Outdoor events are planned in Naperville parks and along the Riverwalk

Above / Going through old photo files, we find that many of our most memorable photos were taken along the Naperville Riverwalk. Thanks to all who imagined our community’s natural treasure. Just don’t feed the wildlife! Ducks, geese and other waterfowl are wildlife. (PN File Photo/Riverwalk Amphitheater)

In response to queries last weekend, signs are posted with Riverwalk Regulations. The linear park is open sunrise to 12AM unless otherwise posted. Bikes, skateboards, in-line skates are to be walked along the winding brick paths from Hillside Road to Jefferson Avenue. It’s a WALK along the DuPage River. Thanks for keeping the Riverwalk safe for all pedestrians. All safety protocols apply. One more thing… the Riverwalk Duck Race, usually hosted by the Riverwalk Foundation right before schools open, is expected to return in 2021.

The Naperville Park District’s free, summer outdoor entertainment continues family-friendly events planned for August and September 2020.

For instance, experience Concerts in Your Park on Sundays, Aug. 16 and Aug. 23; Tuesday Carillon Concerts 7PM through Aug. 18 at Rotary Hill; A Night at the Movies on Fridays, Aug. 21 and Sept. 11; and a Kite Fly on Sunday, Aug. 30.

Be prepared prior to every park district event to follow protocols for social distancing.

Note: Upcoming summer events in Naperville parks will be added to this post as they become available. Check back soon.

Free, outdoor entertainment continues in August and September

Plan a picnic in a Naperville park…

Find the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, just west of the Jaycees Playground and Centennial Beach. When it’s not used for Naperville Park District programs such as Children’s Lunch Hour Entertainment, consider a family picnic. During other than pandemic times, the space also is available for rental, special events and more via the Naperville Park District.

Picnic tables near Sindt Woods, just west of Centennial Park, say “welcome.” Pack a picnic or order a picnic to-go from one the Naperville’s restaurants. Enjoy an old-fashioned outing in the great outdoors.

Sunday Concerts in Your Park

Rosie and the Rivets / 7PM Sun., Aug. 16, Westglen Commons, 467 Westglen Drive.*

*The concert originally scheduled at Gartner Park on August 16 has been moved to Westglen Commons due to road construction on Gartner Road. (Special thanks to a reader who just called to let us know the change that’s now listed on the NPD website.)

Final Say / 7PM Sun., Aug. 23, Ashbury Park, 1740 Conan Doyle Road

Carillon Recital at Rotary Hill – Tribute to Chuck Seidel

‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow” will be among songs played on the carillon during the Aug. 18 recital at Rotary Hill. Sprinklers are on during the day along the Riverwalk, catching colorful red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet images.

Special Carillon Concert in Memory of Chuck Seidel / 7PM Tues., Aug. 18 / One-hour concert will recognize former Naperville resident, principal of Brookdale Elementary School and 72-bell tower advocate Chuck Seidel, who recently died in Florida. Former City Carillonneur Wylie Crawford and current City Carillonneur Tim Sleep will perform the concert. Spread out a blanket on lawn or BYO lawn chairs, mindful of social distancing.

Naperville Municipal Band plans Sunday Concert in Central Park

Naperville Municipal Band Concert / 4:30PM Sun., Sept. 6 / Weather permitting, the Naperville Municipal Band will perform a 45-minute upbeat concert titled “Salute to Naperville and its fight against COVID-19.” Spread out a blanket on lawn or BYO lawn chairs, mindful of local protocols and social distancing. Note: Because of the pandemic, park benches are not set up in front of the Community Concert Center in Central Park. And the NMB got together there to practice!

A Night at the Movies

Wonder / 8PM Fri., Aug. 21, at Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Avenue

Captain Marvel / 7:30PM Fri., Sept. 11, 95^th Street Community Plaza, 3109 Cedar Glade Drive

The 95th Street Community Plaza recently opened, just south of the library.

The 95th Street Community Plaza recently opened, just south of the 95th Street Library. Follow social-distancing protocols and enjoy the park with youngsters every day.

Go fish! Find a pond for fishing in Naperville

Buddy up, grab a fishing pole and bait, and head to one of Naperville’s favorite fishing holes to enjoy a summer day, rain or shine. Click here to see photos of many great catches by young anglers and find where they’ve had good luck fishing right here in town. No worms? Try kernels of canned or frozen corn.

Kite Fly event is set for Sunday, August 30

Kids of all ages enjoy trying to fly kites!

Naperville Park District also will host Kite Fly from 1 to 4PM on Sunday, August 30, a time to view kite demonstrations or fly your own kite.

This free, family-friendly event will take place at Frontier Sports Complex, located at 3380 Cedar Glade Drive, where there is plenty of space to spread out for an afternoon flying and watching colorful kites.

Spacious Frontier Park Sports Complex is located south of 95th Street.

Kite enthusiasts from Chicago Kite will fill the sky with enormous kites, demonstrate their flying techniques and bring kites for purchase.

Event sponsors will be on site with handouts to share. Sponsors include The Branch, KidsMatter, Naperville Convention and Visitors Bureau, UrgiKids, Renewal by Andersen, Illinois Shotokan Karate, FBC Remodel, Texas Roadhouse and Topgolf.

Bring your own refreshments

Participants may bring a picnic lunch and snacks, perhaps purchased to-go prior to arrival from a local eatery via Dine Naperville, and find a spot to spread out a blanket or folding chairs at the park. Note that food trucks will not be on site this year.

Plan a picnic along the Riverwalk

Picnic tables near the Webster Street Covered Bridge along the Riverwalk provide a setting for to-go orders from downtown eateries every day of the year! When it’s not meal time, the tables can be used for card games when the wind cooperates. Find another place to gather in the great outdoors just over the bridge in Jaycees Park. Cheers!

Prior to attending any Naperville Park District event or visiting any park, guests are asked to review the COVID-19 Participation Guidelines for Outdoor Events.

Outdoor events are planned in Naperville parks and along the Riverwalk