2.5.2026

Together With

Good morning, Naperville! Super Bowl weekend is officially here. Last year’s big game drew more than 127 million viewers, and we all tune in for our own reasons. Whether you’re there for the game itself, the snacks, or the halftime show, one thing’s for sure: it’s shaping up to be a pretty great Sunday.

In this week’s Niche…

• DuPage water commission project

• Final days of Naperville restaurant week

• Galantine’s day soirée

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🚿 Construction is officially underway on WaterLink, a major DuPage Water Commission project that will bring Lake Michigan drinking water to Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville as early as 2028. Crews began work along Book Road in Naperville in mid-December, launching the first phase of the 30-mile pipeline. The multi-year project is one of the largest infrastructure investments in Illinois in decades and is designed to support long-term growth, public health, and reliable water access across the region.

💻️ We wouldn’t call ourselves jealous people, but when it comes to those of you working from home…maybe just a little! And what a better place to do it, Naperville has landed at No. 12 on a new ranking of the top U.S. cities for remote workers. About a quarter of Naperville’s workforce now works from home, according to recent Census data, putting the city among the top 20 nationwide. It’s the only Illinois city on the list. The ranking looked at factors like remote work rates and commute time savings across large cities. With plenty of coffee shops and co-working spots around town, it’s no surprise Naperville continues to be a strong fit for the work-from-anywhere crowd.

Together with Alicia’s Photography

Parents of the Class of 2027 — this one’s for you. Senior year comes fast, and capturing it with a photographer who truly understands today’s high school experience makes all the difference. Alicia’s Photography is now accepting applications for their Class of 2027 Senior Model Program — a confidence-boosting, creative experience designed to celebrate this milestone.

The program includes three sessions for the price of one:
✔️ A full senior session
✔️ A FREE headshot session
✔️ A FREE styled shoot with professional hair & makeup

With sessions spread across senior year, families receive a well-rounded collection of images that reflect different seasons, styles, and moments.

Beyond the photos, the program offers a welcoming community where students connect, gain confidence, and enjoy unforgettable opportunities — including styled shoots, potential magazine features, and even international travel experiences. As one of the original senior model programs in Chicagoland, spots are limited.
Applications for the Class of 2027 are now open.

👉 Learn more and apply at alicias.com/senior-model-program

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

📍Naper Now

🍽️ Naperville Restaurant Week is almost coming to a close. If you’re looking for some pre-Super Bowl eats or a fun Saturday excursion, take your pick of 40 participating restaurants all across the city! Last day is 2/8

♥️ Join the Inside Out Club for a heartwarming, hands on family event where kids will learn about empathy and social responsibility while creating handmade cards and “snuggle bunnies” for local seniors. Donations will support Meals on Wheels at DuPage Senior Citizens Council and help brighten the days of seniors who may be away from family. 2/7

🎭 The Illinois Conservatory for the Arts will host its fourth annual benefit gala and concert, A Night of Broadway, at The Matrix Club in Naperville, featuring six Broadway performers backed by a 20-piece orchestra. Hosted by Broadway star Brittney Mack, the proceeds will be used to support youth arts education scholarships. 2/21

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

Family STEM Night @ Naper Settlement (2/5 & 2/19)

Spark your child's creativity and explore 250 years of American innovation together through hands-on activities that blend history and science! You're invited to build, experiment, and invent through activities inspired by the thinkers and tinkerers who shaped our nation. Connect with your child through a unique night of fun that blends US history and science.

Children’s Book Author Event @ Anderson’s Bookshop (2/6)

Join Anderson’s Bookshop for an author event with Shafaq Khan to celebrate the release of Zeyna Lost and Found. This children’s adventure follows Zeyna as her parents mysteriously disappear during a trip to Pakistan. Following a trail of clues tied to a jewel heist, Zeyna teams up with her clever cousin and little brother to find them, and discovers the strength of navigating two cultures along the way.

Build. Play. Take it home! @ The Home Depot (2/7)

Get ready for some Valentine’s fun! Home Depot’s Kids Workshop is the perfect place for little builders to get creative. Kids can assemble their very own penguin mailbox to take home. It’s a fun way to spark imagination, build confidence, and create something they’ll be proud of. The best part is, it’s completely free!

ICE-A-Palooza @ Central Athletic Complex/Ice Rinks (2/7)

Bundle up and bring the whole family to this free outdoor winter celebration! Enjoy ice skating, fun demos, a live DJ, hands-on crafts, and games throughout the day. Warm up with bites from the food truck and a cozy cup from the hot cocoa truck. Activities rotate, so check their site for the full schedule and plan your visit!

$1 Movie Mondays @ Paramount Theatre (2/9)

Wakanda forever! Catch Black Panther on the Paramount Theatre’s stunning two-story screen for just $1 per ticket. Tickets are available at the door (cash only, $20 bills or less), and concessions will be available for purchase—making it an easy, affordable family movie outing.

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Casper 🐾 a young Maltese mix who was found as a stray, but you'd never know it by his cheerful spirit. This little guy is as sweet as they come - friendly, playful, and always ready to snuggle up with his favorite people. He loves to play fetch and is looking for someone to play with him!

Being young, Casper still has a bit of that puppy energy and can get a little mouthy when he's excited. For that reason, we think he'll do best in a home with children 5 years and up, until he fully learns that little fingers aren't chew toys. He would thrive in a home with another dog due to his high energy and desire for a playful canine companion. Casper is full of love and joy, and he's ready to bring endless cuddles and fun into his forever home.

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 2/6 The Jose Valdes Duo @ Sullivan’s Steakhouse 5:30pm

• 2/6 Harold Dawson @ CityGate Grille 7pm

• 2/6 Music Bingo @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 2/7 The Flannel Junkies @ Lennon’s 8pm

• 2/7 Haiku Milieu @ The Venue 8pm

• 2/7 iPop @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 2/9 Trivia Night @ Foreign Exchange Brewery 6:30pm

• 2/10 Karaoke Night @ The Lantern 9pm

• 2/11 Honors Choral Invitational Festival Concert @ Wentz Hall 7pm

• 2/13 Funny Friday @ Lennon’s 8:30pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 38°

• Saturday: ☀️ Mostly sunny, high 26°

• Sunday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 34°

• Monday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 46°

• Tuesday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 43°

• Wednesday: 🌧️ PM showers, high 40°

• Thursday: 🌨️ AM snow showers, high 38°

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