2.19.2026

Good morning, Naperville! Sounds like the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil that is, might just have been wrong in his prediction of a longer winter. With this beautiful weather, we can only hope that’s the case. But don’t worry, I’m knocking on wood as I write this. Enjoy that Vitamin D!

In this week’s Niche…

• Summer Camp Guide

• Legally Blonde the Musical

• Glow in the Snow

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

☀️ Summer is right around the corner, and we’re excited to bring you the Naperville Niche Summer Camp Guide, packed with local options for every interest and age group. From sports and STEM to arts, music, and adventure, this guide makes it easy to find the perfect camp to keep your kids active, learning, and having fun all summer long.

🎨 The Naperville Art League is calling all artists, age 14 and up, to submit work for their 21st Annual Public Art Competition, themed “Legato.” Artists can work in any medium and include a short statement explaining how their piece connects to the theme. Submissions are due by April 7th and the show opens to the public April 14th at the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for Loaves and Fishes. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this is a great chance to share your creativity and see it celebrated in a local exhibition!

🗳️ Early voting in DuPage County for the March 17 primary resumed Monday after a temporary pause over a court ruling. Residents can vote at five locations, including Naperville and Wheaton, with weekday and Saturday hours. The pause followed a delayed start to early voting, which had originally been set for February 5.

Looking to put your business in front of local readers? We’d love to help—get in touch here! 

📍Naper Now

🎭️ The BrightSide Theatre Youth Project invites grade school through high school students to experience musical theater in a professional, hands-on environment, working alongside seasoned directors, choreographers, designers, and artists while building confidence and performance skills. This season, young performers will bring Legally Blonde The Musical JR. to life. A high-energy, feel-good favorite based on the award-winning Broadway musical and hit film, packed with humor, heart, and plenty of pink-powered fun.

🍷 Sip Into Spring at Downtown Naperville’s (Almost) Spring Wine Walk. Winter’s on its way out, and Downtown Naperville is ready to celebrate. The (almost) Spring Wine Walk returns Sunday, March 1, inviting guests to sip 13 curated wines while strolling through favorite local shops. Your ticket includes a tasting glass, a personal charcuterie cup and small bites at the final stop. Wine in hand, downtown at your feet, tickets are going fast!

🛍️ Lily Pulizer is now open, Free People is scheduled to open on February 20th and Slyce of NY is opening in early March.

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

Pokemon Club @ Naper Blvd. Library (2/19)

Calling all Pokémon trainers! Head to the Library for a fun afternoon of games, chatting, and a Pokémon-themed show-and-tell. Bring your favorite cards, artwork, or collectibles to share with fellow fans. For grades 1–5 with a grownup.

Parent & Child Painting Class @ Blackberry Farm (2/21)

Create side-by-side masterpieces with your child during this guided art experience. An instructor will lead you step-by-step as you each design your own custom piece to take home. For ages 7+ with an adult.

Glow in the Snow @ Central Park (2/21)

Step into a winter wonderland at Glow in the Snow: Winter Night Walk, an evening event for all ages featuring a beautifully lit trail filled with festive lights and interactive experiences. Guests can participate in a scavenger hunt, visit winter creature encounter stations, enjoy glow-themed games, take photos at scenic spots, and warm up with hot cocoa station.

Cocoa Fun Fest @ Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center (2/22)

Join local high school students for Cocoa Fun Fest, a drop-in event supporting Inside Out Club. Families can participate in hands-on volunteer projects (ages 3+), snap photos at the fun photo booth, and enjoy hot cocoa and snacks while celebrating kindness, teamwork, gratitude, and empathy together.

Juniper Junction @ Morton Arboretum (2/22)

Explore Juniper Junction, a large-scale model railroad display in the Firefly Pavilion at The Morton Arboretum, offering a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Children will love wandering through a miniature world of trains and buildings built to their scale, while adults admire the intricate, lifelike details.

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Socks 🐾 a high-energy, adventure-loving pup who’s always ready to explore. From long walks and weekend hikes to car rides and new experiences, he would thrive with an active family who can keep both his body and mind engaged.

Socks is eager, spirited, and full of potential. He’s looking for a fresh start and a loyal human to call his own. If you’re searching for a fun-loving sidekick to join you on life’s adventures, Socks is ready to lace up and go!

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 2/20 Peter Oprisko @ CityGate Grille 7pm

• 2/20 Harold Dawson and Friend @ Two Brothers Roundhouse 7pm

• 2/20 Soundstar Live @ Quigley’s 9pm

• 2/21 The Joel Burt Duo @ Sullivan’s Steakhouse 5:30pm

• 2/21 Department of Music Honors Recital @ Wentz Hall 7pm

• 2/21 A Night of Broadway Gala @ Hotel Arista 6pm

• 2/22 Swiftie Trivia @ Tapville Social 6pm

• 2/23 Trivia Night @ Empire Burgers & Brew 7pm

• 2/25 Global Flicks: Anote’s Ark @ McAninch Arts Center 1:30pm & 7:30pm

• 2/25 Dear Evan Hansen @ Paramount Theatre 7pm

• 2/25 Screening of Network (1976) @ The Venue 6pm

• 2/26 $1,000 Family Feud @ McBrides North 7pm

• 2/26 Shawn Maxwell Album Release @ The Venue 7pm

• 2/26 Rock & Roll Bingo @ Freedom Brothers Pizzeria 7pm

• 2/26 Jazz Big Band Winter Concert @ Madden Theatre 7:30pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: 🌨️ AM snow showers, high 48°

• Saturday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 35°

• Sunday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 31°

• Monday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 31°

• Tuesday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 42°

• Wednesday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 52°

• Thursday: 🌧️ PM showers, high 43°

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