3.12.2026

☘️ Good morning, Naperville! We hope the luck of the Irish is on your side this week and maybe even in your coffee cup….if that’s your thing!

In this week’s Niche…

• New downtown housing development

• St. Patrick’s Day festivities

• Slime science

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🗼 A Naperville teen with a passion for engineering just built something pretty incredible. Eric Klabel spent months constructing a 17-foot-tall tower made entirely of toothpicks and glue, ultimately setting a world record for the tallest toothpick sculpture. Inspired by the design of the Eiffel Tower, the structure features a strong base and slim frame made from thousands of carefully glued toothpicks.

Eric, who previously held a record for a massive popsicle-stick structure, built the tower piece by piece at home before assembling it outside for a public viewing in Naperville. He hopes it inspires other kids to explore STEM and start building big ideas of their own. Congrats, Eric, that’s amazing news!

🏘️ A new housing development called Benton + Main is moving forward near downtown Naperville despite concerns from nearby residents. The project, proposed by M/I Homes, will bring 11 residential units, including seven attached homes and two duplexes to the former Calvary Temple Church property. Plans call for brick exteriors, large windows, traditional rooflines, and rooftop terraces. Some neighbors have objected to the density and 46-foot building height, which exceeds the city’s typical 35-foot limit. The Naperville City Council approved the development unanimously, though residents have since filed a petition asking officials to reconsider.

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

📍Naper Now

🐰 The Naperville Junior Woman’s Club is bringing back its annual Hoppy Easter event at Safety Town, a fun-filled spring tradition for local families. Kids can stroll down the “Bunny Trail,” meet local vendors, enjoy interactive activities, and snap a photo with the Easter Bunny! 3/21

🥩 Ruth's Chris Steak House has officially opened at Block 59, serving its famous sizzling steaks and upscale dining experience. The new spot features a large dining room, lounge, and year-round atrium patio, adding another big name restaurant to Naperville’s growing entertainment district.

🎡 Glow Wild is a brand-new, limited-time lantern festival lighting up Brookfield Zoo. Featuring more than 70 larger-than-life illuminated displays, this immersive nighttime experience transforms the zoo into a glowing wonderland. Tickets are sold separately from daytime admission and include carousel and Ferris wheel rides for even more family fun. 3/19-5/10

🔦 Register now for the Flashlight Egg Hunt at Knoch Knolls Park. Kids can grab a flashlight and hunt for candy- and prize-filled eggs under the stars at this nighttime egg hunt. Participants should bring a flashlight and a bag or basket to collect their eggs. The event takes place outdoors, so families should dress for the weather. Parents must be present but cannot help children during the hunt. 4/2

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

Naperville Camp Fair @ Northern Illinois University (3/15)

Find the perfect summer camp for your child at the free Naperville Camp Fair at NIU Naperville. Meet representatives from a wide variety of day, overnight, and specialty camps all in one place and explore exciting options for the summer ahead.

A Pinch of Green @ The Fun Playce (3/17)

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a little luck and a lot of fun! Kids can enjoy a festive scavenger hunt, a “Dye the Dough” activity where they create their own green playdough, open playtime, and special goodies for kiddos wearing green.

Painted Fruit Tote Bag @ 95th St. Library (3/19)

Squeeze the day and get creative by designing your own painted fruit tote bag! This fun, hands-on activity invites students in grades 6–12 to paint their favorite fruity designs while creating a colorful tote they can take home and use.

Gravity Galore Family STEM Night @ Naper Settlement (3/19)

What keeps us from floating away? Gravity! Kids ages 5–11 and their caretakers are invited to a fun night of hands-on science exploring the force that keeps our feet on the ground. Young scientists will experiment with surface tension and put their creativity to the test by designing an invention to protect Humpty Dumpty in an exciting egg drop challenge.

Slime Science & DIY Mini Plaque @ Fry Family YMCA (3/21)

Join First Light Pathways where kids can stretch, squish, and create their own custom slime at this hands-on Slime Science Workshop, exploring simple chemistry while adding fun mix-ins like glitter, scents, and charms. They’ll also get creative designing a personalized wooden plaque using paints, stencils, and raised lettering—making it a fun afternoon filled with science, creativity, and projects to proudly take home.

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Mint Chip 🐾 a sweet little scoop of joy with just the right sprinkle of spunky fun! This playful pup loves to stay busy chasing toys, exploring new places, and bouncing around with that irresistible puppy energy that makes everyone smile. When playtime winds down, Mint Chip is all about the cuddles. She loves being close to her people and will happily curl up for snuggles and a few gentle puppy kisses.

Mint Chip is ready to find her forever family and bring a whole lot of love (and puppy fun) into their lives.

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 3/13 Billy Elton Benefit Concert @ Neuqua Valley 8:30pm

• 3/13 Mr. Blotto @ The Venue 8pm

• 3/13 She-Nanigans @ The Bit Theater 8pm

• 3/14 Cirrus Falcon @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 12pm

• 3/14 2026 A Cappella Festival @ Wentz Hall 7:30pm

• 3/14 Big Bang Baby @ Potters Place 8pm

• 3/14 Windy City Dueling Pianos @ Spartan Ale House 8pm

• 3/14 Beatles Night Tribute @ The Venue 8pm

• 3/14 iPop @ Ballydoyle 9pm

• 3/15 Trivia @ Noon Whistle Brewing 3pm

• 3/16 Trivia @ Empire Burgers & Brew 7pm

• 3/17 Celtic Roots @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 12:30pm

• 3/17 Trivia Night @ Spartan Ale House 8pm

• 3/19 Rock & Roll Bingo @ Freedom Brothers Pizzeria 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 44°

• Saturday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 39°

• Sunday: 🌧️ Scattered showers, high 49°

• Monday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 23°

• Tuesday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny, high 26°

• Wednesday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 39°

• Thursday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 52°

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