5.7.2026

Good morning, Naperville! With Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the moms, grandmas, and mother figures who keep everything running—often without asking for much in return. Happy Mother’s Day! ❤️ 

In this week’s Niche…

• Farmers Market season

• IPSD 204 reaches new teachers union contract

• Milkweed plant giveaway

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🥕 Farmers market season is kicking into gear, bringing fresh produce, local goods, and a great reason to get outside each week. From crisp veggies and just-baked bread to flowers and handmade finds, these markets are a staple of the warmer months. It’s also one of the easiest ways to support local farmers and small businesses while stocking up on high-quality ingredients.

• Wheaton French Market is open now on Saturdays (8am - 2pm)

• Naperville Farmers Market opens June 6th on Saturdays (7am - 12pm)

• Naper Settlement Farmers Market opens June 30th on Tuesday (3pm - 7pm)

🏠️ High rates of Veteran homelessness continue to persist across the country. Seeing local governments work to correct that course is a beautiful thing. The Wheaton City Council has approved “Hero Homes,” a four-story housing development for veterans led by the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. The project will bring 20 apartment units to a vacant Main Street site and aims to help DuPage County reach “functional zero” veteran homelessness. Funding is largely provided by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, covering about 90% of the $10.1 million cost. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026, with units opening in 2027. The development will also offer supportive services like clinical care and job assistance, despite some concerns about traffic and location raised during approval.

🦆 The Riverwalk Duck Race is back on Friday, June 5, bringing a fun and colorful fundraiser to downtown Naperville. Hosted by the Downtown Naperville Alliance and the Naperville Riverwalk Foundation, 2,026 ducks will race down the DuPage River from the Eagle Street Bridge to the Moser Covered Bridge. Each adopted duck is tied to an entry, with prizes awarded to the first to cross the finish line. Duck adoptions start at $10 and must be purchased online in advance, as they often sell out early. Proceeds support education and improvements along the Riverwalk. Adopt a duck and take a chance at winning the grand prize of $1,981!

🍎 Indian Prairie School District 204 has approved a new teachers’ union contract through 2030, aiming to support educators while staying mindful of the district’s finances. The agreement with the Indian Prairie Education Association includes raises of 2.9% and 2.7% in the first two years, with future increases tied to inflation. Starting teacher pay will increase to $58,039 next school year, along with more planning time and added support for hard-to-fill roles. The contract also includes a “safeguard” clause that allows for a review if economic conditions change. District leaders say the deal helps keep District 204 a strong, attractive place for teachers to work.

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

📍Naper Now

🩸 Illinois’ largest one-day blood drive is back, paired with a free, family-friendly festival packed with fun. Donate for the 7th Annual a Pint for Kim Blood Drive and Life Saving Festival between 7:30am–2:25pm, then stick around for car shows featuring The Hamilton Collection, inflatables, face painting, food trucks, and live music, including a Taylor Swift cover band. Blood donors and volunteers can also enter a “thank you” drawing with thousands in prizes. It’s all about giving back, having fun, and saving lives—no tickets needed. Donor swag bags are back too, with even more goodies this year! 5/9

💐 Still locking in your Mother’s Day plans? Downtown Naperville has plenty of great options, with local favorites like Gia Mia, Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House, and Elements at Water Street offering special brunch menus and a festive atmosphere. Whether you’re going big with a full brunch or keeping it simple with coffee and pastries, there’s something for every kind of celebration. Reservations tend to go quickly, so it’s worth booking sooner rather than later. 5/10

🧑‍🏫 Block 59 is celebrating for National Nurses Day and National Teachers Appreciation Week with a free 16oz drink at Stan’s donuts (w/a $2.30 purchase), a free ShackBurger or Veggie Shack at Shake Shack (w/any purchase) and free coffee at First Watch for teachers. Just be sure to bring your ID along. now-5/12

⛱️ Look out for our Naperville patio guide coming in our May 21st edition! We’ll be rounding up some of the best local spots to enjoy the warmer weather, from relaxed outdoor seating to lively downtown patios perfect for a night out. We’ll also highlight dog-friendly favorites so your four-legged sidekick can join the fun!

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

Safe Sitter @ Naperville Safety Town (5/9)

Enroll your child ages 11-15 in the Safe Sitter certification class that teaches kids essential childcare and safety skills, including how to respond in emergencies and care for younger children responsibly. It is a great option for parents who want their child to feel prepared and confident before babysitting.

Touch-a-Truck @ Bethany Lutheran School (5/9)

Get up close to all kinds of awesome vehicles at this Touch-a-Truck event on the campus of Bethany Lutheran School! Kids can explore, climb, and check out their favorite trucks during this fun-filled morning event. Be sure to arrive early—it only lasts an hour, and everything is free!

Wild Baby Brunch @ DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center (5/10)

Get an inside look at the wildlife rehabilitation process during this Wild Baby Brunch! Peek through observation windows to see baby animals being fed and cared for while learning from staff what it takes to help young wildlife thrive. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages, and no registration is needed!

Kiddie Concert Series @ Fox Valley Mall (5/11)

Dance, sing, and play along with Miss Jamie & Friends at Fox Valley Mall! This free, interactive concert series is packed with music, movement, and playful fun designed especially for kids ages 2–8 and their families.

Nature Enrichment Camp @ Camp Green Wood (5/13)

Let your little explorer discover the joy of nature play at Camp Greene Wood! This hands-on morning adventure includes sensory play, nature exploration, and a guided woodland hike designed especially for ages 15–36 months and their caregiver.

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 Captain Awesome 🐾 He is exactly what his name promises - awesome with a side of pure goofball energy. He’s dog-friendly, loves to play, and will keep you entertained. He engages so well in training and is eager to learn, especially if toys or a good game of tug are involved. If you’re looking for a dog who is equal parts smart, playful, and hilariously ridiculous, he is your perfect match!

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 5/8 Music Bingo @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 5/8 Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute @ Eola Tap House 7pm

• 5/8 Chicago Blues Angels @ The Venue 8pm

• 5/8 Funny Fridays @ Lennon’s 8:30pm

• 5/8 My 80’s Band @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 5/9 The Dennis Anderson Duo @ Sullivan’s 5:30pm

• 5/9 Peter Oprisko @ CityGate Grille 7pm

• 5/10 Tim Gleason Duo @ Potter’s Place 2pm

• 5/10 Jaik Willis @ Blind Corner Brewery 2pm

• 5/11 Trivia Night @ Foreign Exchange Brewery 6:30pm

• 5/12 Twilight Trivia @ SixtyFour Wine Bar 7pm

• 5/12 Bingo Night @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 5/12 Karaoke Night @ The Lantern 9pm

• 5/13 Trivia Night @ Tapville Social 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 66°

• Saturday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny, high 76°

• Sunday: 🌧️ AM showers, high 64°

• Monday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny, high 62°

• Tuesday: 🌧️ Showers, high 65°

• Wednesday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 71°

• Thursday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 75°

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