Discover an eggstra special Easter weekend in Naperville with a variety of things to do. Enjoy delicious dining options for every taste at one of Naperville’s many fine eateries, including Easter brunch at Meson Sabika where kids can catch up with the Easter Bunny and participate in an egg hunt, weather permitting. Find activities that appeal to everyone in the family. Have a wonderful Easter Sunday.
In other N.E.W.S… the April issue of Positively Naperville is now available at more than 25 locations where we appreciate local businesses that host our racks. Thanks for reading.
As for the weather Thursday thru Sunday… Thunderstorms could be severe as it’s cloudy and windy. Be prepared for weather alerts as well as possible flooding and hail. Mostly cloudy Friday, with more thunderstorms in the evening. Then mostly cloudy on Saturday with sunshine expected to return Sunday afternoon. Temperature is expected to range from 70 degrees to 50 degrees throughout the weekend. Stay safe.
March Madness NCAA Tournament
The NCAA Basketball Men’s and Women’s Tournament is ongoing Saturday with the Big Game on Monday. Go, Big Ten! Go, Illinois! Go, Michigan. (UPDATE #1! Michigan is still in it to win it Monday evening against UConn. Game time is 7:50PM April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. FOR THE RECORD…FINAL UPDATE! Michigan is victorious, 69-63.)
School Districts 203 & 204 Spring Break – March 30 to April 3
Discover many staycation ideas and explore your local community during spring break to find all that’s new since last year. Put together an itinerary that includes touring the campus of North Central College as well as local museums such as DuPage Children’s Museum and Naper Settlement, painting at Pinot’s Palette and crafting at Pottery Bayou.
Try the key to your smarts at Enigma Escape Room in downtown and Riddle Box Escape Room on West Fifth Avenue. And, of course, watch March Madness Final Four on Saturday, then the championship Monday evening at one of many sports bars with big-screen TVs!
Hey! Hey! All artists high school age and older!
Reminder! The deadline for the Naperville Art League Public Art Competition is 4PM Tues., April 7. It’s OK to drop off art anytime in advance. Visit www.napervilleartleague.com for the 2026 Information/registration flyer. The Award reception will be 6 to 8PM Fri., April 24.
Friday – April 3
Good Friday
Good Friday, a solemn day, commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Faithful worshipers believe His resurrection followed two days later on Easter Sunday.
Kreger’s Brats and Sausage Haus reopens after Winter Break
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. And this weekend Kreger’s is back with brats on the grill. Let Mary Jo know that you know Bill’s wurst is the best. Find more than 20 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. Call today for pick up on Friday and/or Saturday.
***Registration Now Open to March in Memorial Day Parade
Save the date! The Annual Memorial Day Parade is set to begin at 10:30AM Mon., May 25.
The Naperville Memorial Day Committee, under the leadership of Past VFW Post 3873 Commander Leo Jaime, has announced that registration for bands, scouts, Veterans’ organizations and community groups to participate in the annual Memorial Day Parade is now open at www.napervillememorialdayparade.org. Memorial Day observances begin at 7:45AM Mon., May 25, at the Dan Shanower Sept. 11 Memorial along the Riverwalk. The Memorial Day Parade steps off at 10:30AM along Jackson Avenue in downtown Naperville. Observances follow with brief remembrances and patriotic music at noon at the Naperville Community Concert Center in Central Park. Vintage vehicles will have seats for Veterans to ride in the parade. Simply sign up to ride in early May. All festivities are hosted by the City of Naperville, Veterans and community volunteers. The deadline to register an entry in the Memorial Day Parade is May 1, 2026.
Serendipity Resale Shop Benefits Little Friends, Inc.
10AM to 5PM Fridays and Saturdays, find convenient storefront parking at Serendipity Resale Shop, located at 461 S. Route 59 in Aurora.
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.
The Reptile Show at Block 59
4-5PM at Block 59 – 404 Illinois Rt. 59 Naperville, IL 60540
Block 59 is excited to host The Reptile Show with Crosstown Exotics, a hands-on, show‑and‑tell experience perfect for families, animal lovers, and curious minds of all ages. Get ready for an unforgettable wildlife encounter on the green! Block 59 is excited to host The Reptile Show with Crosstown Exotics, a hands-on, show‑and‑tell experience perfect for families, animal lovers, and curious minds of all ages.
VFW Fish Fry in Kendall Hall at the Naperville VFW
4:30PM to 7:30PM at Veterans of Foreign Wars – 908 Jackson Avenue west of downtown Naperville
The annual tradition wraps up! Save Friday evening for the final fish & chips of the season in Kendall Hall at the VFW, 908 W. Jackson Ave. Good times with friendly folks run from 4:30PM to 7:30PM. Come out and enjoy food, fun, music and beverages (cash bar). Payment at the Door: Cash, Venmo or Zelle accepted only. Order Ahead for Pickup: Text your order to 773.351.4646. Menu: Enjoy delicious fish, shrimp, pizza and fries from Draft Picks. Desserts: Indulge in sweet treats sold weekly by local community organizations such as the NNHS Veterans Club. For fish and fries, $15 per plate. Add pizza or fries for another $5. (Cash or Check) Enjoy this evening of fun and community spirit. Bring friends, family and neighbors. Proceeds benefit the Naperville VFW. Camaraderie benefits everybody. Thanks also to all volunteers who lent a hand or two! Cheers!
Saturday – April 4
The Great Egg Hunt hosted by the Naperville Jaycees
9AM sharp at Frontier Park – 3398 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564
The Great Egg Hunt is a frenzied, fun family event hosted by the Naperville Jaycees in partnership with the Naperville Park District. Each year, more than 14,000 eggs are filled with candy and prizes as a gift from the Jaycees (hosts of Last Fling over Labor Day weekend) to the community! Arrive early as parking is limited and the hunt lasts only a few minutes. After the exciting scramble for plastic colored eggs, stick around for a Meet & Greet Photo Opportunity with the Easter Bunny and to interact with event sponsors. Non-perishable donations will be accepted onsite to be donated to a local food pantry.
Rosie’s Home Cookin’ is now open at its new location every day!
Find 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 servers, bussers, greeters, cooks, etc., to support its new Naperville location at CityGate Centre, near Rt. 59 and I-88. Anyone looking for an opportunity with a growing food service business that values hard work and community is welcome to take a look and apply here: hubs.ly/Q03YbRWc0. (For more information about Rosie’s co-founders Lynn Lowder and Dale Eisenberg and how the restaurant helps support the mission of the nonprofit Veteran Business Project, check out an earlier post on this website that helps tell the history of this diner, a tribute to Rosie the Riveter.)
New SHO KALBI Steakhouse is open
The recently established SHO Kalbi Steakhouse is now open 4:30PM to 9:30PM Wednesdays through Mondays (Closed Tuesdays) at 2764 Aurora Avenue.
Open since December, SHO Kalbi Steakhouse is prepared to serve dinners six days a week, Wednesday through Monday. The refined Korean and Japanese dining experience presents a barbecue destination with a delicious menu featuring premium beef and everything fresh for the best flavor and tenderness. For the menu and/or reservations, visit www.shokalbi.com. Also, make reservations by calling (331) 249-6684. Find plenty of convenient free parking right outside SHO.
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. (Simply contact Andy for more information.) 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. And when it’s Friday, remember Quigley’s Fish Tacos as well as Fish and Chips are on the menu!
Go, Big Orange! Let Final Four Begin!
March Madness Final Four NCAA Tournament
The NCAA Basketball Men’s Final Four play Saturday with the Big Game on Monday. Go, Big Ten!
Go, Illinois vs. UConn at 5:09PM! Then watch Michigan vs. Arizona at 7:49PM. …All from Indy. (Update #1! Monday watch the match up between UConn and Michigan in the championship game scheduled for 7:50PM on Mon., April 6.) NOTE! The women’s final is April 5, on ABC. South Carolina will play UCLA in the Women’s Final. (Update #2! UCLA outshoots North Carolina to win the Women’s Final 79-51.) (Update #3! FOR THE RECORD…FINAL SCORE! For the Men’s Championship, Michigan is victorious over UConn, 69-63.)
Sunday – April 5
Reserve a Table at Mesón Sabika for any day, including Easter Sunday
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. Mesón Sabika is now accepting reservations for Easter Sunday, too! Plus, families will find special menu options just for youngsters, and little ones can join in the traditional Easter Egg Hunt throughout the day (weather permitting). It’s a day filled with family, flavor, and festive fun right in the heart of Naperville!
Century Walk Tours Every Day
Enjoy local history through the eyes of artists around the clock during 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. If you don’t see it on the table with other local information, perhaps let the security greeter know at entrance to City Hall. When you have a colorful copy, keep it handy in your car. Then from time to time, take a self-guided free-winding art tour throughout downtown Naperville in between meals any day— winter, spring, summer or fall!
See what’s new for spring! Hop to it! Shop & Dine Downtown / Redeem Gift Certificates
No matter the season, 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. If candy to fill Easter baskets is still on your list, be sure to check out Naper Nuts and Sweets at 10 W. Jefferson Avenue for chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks and other traditional treats.
Family fun outings this Easter weekend, April 3-5, are eggstraordinary throughout Downtown Naperville. Find brunch and dinner reservations, egg hunts, Easter Bunny photos, egg painting and more at many Downtown Naperville spots where window shopping always is a fun activity, too! Make it a day!
Just in! Naperville Central HS Class of 1976 50th Reunion
50th NCHS Class Reunion is planned June 4-6, 2026
Reunion organizers Veronica Porter and Diane Parpet want to spread that word that the date for the Naperville Central Class of 1976 High School 50th Reunion is June 4-6, 2026. For more information, classmates can send an email to NapervilleCentral1976@gmail.com or go to Facebook page, “Naperville Central Class of 1976.” Thank you!
