Above / Hello! Throughout the year, the Naperville Riverwalk provides the natural setting for many annual charity walks, concerts and special events. In 2018, thanks to funds raised by the Riverwalk Foundation’s Duck Race (on hiatus for 2020) a new flag pole and American flag were placed near the Riverwalk Covered Bridge at Webster Street near the Naperville Township Building.
The Riverwalk Foundation also contributed funds for the pedestrian path along the Naperville Township parking lot. This location between Jackson Avenue and Water Street 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.
2020 Updates & Bold Shout-outs…
Welcome to a short list of longstanding traditions with running commentary of other things to do this weekend! Note that instead of mixing, mingling and connecting in this active community, most annual events are on hold while everybody fights against COVID-19. Still, at 7:30PM, Thurs., July 2, memories of the Naperville Municipal Band performance of the “1812 Overture” will be featured on NCTV17.
Remember! When out and about, help keep the community safe. Wear a face mask or bandana. Help protect physical and mental health of everyone around you. Cover coughs and sneezes. But mostly, if you’re not in good health, stay home.
Wash your hands often, but don’t wash away your commonsense.
Hold onto hugs for future giving. Keep a 6′ social distance. Take walks and appreciate the flowers of summer in every neighbor’s garden. Call family and friends.
Have faith, hope and charity to fulfill unmet needs of less fortunate with appreciation for all critical care providers and first responders.
Be safe and continue vigilance as summer signs indicate the curve of infections is flattening. Follow best practices as Naperville continues to reopen for Phase 4.
Then celebrate safely. Thank you.
Though many longstanding events have been canceled for 2020, others continue to provide plenty of local culture, social engagement and community spirit in Naperville, Illinois, during runs, walks and bike rides, sometimes virtually, in the great outdoors and local parks.
The events listed here, many free of admission charge, invite all individuals to catch the can-do spirit associated with the many ways this community has worked together since its founding in 1831. Note! At this time, many July events are in limbo, depending on success of the fight against COVID-19.
Watch for “pop-up” events such as the Independence Day Salute hosted by SafeDuPage from 9:30 to 11AM on Sat., July 4, at Moser Tower along the Riverwalk. Celebrate in red, white and blue!
Have a meaningful, safe and happy July. Keep cool on dog days from July 3 until August 11. Peace.
Phase 4 of Restore Illinois is now in place… Scroll down for more…
July – Celebrate Safely!
Celebrate July 1-5 in Downtown Naperville!
Visit Downtown Naperville for an Independence Day weekend of sizzling sales, specials and surprises!
Check out casual summer merchandise and then some at Dean’s Fine Clothing along Main Street, mindful that in honor of the holiday, the men’s and women’s shop will be closed July 4-5. Featuring a delicious menu from farm to table, Allegory is right next door, now offering plenty of outdoor dining.
Catch 35: Catch 35 is now open for indoor and outdoor dining. Catch 35 also offers its popular Family Meal for curbside pickup for July 4th Weekend through July 5. Click here for the menu with courses to serve four guests. The menu includes one entrée, a salad, two sides and a dessert served family style. For reservations, call (630) 717-3500.
Naperville merchants remind visitors to use proper protocols.
Naper Nuts & Sweets: Soft serve ice cream, popcorn, caramel corn and candy galore are among the treats available at Naper Nuts & Sweets where you’ll find Hunter providing service with a smile!
Pinot’s Palette: Pinot’s Palette is offering In-Person and Virtual classes all weekend long! Consider a walk in Open Studio on July 4th (10AM-3PM); Star Spangled Banner Virtual Class, July 3; Patriotic Pup Virtual Class on July 5 as well as a Good Ol’ Summertime Virtual Class on July 5.
Quigley’s Irish Pub: The patio is open and seating is now available inside, too, at Quigley’s, 43 E. Jefferson Ave. To kick off July, Nancy Quigley expressed gratitude to two dedicated men, Keith Murphy (just back from nine months deployment in Afghanistan) and Rich Mikel (former Bureau Chief of the Naperville Fire Department, now Chief in Elk Grove Village), for their service with thoughts of an All-American 4th of July. Sláinte!
SixtyFour Wine Bar & Kitchen: Located along Water Street, SixtyFour Wine Bar & Kitchen is offering $6 Margarita’s all weekend long!
Soft Surroundings: Find additional bargains at Soft Surroundings, Main at Van Buren, where the summer sale offers 30% Off all full price and 40% Off all sale merchandise through July 5.
Naperville’s musical tradition since 1859!
Celebrate the 1812 Overture with cannons in conjunction with the Independence Day Concert at 7:30PM on Thurs., July 2, 2020! Naperville Municipal Band Concerts in Central Park are canceled this summer. While in Phase 4, watch Thursday night band concerts rebroadcast on NCTV-17.
Happy Independence Day!
SafeDuPage will host an Independence Day Salute from 9:30 to 11AM, Sat., July 4, at Rotary Hill to pay special tribute to all first responders and law enforcement personnel who keep the community safe. The public is welcome. As promoted by Naperville Crimestoppers, “keeping the community safe is everybody’s responsibility.” Celebrate the 4th of July safely. And thanks for leaving the fireworks to the professionals. For more info about SafeDuPage, visit safedupage.org/events/.
Celebrate Fourth of July traditions!
Many Naperville neighborhoods host parades on the 4th of July. For years, public officials, Veterans and other patriotic characters such as Uncle Sam have made the rounds to help friends and neighbors celebrate America’s birthday with star-spangled fun in red vehicles.
AtWater Subdivision / Fourth of July Parade and festivities will be held between 3:30 and 6:30PM Sat., July 4, beginning at the park in the AtWater Subdivision. To express gratitude to healthcare professionals, thirty-five decorated cars will create the parade through the neighborhood along Capeside Drive to Basin Trail Lane. Other activities planned include driveway chalk drawings, decorated homes and a chance to commemorate Independence Day with photos and videos. For more information, contact Ravinder Prasad at rprasad.hoabod@gmail.com.
Brookdale / The 37th Annual Fourth of July Parade in the Brookdale subdivision steps off from Hill Middle School at 11AM, Wed., July 4. The patriotic parade will be followed by a neighborhood picnic at noonHarmony Grove / Parade at 9:30AM will led by a Firetruck that starts and stops in Freeland Court. Parade route will begin in Freeland Court, follow Freeland Circle and make its way back to Freeland Court via Chokeberry. If you are not in the parade, please feel free to participate by waving as the parade passes by! Popsicles will be provided at the end of the parade. Decorate your bikes, scooters, strollers,and your leashed dogs!
Brook Crossing / Friends and neighbors in Brook Crossing Estates will celebrate its 18th Annual Independence Day Parade and Festival beginning at 8:45AM, Wed., July 4. Parade entries line up at Gregory Middle School, 2621 Springdale Circle, and end up at Clow Elementary School. (Waiting for update/confirmation)
Knoch Knolls / The 17th Annual 4th of July Parade in Knoch Knolls subdivision begins at Springbrook Elementary School, 2700 Seiler Drive, at 1PM. The parade starts with the annual march down Gateshead Drive to the intersection of DuPahze Street and Haddassah Drive. At the end of the parade route, folks have a great opportunity to enjoy fellowship, refreshments and beverages. Children are invited to explore the fire truck and to play in one of the moon jumps at the reception, along with some other kid-friendly activities. Invited guests include distinguished Veterans from the American Legion Post 43 and Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873; Members of the Naperville City Council and Scouts. (Waiting for confirmation)
Wil-O-Way / Editor’s Note: In 2018, Daniel Bulley sent a message, “You missed Wil-O-Way. They’ve been doing a kids bike parade for over 40 years!” 4th of July Bike Parade! Begin gathering at 9:30AM at the basketball courts on the corner of Jefferson & Birchwood. Parade begins at 10AM sharp. (Waiting for confirmation)
Fourth of July NMB Concert in Central Park
Naperville Salute at Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk (July 3-4, 2020) Spectacular Fireworks at dusk Independence Day (4th of July) near Knoch Park, etc. Canceled for 2020 with high hopes for 2021.
Fireworks! Independence Day, July 4. Spectacular fireworks will spray high in the sky! God bless America! Be prepared to watch 30-minute colorful display beginning at 9:30PM from Frontier Park, south of 95th Street!
Summer has returned to downtown Naperville… And you’re welcomed, too!
Downtown merchants are open and ready to serve you! Keeping all businesses, employees and customers safe is of the utmost importance. Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask or face covering when entering a place of business….and THANK YOU for always shopping local for your favorite summer celebration gifts!
For a list of OPEN stores throughout downtown, CLICK HERE.
Find Waldo? Tour de Independents hosted by IndieBound Naperville (Throughout July) Though the 2020 Waldo event may be canceled, all local businesses, small and large, welcome your business every day. The community appreciates when folks shop, dine, bank & entertain in Naperville. Many now offer curbside service, too!
