3.26.2026

Good morning, Naperville! We hope you’re having an amazing week. We made it, it’s officially spring…at least on paper. Coats are still by the door, but hope in the air. Here’s what’s happening locally this week, plus a few things worth knowing before the weekend sneaks up.

In this week’s Niche…

• Naperville ranked best city to live in America

• Volunteer fair

• Margarita and sangria festival

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🥇 Naperville has something to celebrate, again. A new 2026 ranking from Niche named our city the No. 1 best city to live in America, marking the third year in a row at the top. The rankings looked at factors like schools, safety, things to do, and cost of living, using both public data and millions of resident reviews. Another local win: Clarendon Hills also made the list, landing in the top five best places to live nationwide.

🏥 Lurie Children’s Hospital has shared new details about its proposed pediatric hospital in Downers Grove, planned near I‑88 and I‑355. If approved, the hospital could open as early as 2029 and would include inpatient beds, a pediatric emergency department, surgery suites, and specialty care like cardiology and oncology. The goal is to expand access to pediatric care in the western suburbs, where many families currently have to travel outside their communities for inpatient services.

🍃 Love the outdoors? The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is hiring seasonal help in wildlife, horticulture, communications, and weekend ranger roles to support and maintain natural spaces around Naperville.

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

📍Naper Now

🤎 Getting the itch to put in some volunteer hours, but not sure where to start? The Village of Downers Grove is hosting their second annual Volunteer Fair. Visit with 15+ local organizations and learn how you can make a difference. Opportunities exist for teens, adults, retirees, and families to give back to their community! 3/28

💼 A local retirement planning class is helping take some of the guesswork out of preparing for the future. The session at NIU’s Naperville campus will walk through how to tell if your savings will last, ways to protect your money from rising taxes, and how to get the most out of Social Security. You’ll also learn the basics of the three main types of retirement accounts, simple strategies to help cushion market ups and downs, and the common planning mistakes that can cost retirees the most. 3/31

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

‘Happy Hummingbird’ LEGO Build @ Barnes & Noble (3/27)

Flutter into spring at this fun LEGO Build event featuring the ‘Happy Hummingbird’! Builders will enjoy a hands-on evening creating a colorful design to take shape piece by piece. Perfect for LEGO fans ages 10+ (all are welcome), it’s a great way to get creative and celebrate the season.

Spring Break Beach Break @ DuPage Children’s Museum (3/28-4/6)

No beach? No problem! Dive into spring break fun at DuPage Children’s Museum where kids can dig, build, splash, and explore through hands-on, beach-themed activities. From water play and sand art to kites and creative play spaces, there’s something for every little explorer to enjoy all week long.

Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch @ Cantigny Park (3/28-29)

Hop into spring fun at this all-day Egg Hunt open house where kids can collect eggs, snap photos with Mr. & Mrs. Bunny, and trade their finds for prizes. Enjoy festive crafts, tasty treats, and don’t miss the brunch buffet with all your favorite breakfast and lunch bites making it a full day of family fun!

Safe Sitter Class @ Naperville Safety Town (3/28)

Enroll your child ages 11 to 15 in the Safe Sitter certification class that teaches kids essential childcare and safety skills, including how to respond in emergencies and care for younger children responsibly. It is a great option for parents who want their child to feel prepared and confident before babysitting.

Kiddie Concert Series @ Fox Valley Mall (3/30)

Get ready to sing, dance, and play at this interactive concert with Miss Jamie & Friends! Perfect for kids ages 2–8, this high-energy musical experience is a fun way to build confidence, coordination, and a love for music.

Sweet & Savory Kids Spring Break Baking Camp @ The Wilton Studio (3/30-31)

Whip up some spring break fun at this Kid’s Baking Camp where young chefs will create sweet and savory treats from scratch while learning real kitchen skills. A hands-on, confidence-boosting experience perfect for kids who love to bake and get creative! Perfect for aspiring chefs in grades 3-6 (ages 8-12).

Flashlight Egg Hunt @ Knoch Knolls Park (4/2)

Get your kids ready for a nighttime egg hunt adventure for ages 9–14, filled with candy and prize eggs under the stars! Bring a flashlight, dress for the weather, and get ready for some after-dark fun!

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Ribeye! 🐾 a 3-year-old male available for adoption at Naperville Area Humane Society. He is a smart, eager-to-please pup who is highly trainable and would thrive with someone who enjoys working with him and cheering him on. Ribeye adores bringing you his toys so you can play together, especially a good game of tug. When you're done playing, please only leave him with sturdy, power chewer toys. He takes treats very nicely and learns fast when there’s praise and snacks involved. 

If you’re looking for a loyal companion who’s always ready to bring a smile to your face, Ribeye is your guy!

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 3/27 Harold Dawson @ CityGate Grille 7pm

• 3/27 An Evening of Jazz @ Madden Theatre 7:30pm

• 3/27 Funny Friday @ Lennon’s 8:30pm

• 3/27 Annie Vander @ Empire Burgers & Brew 9pm

• 3/28 My Chemical Rodeo @ Saddle Up at Q 5pm

• 3/28 Improv Show @ Center Stage Theater 8pm

• 3/28 Cheap Foreign Cars @ Two Brothers Roundhouse 8:30pm

• 3/28 Hearts & Boots @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 3/29 James Gedda @ Blind Corner Brewery 2pm

• 3/29 Civic Orchestra of Chicago @ Wentz Hall 6pm

• 3/29 Morgan James @ The Venue 7pm

• 3/30 Trivia Night @ Empire Burgers & Brew 7pm 

• 3/31 Millennial Nickelodeon Trivia @ SixtyFour Wine Bar 7pm

• 4/1 Irish Sessions @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 7:30pm

• 4/2 Rock & Roll Bingo @ Freedom Brothers Pizzeria 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: 🌤️ AM clouds/PM sun, high 45°

• Saturday: ☀️ Mostly sunny, high 49°

• Sunday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 63°

• Monday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 72°

• Tuesday: 🌧️ Rain showers, high 67°

• Wednesday: 🌧️ Rain showers, high 66°

• Thursday: 🌧️ Rain showers, high 50°

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