1.29.2026

Good morning, Naperville!

The past week has been freezing! It’s the kind of weather that makes a calm night in all that more enjoyable and gives you a good reason to bring out that Snuggie that the infomercials convinced you to buy all those years ago.

In this week’s Niche…

• No more Amazon Fresh

• Aviation and drone program grant

• First down flavor fest

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🥕 Amazon fresh is out and Mom’s Organic Market is in. As part of a nationwide move, Amazon announced it will close all Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores, including its two Naperville locations on Ogden Avenue and Route 59, with closures expected by Feb. 1. If we’re being honest, the most upsetting part of this is losing the convenient package returns. On a more positive note, we’ve got a new neighbor on the way. MOM’s Organic Market is set to open a new Naperville location this fall at 1163 E. Ogden Ave., bringing its all organic grocery concept to the area. The grocer says the store will focus on high quality organic foods, locally sourced products, and environmentally conscious practices aimed at families and health-minded shoppers.

🏀 Neuqua Valley girls basketball, entering the game at 8-14, pulled off an upset win over Naperville Central, which came in on a five game streak. The Wildcats led early behind Emersen McManis and Taylor Dobry, then pulled away in the second half with key plays from Michalya Stone and Nalia Clifford. Neuqua sealed the 63-54 victory at the free throw line, handing the Redhawks their first DVC loss of the season.

✈️ College of DuPage is taking flight with a new $4 million federal grant to expand its Aviation Management and drone (UAS) programs. Over the next four years, the funding will help launch short, career-focused certificate programs, along with more internship and apprenticeship opportunities. Students can train for roles like airport operations, flight instruction, and UAS technology. College leaders say the grant opens the door to exciting, high-paying career paths in a fast-growing industry.

📍Naper Now

💘 Treat someone special to a romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner at The Morton Arboretum, featuring an elegant five-course meal with expertly paired wines in the Ginkgo Room overlooking Meadow Lake. The evening also includes live music by guitarist Jim Perona, performing romantic selections across flamenco, classical, and contemporary styles. 2/14

🤔 Check out a collection of more than 40,000 objects at the DuPage Museum. The Cabinet of Curiosities exhibit offers the opportunity to explore some of the more unusual artifacts that you may not have seen displayed at the Museum before and learn why they were preserved in the first place. Through 5/30

Just make sure your referral confirms on their end, and you’re good to go!

🏙️ Around Town

📆 Interested in sharing an event with us? Submit it here! 

🎨 Kids Corner

Robotics & Coding Workshop @ Hampton Inn Naperville (2/1)

Build, code, and create! Moonpreneur is hosting a FREE Robotics & Coding Workshop for kids ages 7–14, where young learners will build and program simple robots, explore hands-on coding, and take part in fun challenges and team activities. Parents can also gain insight into STEM learning pathways while kids spark creativity and problem-solving skills. Laptop is required.

Social Savvy @ Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House (2/2)

Calling all 7th & 8th graders! Give your middle schooler a night to remember at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House hosted by Inside Out Club! They’ll enjoy a two-hour, three-course dinner, making new friends, and learning table etiquette, communication skills, and social confidence—all in a fun, drop-off setting.

Make it! Take it! @ 95th Street Library (2/3)

Little Hands, Big Fun! Preschoolers and their grownups are invited to a storytime and craft adventure! Make something special together and take it home. Younger siblings are welcome to join the fun too!

Lima Bean Painting @ Nichols Library (2/4)

Get Creative for Black History Month! Grades 6–12 can celebrate Black History Month with a hands-on art project inspired by Alma Thomas! Use lima beans and paint to make colorful, textured masterpieces you can take home.

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Drake 🐾 He’s a young, high-energy Lab mix who’s ready to leave his stray days behind and step into a life filled with love. This handsome guy is friendly, affectionate, and happiest when he’s in the middle of playtime with his favorite toys.

Like many young pups, Drake can get a little mouthy when he’s excited and prefers his mealtime space respected. Because of that, he’ll thrive best in a home with adults or older kids who understand canine boundaries and can help him continue learning good manners.

Drake is smart, eager to learn, and full of love to give. He’s just waiting for the right family to give him the forever home he deserves and rest his head for good.

Interested in adopting Drake (or seeing more adoptable pets)? Visit here to learn more.

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 1/30 Donny Nichilo @ Sullivan’s Steakhouse 5:30pm

• 1/30 Music Bingo @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 1/30 The Nite Hawks @ CityGate Grille 7pm

• 1/30 Friday Funnies @ Lennon’s 8:30pm

• 1/31 Kelli Ann & Ken Duo @ Lennon’s 7pm

• 1/31 The Morgan Wallen Experience @ BaseCamp Pub 8:30pm

• 1/31 Smoke & Mirrors @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 2/1 Jaik Willis @ Blind Corner Brewing 2pm

• 2/2 Trivia Night @ Empire Burgers & Brew 7pm

• 2/3 Karaoke Night @ The Lantern 9pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 16°

• Saturday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 22°

• Sunday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 25°

• Monday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 27°

• Tuesday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 26°

• Wednesday: 🌨️ Snow showers, high 28°

• Thursday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 27°

Thanks for reading the Naperville Niche today. If you enjoyed, please share it with a friend!