4.16.2026

Good morning, Naperville! Consider this your weekly reminder that the weekend is closer than it feels on a Thursday morning. Whether you’re planning ahead or playing it by ear, we’ve got a few local highlights to keep on your radar.

In this week’s Niche…

• Arbor Day tree sale

• Centennial Beach memberships on sale

• Terrarium workshop

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🌳 Spring is in the air, the birds are chirping, leaves are sprouting and your new tree is waiting for you to bring it home? The City of Naperville is hosting it’s 2026 Arbor Day Tree Sale. Online orders are available now for residents and trees can be purchased through April 22nd or while supplies last. From fruit trees to those with beautiful flowers, if your green thumb has a tree craving, this may be your outlet. If you jump on one of the plum trees, feel free to send a couple our way!

🧩 Did you know April is World Autism Month? It’s a time to move beyond awareness and embrace true acceptance, creating communities where individuals with autism feel seen, supported, and genuinely included. The Western DuPage Special Recreation Association is leading by example. Through recreation, they create spaces where shared interests spark confidence, friendships, and joy. From sports and arts to social clubs and camps, participants can connect in ways that feel natural, empowering, and fun. Learn more about some of their awesome efforts here!

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

📍Naper Now

🏊️ If regular treks to the beaches of Lake Michigan sound like a bit much, Centennial Beach memberships for the 2026 season are officially on sale! Discounted pricing is available through May 25 before regular rates kick in. Membership options are available to both residents and non-residents. The Beach opens for the season on Saturday, May 23rd.

🔥 The Naperville Park District is gearing up for spring prescribed burns, an important seasonal practice that helps reduce fire hazards and keep local ecosystems healthy. These controlled burns clear out dry brush that can fuel wildfires, return nutrients to the soil, and help limit invasive weeds. Local fire departments are fully informed and involved, so we can expect a safe, well managed process.

🏃‍♀️ For the runners among us, the Naperville Women’s Half Marathon & 5K is coming up this weekend and registration is still open. If you’ve got young ones that you’d like to help develop a love for the sport and an active lifestyle, registration is also open for a 5-Week Healthy Kids Running Series.

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

Terrarium Workshop @ Lowe’s (4/18)

Bring the kids for a fun, hands-on building experience where they can create their very own tiered terrarium box from start to finish. They’ll design and layer their piece, making it perfect for displaying plants, small treasures, or keepsakes while exploring creativity along the way. This engaging project is a great mix of crafting, nature, and imagination, giving kids the chance to build something unique and take home a creation they’ll be proud of.

Social Savvy @ Lennon’s (4/20)

Bring your 7th or 8th grader for a fun and confidence-building evening at this unique dining experience. They’ll enjoy a three-course dinner while learning table etiquette, practicing communication skills, and building real-life social confidence in a relaxed, welcoming setting. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends, gain valuable life skills, and step outside their comfort zone in a way that feels engaging and memorable.

Mom & Me Playgroup @ Naperville Yard (4/22)

Bring the kids for a fun and active Earth Day celebration with FIT4MOM Naperville, starting with a full-body workout followed by a playful mommy-and-me activity. Little ones will love the hands-on sensory and STEM fun, while moms can connect, move, and enjoy some fresh air together. It’s the perfect mix of fitness, friendship, and meaningful play for all ages.

World Book Day @ DuPage Children’s Museum (4/23)

Bring the kids to celebrate World Book Day with a fun, immersive experience where stories truly come to life. From interactive story times and puppet shows to hands-on activities like bookmaking, storytelling, and creative writing, there’s something to spark every child’s imagination. Kids can explore cozy reading nooks, play with story cubes and magnetic poetry, and create their own tales in a day filled with creativity, discovery, and the magic of books.

Once Upon a Time @ Naperville Public Library

The Naperville Public Library hosts many different story times all week long for different ages. From babies to teens, there’s a spot for everyone to listen, learn and play.

🐈️ Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Dennis 🐾 an affectionate cat who builds trust quickly and strikes a wonderful balance between laid-back and playful. He enjoys sitting close by for brushing sessions and will often flop over to politely request a belly rub. While he may wander off to explore from time to time, he always comes back to check in - often with gentle nose bops and a request for some well-deserved back scratches. Most of all, he’s ready to find a loving home with a person or family to call his own.

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 4/17 Velvet Rose Band @ Mariano’s 4pm

• 4/17 Old Shoe @ The Piazza 7pm

• 4/17 Faculty Recital Series @ Wentz Hall 7:30pm

• 4/17 Paulie & The Shakers @ Potter’s Place 8pm

• 4/17 Shoop Dogs @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 4/18 American English @ Frankie’s Blue Room 7pm

• 4/18 Shawn Kumar @ Lennon’s 8pm

• 4/18 Retrojet @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 4/19 Sunday Trivia @ Noon Whistle Brewing 3pm

• 4/19 Naperville Chorus 50th Anniversary Concert @ Wentz Hall 4pm

• 4/19 Vocal & Latin Jazz Spring Concert @ Madden Theatre 5pm

• 4/20 Jazz Combo Spring Concert @ Madden Theatre 7:30pm

• 4/21 Bingo Night @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 4/22 Trivia @ Tapville Social 7pm

• 4/23 Rock & Roll Bingo @ Freedom Brothers 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 83°

• Saturday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 52°

• Sunday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny, high 52°

• Monday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny, high 57°

• Tuesday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 76°

• Wednesday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny, high 72°

• Thursday: 🌧️ PM showers, high 73°

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