Welcome To The Niche!

New week, new plans! From local news to events you don’t want to miss, here’s your weekly dose of Naperville, served fresh every Thursday.

📰 The Digest

🦆 The downtown ducks have officially dipped. A staple of Downtown Naperville summers, they’ve migrated south until next year. If your summer adventures didn’t take you to all of the duck hiding spots, check out the four favorites here.

🏈 Neuqua Valley Football picked up its second conference win 37-22 over Metea Valley. Quarterback Charles Larson faked once and found CJ Jordan for a 57-yard touchdown, starting the Wildcats off at a strong 7-0 in the 1st quarter. Despite a strong comeback effort from the Mustangs, Neuqua Valley hung on for the victory. Neuqua Valley picks up second conference win

🍂 Fall is here (kind of)! The temps might still feel like summer, but Naperville is already in full fall mode. Local pumpkin farms and apple orchards are opening their gates for the 2025 season — the perfect excuse to sip cider, pick a pumpkin, and sneak in those first cozy autumn photos. Find your pumpkins here or you can find an orchard near you.

📍Naper Now

• 🖼️ Check out the brand-new ‘Glow’ mural lighting up downtown with its uplifting message

• 🌽 Support local and enjoy the last few weeks of the Naperville Farmers Market

• 🌲 The Morton Arboretum is hosting a cider and ale festival with over 60 varieties curated across more than 30 local breweries. Get your tix here

• 🛠️ Cheer on the race gravity-powered, motorless “Soapbox” cars for the regional derby competition

• 🍺 Celebrate Oktoberfest with live music & plenty of brews

• 🎵 Unwind from the week & enjoy an evening of music at North Central for the Homecoming Kickoff Concert

• 🤣 Get your laugh on with a witty twist: one story, five side-splitting musicals with Musical of Musicals: The Musical

• 📚️ Plan ahead with the Business Power Lunch — a chance to go beyond estate planning and explore new strategies for the future.

🎉 The Niche Launch Giveaway!

We’re so excited to kick off The Naperville Niche that we’re celebrating with a giveaway!

What you could win: 👉 $50 gift card to Anderson’s bookshop or a $50 gift card to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

How to enter: 1. Make sure you’re subscribed to The Naperville Niche (click here if not). 2. Share this newsletter with 3 friends or neighbors (your unique code). 3. That’s it — you’re in!

The giveaway runs through November 3rd, and we’ll announce the winners in our November 6th edition.

Good luck — and thanks for being part of our very first issue of The Naperville Niche!

🎨 Kids Corner

Big Fun for Little Cost @ DuPage Children’s Museum  

Every Friday during the month of October, enjoy evening playtime @ DuPage Children’s Museum for only $5 per person (that’s over 75% off regular admission!). Doors are open from 5–8 PM — perfect for after-school fun. Grab your tickets before it’s too late.

Story time with Officer Friendly @ Nichols Library (10/3) at 10:30am

Come meet a friendly Naperville Police Officer at this special storytime! Kids (and grown-ups, too) will get to hear stories, learn helpful safety tips, and even take a peek inside a real police squad car. Afterward, the officer will be happy to answer questions and chat with families.

Build. Play. Take it home! @ The Home Depot (10/4) at 9am

Start the morning with some fun! On the first Saturday of every month, Home Depot hosts a free kids’ workshop where little builders can hammer, paint, and take home their very own project. Hands-on fun that sparks creativity — and it’s free!

Creepy Crawlies Family Stem Night @ Naper Settlement (10/9) 6pm

Creep into the world of spooky science with Creepy Crawlies Family STEM Night! Explore the fascinating world of insects, arachnids, and other critters through hands-on activities and eerie experiments. Perfect for Halloween fun and curious minds of all ages!

Once Upon a Time @ Naperville Public Library

The Naperville Public Library hosts free story times all week long for different ages. From babies to preschoolers, there’s a spot for everyone to listen, learn, and play.

🎶 What’s Happinin’

• 10/3 Trivia Night @ Miskatonic Craft Brewing Kitchen 7pm

• 10/3 Live Music from The Jose Valdes Duo @ Sullivan’s Steakhouse 5:30pm

• 10/3 Funny Friday @ Lennon’s 8:30pm

• 10/3 Live Music from InFunktious @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 10/4 Live Music from the Joel Burt Duo @ Sullivan’s Steakhouse 5:30pm

• 10/4 Peach Jam - Allman Brother’s Tribute @ Frankie’s Blue Room 7pm

• 10/4 Live Music from Off The Charts @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 10/5 Cupcakes & Cocktails Fall Edition @ Tapville Social 5pm

• 10/6 Bee-Yond The Cover: Boozy Book Swap @ Solemn Oath Brewery 6pm

• 10/6 Trivia Night @ Empire Burgers + Brew 7:30pm

• 10/7 Trivia Night @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 7pm

• 10/8 Trivia Night @ The Lantern 7pm

• 10/8 Trivia Night @ Tapville Social 7pm

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Franny! 🐾 Franny is a sweet young hound with the most adorable floppy ears and a tail that never stops wagging. She’s full of joy and ready to greet everyone with a happy smile. With her curious spirit, she’s happiest when she’s on the move—sniffing, exploring, and dashing around outdoors.

Franny’s playful spirit makes her a great match for an active family who can keep up with her energy. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, though her enthusiasm may sometimes be a bit much for very small children. She may also thrive with a canine sibling who can join her on her adventures—she already loves doggy daycare and even did well living with a cat in her previous home.

If you’re looking for a fun-loving, affectionate companion to bring joy and laughter into your life, Franny is ready to be your new best friend! 🤎 

Interested in meeting Franny (or seeing more adoptable pets)? Visit here to learn more.

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ☀️ Sunny, high 89°

• Saturday: ☀️ Sunny, high 88°

• Sunday: ☀️ Sunny, high 88°

• Monday: 🌤️ Partly cloudy, high 79°

• Tuesday: 🌦️ Rain showers early, high 73°

• Wednesday: 🌤️ Partly cloudy, high 68°

• Thursday: ☀️ Sunny, high 74°

Thank you for reading the Naperville Niche today. If you enjoyed it, please share it with a friend & follow us on social to stay connected.

All the best from your neighbors,

Elrie & Carly