4.9.2026

Good morning, Naperville! If you love this city, and maybe even your siblings, you’ll probably enjoy learning about Naperville’s “sister cities.” Here’s a fun fact to start your day: Naperville has three sister cities—Nitra, Slovakia; Pátzcuaro, Mexico; and Cancún, Mexico. These international partnerships promote cultural exchange, educational opportunities, and economic connection.

In this week’s Niche…

• Naperville community survey

• Native plant sale

• Latte art techniques

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🏠️ Sometimes you just want to feel heard...by the city that is! The City of Naperville is partnering with Polco to roll out the 2026 National Community Survey, giving residents a chance to share feedback on everything from public safety to parks, transportation, and overall quality of life. The survey is intended to help city leaders understand what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus future planning and funding. It covers 10 key areas, including the economy, mobility, community design, and inclusivity. The survey will rely on a random sampling by mail as well as on open survey online.

🏥 Endeavor Health’s Edward Hospital is moving forward with a $29 million expansion of its cardiovascular services, adding two new operating rooms and a 10-bed ICU dedicated to heart care. The project, approved by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, will be funded through the hospital’s existing capital budget. Leaders say the expansion is needed to meet growing demand, driven by an aging population and rising rates of conditions like hypertension and heart disease. It also helps address capacity issues, as current operating rooms and ICU beds are being used above recommended levels. Construction is expected to begin this spring, with the project slated for completion in fall 2027 as part of a larger, multi-phase upgrade plan.

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

📍Naper Now

🎭️ Wit, charm, and scandal take center stage in Noël Coward’s classic comedy Private Lives. When a divorced couple unexpectedly reunites while honeymooning with their new spouses, chaos and plenty of sharp‑tongued hilarity follows. Directed by Jeffrey Cass, this sophisticated romp is a clever, timeless look at love, passion, and the thin line between romance and rivalry. 4/10-26

🪴 The Kane Forest Preserve Foundation is hosting its annual Native Plant Sale at Creek Bend Nature Center in St. Charles. Shoppers can browse a wide selection of native plants, get guidance from plant sale staff, and enjoy giveaways and raffles throughout the morning. Foundation chair Becky Gillam says the event is all about inspiring residents to plant native species and support local conservation efforts, made possible thanks to the generosity of community sponsors. 4/25

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

House Tour: Springtime on the Farm @ Kline Creek Farm (4/10)

Bring the kids for a sweet springtime trip to the farm where they can explore a charming 1890s farmhouse, meet adorable newborn lambs and calves, and see how everything comes back to life after winter. Watch as the fields are prepared for planting, learn about the busy work in the kitchen garden, and get a glimpse of how the home is refreshed for the new season.

Discovery Day & Touch a Truck @ Morton Arboretum (4/11)

Bring the kids for a hands-on day of fun and discovery at the Arboretum, where they can climb aboard real trucks and equipment, explore fire and police vehicles, and see how crews keep trees healthy and strong. Enjoy live tree care demonstrations, get a behind-the-scenes look at tree climbing and soil work, and let little ones dive into crafts, sensory play, and even wash their own toy truck.

Fledgling Naturalists @ DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center (4/11)

Bring the kids for a fun and easy half mile hike designed just for little explorers, where they’ll learn about local wildlife, spot animals along the way, and spark their curiosity about the natural world. Perfect for ages 3 to 8 with a grownup, this adventure is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature together.

Sensory Friendly Movie Screening @ Studio Movie Grill (4/11)

Bring the kids for a sensory-friendly showing of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie where the lights stay up, the volume is lower, and kids are free to move, talk, and enjoy the movie in their own way. This welcoming experience is perfect for families looking for a more relaxed movie outing, with free admission and first come, first served seating.

Storytime with a Firefighter @ 95th Street Library (4/13)

Bring the kids for a fun and engaging Storytime with a Firefighter where they’ll enjoy a special safety-themed story and get to meet local heroes from the Naperville Fire Department. It’s a great way to spark curiosity, learn important safety tips, and make storytime extra exciting for all ages.

Family STEM Night @ Naper Settlement (4/16)

Bring the kids for a creative, hands-on building adventure where they can use chomp-saws and recycled materials to design and create anything they can imagine. From game boards to buildings and even mini putt putt courses, this fun workshop lets kids build, play, and take their creations home. Perfect for ages 5 to 11 with a caregiver.

Together with Wheatland Animal Hospital

Got a new puppy at home? Wheatland Animal Hospital is hosting a complimentary Puppy Workshop on April 15th at 5:30 pm. A veterinarian will cover teeth brushing, nail trimming, training, socialization, nutrition, vaccines, parasite prevention, and more! They’ll also answer all your puppy questions. Non-clients are welcome - bring a friend! Learn more & RSVP here.

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Porterhouse! He is a sweet and lovable puppy who walks great on a leash and already knows “sit," especially if there’s a tasty treat involved. Porterhouse is very playful and independent, and he enjoys running outside, chasing toys, and carrying around ropes and sticks. He also loves enrichment games and is a total champ during bath time, enjoying it like a pro. He’s super affectionate and loves being petted, though he can get a bit mouthy at times as he continues learning with the help of trainers. He can’t wait to meet you!

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 4/10 Spring Choral Finale Concert @ Wentz Hall 7pm

• 4/10 Music Bingo @ Naperville Tasting Room 7pm

• 4/10 A Queens Night Out @ The Piazza 8pm

• 4/10 Terrapin Flyer (Grateful Dead Cover) @ The Venue 8pm

• 4/10 Funny Fridays @ Lennon’s 8:30pm

• 4/11 Dennis Anderson Duo @ Sullivan’s 5:30pm

• 4/11 Concert Winds Spring Concert @ Wentz Hall 7pm

• 4/11 BoDean’s 40th Anniversary Tour @ Paramount Theater 8pm

• 4/11 Mike Zito @ The Venue 8pm

• 4/12 Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here Album Cover @ The Venue 7pm

• 4/13 Trivia Night @ Foreign Exchange Brewery 6:30pm

• 4/14 Stranger Things Trivia @ SixtyFour Wine Bar 7pm 

• 4/15 Trivia Night @ Tapville Social 7pm

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

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: 🌧️ AM showers, high 57°

• Saturday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 59°

• Sunday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 79°

• Monday: ⛈️ PM thunderstorm, high 80°

• Tuesday: ⛈️ Thunderstorms, high 78°

• Wednesday: 🌧️ Showers, high 64°

• Thursday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 66°

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