Friday – January 17
Downtown Naperville Great Indoor Sidewalk Sales – 10AM to 8PM through Monday
Downtown Naperville
There may be a winter chill in the air, but not in Downtown Naperville. That’s because sales will be red hot in Downtown Naperville at this weekend’s Great Indoor Sidewalk Sales. Shops need to make room for Spring inventory 2020 and that’s good news for you. Come redeem your Downtown Naperville gift cards and enjoy the crisp winter weather along with fantastic specials at more than 50 shops. Bundle up and head downtown Friday through Monday for lots of bargains. More info at downtownnaperville.com.
Be sure to stop at Dean’s Clothing Indoor Sidewalk Sale in downtown Naperville, too!
Cinnaholic Grand Opening Celebration – 10AM to 2PM
Cinnaholic – 41 W. Jefferson, entrance along Main Street Naperville 60540
Arrive early between 10AM and 2PM while delicious cinnamon rolls are hot for $1 each. (Limit one $1 roll per customer, per visit.) Now open for business 10AM to 9PM, Sundays thru Thursdays, and 10AM to 10PM other days! All additional orders are regular price. No call-in orders until 6PM. Offer not valid with any other discounts or coupons.
Live Music at Quigley’s – 8:30PM | Cost varies with food or beverage purchase
Quigley’s Irish Pub – 43 E. Jefferson Naperville, IL 60540
Visit Quigley’s for live music most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights… Note: Breakfast is served beginning at 10AM Saturdays and Sundays. And every day the Irish pub offers a homemade “Soup of the Day!” Sláinte!
Saturday – January 18
NAHC Panel Discussion with State Legislators / 8AM | Free
Naperville Municipal Center, Meeting Room B, Lower Level – 400 S Eagle Street Naperville, IL 60540
Assembled elected officials serving Naperville in Springfield will address questions relevant to residents and homeowners. Hosted by Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation, State Reps Stephanie Kifowit (District 84) Grant Wehrli (District 41) as well as State Senator Laura Ellman (District 21) are expected to participate. The regularly scheduled NAHC meeting will begin at 8:30AM and is scheduled to end promptly at 10AM. Coffee and networking, beginning at 8AM, will precede the panel discussion and provide an opportunity for one-on-one time with elected officials in attendance. Come with questions.
Wedding Showcase – 10AM | Free
Naper Settlement – 523 S Webster Street Naperville, IL 60540
Recently engaged and planning your special day? The Wedding Showcase is a great opportunity for busy couples to plan their dream wedding. In the historic setting of the Pre-Emption House and Century Memorial Chapel, enjoy one-on-one consultations with the best in the bridal business including photographers, florists, DJs, musicians, bakers, caterers, ministers, and more. (PN Post details Wedding Showcase.)
Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America – 2PM | Free
Meiley-Swallow Hall on the campus of North Central College – 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville 60540
For 30 years, starting in 1936, The Green Book was the African-American traveler’s trusted travel guide. Knowing where black vacationers and road warriors could safely spend the night, purchase meals or buy gas was a minefield. The well-informed traveler needed confidence in potentially life or death matters. That fascinating and frightening history unfolds in Candacy Taylor’s latest book. This event is free and open to the public. (In 2019, the movie “Green Book” won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.)
Magical Starlight Theater presents Wizard of Oz. – 6:30PM | $15 at the Door
Naperville Central High School Auditorium – 440 West Aurora Ave. Naperville 60540
Final two performances are 6:30PM Saturday tonight and 1:30PM Sunday. “The themes of the story—friendship, that there is no place like home, and that everything I need I already have—reflect the experience and values of Magical Starlight Theatre where we have the joy of cast and crews coming home to the stage or to give back as part of our theater family,” Director Kris Visher says. INFO: (630) 848-5000.
Sunday -January 19
Chicago Sinfonietta’s Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 3PM | $49-$62
Wentz Concert Hall – 171 E. Chicago Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
North Central College welcomes Chicago Sinfonietta’s “Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” at 3PM in Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Sinfonietta traditions meld with impactful social issues during one of its most stirring MLK tribute concerts to date. Take part in a poignant musical conversation between Chicago Sinfonietta assistant conductor and project inclusion alumnus Jonathan Rush and his sister, NBC’s “The Voice” semi-finalist Kymberli Joye. The two will combine forces on Patty Griffin’s “Up to the Mountain,” arranged by 19-year-old virtuoso Jherrard Hardeman, who will also conduct a breathtaking rendition of the traditional spiritual “Deep River.” Waubonsie Valley High School Mosaic Choir takes the stage for Joel Thompson’s moving testament to those lost to police violence, “The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed.” Restore faith and hope through the evening’s uplifting remaining program: John Legend and Common’s Academy Award-winning piece “Glory” from the film “Thelma.” Finally, experience one of classical music’s most enveloping, emotional endings in Mahler’s “Symphony No. 2” (“Resurrection Symphony”), featuring Chicago Sinfonietta alongside two choirs. Tickets are $49-$62 (price range per seating); call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.
Beauty and the Beast – 5:30PM | $36-$74
Paramount Arts Theatre – 23 E Galena Blvd Aurora, IL 60506
One of Disney’s most beloved animated films comes to life on stage with all the enchanted castle characters in a holiday extravaganza that will thrill, entertain and amaze young and old alike. Tickets at paramountaurora.com.
Monday – January 20
Naperville public schools in District 203 and District 204 will be closed to commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Benedictine University MLK Breakfast – 8AM | Suggested $25 with RSVP
Goodwin Hall, Room 411, 5700 College Rd, Lisle, IL 60532
Sponsored by Center for Mission, Ministry, and Inclusion, the keynote speaker is Dr. Lucy Di Rosa, Director of Content and Communications at the Sargent Shriver Peace Insititute. She leads the digital communications, marketing, and historical research efforts for the organization. The Sargent Shriver Peace Institute is a research and communications organization devoted to the study of Sargent Shriver (1915-2011) as a peacebuilder. Suggested donation $25 per person. INFO: Karl Constant at kconstant@ben.edu.
Fermilab Scientist to speak at MLK Day Breakfast – 10AM | Free with RSVP
North Central College Wentz Science Center – 131 S. Loomis Naperville IL 60540
Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast is Jan. 20, featuring an address this year by Dr. Herman B. White, Jr. RSVP required. For last-minute reservation availability, contact Marilyn Zydlo at mdzydlo@noctrl.edu.
MLK Day Keynote Speaker Brief Bio: Dr. Herman B. White Jr., a member of the North Central College Board of Trustees, recently retired from a distinguished 45-year as a senior scientist at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Ill. Throughout Dr. White’s career, he collaborated in the design, commission and data analysis of several of the world’s best known particle physics experiments. He is considered the first African-American in history to have a scientific equation that bears his name. Dr. White is featured as part of the 50th anniversary celebration the Black Creativity exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, which aims to showcase African-Americans and their contributions, past and current, to the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine.
“Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
‘How People Make Things’ Exhibit Opens at DuPage Children’s Museum – 9AM | Admission
DuPage Children’s Museum – 301 S. Washington Street Naperville, IL 60540
DuPage Children’s Museum is bringing the magic of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to the Chicagoland area with the opening of a new exhibit, How People Make Things, on Monday, January 20. Inspired by the factory tour segments from the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood television series, the exhibit tells the story of how familiar childhood objects are made and how people, ideas, and technology transform raw materials into finished products. INFO: www.dupagechildrens.org or call (630) 637-8000.
Urban Air Naperville – 10AM | $26.99
Urban Air Adventure Park Naperville – 1955 Glacier Park Avenue Naperville, IL 60563
Spend this Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Urban Air Naperville with our extended hours. Come join with friends and family for activities like go-kart racing, ninja warrior races, indoor trampolines, and more. There is also a special Buy One Get One Half Off promotion that is valid for up to (2) people. Each jumper will receive (1) Ultimate Pass. Cannot be split. Height or age restrictions may apply. May not be combined with any other offer, coupons, specials, birthday parties or special events. For more information, call 1(331) 814-3955 or email events@UrbanAirNaperville.com.
Catch 35 Ocean to Plate Event – 6PM | $45
Catch 35 Naperville – 35 S. Washington Street Naperville, IL 60540
Foodies and wine lovers are invited to join Chef Eddie Sweeney as he takes you on a culinary experience celebrating Surf & Turf during another Ocean to Plate Event beginning at 6PM Mon., Jan. 20. The tastes, cooking techniques, and butchery will be explored for $45 per person. The 3-course food and wine-tasting menu included is featured online at www.catch35.com.
Year-round entertainment, shopping & dining…
Think dinner & the show!
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.
Every season is a good time to give DNA gift cards to create an experience in 2020. Good at more than 165 businesses, Downtown Naperville Gift Cards make great gifts for teachers, coaches, graduates and anyone. 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, pick up special baskets of treats and/or enjoy a delicious meal among so many choices to please about every lifestyle.
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, 175 W. Jackson; or Trails & Tides, 120 Water Street; or Vom Fass, 121 S. Washington (recently added location). You may also order via phone by calling (630) 355-4141 or ordering online.
Or give special certificates for a pair of tickets or an entire table to some other charity gala or golf outing this year.
*Things to Do in January & February 2020 / Updated throughout the months
*Find more things to do under ‘Upcoming Events’ in the column to the right…
Take a break! Dine Around Naperville!
From Catch 35* to Meson Sabika* and many destinations N.E.W. and S, discover more than 260 delicious places to dine in or take out, and find many with a patio* at www.dinenaperville.com. Valentine’s Day is Fri., Feb. 14. Perhaps now’s the time to reserve a quiet little table in the corner to charm your sweetheart.
Note that 40-plus eateries are located throughout downtown Naperville where there are plenty of shopping opportunities in between meals. Indoor Sidewalk Sales are this weekend through Monday.
In addition to lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, Meson Sabika provides a lovely setting for Valentine’s Day dinners with family, friends, neighbors or sweethearts. Looking forward to all seasons, the historic site is a place for outdoor weddings and other special occasions inside the mansion, outside on the patio or in the spacious Pavilion. The beautiful mansion with intimate rooms also provides a romantic setting for date nights. Meson Sabika is located at 1025 Aurora Ave.
Hospitality shows and matters in Naperville
For a listing of all 19 lodging choices in Naperville, offering more than 2,500 rooms, visit visitnaperville.com. Whether planning a wedding, corporate or sporting event; special meeting; family reunion or an extended stay while home construction is temporarily in progress, Naperville can put guests up for a night or a month or more.
Economic development and tourism go hand in hand. Thanks for supporting the local economy by planning a “staycation” itinerary here and inviting friends and family to come discover Naperville this summer.
From art exhibits at North Central College to outdoor art in public places called Century Walk, from the DuPage Children’s Museum to Naper Settlement, from the Riverwalk and Central Park in downtown Naperville to more than 100 neighborhood parks throughout the city, and from Naperville Crossings at 95th Street to shopping destinations dotting the landscape here and there, check out everything this community has to offer north, east, west and south. In other words, consider Naperville N.E.W.S.!
Everybody is welcome to enjoy the charm, culture, rich history, educational opportunities and sporting events that are homegrown and treasured (and oftentimes free of admission charge) in this community every day.
Think Dinner & the Show at North Central College
And there’s more latest news…
Look forward with photo-enhanced stories every day on PN’s 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 Annual 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.
PN’s Event Calendar features Things to Do, too!
Plus… Event planners can post events.
