Explore things to do in Naperville this weekend, from dining at well-known local restaurants and enjoying family-friendly events to catching theater performances and much more.
Update, Jan. 18, 2026 / If headed outside, the temperature at 7AM is about 6 degrees. It’s expected to be between 18 and 20 degrees at Soldier Field when the Bears game kicks off at 5:30PM, but wind chills will make it feel below zero. Snow showers and gusty winds are expected, too. If headed to the game at Soldier Field, stay safe and warm by wearing winter jackets, layers, hats, scarves and warm gloves with mittens. Local pubs also welcome fans to watch the divisional-round NFL playoff game on NBC and streaming on Peacock. Stay tuned!
***Sunday & Monday, too!
Friday
***Rosie’s Home Cooking is now open at its new location!
Check out the spacious new diner at CityGate Centre, just off Ferry Road.
Rosie’s Home Cookin’ is open again for breakfast, brunch and lunch—now from 7AM to 2PM every day! Rosie’s also is now hiring to support its new Naperville location at CityGate Centre, near Rt. 59 and I-88. The popular diner is now accepting applications for a range of roles, including cooks and servers. If you’re looking for an opportunity with a growing food service business that values hard work and community, take a look and apply. Know someone looking for restaurant or food service work in the Naperville area? Apply here: https://hubs.ly/Q03YbRWc0.
Looking forward, note that Rosie’s will be featured during a pre-taped interview with Veteran Marine Lynn Lowder and his business partner Dale Eisenberg, airing at 11:45AM Thurs., Jan. 29, on NBC 5 Chicago Today. Also watch for notice of Rosie’s Grand Opening in it new CityGate Centre location, being planned for sometime in mid-February.
***Downtown Naperville Indoor Sidewalk Sales
Winter Sidewalk Sales Are Here in Downtown Naperville! Jan. 16 – Jan. 19
Truly, you won’t believe the end-of-season sales underway in downtown stores RIGHT NOW! Savings up to 70% off in some cases! Find your favorite stores here, bundle up, grab a shopping buddy and get shopping! We’re seeing many bags in gloved hands with smiling faces around downtown. For info, visit downtownnaperville.com/events/indoor-sidewalk-sales-2026.
Kreger’s Brats and Sausage Haus!
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. Find 22 fresh flavors as well as fresh made salads, fresh cooked buns, pickles, desserts and more. 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.
Magical Starlight Theatre Presents ‘Shrek: The Musical’
7:30PM Friday and Saturday; 1:30PM Saturday and Sunday at Naperville Central High School – 440 Aurora Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
Magical Starlight Theatre, a Naperville Park District program, presents its January 2026 production, Shrek: The Musical, the weekend of January 16-18 at Naperville Central High School, located at 440 Aurora Ave. The story of Shrek: The Musical follows an ogre name Shrek and his journey through the Kingdom of Duloc to rid his swamp of banished fairy tale creatures. Along the way, Shrek befriends Donkey and Princess Fiona, and the trio share a hilarious adventure together where they find acceptance and beauty in themselves. Kevin Loeper, who plays the principal role of Shrek, emphasized the show’s messaging. Tickets at napervilleparks.org/magicalstarlighttheatre.
Saturday
***Remember every-day contributions by Benjamin Franklin
On this date in 1706, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts.
Wedding Showcase at Naper Settlement
10AM to 3PM at Naper Settlement – 523 S. Webster Street Naperville, IL 60540
Saying “I do” soon? Plan the wedding of your dreams at Naper Settlement’s Wedding Showcase on Jan. 17, 2026, from 10AM to 3PM. Spread across the museum campus, couples will meet the best in the wedding business, including photographers, florists, ministers, musicians, bakers, caterers, and more. Sample catering options, get exclusive discounts, and even take a limo ride around the museum! Skip the hectic convention centers and stop the endless scrolling with an intimate planning session with 50+ wedding vendors in every style and budget. Secure your FREE ticket today – tickets are limited! Register at napersettlement.org/232/Wedding-Showcase.
***Enjoy Every Day at Quigley’s Irish Pub
11AM Daily at Quigley’s Irish Pub – 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. 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.
‘Compassionate Kitchen Award’ Goes to Temptinn
The Compassionate Kitchen Award ceremony takes place at 11AM
Empower Futurewave Foundation is a youth-led, Naperville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on education access, food security and community empowerment. The group’s presentation of its Compassionate Kitchen Award takes place at 11AM at Temptinn with a menu of Indian fusion cuisine, located at 220 S. Washington Street in downtown Naperville. The 30-minute program will highlight the EmpowerEats Initiative, which addresses food insecurity and food waste by partnering with local restaurants to safely redirect surplus, unsold meals that would otherwise be discarded to shelters and families in need.
Bestselling Thriller Author Sophie Hannah at Anderson’s Bookshop
Meet the author of ‘No one would do what the Lamberts have done’!
International and New York Times bestselling author Sophie Hannah, also the acclaimed writer continuing Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot series, is coming to Naperville to celebrate the release of her newest novel, ‘No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done’ (on sale January 20). Join Sophie Hannah from 4PM to 6PM Sat., Jan. 17, at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Avenue. For tickets ($22) and info, click here.
Sunday
Open Heart, Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual MLK Tribute Concert
4PM at Jan 18 at Wentz Concert Hall & Fine Arts Center – 171 East Chicago Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
Start your year with music that opens hearts and honors those who serve. Open Heart, Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual MLK tribute concert, returns with a program rooted in legacy, joy, and justice. The evening includes the world premiere of The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat by Kathryn Bostic, based on the Hulu film and novel by longtime Sinfonietta cellist Edward Kelsey Moore — a joyful celebration of friendship and resilience. Also featured: Joel Thompson’s breathe/burn: an elegy for Breonna Taylor, performed by acclaimed cellist Jeffrey Zeigler. Tickets and info at chicagosinfonietta.org/open-heart.
Reserve a Table at Mesón Sabika for any day
11:30AM to 9PM at Mesón Sabika – 1025 Aurora Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
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. ALSO! Cheers on Sunday for exclusive $5 Bar Bites specials—available from 3PM until close—with TVs on to catch the thrilling Bears vs. Rams playoff game! Perfect for winding down the weekend with delicious bites, great vibes for the thrill of it in the bar.
Go, Chicago Bears, this Sunday!
Kick off at Soldier Field is 5:30PM.
Certainly big screens in local sports bars as well as at Paris Bistro (2656 Showplace Drive, off Route 59) will be showcasing all the action from Soldier Field when the Chicago Bears match up against the Los Angeles Rams beginning at 5:30PM this Sun., Jan. 18, in what’s being called “a pivotal playoff matchup” in advance of their run on the road to Super Bowl LX. Will the Bears make it out of the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs to the Conference Championships? Will they be a contender at the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, CA, on Sun., Feb. 8, 2026?
It’s expected to be between 18 and 20 degrees at Soldier Field when the game kicks off, but wind chills will make it feel below zero. Snow showers and gusty winds are expected, too. If headed to the game, stay safe and warm by wearing winter jackets, layers, hats, scarves and warm gloves with mittens. Otherwise, local pubs welcome fans.
Shop Downtown / Redeem Gift Certificates
Find plenty to do throughout downtown Naperville!
Downtown Naperville Gift Cards are valid for use at more than 150-plus downtown shops, spas, restaurants and Hotel Indigo. Designed to celebrate every season, gift cards may be purchased in any amount from $10-$500. Check out the downtown directory for the full listing of establishments accepting gift cards. Note also, Downtown Naperville Gift Cards are available for purchase at the Downtown Naperville Alliance, 131 West Jefferson Avenue, Suite 223, 9AM-3PM Monday thru Friday.
Monday
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Pause to reflect on its significance.
Remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, is on Mon., Jan. 19. (Previous PN Post includes quotes, music and brief history.)
DuPage County MLK Unity Breakfast returns to Oakbrook Terrace
Festive, community-building morning will be presented in Oakbrook.
Returning for the third year, the Unity Breakfast is back at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace this Mon., Jan. 19 (7-10 AM). The largest breakfast gathering in the state, this year’s event will feature leaders from the movement and local entertainment to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy. SOLD OUT! For more information about the 2026 DuPage County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast, visit dupagefoundation.org/MLKDay. Remember to plan ahead for 2027.
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!
