Naperville IL Events and Festivals
The Naperville area offers a calendar year full of family-friendly community events.
The Last Fling, Ribfest, Sizzlin’ Sidewalk Sales and Hometown Holidays are among the numerous much-anticipated events hosted in Naperville. There are also vibrant holiday parades and many other events in the surrounding area.
For an updated calendar of events, visit www.naperville.net, www.visitnaperville.com or www.downtownnaperville.com.
JANUARY
The Gala
www.naperville.net
You are invited to join hundreds of the region’s top business executives for the Chamber’s most anticipated social event of the year – The Roaring 2020s Gala. The evening will bring you back to a time when Gatsby was Great, the fashion was fierce and fun was never prohibited. Food, music and dancing are all a part of this memorable cocktail reception.
FEBRUARY
2020 Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival
www.harmony-sweepstakes.com
Now in its 36th season, the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival is the premier American showcase for vocal harmony music. The Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes is one of seven regional competitions drawing from the best vocal groups around the country. The winning group from the Chicago competition will earn the opportunity to compete against the other six regional champions at the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival National Finals.
Winter Ale Fest
www.napervillealefest.com
A time-honored tradition, Naperville Ale Fest – Winter Edition is Illinois’ largest outdoor beer fest. Featuring more than 150 craft beers – with a strong focus on beers only available in winter. Because most beer fests happen during the summer months, it’s rare opportunity to try many stouts, porters, barrel aged beers, winter warmers and giant double IPAs all in one place.
MARCH
St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run
www.stpaddysday5k.org/race-info
The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise hosts this annual 5K race, run or walk. Proceeds from the event are used to provide health related services to those in need.
St. Paddy’s Day Parade
www.wsirish.org/st-patricks-parade.html
Sponsored by the West Suburban Irish, this event benefits local charities and has become a staple in the Naperville community. Celebrations include the downtown parade, an Irish Mass honoring St. Patrick and a festive Emerald Dinner.
State of the City Address
www.naperville.net
Mayor Steve Chirico delivers and informative and inspirational presentation before a sell-out crowd. The discussion highlights the monumental progression of the area’s quality of life. Additionally, the address also turns an eye towards the future, as we learn programs and initiatives scheduled for the upcoming year.
Business Works: Policy, Advocacy & Legislation Event
www.naperville.net
Where leadership, advocacy and business intersect – find Business Works. The legislative and government affairs arm of the Naperville Area of Chamber of Commerce covers the important topics impacting business. Join local experts and learn how the Chamber is helping to advocate for you.
APRIL
Naperville Women’s Half & 5K
www.napervillewomenshalf.events
The Annual Naperville Women’s Half Marathon & 5k from North Central College is open to all runners and walkers. The event course takes athletes through downtown and some of the finest neighborhoods of Naperville and ends on the track inside the beautiful Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium of North Central College.
Four Under 40 Achievement Awards
www.naperville.net
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Four Under 40 awards event to recognize young professionals leading in their respective business avenues within our community.
MAY
Tee Up to Meet Up
www.naperville.net
Quickly a crowd favorite amongst members! We ask you to grab your business cards and join the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and other local chambers at Top Golf to enjoy an unforgettable twist on the traditional golf outing and speed networking.
Memorial Day Parade
www.napervillememorialdayparade.com
A parade inspired by the day devoted to honoring our veterans and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for your country.
JUNE
Municipal Band Concerts
www.napervilleband.org
Experience the Naperville Municipal Band, established in 1859 – as they perform outside for the community every Thursday evening at the Community Concert Center off of Benton Street in Central Park.
SoulFest
www.napervillesoulfest2020.com
Naperville SoulFest is a true celebration of African American & Caribbean Descendant culture. The festival transforms the Naper Settlement into an Outdoor Bazaar filled with food and artisan vendors to dine and shop, live music and a family and youth zone, as well as a beverage pavilion.
Naper Nights Community Concert Series
www.napersettlement.org/236/Naper-Nights
Rock out to great music at Naper Settlement’s Naper Nights Community Concert Series and dance the night away on its beautiful 13-acre grounds. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, your family and friends for a summertime tradition that features cold drinks and great food and fabulous music.
Naperville 10K
www.naperville10k.com
The second Annual Naperville 10K and 5K presented by 26.2 Brew winds through Naperville’s most scenic sites. The race starts and ends in the family-friendly atmosphere of the Midwest’s greatest pool, Centennial Beach Park, in the heart of Naperville.
Naper Pride Festival
www.naperpride.org
Naper Pride is a family-centered, Naperville-focused, celebration of LGBTQ+ members of our city and community. The festival brings together people from all walks of life-family, friends, neighbors and allies in a celebration of inclusivity for everyone.
Chamber Golf Outing
www.naperville.net
Nothing says summer like golf! The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce annual golf outing brings hundreds of Members and guests together 18 holes of fun. Expect an experience for the 2020 outing as we take the tee-off and hole contests to another level. Food, prizes and celebration await your foursome.
Business Works: Policy, Advocacy & Legislation Event
www.naperville.net
Join us for the second Business Works event of the year. Where leadership, advocacy and business intersect – find Business Works. The legislative and government affairs arm of the Naperville Area of Chamber of Commerce covers the important topics impacting business. Join local experts and learn how the Chamber is helping to advocate for you.
Naperville Woman’s Club Art Fair
www.napervillewomansclub.org/art-fair
The Naperville Woman’s Club will hosts their 61st Naperville Fine Art & Artisan Fair in a two-day community celebration featuring over 140 artists exhibiting, selling and demonstrating their original works. The free event is held each year at Naper Settlement.
JULY
Naperville’s Salute 4th of July Celebration
www.napervillesalute.org
Sponsored by Naperville Responds for Veterans, this two-day festival event honors our hometown heroes, veterans and first-responders, along with our nation’s independence. The family-friendly event is held at Rotary Hill and offers fun and crafts at Naper Settlement, as well as a food truck festival.
Naperville Ale Fest
www.napervillealefest.com
Showcasing over 200 unique and tasty beers from craft breweries around the country, this fest has become a staple for residents to experience great beer, live music and food from some of Naperville’s favorite restaurants.
Sizzlin’ Summer Sidewalk Sales
www.downtownnaperville.com
Sizzlin’ Summer Sidewalk sales happen throughout Naperville’s downtown. Find one-of-a-kind gifts and food, while taking advantage of the special promotions reserved just for this weekend.
State of the Chamber Address
www.naperville.net
Annual informative review by the President and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce’s past year and what lies ahead in 2020.
AUGUST
Sprint Triathlon
www.napervilletri.events
Runners From beginners to elites can find their place at the annual Naperville Sprint Triathlon at Centennial Beach.
Old Naperville Day
www.oldnapervilleday.com
Proclaimed by Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, Old Naperville Day is an annual block party celebrating what makes Naperville one of the best communities in the nation. The fest on West Chicago Avnue, features live music, delicious food from Naperville restaurants, ice cold beer and beverages, a kids activity area and plenty of fun for everyone while supporting a nonprofit partner, DuPage Pads.
India Day Parade and Festival
www.indiancommunityoutreach.org/india-day
India Day has quickly grown into one of the largest Indian American festivals in the country. It is instrumental in bringing Chicagoland and the Midwest community together to experience Indian culture and heritage through a parade, education, food and entertainment.
SEPTEMBER
Last Fling
www.lastfling.org
The Naperville Jaycee’s Last Fling in a four-day family-friendly community event over Labor Day weekend in downtown Naperville. The event hosts a carnival, entertainment from national artists, beer gardens, food vendors and many special oferings. The Last Fling also includes the largest Labor Day parade in Illinois.
Riverwalk Fine Art Fair
www.napervilleartleague.com
The downtown Naperville Riverwalk becomes a four-mile art museum, adding a fantastic display of visual arts to its already artful ambiance. Participation is open to artists working in painting, drawing, sculpture, fiber, graphics, mixed media, jewelry, photography, pottery, metalwork, glass, wood, digital art and enamel.
A Toast to our Members
www.naperville.net
This event is our annual gesture of appreciation for our members. Each year, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts this complimentary cocktail reception, open exclusively to Chamber members.
OCTOBER
Leadership Naperville!
www.naperville.net
Here is your opportunity to learn from Naperville’s influencers and public officials on how to become the next leader in Napetrville. Hear Naperville’s history, engage in face-to-face conversations with prominent community business leaders, explore economic development in your community, meet local members of government and learn how to be a voice for volunteer engagement.
Oktoberfest
www.napersettlement.org
Enjoy traditional food and German Oopma music while celebrating the community’s German heritage at this autumn festival held at Naper Settlement.
Naperville Half Marathon & 5K
www.runnaperville.com
Sponsored by Edward-Elmhurst Health, the Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon & 5K draws participants to Naperville’s lively downtown, historic sights and beautiful neighborhoods. Runners will delight in the kinetic atmosphere and well-managed course, made possible by extensive volunteer and spectator support.
Economic Forecast
www.naperville.net
Prepare your business for the year ahead with analysis from some of Chicagoland’s foremost financial experts. The annual economic forecast provides invaluable advice for businesses of all sizes.
Business Works: Policy, Advocacy & Legislation Event
www.naperville.net
Join us for the final Business Works event of the year. Where leadership, advocacy and business intersect, you will find Business Works. The legislative and government affairs arm of the Naperville Area of Chamber of Commerce covers the important topics impacting business. Join local experts and learn how the Chamber is helping to advocate for you.
Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Naperville
www.downtownnaperville.com
Come downtown Naperville to enjoy a great day filled with fun and lots of candy! The Trick-or-Treat Trolley also circles downtown offering complementary rides for costumed kids and their parents.
All Hallows Eve: Village of Fear
www.napersettlement.org
Experience two of the darkest nights of the year when Naper Settlement’s entire 12 acres are haunted by other-worldy creatures.
NOVEMBER
Turkey Trot
www.napervilleturkeytrot.com
Mapped through the beautiful neighborhoods of Naperville, runners and walkers alike have made this 5K a part of every Thanksgiving holiday.
Little Friends Holiday Parade
www.downtownnaperville.com
The Little Friends Parade of Lights is a popular annual holiday parade and tradition brought to you by Little Friends in partnership with the Downtown Naperville Alliance. Tell the kids; Santa and Mrs. Claus are always in attendance.
DECEMBER
Santa House
www.napervilleparks.org
Take your family on a special trip to meet Santa Claus at his house on the Naperville Riverwalk – where Jackson Avenue and Webster Street meet.
Cookie Walk
www.downtownnaperville.com/event/2019-holiday-cookie-walk-dec-8
Sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, Downtown Naperville’s annual Holiday Sweets & Treats Walk benefits Little Friends, Inc. Attendees receive a commemorative souvenir Sweets Tin along with a map touring many Downtown Naperville shops and restaurants. Walkers end the afternoon with a tin full of custom made (pre-wrapped) holiday cookies, sweets and treats.
Yuletide Fest
www.napersettlement.org
Make your holiday merry and bright at the Yuletide Festival and Fair located on the beautiful Naper Settlement grounds. Experience the joy of the holiday season with live entertainment, art and craft vendors, wintry food and beverages and twinkling lights.