5.14.2026

Good morning, Naperville!

In this week’s Niche…

• Hollywood Casino

• Tacoville Festival

• Mahjong and Paint

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🎰 The new Hollywood Casino Aurora is expected to open June 24th and has announced two new dining options, Urbanbelly and Tabo Sushi, both debuting with the casino later this summer. The $360 million development replaces the downtown riverboat casino and will include a hotel, gaming floor, spa, event center, and a lineup of popular food concepts. Ahead of the opening, the casino will host a “Taste of Hollywood” community preview event on April 25th at the Chicago Premium Outlets with samples and sneak peek experiences.

🏙️ On May 7th, community members gathered at the Embassy Suites for the annual State of the City address, where Mayor Scott Wehrli celebrated all that is “Made in Naperville.” Through heartfelt stories and local examples, he highlighted the people, businesses, and institutions that drive innovation, quality of life, and community pride across the city. The event served as both a celebration of Naperville’s successes and an invitation for everyone to keep sharing and shaping the city’s story.

🐕️ Downtown Naperville is getting ready for another season of smiles as the beloved Dog Days of Summer sculptures return, bringing 25 hand‑painted dogs and a cat to brighten streets and gathering spots all summer long.

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

📍Naper Now

🌮 The Tacoville Festival 2026 is bringing three days of Latin food, live music, and summer vibes to Naper Settlement. Expect 20+ food vendors and trucks serving everything from tacos and birria to elotes, churros, and loaded nachos, plus live mariachi, cumbia, Latin pop, DJs, cold margaritas, and outdoor bars all weekend long. Browse local vendors, enjoy competitions, and grab a single-day or weekend pass for one of the summer’s biggest festivals. 6/5-6/7

🕯️ Wentz Concert Hall & Fine Arts Center will host several upcoming Candlelight Concerts this summer, transforming the venue into an intimate, candlelit music experience featuring string quartet performances of artists like Coldplay, Fleetwood Mac, Adele, ABBA, and The Beatles. The popular concert series blends live classical-style arrangements with modern hits, creating a unique night out in downtown Naperville. May - Aug

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

Mamapalooza @ Block 59 on the Green (5/15)

Grab your little one and join in for an epic mom & me event packed with fitness, fun, and treats! Enjoy a mommy & me workout, mini photo sessions, kids activities, flowers, snacks, swag bags for the first 50 enrolled, and plenty of time with fellow mom friends.

Storytime with a Firefighter @ Naper Blvd Library (5/15)

Get fired up for Storytime with a Firefighter! Join the Naperville Fire Department for a fun, safety-themed storytime filled with stories, learning, and firefighter fun for all ages.

Naperville Plays: Spring @ Naper Settlement (5/16)

Gather the family for a day of hands-on learning and discovery at Naper Settlement! Kids can explore crafts, nature activities, farm animals, beekeeping demos, living history experiences, and interactive play throughout the 13-acre campus. Designed for ages 3–10, but fun for the whole family!

Fishin’ Kids @ May Watts Park (5/16)

Cast a line and learn the basics of fishing at this hands-on class for kids ages 5–11! Little anglers will learn how to bait a hook, cast a pole, and handle fish, with all equipment provided. Parents must attend with their child.

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 Punky 🐾 a sweet older puppy with a personality that perfectly matches her name! She’s full of spunk, confidence, and contagious energy that keeps life exciting and fun. Always ready to go, Punky loves to run, play, and stay busy-whether that’s chasing toys, exploring the outdoors, or learning something new. She would thrive with a family who enjoys walk, hikes, playtime in the yard, or any activity that lets her stretch her legs and show off her playful side.

If you’re searching for a lively, loving pup to join you on all of life’s adventures, Punky might be your perfect match!

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 5/15 Music Bingo @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 5/15 Seven Soul @ Potter’s Place 8pm

• 5/15 Rock Steady @ Lennon’s 8:30pm

• 5/15 Hasta Manana @ Two Brothers Roundhouse 8:30pm

• 5/16 Turbo Shot @ Frankie’s Blue Room 7pm

• 5/16 American Reflections @ Wentz Hall 7:30pm

• 5/16 Windy City Dueling Pianos @ Spartan Ale House 8pm

• 5/16 Off the Charts @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 5/17 The Acoustiholics @ Potter’s Place 2pm 

• 5/17 Trivia Sunday @ Noon Whistle Brewing 3pm

• 5/19 Karaoke Night @ The Lantern 9pm

• 5/20 Trivia Night @ Tapville Social 7pm

• 5/21 Rock & Roll Bingo @ Freedom Brothers 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 74°

• Saturday: ⛈️ Thunderstorms, high 78°

• Sunday: ⛈️ Thunderstorms, high 81°

• Monday: ⛈️ Thunderstorms, high 82°

• Tuesday: ⛈️ Thunderstorms, high 71°

• Wednesday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 64°

• Thursday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 68°

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