32.4 F
Naperville
Friday, March 29, 2024

Wrap up January with updates to welcome February 2020, March coming soon

-

Above / This New Year’s Day view from the Farmers Plaza at Eagle Street along the Riverwalk reflects some of the character, challenges and charm of our city. Here at the Farm Families Monument with the old plow on top, folks can recognize pioneer spirit dating back to Captain Joe Naper’s arrival in 1831 while looking toward the future as 72 carillon bells in Moser Tower might toll to remind us of local milestones and that our city is approaching 150,000 residents. Enjoy 2020 with good health and happiness! 

2020 events will be added to posts below as received. Last Updated: February 1, 2020.

Note a few Naperville traditions-plus throughout the year…

Mark your calendars! Events posted below are open to the public, all happenings featuring local culture, social engagement and community spirit in Naperville, Illinois.

Most events below are traditional repeats. Inaugural events may be submitted to PN’s calendar via click here and will be marked “New!” (Note, your submitted entry will go through an editing process. It will not appear immediately.) Thanks for sharing this service that also extends to other local media outlets.

Please note that some special event organizers send printed invitations via their acquired mailing lists with “save the date” messages as reminders. Invitations to community fundraisers listed here are not exclusive. Everyone is welcome as long as space allows. It’s likely once you attend, you will receive invitations in the mail.

The events listed here, many free*** of admission charge, invite all individuals to participate, whether by personal invitation or not. Everyone’s support is welcome. Come catch the spirit of this community. Seize opportunities to learn.

Above / Throughout the year, the Naperville Riverwalk provides the natural setting for many annual charity walks, concerts and special events. For instance, the Riverwalk Duck Race is slated the second week in August, just before school begins. In 2018, thanks to funds raised by the Riverwalk Duck Race, a new flag pole and American flag were placed near the Riverwalk Covered Bridge at Webster Street.

Located between Jackson Avenue and Water Street, the Riverwalk Covered Bridge attracts visitors to cross the DuPage River in downtown Naperville where more than 300 shopping and dining experiences help create the vibrant heart of the community every day of the year.


Naperville 2020 Restaurant Week (Jan. 24-Feb. 8, 2020)

Wrapping up January 2020!

Ongoing! Register to Vote in the City Clerk’s Office! Voter Registration continues now through Feb. 16, 2020, for the Primary General Election when polls in Illinois will be open from 6AM to 7PM Tues., March 17. Early Voting runs March 2 through March 16, 2020, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street.  Note! Individuals who have changed their legal names since the last election or moved to a new address must re-register to vote.

Ongoing! Fair Maps for Districts! Ask folks who represent you what they think about Fair Maps, a redistricting reform proposal. Help get the nonpartisan question on the Nov. 3 ballot in the the State of Illinois. Find info to learn more at www.changeil.org.

Now Open! Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar Opens (Wed., Jan. 29, 2020) Lazy Dog Restaurant, a casual dining restaurant known for its handcrafted American food and drink, will open its doors to the Naperville community at 11AM on January 29. The new Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar will open in the Heritage Square Shopping Center at 436 S. State Route 59.

Extra! Extra! February 2020 Positively Naperville (Wed., Jan. 29, 2020) The February 2020 Issue of PN begins distribution to 15,000 homes (Home delivery rotates to different neighborhoods every month.) as well as more than 25 business locations around town. Thanks for reading in print monthly (25,000 copies printed monthly) and digital daily (By the thousands from online visitors 24-7)!

Completed with cheers. standing ovations & fond memories! Celebrate North Central College Championship Football Season! (3:30PM Fri., Jan. 31) The community is invited to celebrate the 2019 North Central College Championship Season with cheers at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The Naperville Police and Fire Departments will lead three Naperville Trolleys packed with players and coaches in a 3:30PM processional from Fire Station 7, 1380 Aurora Ave., to a 4PM rally at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, 455 S. Brainard St. (Update! Fans greeted the team and coaches.) 

PN’s Online Calendar of Upcoming Events 

Above / Winter is here again in the city named to honor Captain Joseph Naper. The city planner arrived here with his family by Conestoga wagon in the summer of 1831 and his story is celebrated at Naper Settlement, Aurora Avenue at Webster Street, the city’s 12-acre outdoor history museum where the Victorian Martin Mitchell Mansion is the centerpiece.  A 9-ft. Century Walk sculpture stands at the site of the Joe Naper Homestead at Jefferson and Mill streets. Here the sculpture is a reminder of the snow and deep, deep freeze the Midwest experienced the last week in January 2019. 

February 2020

Enjoy a year of local traditions & more, always a work in progress with updates for 2020 dates.

Naperville 2019 Restaurant Week (Jan. 24-Feb. 8, 2020)

New! Super Bowl Sunday with a match up between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers in Miami… Consider a Sports Bar Near You! (5:30PM Sun., Feb. 2, 2020) Lots of enthusiasm for this year’s match up as well as the touching and fun-loving commercials is evident around town. If anybody happens to notice a brief Positively Naperville commercial among the big Super Bowl mix, let us know. Celebrate safely! Happy Groundhog Day!

New! Comprehensive Master Plan Review (Mon., Feb 3, 2020) A second public meeting will be held at 6PM on Feb. 3, 2020, to share an updated draft of the City’s new comprehensive master plan. The meeting will take place in Meeting Rooms A & B of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

Ongoing! Register to Vote in the City Clerk’s Office! Voter Registration continues now through Feb. 16, 2020, for the Primary General Election when polls in Illinois will be open from 6AM to 7PM Tues., March 17. Early Voting runs March 2 through March 16, 2020, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street.  Note! Individuals who have changed their legal names since the last election or moved to a new address must re-register to vote.

Ongoing! Fair Maps for Districts! Ask folks who represent you what they think about Fair Maps, a redistricting reform proposal. Help get the nonpartisan question on the Nov. 3 ballot in the the State of Illinois. Find info to learn more at www.changeil.org.

Plan now to ‘Meet & Greet’ candidates running in the Primary Election (2020 polls open 6AM to 7PM Tues., March 17, 2020) Familiarization events and fundraisers run Feb. & March.

West Suburban Irish Quiz Nights at Quigley’s Irish Pub (First Tuesday of most months, 7PM Feb. 4, 2020)

New! City Council Meets (Feb. 4, 2020) Note the 9-member Naperville City Council under the leadership of Mayor Steve Chirico is set to meet at 7PM Tues., Feb 4, in Council Chambers of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. The public is welcome. Find the agenda posted by Feb 4, 2020.

New! Chicago Auto Show ‘First Look for Charity’ benefits Turning Pointe Autism Foundation (Fri., Feb. 7, 2020)

360 Youth Services Chocolate Walk replaced the Chocolate Festival for a new experience throughout downtown Naperville. Tickets ($31) now on sale at www.cherryfish.com//chocolatewalk20 (Sat., Feb. 8, 2020)

North Central College Arts Calendar

Reserve a quiet table in the corner at a local restaurant such as Meson Sabika for Valentine’s Day (Fri., Feb. 14)

Monthly Dinner/Social hosted by American Legion Post 43 (Feb. 15, 2020)

Naperville Municipal Band Winter Concert (Note: Moved from February to March 1, 2020) *** NMB begins its 161th year! 

MLK Tribute at North Central College (TBA)

New! Last Day to Register to Vote in the City Clerk’s Office is Feb. 16, 2020! Voter Registration continues through Feb. 16, 2020, for the Primary General Election when polls in Illinois will be open from 6AM to 7PM Tues., March 17. Early Voting runs March 2 through March 16, 2020, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street.  Note! Individuals who have changed their legal names since the last election or moved to a new address must re-register.

New! League of Women Voters of Naperville Debate for Primary Elections. (6:30PM Monday, February 17) U.S. 11th Congressional District: The evening will begin with a forum with Democratic candidates Bill Foster and Rachel Ventura, followed by a forum with Republican candidates Rick Laib and Krishna Bansal. All four candidates have confirmed that they will attend.

New! City Council Meets (Tues., Feb. 18, 2020) Note the 9-member Naperville City Council under the leadership of Mayor Steve Chirico is set to meet at 7PM Tues., Feb 18, in Council Chambers of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. The public is welcome. Find the agenda posted by Feb 18, 2020.

New! Naperville Noon Lions Club inaugural “Pizza Wars” (Wed., Feb. 19, 2020) Naperville Noon Lions Club inaugural “Pizza Wars” is set to host family friendly pizza competition from 5:30PM to 8:30PM Wed., Feb. 19, at Naperville Central High School cafeteria, 440 Aurora Ave.  Pizza tasting ends at 7:30PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to cast a vote for the best sauce, best crust and best overall pizza.  At the end of the evening winners will be crowned in each category. Purchase tickets online at www.napervillepizzawars.com for $10 each or for $15 each at the door on February 19. Advice! Purchase tickets in advance as this event may be a sellout!

New! Naperville Craft Beer Week: Feb. 21-29 in downtown Naperville.

New! Sons of the American Legion Squadron 43 Pancake Breakfast (7AM to 11AM Sun., Feb. 23) To benefit veterans’ causes, the Second Annual Sons of the American Legion Squadron 43 Pancake Breakfast is set from 7AM to 11AM for Sun., Feb. 23, at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, 908 W. Jackson Ave. The family-friendly breakfast includes pancakes, sausages, OJ, milk and coffee. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children.

New! Alive Center Fat Tuesday Fundraiser (5-8:30PM Tues., Feb. 25) Mardi Gras theme event with tastes of New Orleans at Hotel Arista in CityGate Centre. TKTS: $108.50.

New! League of Women Voters of Naperville Debate for Primary Elections. (7PM Tuesday, February 25)
U.S. 6th Congressional District Republican candidates Jeanne Ives and Gordon ‘Jay’ Kinzler will participate in a forum. Immediately following at 8:30PM will be a forum with Democratic candidates for Illinois House of Representatives 41st District, Denika McMillan and Janet Yang-Rohr. All four candidates have confirmed that they will attend the forums to be held in City Council Chambers, Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street.

Friday Night Fish Fry at Judd Kendall VFW (4:30PM every Friday during Lent – Feb. 21 through April 10, 2020)

Naperville Winter Ale Fest in Frontier Park **Must be 21 (Feb. 29, 2020)

West Suburban Irish Emerald Dinner at Cress Creek Country Club (Feb. 29, 2020)

PN’s Online Calendar of Upcoming Events 

March 2020

Ongoing! Register to Vote in the City Clerk’s Office! Early Voting runs March 2 through March 16, 2020, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street.  Note! Individuals who have changed their legal names since the last election or moved to a new address must re-register to vote. Primary Election Day is March 17.

Ongoing! Fair Maps for Districts! Ask folks who represent you what they think about Fair Maps, a redistricting reform proposal. Help get the nonpartisan question on the Nov. 3 ballot in the the State of Illinois. Find info to learn more at www.changeil.org.

Naperville Municipal Band Winter Concert (March 1, 2020) *** NMB begins its 161st year! 

Friday Night Fish Fry at Judd Kendall VFW (4:30PM every Friday during Lent)

Kiwanis Pancake Festival at Naperville Central High School (March 7, 2020)

Little Friends’ Bids for Kids (March 7, 2020)

West Suburban Irish Quiz Nights at Quigley’s Irish Pub (7PM First Tuesday of most months)

St. Baldrick’s  (Various local events / Search “Naperville.”)

Rotary/Sunrise St. Paddy’s Day 5K (March 14, 2020) Green Man Cyclist is a reminder that spring outdoor events welcome everybody!WSI St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 14, 2020)

North Central College Arts Calendar

New! Be prepared in March to Vote! Primary Election Day (March 17, 2020)

Naperville American Legion Monthly Dinner/Social hosted by American Legion Post 43 (March 21, 2020)

More EVENTS by Category on Navigation Bar

Other EVENTS organized by category on this website include “Walks, Runs & Bike Rides & A Duck Race,” “Naper Settlement,” “North Central College,” Anderson’s Booksignings” and “Charity Golf Outings.” (Updated Monthly)

Find links to categories in the drop down under “EVENTS” on the navigation bar near the top of this page.

Thanks for linking up and reading PN. Many stories about this active community are saved in the PN archive. Try using the “search” tool to find posts about the “Riverwalk,” “Naper Settlement” or the “DuPage Children’s Museum,” for example.

Whenever possible, your support of the local business community is appreciated greatly.

For more of the latest happenings, visit PN’s online calendar of Upcoming Events where event planners also can add events. 

Additional Calendar Listings on this Website

PN’s Online Calendar of Upcoming Events 

North Central College Arts Calendar

Click “Events” on PN’s Navigation Bar at the top of this page for a drop down of other calendar choices.

(We regret any dead links on this page. We welcome event planners to help us keep them live.)

Positively Naperville, online since July 2001 and in print since September 2001. Thanks for reading!

Check out Latest News! Printed Monthly / Digital Daily.

Enjoy 2020! Thanks for reading.

—Stephanie Penick, PN Editor

 

Stay Connected!

Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
- Advertisement -
PN Editor
PN Editor
An editor is someone who prepares content for publishing. It entered English, the American Language, via French. Its modern sense for newspapers has been around since about 1800.

LATEST NEWS

DON’T MISS OUT!
GET THE DAILY
SQUARE-SCOOP
The latest local headlines delivered
to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime.
close-link

Stay Connected!

Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
close-link