4.30.2026

Good morning, Naperville! It is now entirely appropriate to make weekly trips to the garden store. The weather is warming up, and yards across town are getting a little more attention each day. Just take care of your back lugging those bags of mulch 😉. Before the weekend gets here, here’s what’s happening around town.

In this week’s Niche…

• Curbside bulk brush collection

• Holistic Health Fair

• Pony Play Date

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🪵 Curbside Bulk Brush Collection begins week of May 4th. For details on your collection week and an interaction map, visit here.

🚗 If you’re one of the 9,000+ folks that were cited for overnight street parking last year, this one’s for you. Overnight parking rules in Naperville could see some changes as city officials take a fresh look at the current ban, which restricts street parking from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. A recent report floated ideas like allowing parking on one side of the street or expanding access citywide, especially as demand continues to grow with more than 10,000 requests each year. For now, the city council is hitting pause and sending the issue to the Transportation Advisory Board for a deeper dive before making any decisions.

🍎 A big shout out to the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year, Seth Brady! Known for fostering inclusive, globally minded classrooms, Brady has spent more than two decades inspiring students to think beyond their communities and engage with the world. He also helped create the Illinois Global Scholar Program, expanding international learning opportunities statewide. Students and peers praised his ability to make every student feel seen and empowered.

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

📍Naper Now

🪴 Step into a day of wellness at the Holistic Health Fair, a community event focused on natural and integrative approaches for the mind, body, and spirit. Connect with local wellness professionals, small businesses, and artisans offering guidance and inspiration for living a more balanced life. Explore a variety of services like chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, yoga, sound therapy, reiki, and more. Plus, shop herbs, supplements, natural foods, holistic skincare, and everyday wellness essentials, all in one welcoming space. 5/3

❣️ Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and downtown Naperville is ready to help you celebrate in style. From cozy brunches to over-the-top buffets, local spots are pulling out all the stops with special menus, cocktails, and experiences just for Mom. Whether you’re planning a relaxed morning or a full day out, there’s no shortage of ways to make her feel celebrated. Here are some of the standout places offering something extra special this year. 5/8-10

🍼 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

Pony Play Date @ We Rock Naperville (5/2)

Saddle up for a pony-filled playdate! Step onto the ranch and meet Coco and Oreo—Chicagoland’s most famous miniature horses. Kids can enjoy crafts, open play, and plenty of adorable nose boops along the way. It’s the perfect mix of fun and hands-on play and comes free with Open Play!

Build. Play. Take it Home! @ The Home Depot (5/2)

Let your little builder get hands-on at Home Depot’s Kids Workshop! Kids can hammer, paint, and create their own keepsake box—perfect for storing their favorite treasures. It’s a great way to spark creativity and build confidence… and it’s completely free!

Touch-A-Truck @ Grace United Methodist Church (5/2)

Get ready to explore trucks of all kinds! Kids can climb, discover, and get an up-close look at their favorites, with a quiet first half hour for those who prefer less noise. Food will also be available for purchase, supporting a local youth missions team. A fun, family-friendly outing you won’t want to miss!

Cinco de Mayo Celebration @ Fox Valley Mall (5/2-5/3)

Step into a vibrant weekend of culture, flavor, and fun! This indoor market brings the spirit of Mexico to life with live entertainment, delicious eats, and family-friendly activities for all ages.

Archery for All Ages @ Blackwell Forest Preserve (5/5)

Ready to hit the target? Join in on friendly archery games designed for all skill levels—no experience needed. Equipment is provided. Ages 9+ (under 18 with an adult), $5 per person.

Family STEM Night @ Naper Settlement (5/7)

Step into a colorful world of discovery! Kids can embrace their inner scientist with hands-on experiments exploring the light spectrum, mixing up the ingredients of a rainbow, and even creating their own dazzling colors.

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 Ophelia 🐾 She is a sweet and chatty tabby with big, expressive eyes that are sure to melt your heart. Ophelia is learning to enjoy affection and does best with gentle, patient humans who are happy to move at her pace. She loves soft brushing, head and nose pets, and will happily squeak for treats. A calm home with children 13 and older would be just right for her. She’s ready to start her next chapter with you!

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 4/30 Rock & Roll Bingo @ Freedom Brothers 7pm

• 5/1 Music Bingo @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 5/1 Lucky Pickers @ The Venue 7pm

• 5/1 Minor Damage @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 8:30pm

• 5/1 iPOP @ Two Brothers Roundhouse 8:30pm

• 5/1 Double Treble Dueling Pianos @ Aurora Tap House 9pm

• 5/2 Open Jam @ Tasting Devine Cellars 6pm

• 5/2 Smooth Jazz @ CityGate Grille 7pm

• 5/2 Gordon Krauspe & The Milkman’s Kids @ Lennon’s 8pm

• 5/2 Chart Attack @ Potters Place 8pm

• 5/2 Forget Hannah @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 5/3 College Days to Kindred Voices @ Knox Presbyterian Church 3pm 

• 5/5 Bingo Night @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 5/5 John Butler @ Paramount Theatre 8pm

• 5/6 Trivia Night @ The Lantern 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 51°

• Saturday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 57°

• Sunday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 68°

• Monday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 71°

• Tuesday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 68°

• Wednesday: 🌧️ Showers, high 60°

• Thursday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 59°

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