4.23.2026

Good morning, Naperville! If your group chats are starting to fill with “what are we doing this weekend?” texts, you’re not alone. Spring calendars are heating up, and there’s plenty happening locally to keep things interesting. Let’s get into it.

In this week’s Niche…

• Oberweis Scoop Shop

• Market for Mom

• Water Circus Atlantis

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🍦 We’re not here to debate the Lou Malnati’s vs. Giordano’s standings, but if we’re keeping score, this may be worth a few bonus points. A sweet new collaboration is around the corner. Oberweis and Giordano’s are teaming up to launch the first Oberweis Scoop Shop inside the Giordano’s on South Main Street. The new concept will offer Oberweis ice cream alongside pizza, including specialty flavors inspired by local high schools. Highlights include the “Top Flyin’ Frostbite,” a nod to Naperville Central, and the “Huskie Dream,” inspired by Naperville North’s colors. The shop is set to open April 28, with the first 99 customers scoring a scoop for just 99 cents.

🚗 You may be all too familiar with the challenge of finding parking downtown on a random Thursday. Here’s a heads up to maybe consider giving yourself a little more time during those peak hours to find a spot. Scheduled maintenance began this week and will take place between the Central Parking Facility and Water Street Garage. Crews will complete work at one location at a time, with all projects expected to wrap up by the end of May.

🥇 We love a hometown hero, and it looks like we’ve found one. Naperville athlete April Papke is heading to the national stage this summer, representing our community at the Special Olympics USA Games after winning gold in bocce ball at the Illinois State Championships. A longtime competitor with the Kendall County Comets, Papke says the program has helped her build confidence, friendships, and a love for competition. Her family and coaches describe the experience as life changing, highlighting her dedication, positivity, and ability to inspire teammates on and off the court. We’re rooting for you!

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

📍Naper Now

💐 Mulling over the best gift ideas for Mother’s Day? A Market for Mom & More will take place at Block 59 ahead of Mother’s Day, offering an outdoor market experience on the green. The event will feature more than 40 local makers, artists, and small businesses, with a range of handcrafted goods and food items available. 5/2

🍼 The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise is hosting a Diaper and Mom’s Essentials Drive at Naperville Country Club to support local families in need this Mother’s Day. Donations like diapers (sizes 4–6), wipes, diaper cream, and feminine hygiene products will benefit the West Suburban Community Pantry. Volunteers will collect items from 8–10 a.m., with additional drop-offs accepted weekdays at the pantry in Woodridge. 5/9

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

Autism Friendly Wriggle & Read Storytime @ Instructional ABA Consultants (4/24)

Bring the little ones for a supportive and engaging storytime where movement and creativity are part of the fun. Wriggle & Read is perfect for kids who don’t thrive in traditional sit-still settings, with therapist support to help build communication, attention, and social skills in a low-pressure environment. Great for ages 2 to 4 to learn, grow, and enjoy stories in their own way.

Wild Wonders @ DuPage Children’s Museum (4/25)

Bring the kids for a wild spring adventure at Wild Wonders, where imagination and nature come together in the most fun ways. They can create colorful crafts like sun catchers and DIY bouquets, build and explore with nature-inspired activities, and let their creativity run free. From shadow puppets to hands-on play and even time with therapy dogs, there’s something exciting around every corner for little explorers to discover.

Touch-a-Truck @ Downtown Wheaton (4/25)

Bring the kids for a hands-on day of big trucks and even bigger fun as they get up close with construction vehicles, emergency trucks, and more. Little ones can climb aboard, honk the horns, and explore what it’s like behind the wheel while enjoying a free, family-friendly event packed with excitement and discovery.

Bookdazzling @ Anderson’s Bookshop (4/26)

Bring your tweens and teens for a fun and creative Bookdazzling Event at Anderson’s Bookshop, where they can transform a favorite book into something totally unique. Whether they bring one from home or pick out a new read in store, they’ll use provided supplies to bedazzle and personalize their book while enjoying a relaxed, creative atmosphere. It’s a great way for ages 12 and up to express their style and love for reading.

Mom & Me Playgroup @ Naperville Yard (4/28)

Bring the kids for a sweet springtime morning with FIT4MOM Naperville, starting with an energizing workout followed by a fun April Showers and May Flowers themed craft. Little ones can get creative while moms connect and enjoy some fresh air, making it the perfect mix of movement, creativity, and community. Come for the workout and stay for the friendship, fun, and a little springtime magic.

Meet the Woods in Spring @ Camp Greene Wood (4/29)

Bring the kids for a magical morning of nature play at Camp Greene Wood, where little explorers can get messy, curious, and fully immersed in the outdoors. They’ll start with hands-on sensory fun like water, mud, sand, paint, or even ice, then head out on a gentle hike to discover the beauty of the woods all around them. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young children to explore, learn, and connect with nature alongside you, their favorite adventure partner.

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 Neapolitan 🐾 a young bundle of puppy joy with a tail that never stops wagging. He is a super happy boy who loves getting pets, cuddles, and snuggles from his people. Toys are the best - he loves chasing, chewing, and playing with them all day. Exploring new places and sniffing everything around him is one of his favorite adventures.

If you’re looking for a cheerful, loving pup to brighten your days, he’s your boy!

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 4/24 Smooth Jazz @ CityGate Grille 7pm

• 4/24 Music Bingo @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 4/24 80’s Night @ The Piazza 7pm

• 4/24 North Central Spring Concert @ Wentz Hall 7:30pm

• 4/24 Funny Fridays @ Lennon’s 8:30pm

• 4/24 Killer Buzz @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 4/25 Out of This World @ Wentz Hall 7:30pm

• 4/25 Mostly Mayer @ Potters Place 7:30pm

• 4/25 90s & 2000’s Rock @ The Can Bar 8pm

• 4/25 Velvet Rose @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 4/28 Pixar Trivia @ SixtyFour Wine Bar 7pm

• 4/28 Karaoke Night @ The Lantern 9pm

• 4/29 Bridgerton Trivia Night @ Pinot’s Palette 7pm

• 4/29 Trivia Night @ Tapville Social 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ⛈️ Thunderstorms, high 70°

• Saturday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 66°

• Sunday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 70°

• Monday: ⛈️ Thunderstorms, high 70°

• Tuesday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 64°

• Wednesday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 65°

• Thursday: 🌧️ AM showers, high 59°

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