Patio days of fall continue for well-behaved pets and their closest pals at, 43 E. Jefferson Avenue, weather permitting. Inside, you'll discover what the regulars refer to as "EDAQ" companionship, as well as classic Irish meals, bar nibbles, and cool drinks. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, there is live music. Simply inquire. From 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Oct. 23, families dressed in costume are welcome to swing by for sweets to celebrate Halloween Hop. Sláinte!

Quigley's Irish Pub is located at 43 E. Jefferson Avenue.
22nd of October / Fall Family Fun and Pumpkin Patch return to Water Street on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children under the age of 12 are encouraged to visit the no-contact pumpkin "patch" in Foyo Plaza to select from various sized pumpkins for free, while supplies last. Outside in front of their store, London Skye will hold a unique hands-on scary science exercise. Balloon twisting and face painting will be available to add to the enjoyment. Costumes are appreciated, and gift bags will be provided. FREE!

23rd of October / Happy Halloween Hop! The annual Halloween Hop is set for Sunday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, with a call for ghouls, goblins, ghosts, witches, fairytale characters, and super heroes. (Note that the date is sooner than normal.) Families may dress Halloween in their costumes and visit downtown establishments, where children can stock up on treats. Dozens of businesses will open early to provide Halloween snacks and surprises. FREE!

Check in at Top Fashion (corner of Main Street and Jackson Avenue) for a map of participating shops (while supplies last). Enjoy fall activities with your loved ones! All day, shops and eateries welcome your patronage!

Halloween Hop will return on Sunday, October 23, 2022.
Meson Sabika / Hurricane Relief Benefit Ian
Meson Sabika can be found at 1025 Aurora Avenue.
Oct. 25 / Meson Sabika will conduct a fundraiser for the American Red Cross to support Hurricane Ian victims in Florida all day on Tuesday, Oct. 25, during lunch and supper hours. The American Red Cross will get 100% of the proceeds from that day's sales. Call (630) 983-3000, ext. 2 for bookings. Alternatively, go to.

Fry Family YMCA / 2120 95th Street Oct. 25 / From a locker room reopening and ribbon cutting on Oct. 25 to a Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 29, the Fry Family YMCA has a lot going on.

Gartner Naperville Plaza / Washington
Oct. 29 / Casey's Foods and Oswald's Pharmacy will present a "Monster Mash Bash" on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 1PM to 4PM at Naperville Plaza, Washington at Gartner. Dress up for Halloween or treating. Take advantage of goodies and unexpected surprises. FREE! (These are also excellent places to buy Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters on Halloween.)

Riverwalk Grand Pavilion / Halloween Happening
Oct. 30 / The Riverwalk Grand Pavilion will once again host its. Kids 10 and younger are welcome to meet skeletons and engage in Halloween-themed games and activities while collecting candies, treats, or prizes, as presented by Woody Buick/GMC. Family-friendly costumes are strongly recommended. The Halloween Happening is set for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, west of the Jaycees Playground, near the Grand Pavilion. FREE!

Why are the skeletons not amused by Halloween Happening? Because none of them are amusing.
523 S. Webster St., Naper Settlement / Click
October 14 & 15 / All Hallows Eve returns from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday, October 14 & Saturday, October 15. Monsters, witches, and werewolves will roam unleashed on the Naper Settlement grounds! Experience All Hallows Eve like never before with a fully reinvented lineup of outdoor activities and performances for people aged 16 and under. A zombie maze, alien autopsy, magic show, fire performances, laser tag, and more attractions are available. TKTS: $20

October 21 & 22 / Howlin' at the Moon (21+) is scheduled from 5PM to 10PM. Friday, October 21, and Saturday, October 22. Experience a Halloween event for adults (aged 21 and over). Howl to live music, devour amazing local food at the Food Truck Graveyard, and quench your thirst in our Booze Bar. Take a stroll through our Moonlight Market to purchase scary and odd products, see the Dark Art Gallery, and enter our costume contest utilizing a SweetPix360 360 picture booth for a chance to win a prize. And prepare to be shocked when you discover more. TKTS: $20

30th of October / Almost Halloween! Trick or Treat at Naper Settlement on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. Kids may dress up and take a walk around Naper Settlement, stopping at historical homes for goodies. The blacksmith shop will also be open that day. Registration is needed. Adults/Children $5

The Naperville Pumpkin Race, organized by the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, returns to Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk at noon on Saturday, Oct. 29. Create/purchase a pumpkin racer (Kits are $25) and be prepared to compete in-person at Rotary Hill near Moser Tower or in your own driveway, regardless of where you reside. (For further information on mail orders, visit the TPAF website.) This event is a lot of fun for everyone that participates and/or watches. The elimination races might go for several hours. This entertaining Halloween event features a costume contest, vendors, a pumpkin decorating contest, live entertainment, and other creative surprises. Cheering spectators are invited for this once-in-a-lifetime event! FREE! ***(Fundraiser)

The 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat Halloween Extravaganza is slated for 12 to 2PM Saturday, Oct. 29, at Naperville Evangelical Covenant Church, located at 1150 Hobson Road. Everyone is invited to the celebrations, which will feature games, entertainment, a firetruck, a food truck, and all those vehicle trunks packed with Halloween sweets. Call (630) 369-2741 or contact [email protected] for further information.

Boo! Merry Halloween!
Memories of a croissant-loving 2-year-old Halloweener with her doggie!
Oct. 31 / Though the City of Naperville has no established hours for Trick or Treating, most families observe the hours of 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. when they allow their children to go door to door on Halloween. Follow local public safety rules.

The post Fall Events and Halloween in Naperville Happening this Month appeared first on Brookdale on the Park Blog.

America the Beautiful

As blankets are spread out on the grass and picnic baskets are filled to the brim with food, the air swirls. Beer gardens pour from flowing kegs while drinks are retrieved from ice-cold coolers, making splashes of ice and water.
As children play in parks and on playgrounds, the noises of games, rides, and booths reverberate. As the sun sets over Springbrook Prairie Nature Preserve, the crack of the bat can be heard from the baseball grounds. and then…

Over the park, the night sky suddenly comes to life, illuminating the already starry night with hues of red, white, and blue.
As blazing glitter blankets the horizon, creating a dazzling aura of light against the background, "Ohs" and "Ahs" can be heard from the grass. People are watching with big grins as energy vibrates and eyes are directed upward.
One of our favorite American holidays and activities is taking place right now –

Fourth of July Fireworks!

To make sure you have an amazing time this Independence Day, Brookdale on the Park is offering you the best fireworks displays close to Naperville, Illinois.
You may find the links to the best fireworks shows in our region below, so get out your lawn chair and settle down or stand and cheer:

1. The Naperville Salute

Local bands, food, drink, and an amazing fireworks display are all available during The Naperville Salute, which takes place right here in Naperville. On July 1-4, it will take place at Rotary Hill (440 Aurora Ave.), and on July 4 at Frontier Park, there will be fireworks (3380 Cedar Glade Drive). The festival spans the Riverwalk and Downtown Naperville and is centered on Veterans, First Responders, Active Military, and their families. The Salute event tickets cost $15, while the Sunday fireworks are free.

2. Batavia Fireworks Show

The Batavia fireworks display will happen this year. The Batavia Community Band and isis will perform live during the July 4th fireworks display in Engstrom Park (326 Millview Drive). Before the performance, relax along the Fox River or get a beverage at Energy City Brewing.

3. Dupage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton

At Graf Park, Wheaton will have its yearly fireworks display on July 3. (1855 Manchester Rd). A DJ, food stalls, lawn activities, and giveaways are all planned for the evening. You won't want to miss this special event since a scout troop will have a flag ceremony beforehand! There will be no alcohol, sparklers, or smoke bombs allowed in the park.

Check out the Chicago Tribune's article on where to see fireworks for a current list of more Fourth of July performances and activities in the Chicago area – here.

If you have any inquiries or know of any other local shows, please leave a comment for us!

The post The 3 Best Fourth of July Fireworks Shows Near Brookdale in the Park appeared first on Brookdale on the Park Blog.

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Greetings, Foodies! The 3rd Annual Naperville Food Truck Festival will take place at Naper Settlement in the heart of downtown Naperville. There will be more than 25 of the best food trucks in the area, as well as live DJ entertainment, face painters, a beer garden, a bubble artist, and a vendor village with local businesses.

The #NFTF Spring event this year takes place on Cinco de Mayo weekend! To commemorate the occasion, we'll host a #Mexican beer garden and bring back our renowned Food Truck Taco Showdown. Several trucks will have tacos on their menus; which one is the best is up to you to decide! Simply eat and vote in our Facebook poll to help us choose a winner.

This is a family-friendly event featuring food and entertainment for the kids, as well as the wide historical grounds for everyone to enjoy.

Please Note: The Naperville Food Truck Festival is produced by Brew Avenue Events.  For questions and more information, please contact Brew Avenue Events at BrewAvenueEvents.com/Contact or  [email protected] 

Time:

1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Address:

Naper Settlement, IL 60540

Email:

Contact Brew Avenue Events

Link:

Learn More

The post Get Your Best Grub on Foodie: It’s the Naperville Food Truck Festival appeared first on Brookdale on the Park Blog.

With October in full swing, Halloween fun may already be on your mind. This year there are many new and returning Halloween events in Naperville to help celebrate the spooky season.

Naperville Park District

The Naperville Park District has a few options that are coming up:

• Kids Night Out – Spooktacular at the Fort Hill Activity Center on October 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Painting pumpkins and games will be part of the event. People can also show up dressed in their costumes.

• Halloween Happening at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion on October 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This is a free Halloween fest for kids 10 and under. There will be activities, games, and goodies.

• Halloween Hayride at Knoch Knolls Park on October 30 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. People can dress up in their Halloween costumes and kids ages three to 12 will get a goodie bag.

Naper Settlement

• Howlin’ at the Moon on October 22 and October 23 from 5 p.m .to 10 p.m. This is a new event for those 21 and older with live music, a food truck graveyard, booze bar, an illusionist, and fire dancers. Costumes are encouraged.

• Trick or Treat at Naper Settlement on October 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. People can dress up in their costumes and take a stroll through Naper Settlement, stopping at historical homes to grab their treats. The blacksmith will also open up shop that day.

Safety Town

The Naperville Junior Woman’s Club Trick or Treat at Safety Town will take place October 23 from 9 a.m. to noon. People can stop by in their costumes and visit each vendor for Halloween treats. Non-perishable food items can also be donated at the event for non-profit Loaves & Fishes Community Services.

Downtown Naperville

Downtown Naperville’s annual Halloween Hop will be taking place on October 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. People can dress up in their costumes and visit downtown businesses to grab goodies. Over 70 shops and stores will be handing out Halloween surprises.

The post The Best Local Halloween Events Happening Right Here in Naperville appeared first on Brookdale on the Park Blog.

Check out the list below.

Sept. 17 – 18

Naper Settlement will be hosting Naper Nights, a culmination to their summer concert series  The historic museum is located at 523 S. Webster Street, and the gates open at 5 pm both nights. 

• Sept. 17: 

  • 6 pm The Doors Tribute (Of Perception)

  • 8 pm Rolling Stones Tribute (Rocks Off)

• Sept. 18: 

  • 6 pm Grateful Dead Tribute (Paradise Waits)

  • 8 pm Phish Tribute (Runaway Gin)

Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed on the lawn

Tickets – $15 Adult, $10 Youth, Naper Settlement Members are free!

Sept. 18 – 19 

This Saturday and Sunday is the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair!

This will be the 36th annual event hosted by the Naperville Art League, and will be happening along Jackson Avenue from 10 am – 5 pm both days. It’s free for everyone and features some of the best local artists, talks, children’s events, chalk art, live music, and more. 

Sept. 18 

Come check out the Naperville Hispanic Heritage Festival!

It will run from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday the 18th in Central Park (104 E Benton Ave).

Tis event celebrates Mexican heritage with food, music, art, and more. Participating businesses will feature food specials and more! The Naperville Municipal Band will be performing in the evening with their joyful tunes. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Visit www.napervillehispanicfest.com for more information.

Sept. 19

The world’s largest event to fight Alzheimer’s, The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, takes place on Sunday, September 19th with registration at 8 am and the event beginning at 9:30 am at North Central College, Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium (455 S Brainard St). The goal is to raise $290k. Click here for more information! 

Sept. 19 

The Judd Kendall VFW is hosting a .1k fun run and fundraiser for veteran and military families at the VFW National Home for Children. It starts at 10:01 am on the 19th at the Judd Kendall VFW Post (908 W Jackson Ave). $25 on race day. For more info, click here. 

Sept. 24 

Pig Roast at the Judd Kendall VFW post!

The roast will take place at 6 pm on Friday the 24th and is open to the public with a raffle. Tickets are $15.

Sept. 26 

Memorial Monument Groundbreaking at Veterans Park. Gold Star Families will host this event with the Naperville Municipal Band performing at 1:45 pm on Sunday, Sept. 26th. 301 E Gartner Road.

Check out these fun, local events and support the local community! 

Know of any other great events in September? Tell us in the comments!

The post Local Updates: Naperville Events Happening in September appeared first on Brookdale on the Park Blog.

The Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling is a local community festival taking place in Naperville over Labor Day Weekend.  The Last Fling is a great way to transition from summer to fall, offering fun events and things to do for everyone. including live music on various stages. There is a Family Fun Land, unique events, and rides such as a carnival, and a local business expo to support the community of Naperville.
 

The 2021 Labor Day Parade

At 10 am on Monday, September 6th, there will be a Labor Day Parade starting at Naperville North High School, turning south on Mill Street, then east on Jefferson Avenue, south on Main Street, west on Porter where it finishes off at Naperville Central High.

The parade will feature all of the good things about the Naperville community.

The Naperville Labor Day Parade has many traditions, including the Color Guard of local Veterans representing the Armed Forces.

The Last Fling

Besides the parade, the 2021 Last Fling will happen from Friday, September 3 – Monday, September 6. There will be a ton of carnival rides, local and festival food, vendors, and more. It takes place on Jackson Avenue. 

There will be live music happening throughout the weekend, with a schedule found here.

This event is hosted by the Jaycees, Naperville’s young person organization dedicated to philanthropy and volunteerism. The Last Fling is one of their largest fundraisers and raises thousands of dollars for nonprofits throughout Naperville and Dupage. 

They have various events throughout the year, including Rock the Mic, East Egg Hunt, Lobster Day.

Supporting the Frontline Workers

Edward Hospital Frontline Workers will be the Grand Marshal of the Labor Day Parade!

“We are proud and honored that our Edward Hospital frontline workers, who have worked tirelessly through the pandemic to keep all those affected safe and in good health, will lead the Labor Day parade,” said 2021 Last Fling Co-Chair Pete Paulsen. 

“We thank the Naperville Jaycees for the opportunity to serve as the Grand Marshal of this year’s Labor Day Parade,” said Joe Dant, President & CEO, Edward Hospital. “We truly appreciate the recognition of the staff’s efforts and are honored to have played such a critical role in caring for our community during the pandemic.”
 

Come check out this awesome event and support healthcare frontline workers and the local community this weekend!

The post The Best Local Labor Day Event: Jaycees Last Fling and Labor Day Parade appeared first on Brookdale on the Park Blog.

The first-ever Naperville Irish Fest is set to kick off August 6 and 7 at the Frontier Sports Complex!

West Suburban Irish is running the event and has something in store for all ages with this fun summer event. 

Carnival rides and a zone specifically for kids will be included with the Irish cultural activities, beer, live music, and more. Big, beautiful Irish Wolfhounds will be walking the premises along with leprechauns and staff dressed in Irish fashion. 

Live Music and Entertainment

A wide range of musical styles will be offered throughout Naperville Irish Fest. Groups of Irish dancers, a famous Irish tenor named Paddy Homan, and rock bands covering all your favorite songs. 

Bagpipes, leprechauns, and St. Patrick will all be in attendance, making this a sight you won’t want to miss. 

Audience members can join in on Irish karaoke while the Irish dancers put on a traditional Irish jig to dance along to. 

Hurling Tournament 

There will be a hurling tournament and a demonstration of how the game is played. The tournament will be held on August 7 from 10 am to 6:30 pm. The demonstration will be on August 6.

As hurling is the number one sport in Ireland, this is a great addition!

The game itself is a mix of lacrosse and hockey, where players use a wooden stick to try to get the ball into the goal.

The Best Irish Food and Drinks

Naperville Irish Fest will offer both delicious traditional Irish dining as well as other carnival foods. Pre-packaged foods can be purchased as well. Plenty of Irish beer will be offered across multiple drink bars, so come hungry and thirsty!

Stacked ice cream cones, brick-oven pizza, and more will be available as well.

Irish Tradition

Besides Irish food, clothing and attire worn in Ireland can be purchased at multiple venues, as well as items from local community businesses.

Naperville is a big location for Irish households, with many still carrying on Irish traditions. 

Tickets 

One-day tickets are available online for $10 and will be $15 at the festival. 

Two-day tickets are $15 online and $30 at the festival. Kids 15 and under are free!

Carnival Rides are offered from 3 pm to 10 pm on August 6 and from 12 pm to 10 pm on August 7.

Parking

Free vehicle parking at:

• Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th Street (adjacent to Irish Fest).

• The parking area on the corner of Book and Conan Doyle Roads.

• There will be bike parking near the Naperville Irish Fest entrance.

Transportation

Complimentary bus transportation will be available between the main area

and the 95th Street Library on both days of the festival, sponsored by Quigley’s. 

The post Break Out the Kilts and Bagpipes – Naperville Irish Fest is Coming to Frontier Sports Complex appeared first on Brookdale on the Park Blog.