3.5.2026

Good morning, Naperville! Daylight savings time is on March 8th. Yes, we’re losing an hour of sleep, but look on the bright side, longer evenings mean more time for local adventures.

In this week’s Niche…

• Future Naperville energy sourcing

• Golden years expo

• SpongeBob musical

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🚌 Naperville Community Unit School District 203 will replace its outdated transportation trailers behind Naperville North High School with a new $12.2 million facility after the school board approved construction bids this week. The new building will include solar panels and geothermal wells to boost energy efficiency and give bus drivers a permanent meeting space, eliminating the district’s current $4,000-per-month rental across 5th Avenue. District leaders called the project a smart long-term investment, noting the bid came in more than $2 million under initial estimates.

🌳 The Naperville Park District is hosting hiring events on March 9th and April 2nd from 1–3 p.m. at Fort Hill Activity Center. Job seekers can meet directly with hiring managers from the Park District, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) and Official Finders to learn about summer and part-time opportunities. Positions are available at Centennial Beach, the Paddleboat Quarry, summer camps, and in areas such as park maintenance, recreation, golf, custodial and customer service. The event is open to high school and college students and adults seeking flexible, part-time work.

⚡️ Naperville City Council members are talking about what needs to happen over the next few years to keep the lights on. They have paused contract extension talks with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA). Officials voiced support for hosting at least one strategic workshop later this year to establish benchmarks. Key benchmark items include affordability and carbon reduction, before evaluating providers. With nine years remaining on the current IMEA contract, councilmembers stressed the need for transparent timelines, defined decision points, and a thorough review of all available options, including non-IMEA alternatives.

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

📍Naper Now

🥖 Downtown Naperville continues to welcome new businesses, including a couple of new dining experiences. Open now, Le Macaron French Pastries, the French inspired shop serves gluten-free macarons, gelato, cakes, gourmet chocolates, pastries, and coffee. Coming later this spring, Bonci Pizzeria will bring its Roman-style “al taglio” pizza. It’s sold by the slice and priced by weight, it’s their first location in the burbs. Never thought about French Pastries as a dessert for my Italian pizza in one go, but this feels like a sign. 😅 

👮 If you’ve ever had an interest in learning more about your local police force or wanted the opportunity to ask questions to those in the know, this one’s for you. Jason Arres and members of the Naperville Police Department are inviting the community to stop by for an informal Chat with the Chief. The meet-and-greet will take place at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in Downtown Naperville. There’s no formal presentation, just relaxed, open conversation where residents can ask questions, share concerns, and connect one-on-one with local officers. Stop in anytime during the event to join the discussion. 3/6

🌼 The Golden Years Expo is a fun and informative event designed especially for older adults looking to make the most of this season of life. With 36 exhibitors on site, including representatives across healthcare, financial advisors, retirement communities, travel experts, and local services; you’ll find plenty of helpful resources all in one place. Enjoy free blood pressure screenings from Duly Health and Care, sip complimentary coffee and snack on mini donuts from Scooter's Coffee, and enter to win exciting door prizes. Whether you’re focused on wellness, planning ahead, or just looking for a great outing with friends, there’s truly something for everyone at the Expo. 3/6

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

SpongeBob Musical @ Alleluia Lutheran Church (3/6)

Get ready for a splash of positivity and pure fun! Just like SpongeBob himself, this musical celebrates trust, teamwork, and believing in one another. It’s a joyful reminder that real power comes from collaboration, conviction, and community and on this stage, every performer shines exactly as they are.

Build, Play, Take it Home! @ The Home Depot (3/7)

Get ready for some lucky crafting fun! Home Depot’s Kids Workshop invites little builders to design and build their very own leprechaun trap. Kids will hammer, paint, and decorate their creation in hopes of catching a mischievous leprechaun. It’s a creative way to spark imagination, build confidence, and make something they’ll be proud of—and the best part? It’s completely free!

Stellar Space Party @ DuPage Children’s Museum (3/7)

Blast off for an out-of-this-world evening of family fun! This after-hours event invites young explorers to dive into hands-on space-themed activities where glowing galaxies, hidden aliens, and creative challenges await around every corner. A fun-filled night where science, imagination, and discovery take center stage.

Maple Fest @ Red Oak Nature Center (3/7-3/8)

Discover the sweet science of maple syrup at Maple Fest! Families will start with a short indoor presentation before heading out on the trails to learn how maple sap is turned into syrup and how this tasty tradition has been made through the years. The experience ends with a delicious maple tasting, with additional maple treats available for purchase. Timed tickets are required for ages 3 and up.

$1 Movie Mondays @ Paramount Theatre (3/9)

Step into the action! Catch The Hunger Games 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 exciting and affordable movie night on the big screen.

Storytime with a Firefighter @ Nichols Library (3/10)

Sound the alarm for Storytime with a Firefighter! Kids will meet members of the Naperville Fire Department for a special storytime filled with fun stories and helpful fire safety tips. A great chance for little ones to learn, ask questions, and see a real firefighter up close. Open to all ages.

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Donny 🐾 This handsome orange boy has a gentle heart and is ready for a fresh start. Donny is incredibly sweet, affectionate, and loves being around people. After experiencing the loss of his owner, Donny is looking for a safe and loving home where he can feel secure again. Despite everything he’s been through, his loving personality shines through.

Donny previously lived in a home with multiple animals, including dogs, so he may do well with a calm, cat-friendly canine companion. If you’re looking for a loyal, affectionate kitty who will truly appreciate a second chance, Donny is ready to meet you!

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 3/6 The Jose Valdes Duo @ Sullivan’s Steakhouse 5:30pm

• 3/6 Harry Potter Trivia @ The Town Bar 6pm

• 3/6 Chicago Sinfonietta @ Wentz Hall 7pm

• 3/6 Ebony & Ivory @ Aurora Tap House 9pm

• 3/7 Paulie & The Shakers @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 3/7 Johnny & Keith @ The Shuckin’ Shack 7pm

• 3/7 Eddie Andersen @ Lennon’s 8:30pm

• 3/7 Soul Daddy @ Two Brothers Roundhouse 8:30pm

• 3/9 Trivia Night @ Foreign Exchange Brewery 6:30pm

• 3/10 Karaoke Night @ The Lantern 9pm

• 3/11 Trivia Night @ Tapville Social 7pm

• 3/12 Rock & Roll Bingo @ Freedom Brothers Pizzeria 8pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: 🌧️ AM showers, high 72°

• Saturday: 🌧️ AM showers, high 60°

• Sunday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny, high 62°

• Monday: ☀️ Sunny, high 72°

• Tuesday: ⛈️ Scattered thunderstorms, high 75°

• Wednesday: 🌧️ Scattered showers, high 49°

• Thursday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 46°

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