7.9.2026

Good morning, Naperville! There's something about this stretch of summer, kids out of school, evenings that stay light just a little longer, that makes everything feel a bit more relaxed. Whether you're firing up the grill, hitting the Riverwalk, or just enjoying a slower morning with your coffee, we hope this week treats you well.

In this week’s Niche…

• Mr. & Mrs. Naperville

• Water Street Fine Art & Fine Craft Fair

• Classic Broadway in the park

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🦇 Bat alert, Naperville! A bat found on Bunker Court tested positive for rabies this week, so a friendly reminder: never touch a bat you come across, and give Animal Control a call at 630-420-6178 if you spot one. Also a good time to double-check that your furry friends are up to date on their rabies shots!

👷 Heads up, drivers! Starting Monday, July 13th (weather permitting), you'll want to plan for intermittent daytime lane closures on Illinois 59 between McCoy Drive and Artesian Road as IDOT kicks off a $4.6 million resurfacing and sidewalk project, expected to finish up in November. Homes and businesses in the area will still have full access throughout construction, but give yourself a little extra time, consider an alternate route if you can, and keep an eye out for crews and flaggers along the way.

🌆 Ever walked past the statue at the base of Moser Tower and wondered who it honors? Meet Harold and Margaret Moser, affectionately known as "Mr. and Mrs. Naperville," whose fingerprints are all over the community, from Harold's start of the Naperville Sun to his decades shaping local construction and philanthropy. Their statue has stood since 2009, but a new plaque was just added to the front last month so passersby can finally learn their story without circling to the back.

Sponsored by Camp Mirage Naperville

The Best Summer Memories Start With New Friends

The best summer memories often begin with a new friendship.

At Camp Mirage Naperville, kids don't just spend their days having fun—they build friendships that can last long after summer ends. Whether they're teaming up for camp-wide games, tackling exciting challenges, creating arts and crafts, enjoying water games, or working together on weekly themed adventures, every day is an opportunity to connect with new friends.

With more than 40 unique camp themes for ages 5 to 14, Camp Mirage creates a welcoming environment where every child feels included, encouraged, and excited to be themselves.

Locally owned and family-operated by Naperville parents, Camp Mirage is dedicated to helping children build confidence, make lasting friendships, and create unforgettable summer memories.

Give your child a summer filled with new adventures and new friendships. Learn more at www.campmiragenaperville.com and follow Camp Mirage Naperville on Facebook and Instagram for the latest camp updates and summer fun!

Looking to reach local families? 📣 The Naperville Niche partners with businesses, organizations, and brands that help make our community so special. If you're interested in connecting with engaged local readers, we'd love to chat. — Get in touch here!

📍Naper Now

🖼️ The 3rd Annual Water Street Fine Art & Fine Craft Fair returns Sunday, July 12th from 10am to 5pm along Water and Webster Streets, featuring around 30 regional artists showing off everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry and glasswork. Bring the kids for street art, groove to live jazz and samba from the Pete Ellman Trio, and grab a bite at one of the many nearby eateries. Admission is free, and so is parking, so it's the perfect laid-back summer Sunday outing.

🌊 Heads up, river lovers: even though water levels are slowly going down after the Fourth of July storms, the DuPage River is still off limits for now. Boating is on hold per the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Naperville Park District has closed the lower Riverwalk paths along the water since high water and low branches make for a risky combo. The good news? The upper brick Riverwalk paths are open, along with all other Park District parks and facilities, including Centennial Beach and the Paddle Boat Quarry.

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

The Giant Bubble Show @ Block 59 (7/10)

Get ready for a bubble show like no other at Block 59! Watch giant bubbles soar, see bubbles bigger than cars, and even watch kids get placed inside bubbles. Plus, enjoy fun activities, treats, and surprises from Lazy Dog for an unforgettable afternoon of family fun.

Flip Circus @ Fox Valley Mall (now-7/14)

Step right up for an unforgettable experience at Flip Circus! Enjoy breathtaking aerial acts, incredible acrobatics, comedy, and nonstop family-friendly entertainment under the big top. It's the perfect outing for families looking for a little summer magic.

Children’s Lunch Hour @ Knoch Knolls Nature Center (7/14)

Wrap up the Children’s Lunch Hour Entertainment series with Istvan & His Imaginary Band! Families can enjoy a high-energy show packed with music, imagination, laughter, and interactive fun for kids of all ages.

Family STEM Nights: Solar Science @ Naper Settlement (7/16)

Reach for the stars at Family STEM Night! Kids ages 5–11 and their caregivers can explore the science of the sun, build and launch their own rockets, and discover fascinating solar flares with the Naperville Astronomical Association.

Movies in the Park: The Goonies @ RiverEdge Park (7/16)

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs for a family movie night under the stars! Enjoy the classic adventure The Goonies as a group of young friends sets off on a treasure hunt filled with laughs, mystery, and excitement.

Summer Movies @ Studio Movie Grill (now-8/13)

Treat the kids to a movie morning at Studio Movie Grill’s Summer Movie Series! Enjoy family-friendly films Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m., with each $6 ticket including a small popcorn and drink—the perfect summer outing.

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 Latte 🐾 a sweet, playful puppy with plenty of energy and love to share! He loves making new friends, soaking up attention, and is always ready for his next adventure. As he grows, Latte will thrive with an active family who can keep him busy with walks, playtime, and plenty of fun.

If you're looking for an affectionate companion who's sure to keep you smiling, Latte may be the perfect addition to your family!

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 7/10 Funny Friday’s @ Lennon’s 7:30pm

• 7/10 The Mix @ Potter’s Place 8pm

• 7/11 Broken Vegas @ Hollywood Casino 8pm

• 7/11 Rock A La Carte @ The Venue 8pm

• 7/12 Bert’s Revenge @ Potter’s Place 1pm

• 7/12 The Old Fashioneds @ McDonald Farm 4pm

• 7/13 Trivia Night @ Foreign Exchange Brewery 6:30pm

• 7/14 Mitchell Stecker @ Millennium Carillon 7pm

• 7/14 Game of Thrones Trivia @ SixtyFour Wine Bar 7pm

• 7/14 Bingo Night @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 7/14 Karaoke Tuesday @ The Lantern 9pm

• 7/15 Irish Sessions @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 7:30pm

• 7/16 Andrew Scott Denlinger @ JoJo’s Shake Bar 5pm

• 7/16 Phil Partynski @ Tasting Devine Cellars 6pm

• 7/16 Beat it Trivia @ Pinot’s Palette 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 81°

• Saturday: ☀️ Mostly sunny, high 85°

• Sunday: ☀️ Sunny, high 88°

• Monday: ☀️ Sunny, high 91°

• Tuesday: ☀️ Sunny, high 93°

• Wednesday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 92°

• Thursday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 87°

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