Outdoor events planned in Naperville parks and along the Riverwalk

Above / Going through photo files, we find that many of our most memorable photos were taken along the Naperville Riverwalk. And visitors never know what might greet them along the brick path. 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)

In response to recent queries, 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 Sunday, Aug. 23; Midday Spray on weekdays; a Kite Fly on Sunday, Aug. 30; Naperville Municipal Band Concert in Central Park on Sunday, Sept. 6; Annual Sept. 11 Remembrance at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower September 11 Memorial along the Riverwalk and A Night at the Movies on Friday, Sept. 11; and Friday Night Acoustics at 95th Street Plaza on Sept. 25.

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.

Have you heard the bells toll from Moser Tower?

‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow” is among songs sometimes played on the 72-bell carillon at Rotary Hill. Sprinklers are on during the day along the Riverwalk, catching colorful red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet images.

Spread out a blanket on lawn or BYO lawn chairs, mindful of social distancing. Plan a picnic in a park. Hear the bells toll on the hour. Naperville Carilloneur Tim Sleep will perform a Pops Concert featuring comedy and kids songs at 7PM Sat., Aug. 22, 2020.

Midday Spray is weekdays, weather permitting

Midday Spray / 11AM-1PM Monday through Friday, weather permitting. / Kids have enjoyed the big “charge!” of running up and down Rotary Hill this summer while it’s hot. The big Midday Spray rotates outward weekdays at Rotary Hill. Again, follow safety protocols.

Sunday Concerts in Your Park

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

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. Plan a picnic with take-out from a local restaurant near Central Park, perhaps Quigley’s Irish Pub or Catch 35. 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 in Central Park to practice!

September 11 Remembrance

The Americanism Committee of the Exchange Club of Naperville and the City of Naperville again will host the annual September 11 Remembrance with music performed by the Naperville Municipal Band. The observance will begin at 6PM Fri., Sept. 11, at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Sept. 11 Memorial along the Riverwalk. The Naperville Municipal Band will be set to play in the Riverwalk Amphitheater.

A Night at the Movies

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 / Canceled

Kids of all ages enjoy trying to fly kites! A wide open field at Knoch Knolls Park is another fun place to play.

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. (Canceled)

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. (Event in Will County is canceled.)

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 to Kite Fly / Canceled

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 for the Kite Fly this year.

Friday Night Acoustics at 95th St. Community Plaza set for Sept. 25

The outdoor concert season adds another free performance for the community from 6:30 to 8PM Friday, Sept. 25. The Friday Night Acoustics event will kick off with live, acoustic music by the Salted Coffee Band from the new Wagner Family Pavilion overlooking a spacious lawn. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. The band’s large repertoire of songs and styles will appeal to a wide audience.

Plan a picnic or game time 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 planned in Naperville parks and along the Riverwalk

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