Editor’s Update, Oct. 3, 2025 / Before school on Fridays, weather permitting, teachers at May Watts Elementary School take students with all sizes of bicycles on a tour of the local neighborhoods, then through May Watts Park and back to school. Again today on this beautiful morning they got off to a great start learning the Rules of the Road and sidewalks. In addition to “Good Morning” as the bicyclists approached, words to “Carefully Taught” from South Pacific (My dad’s favorite musical, composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, opened on Broadway in 1949.) began to roll off my tongue in no particular order…
You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late
Before you are six or seven or eight
You’ve got to be taught from year to year,
It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear—
You’ve got to be carefully taught!
If you’re unfamiliar with the song that features actors playing Navy Seabees in World War II, search for “You’ve got to be taught” online. Let’s hope “children will listen.”
Enjoy the great outdoors! —PN
Friday
Kreger’s is open! / 10AM to 3PM Fridays and Saturdays at Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus – 606 N. Ellsworth Naperville, IL 60563 / Since 1893, Kreger’s has been a cornerstone of the community, now serving as a wonderful stop for lunch, conversation and camaraderie every Friday and Saturday. With brats on the grill, let Mary Jo know that you know Bill’s wurst is the best, especially for weekend grilling. Add the house smoked brisket or pulled pork to any grilled brat! Find 22 fresh flavors as well as fresh made salads, fresh cooked buns, pickles, and Apple Snickerdoodle bars. Pre-order at (630) 355-4418. And be reminded Kreger’s sauerkraut slaw is tasty atop a brat or all by itself! Thanks for supporting your local sausage dealer. www.kregersbrats.com.
Serendipity Resale Shop Benefits Little Friends, Inc. / 10AM-5PM / Volunteers give time to benefit Little Friends, recognized as a leading service provider for children, adults and families challenged by autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. The retail resale shop accepts donations of clean, quality clothing (especially winter wear most of the time), household items, bedding and jewelry when the shop is open 10AM to 5PM Monday thru Saturday. Donors and shoppers will find convenient storefront parking at Serendipity Resale Shop, located at 461 S. Route 59 in Aurora.
Oktoberfest at Naper Settlement / 5-10PM Fri., Oct. 3 and 3-10PM Sat., Oct. 4 at Naper Settlement – 523 S. Webster St. Naperville, IL 60540 / $25/adult (13+), $15/youth (4-12) / Traditional German cuisine and beer will be overflowing in a giant heated tent at Naper Settlement’s annual Oktoberfest. Enjoy one of the largest Oktoberfest beer varieties in the area and German cuisine from local restaurants and food trucks. New this year, come snap a photo next to the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile on Friday. Listen to an exciting music lineup featuring Oompah and polka rock music on Friday, as well as a mix of polka, country, and the ultimate 90s party band Fool House, on Saturday. On Saturday, head on over to the children’s area for activities for the entire family, including fun with Pinot’s Palette or test your strength in the stein holding contest. www.napersettlement.org/237/Oktoberfest.
NCC Homecoming Kickoff Concert / 8PM at Wentz Concert Hall – 171 E Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540 / Celebrate Homecoming with an evening of music from the Department of Music. The Chamber Singers, Chorale, Concert Choir, Orchestra, and Concert Winds will come together for this annual tradition in the Wentz Concert Hall, filling the stage with energy, creativity, and community spirit. Arrive early and enjoy a lively pre-concert performance by the NCC Big Band in the lobby at 7:15PM before the main event begins at 8PM. Tickets are $7. www.northcentralcollege.edu.
Saturday
Enjoy Every Day at Quigley’s Irish Pub / 11AM – 2AM / Quigley’s Irish Pub is located at 43 E. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville. / Quigley’s Irish Pub features live music Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The pub also offers a variety of spaces for all types of special events and fundraisers, including a dog patio for well-behaved dogs on a leash. Meanwhile, stop by for honest pub fare and an Irish Coffee or enjoy a cold pint in the friendly pub EDAQ, Every Day at Quigley’s.
North Central College’s Residence Hall/Recreation Center will be named ‘Hal and Benna Wilde Residence Hall and Recreation Center’ / 2:30PM / Join festivities at the Main Entrance to the Res/Rec Center 440 S. Brainard Street. Celebrate the renaming and tribute to the Res/Rec Center constructed in 2009 during Hal Wilde’s presidency. Hal Wilde is one of the longest-serving presidents in North Central College history, serving from 1991 – 2012. During his tenure, the College experienced a 100 percent increase in full-time undergraduate student enrollment; as well as the largest individual corporate, and foundation gifts in the College’s history. Wilde oversaw the historic renovation of Old Main and 15 major construction projects, including the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center; Benedetti-Wehrli and Zimmerman stadiums; and the innovative Residence Hall/Recreation Center. For more information about Homecoming activities and events, visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/homecoming. Go, Cardinals!
‘We Give Blood’ Drive / Now thru Fri., Dec. 5, 2025 / Visit donor centers throughout Versiti’s five-state footprint (and beyond). According to online messaging, “Supporters of the participating universities are encouraged to show team spirit by donating blood in your school’s name. In addition to helping local hospital patients, the winning school will receive $1 million to advance student or community health.” Click here for Big Ten message!
Naperville Farmer’s Market / 7AM to noon at Fifth Avenue Station – 200 E. 5th Ave. Naperville, IL 60563 / Build a farm-to-table meal with a plethora of locally grown food. You’ll also find an array products, performances and events, making this a great destination for the whole family. The Market runs every Saturday through October.
Pinot’s Palette Painting Parties / Afternoon & Evening / Customize a friendly paint party for most ages (recommended age 6 and up) and abilities. No experience necessary. Everybody goes home with a lovely painted memory, rain or shine. For prices (they vary), information and party planning, visit www.pinotspalette.com/naperville/events. Open just about every day, Pinot’s Palette, now in its 16th year, is located at 175 Jackson Avenue in downtown Naperville. Great gift idea for a family outing and for the holidays! Also, from 3 to 7 PM – Children’s area activities during Oktoberfest at Naper Settlement will be provided by Pinot’s Palette.
Football: Wheaton College vs. North Central College / 6PM at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium – 455 S Brainard St, Naperville, IL 60540 / Known as the Battle for the Little Brass Bell, this is the 106th meeting between Wheaton College and North Central College.
Sunday
Reserve a Table at Mesón Sabika for any day / 11:30AM to 9PM / Find a choice in dining rooms and private spaces at Mesón Sabika to sample Spanish tapas and delicious sangria for lunch and dinner every day. Located just west of downtown Naperville at 1025 Aurora Avenue, Mesón Sabika has been serving the community since 1990. Built in 1847, the historic mansion with eight air-conditioned dining rooms is set in a beautifully landscaped four-acre estate, providing a welcoming sight with plenty of parking for lunch, dinner, special events, benefits, weddings, meetings and family gatherings throughout the year. Gift Certificates are always available. Walk this way… patio days continue during beautiful autumn days!
Century Walk Tours Every Day / Around the Clock – Daylight / The recently published 88-page Naperville Century Walk Public Art Guide to more than 50 locations featuring local stories with public art by renowned artists is now in its second printing. Free copies again are available at the Naperville Municipal Center, Naperville Art League Gallery, Naper Settlement and Hotel Indigo. When you have a colorful copy, keep it handy in your car. Then from time to time, take a self-guided free-winding tour throughout downtown any day— winter, spring, summer or fall!
Discover Naperville choices to whet every appetite north, east, west and south! / Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Dinner / Featuring approximately 400 eateries, Naperville serves up tastes to please all ages and budgets in between shopping, bowling, pickleball, golf, swimming, concerts and all the activities that keep families and friends busy. In fact, consider that folks may even dine out at a Naperville eatery every day of the year without eating at the same place twice! And if you find a place that truly suits your taste, tell you friends! Help all restaurants thrive. Thanks for supporting the hospitality industry right here in Naperville. Bon Appetit!
Every day… Dine Naperville!
Did you know? Downtown Naperville features plenty of things to do every day and every month. Kindly note ’tis always the season to use and/or purchase Downtown Naperville Gift Cards for many things happening. Take a stroll to discover all that’s new (Did you notice Birkenstock is now open with a fashionable footprint at 20 W. Jefferson Avenue?) and coming soon to whet every appetite for shopping and dining among all the traditions that make downtown Naperville such a wonderful destination.
When time permits while visiting downtown Naperville to shop and dine, the Riverwalk welcomes folks to the city’s natural treasure where can-do spirit is on display from the Hillside Road Bridge to the Jefferson Avenue Bridge, all along the path of serpentine-shaped bricks. Remember! The Riverwalk is a pedestrian path to walk. Kindly walk your wheels. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Note also that this post, originally presented online on Oct. 2, 2025, may be updated throughout the weekend. Also please know the October issue of PN is now available from distribution racks N.E.W.S., Quigley’s Irish Pub and then some in downtown Naperville. Thanks for reading!
Meanwhile, take time to relax and enjoy the local landscape during this changing season.
Happy autumn!
