Night at Quigley’s Irish Pub in Naperville, beginning at 7PM, Tues., Oct. 2, with seasonal and timely trivia that will test your mind’s wealth of almost-useless information. Quigley’s is located at 43 E. Jefferson Ave. Teams of up to 10 players are welcome to compete as well as create a prize-winning name. Prizes are awarded to First Place, Second Place and Third Place Teams. Prizes also go to the winners of each round of questions. Prizes are supplied by the West Suburban Irish, Quigley’s, Positively Naperville, and Sam Adams Beer. WSI Quiz Nights are held the first Tuesday, ten months of the year, including January, February, March, April, May, June (Championship Night), August, October, November and December. For more info about the fun-loving group that puts on the Emerald Dinner, annual St. Patrick’s Parade, trivia themes and special tips about the October game, visit www.wsirish.org. Then get ready for WSI Quiz Night to return on Nov. 6, Election Day!
General Election Voter Info
Voter information regarding hopefuls running in the General Election on Tues., Nov. 6, 2018, to serve Naperville in DuPage and Will counties, Springfield and Washington, D.C., is featured at “Voters Guide for 2018” on this website. Many candidates and/or their supporters have requested for their websites to be linked to PN’s Voters Guide. Thanks to all who aim to be informed before going to the polls.
Oktoberfest at Naper Settlement / Oct. 5 & 6, 2018 (Check!)
Get a little flavor of Germany under the big tent (heated if necessary) while listening to live music, drinking great beer and enjoying German cuisine during this family-friendly weekend at Naper Settlement, the city’s outdoor history museum. For info about times, tickets ($15 adult; $10 youth, 4-12; members are free) and tempting tastes, visit www.napersettlement.org.
Remember! Door-to-door Trick or Treating / Oct. 31
Residents are reminded to stay safe while trick-or-treating. Recommended trick-or-treating hours on October 31 are 4:30-8PM. If you still need a stash of treats for the costumed kids likely to arrive at your doorstep, check out the shelves in the candy section at Oswald’s.
For safety information see Julie Smith’s column Focus on Safety – Halloween Tips and Treats.
Halloween Trolley Rides, Trick or Treat at Safety Town, Ghost Stories in the Park, Naperville Plaza Family Fall Festival, Scare-illon Concert at Rotary Hill, Live Music at Quigley’s Irish Pub and Costume Party.
Ghost Stories in the Park . . . In the Dark / Oct. 5, 6 & 7 (Check!)
Ages 5 and up are invited when Summer Place Theatre presents its annual Ghost Stories in the Park… in the Dark! Enjoy an evening of scary stories sure to send shivers up your spine. Dress warmly and bring blankets and cushions for this outdoor event. Not recommended for children under 5. Tickets are available online through the Thursday before the weekend performances. After that time, tickets may be purchased at the performance for $7. Physical tickets will not be handed out. Cash only please. Sorry, no refunds. Note one weekend only.
7-8PM, Friday, October 5; 6-7PM Saturday, October 6; 8-9PM Saturday, October 6; 7-8PM Sunday, October 7.
Ghost Stories are held at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Sindt Court, on the Riverwalk. Tickets are $7 each.
FREE 4th Annual Creepy Critters Day / Oct. 8 (Check!)
Get ready to get creeped out during our annual Creepy Critters Day event from 10AM to 2PM at Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road! Dig for slimy worms, touch a snake, observe real spiders and more. The day will feature all things creepy and gross. A Creepy Story Time begins at 10:30AM presented by the Naperville Public Library. This is a free drop in program; no registration is required. At least one adult must attend with each group. No strollers are allowed in the Nature Center or on the deck.
Witches Night Out Naperville / Oct. 11 / Sold out!
The Naperville Woman’s Club will stir up an evening of bewitching fun and seasonally festive activities during their inaugural fundraising event to benefit Families Helping Families. SOLD OUT! Be sure to read all about it and be prepared to purchase tickets earlier in 2019. Advance tickets are required.
Find pumpkins at The Growing Place, now celebrating 82 years!
Both Growing Place locations are filled with inspirational gardens, vast selections of plants, knowledgeable staff as well as entertaining and educational events for adults and kids. Explore the gift shop to discover thoughtful gifts, miniatures, and unique garden accents for the season. Check out special events at The Growing Place located at 2000 Montgomery Road in Aurora. In Naperville, The Growing Place is located at 25w471 Plank Road.
Rotary Clubs of Naperville continue Hurricane Florence Relief Collection / Oct. 12-13
Help fill a trailer provided by Cadence Premier Logistics with much needed items to send to the Carolinas. Rotary Clubs of Naperville invite all service clubs, faith organizations, homeowners associations, businesses and individuals to join a community-wide service project by donating items for victims of devastation caused by Hurricane Florence. Items collected will go to Lumberton, NC, one of the cities in economic distress and ravaged by flooding. (Click here for more details and photos.)
Thanks to the Naperville Park District, arrangements have been made to park the trailer at the Garden Plots on West Street for the collection. Look for banners and the large trailer stationed along West Street. Collection continues from 8AM-6PM Fri., Oct. 12, and Sat., Oct. 13.
Casey’s Fires Up the Grill, 11AM-2PM Saturdays and Sundays now thru Oct. 27
Casey’s Foods located at Naperville Plaza, 124 W. Gartner Road, will be firing up its grill every Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 2PM through October 28, 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. Dine out on the picnic table under cover. Casey’s Saturday Specials from 8AM to 7PM only include items from the Butcher Counter and the Gourmet Deli. Check them out.
Remember that Oswald’s Pharmacy, just around the bend from Casey’s, has every scary sweet thing you need for Halloween trick or treaters and birthdays. Flu shots, too!
Annual ‘Walk to Remember’ from Riverwalk Grand Pavilion
SHARE, a support group, will host the 14th Annual Walk to Remember, a 1.25-mile walk, stepping off at 10:15AM Sat., Oct. 13 from the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, just west of Centennial Beach. Check in begins at 8:30AM. To register in advance, visit www.EEHealth.org/walktoremember.
Naperville Curbside Leaf Collection begins Oct. 15
Rake leaves into the street by 6AM to participate in the three curbside cycles scheduled, weather permitting, on Oct. 15, Oct. 29 and Nov. 12.
Regional Economic Forecast / 4PM Oct. 17
The annual autumn event focused on the Regional Economic Forecast, co-hosted by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and Calamos Investments, will be held from 4-7PM Wed., Oct. 17, at Hotel Arista At CityGate Centre. Every year the event features a panel of industry experts who share their unique insight and analyses of market conditions for the coming year.
This year’s panel includes experts John P. Calamos Sr., Founder, Chairman and Global Chief Investment Officer of Calamos Investments; Gus Faucher, Chief Economist for the PNC Financial Services Group; and Caroline L. Harris, Vice President, Tax Policy & Chief Tax Policy Counselor for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation.
Formerly a breakfast, this year’s Regional Economic Forecast will include light appetizers and two drink tickets, with networking following the program. Registration begins at 4PM, with the program beginning promptly at 4:30PM. Note that seating this year is theater style unless a table of 10 is purchased. Register online. Members are $50 each. Nonmembers are $75.
CAPS Dinner at Meson Sabika / 6PM Oct. 18
The Fire Department Recognition Dinner hosted by Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) will take place at 6PM on Thurs., Oct. 18, 2018, in the Pavilion at Meson Sabika, 1025 Aurora Ave. With nominations from the community (Due by Oct. 1), CAPS Awards recognize Naperville Fire Department personnel for outstanding service.
Space is limited and tickets are available for purchase for $30 at the Fire Department Administration Office, 1380 Aurora Ave., or by calling Ruthi Sommers at (630) 305-5900.
For more information about CAPS, visit www.napervillecaps.com.
Naperville North Fall Play – You Can’t Take it With You / Oct. 19-20, 2018
You Can’t Take it With You, one of the most popular and successful plays of modern times, tells the story of the Tony Kirby and Alice Sycamore. When Tony and Alice become engaged, they arrange a meeting for their very different families. Tony’s wealthy yet unhappy parents are shocked by the eccentricities of the Sycamore’s. They are a family of individualists. They do as they like with no questions asked. From the printing press and snake collection in the living room, to the xylophone corner for constant ballet dancing, to the fireworks in the basement, they’re a zany bunch. The evening ends with everyone getting arrested and the engagement being called off. It isn’t until Grampa’s wise speech to Mr. Kirby about the importance of living life to the fullest that the two families find a way to accept each other, and love conquers all. You Can’t Take it With You is a madcap, idealistic comedy that reinforces the idea that you can only live life to the fullest by doing whatever makes you happy.
Showtimes are 7PM Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19 & 20; and 4PM on Sunday Oct. 21. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. All seats reserved. Tickets are available at www.nnhsarts.com and at the door.
All Hallows Eve at Naper Settlement / Oct. 19 & 20, 2018
All Hallows Eve is slated from 6:30-10PM both Fri., Oct. 19, and Sat., Oct. 20. Experience two scary, scary nights of the year at Naper Settlement where 12-acres of “haunting creatures, eerie entertainment, screaming delights and must-see horrors” will surprise you around every corner of the historic village, located in the heart of Naperville. All Hallows Eve is not recommended for children under 8 or pre-teens easily scared. $20 per person. No costumes allowed to be worn by patrons. Rated “PG-Creepy.”
Oswald’s Wellness Fair in Naperville Plaza / Oct. 20
- Complimentary Snacks & Beverages
- Flu Shot Clinic with our Registered Nurse, Dawn
- Free Walker/Rollator Tune Ups from our DME Technician James
- Free Kids Vitamin Program Launch (free gift bag for parents enrolling their kids too!
- Giveaways
- Medi Compression Pop-Up
- More Vendors TBA.
Singing for Seniors / 3PM Oct. 20
Entering its 19th year of entertaining Naperville-area seniors, Singing for Seniors begins at 3PM on Sat., Oct. 20, at the Yellow Box, located at 1635 Emerson at Ogden Ave. The music fest has become a “can’t miss” tradition on the fall calendar. Each year, this toe-tapping, 90-minute musical review delights audiences with a wide range of established and up-and-coming talent from the Chicago area and across the country. As always, the concert is free and dedicated to thanking area seniors for their contributions to our community.
American Legion Annual ‘Octoberfest’ Social and Dinner / 6PM Oct. 20
American Legion Annual “Octoberfest” Social and Dinner will be held Sat., Oct. 20 at the VFW. The social hour begins at 6PM followed by dinner at 7PM with entertainment provided by the NMB “Oomph Band'” directed by Ron Keller. Reserve a spot for the fun evening getting to enjoy some good old German music with old friends.
Get ready for trick or treating! Find places to create Halloween costume ideas for all
No matter what age, the fun of Halloween is coming up and dressing up with an original costume. Find plenty of gently-used clothing and accessories, from the basics to high fashion and from head to toe at Second Chance Resale Shops. Family Shelter Service owns and operates the Second Chance Resale Shops in two locations. One store in Tower Crossings is located at 1512 N. Naper Blvd., Suite 172 Naperville. A second store is located at 1131 Fairview Ave. in Westmont.
Or if your dog needs a costume, stop by Dog Patch Pet and Feed. You just might find a fun outfit or seasonal scarf! Dog Patch is located at 1108 E. Ogden. (And remember their annual bird seed sale is all during the month of November!)
Anderson’s Toyshop, located at 111 W. Jefferson, two doors east from the book store, also has fun ideas of Halloween costumes.
In addition, from 4 to 7PM Monday through Friday, Fifth Avenue Costumes at the School of Performing Arts is renting costumes this year so Halloweeners can be dressed up as a “one of a kind” character. For more information or an appointment, call (630) 717-6622 ext. 115. The new address for the School of Performing Arts is 1112 S. Washington Street (a little south from Gartner Road and across Washington Street from Naperville Plaza.)
Meson Sabika fundraiser for Hurricane Florence Relief / October 23
Mesón Sabika will partner with Red Cross to host fundraiser from 11:30AM to 10PM on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. The restaurant will donate 100 percent of sales that day to aid victims of recent destructive floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Reservations for lunch or dinner on October 23 are now being accepted and can be made online at mesonsabika.com or by calling (630) 983-3000.
Mesón Sabika is located at 1025 Aurora Avenue.
Autumn Events at Will County Forest Preserve
Check out the calendar of events featuring fun activities and demonstrations at Whalon Lake. For more information, call (708) 534-8499 or visit www.reconnectwithnature.org.
Homecoming at North Central College / Oct. 27
Plan ahead for 2018 Pumpkin Race Festival at Rotary Hill / 1-3PM Sat., Oct. 27
Memories of Oct. 15, 2016 / Seven photos from the inaugural Pumpkin Race in 2016 present pretty pictures of the potential of this popular new Naperville event with origins in California. Plan to participate on the track by Rotary Hill in 2018.
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The family-friendly event with referees promises even more fun this year. Just don’t try to disguise a cantaloupe or a watermelon as a pumpkin under the threat of being smashed. This event comes with rules! (Click any photo to enlarge.)
Dozens of pumpkins and pumpkin-wannabees lined up in heats, usually three at a time, to run in Naperville’s first-ever Pumpkin Race hosted by Turning Pointe Autism Foundation in 2016.
After the Pumpkin Race, racers created Halloween decorations amid other pumpkins attacked by squirrels.
Get ready to roll for 2018
All ages and abilities are welcome to race a pumpkin down Rotary Hill during heats from 1-3PM Sat., Oct. 27. Get ready and set to go roll for a cause with a pumpkin race set that includes two axles, four wheels and nuts and bolts and assembly instructions to hold the pumpkin you purchase at a local farm stand.
Be the first on your block to enter the first Pumpkin Race at Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk! Encourage friends and neighbors to get in the race, too.
For more info, safety procedures and to check out the video about the Pumpkin Race, visit www.turningpointeautismfoundation.org.
Naperville North presents Dracula, The Radio Play / Oct. 27, 2018
Remember the good old days of radio—when people had to use their imaginations—when the mind was a stage? Those days are back—only better! You can SEE as well as HEAR radio programs. Come and experience the magic as you watch the inner workings of a 1940’s style radio theatre broadcast. Complete with live sound effects, live instrumental music, voice acting, and 1940s style commercial breaks.
In keeping with tradition this third annual production has a Halloween theme. Cast and Crew will take on Dracula by Phillip Grecian, based on the novel by Bram Stoker.
The night will also include a silent auction, 50-50 raffle, and a Dracula costume contest.
One show only – 7PM Saturday October 27, 2018, in the Naperville North Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. All seats reserved. Tickets are available at www.nnhsarts.com and at the door.
Scare-illon Concert at Moser Tower / Oct. 27, 2018
Head to the Millennium Carillon at Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave., for a Halloween-themed concert on Saturday, October 27 and hear spooky and atmospheric pieces, featuring both classical and popular music from 7 to 8PM. For more information, visit Schedule for Moser Tower.
Trick or Treat at Safety Town / Oct. 27
The Naperville Junior Woman’s Club will host its annual Safety Town Trick or Treat and Food Collection for Loaves & Fishes from 10AM to 2PM on Sat., Oct. 27. $1 per child and a nonperishable donation. Safety Town is located on the campus of the Naperville Public Safety Center, Aurora at River roads. For more info, visit www.napervillejuniors.org.
Fall Festival at Naperville Plaza / 2-6PM Oct. 27
At any time during October, stop by Naperville Plaza at Washington and Gartner to see the spacious addition at Oswald’s Pharmacy with lots of Halloween supplies and candy for sale, shop at Casey’s Foods for pumpkins where they grill during lunchtime on the patio every Saturday and Sunday, and visit Busey Bank, recent sponsors the 2018 Riverwalk Duck Race while getting other duckies in order to local charities.
Naperville Plaza is preparing for its annual Fall Festival, petting zoo and all, from 2PM to 6PM on Halloween, Sat., Oct. 27, 2018. And other duck game is planned. Just ask, “Why a duck?”
In the spirit of public safety, always pay attention! Drive carefully.
During the Naperville Plaza Fall Festival, check out Casey’s Foods inside to find Saturday specials and other bright ideas for the holidays.
Downtown Halloween Hop / 10AM-Noon Oct. 28
Downtown Naperville hosts its popular Trick or Treat event from 10AM to Noon on Sun., Oct. 28.
Costumed goons and goblins, along with their parents, can wander door to door in the downtown business district and receive candy treats. In addition to sweets and other goodies, families also can hop on board the Trick or Treat trolley which will be circling downtown, free of charge. Ding! Ding!
More than 60 businesses will be handing out Halloween surprises. CHECK IN at Main and Jefferson in front of Two Boston’s Pet Boutique – for a map of participating businesses and a bag for collecting goodies (while supplies last).
Enjoy the costumed characters and photo opts, too. Activities begin at 10AM and go until noon, or until the candy runs out! For complete details including all participating downtown businesses, visit www.downtownnaperville.com.
Halloween Happening / Oct. 28
Halloween Happening is 1-4PM Sun., Oct. 28, at the Naperville Riverwalk’s Grand Pavilion area where little goblins, ghouls, witches and fairies, too, are invited to Halloween Happening. Come and enjoy lots of fun activities, games, and goodies at Naperville’s best FREE Halloween fest for kids ages 10 and under.
Halloween Parties at the Y / Oct. 28, 2018
On Sun., Oct. 28, Kroehler Y and the 95th Street Fry Y will host a Halloween Party. The event is free to members. Pre-registration is required. A small fee will be charged for guests. For more information, visit www.napervilleymcas.com.
Halloween on the Riverwalk / Oct. 29
Children of all ages and their caregivers can dress in costume and enjoy Halloween fun from 4:30 to 5:15PM at the Riverwalk Amphitheater across Jackson Avenue from Nichols Library, 200 S. Jefferson Ave., on Mon, October 30. Enjoy stories, songs and a puppet show. For more information, visit www.naperville-lib.org.
Door-to-door Trick or Treating / Oct. 31
Residents are reminded to stay safe while trick-or-treating. Recommended trick-or-treating hours on October 31 are 4:30-8PM. If you still need a stash of treats for the costumed kids likely to arrive at your doorstep, check out the displays at Oswald’s for candy, stickers, glow sticks and other novelties that make great giveaways on Halloween evening.
And there’s more…
Look forward with photo-enhanced stories every day on the Latest News. In 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.
On the navigation bar atop the Events Calendar, find calendars specific to Runs & Walks, Charity Golf (Little Friends Golf Outing & Dinner was Oct. 4), Festivals & Traditions over the course of the year as well as this month’s Book Events hosted by Anderson’s, North Central College Performing Arts and happenings at Naper Settlement.
Happy Halloween! Celebrate Safely.
Editor’s Note, Oct. 5, 2018 / This post went live before all harvest and Halloween events were sent this way. We think all dates, activities and links are currently correct, but it’s always best to check with the hosting organization. Additions may be added as they become available. Thank you.
