India Day Fest update, Solstice party, lobster rolls, candle-dipping, fine art, a musical full of mayhem, and more.
June 20, 2025
Happy Friday, Naperville. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Naperville Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:
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India Day Fest 🪂
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Art show returns 🎨
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Naperville ranked 🏅
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
India Day Festival scaled back: This year’s India Day Festival & Concert in Naperville will shift to a parade-only format on Aug. 10, following updated city safety requirements. Learn more about the changes and what’s still happening — read more.
Art & Craft show returns: The second annual Water Street Fine Art & Fine Craft Show & Sale will take over Water and Webster Streets in downtown Naperville on July 13 with dozens of makers, live music by the Pete Ellman Quintet, and interactive sidewalk chalk murals — check out the details here.
Naperville ranked third in Illinois: The city was named the third best place to live in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report and placed No. 76 nationally — read more.
Highlights this week
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Cucumber recall expands to more brands
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Rental assistance funding will be cut for 2026
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Learn unique steps from folk traditions
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Get 50% off for happy hour in Aurora
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Enjoy fresh Maine lobster from this food truck
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Compare auto insurance rates for free
🫶 We got your back
Fresh fields, fresher flavors: Get ready to dig in—Allegory is where your fork meets the farm. From sun-kissed heirloom tomatoes to pasture-raised delights, every plate tells a story of nearby soil, sustainable practice, and that sweet “I-can’t-believe-this-is-good-for-you” sensation.
Steep your senses: When you need a timeout from the daily grind, Adagio Teas brews up serenity one leaf at a time. Whether you’re chasing floral oolongs or smoky pu’ers, they’ve got the perfect pour-over to turn any afternoon into a moment worth savoring.
Desk not required: Tired of your same old home-office setup? Office Evolution hands you the Wi-Fi, the office plant (sort of), and that soft‐serve of creative energy you’ve been craving. Plug in, brainstorm, and bond over communal snacks—without the awkward water-cooler small talk.
Strike the right chord: Ready to riff? Naperville Music is your one-stop shop for everything from ukuleles that whisper to drum kits that roar. Whether you’re a fret-shy beginner or a pedal-tapping pro, they’ll have you making music—and maybe memories—before you can say “encore.”
Degrees without the squeeze: Want to help your kiddo or grandchild through college? Co-signing their student loan helps them unlock lower rates and increases their chances of getting approved. Some lenders release co-signers after enough on-time payments, so it doesn’t have to be forever. Avoid last-minute headaches by acting now!
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📆 Naperville happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🌸 Rooted & Radiant Retreat @ Aurora, Illinois | Friday (6/20) at 5 pm – Recharge your soul and connect with a tribe of fierce, fabulous women ready to shine. From grounding workshops to uplifting sisterhood circles, you’ll leave more rooted in purpose and radiant in spirit. Embrace healing, growth, and epic girl-power vibes. It’s your time to bloom, so snag a spot and get ready to rise!
🎼 An Unfinished Journey: African American Music @ Naperville Public Library | Friday (6/20) at 7 pm – Take an hour-long deep dive through the songs and stories that shaped a nation, from blues roots to soul revolutions. Experience powerful performances and riveting tales of struggle, triumph, and cultural evolution. It’s a living mixtape you won’t forget—no headphones required. Prepare to tap your feet and feed your mind in equal measure.
🎭 Little Shop of Horrors @ Naperville Central HS Auditorium | Friday (6/20) at 7:30 pm – Dive into this delightfully devious musical as meek florist Seymour discovers Audrey II, the plant with a taste for trouble. With Alan Menken’s score and Howard Ashman’s lyrics, expect toe-tapping numbers and gooey carnivorous mayhem. The quirky cast brings Skid Row’s secret greenhouse to life—bloodthirsty blossoms and all. Grab your tickets and find out who—or what—puts the bite in Broadway.
This weekend
🕯️ Laura Ingalls Wilder Day @ Blackberry Farm | Saturday (6/21) at 12 pm – Time-travel back to the 1800s with candle-dipping, butter-churning, and one-room schoolhouse antics. Little pioneers can weave, play vintage yard games, and master the art of frontier crafts. All you need is a daily admission ticket—no reservation required—and a sense of adventure. Spoiler: prairie bonnets and petticoats totally encouraged.
🎶 Wicked Day Sing Along @ Paramount Theatre | Saturday (6/21) at 2 pm – Belt out “Defying Gravity” on a giant two-story screen at the historic Paramount Theatre. Don your green attire—or go full Elphaba—and order a drink from the full bar while you sing along. Tickets are a steal at $15, and can vanish faster than a house-melting tornado. Make a day of it with riverside strolls, local eats, and summer vibes just outside the doors.
🎵 Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings / Chris Stapleton Tribute @ Naper Settlement | Saturday (6/21) at 5 pm – Kick back lawn-chair style for back-to-back country classics courtesy of WailOn and Tennessee Whiskey. Sip something cold, grab a bite from onsite vendors, and let these tribute bands teleport you to Woodstock ’75. At $25 a ticket (youths under 12 get a break), it’s an affordable evening of nostalgia—just watch out for those sneaky imposter ticket sellers. Rain or shine, this is Naperville’s Sunday best way early!
💃 Summer Solstice Folk Dance Party @ NP Dance Studio | Saturday (6/21) at 7 pm – Spin into Midsummer with Slavic folk moves, flower-crown workshops, and fire-lit rituals—no partner or experience required. Dr. Justyna leads you through Wianki magic, then it’s your turn to strut in costume for a surprise-prize contest. Sip on mocktails infused with solstice spirit, mingle with fellow dance devotees, and let the rhythms kick off your summer legend. Tickets are $25 ($15 if you’re celebrating Namesday with a matching moniker)!
🦞 Cousins Maine Lobster @ Fox Valley Mall | Sunday (6/22) at 11 am – Dive into summer with the freshest Maine lobster delights rolling up in food-truck style at Fox Valley Mall’s Farmers Market. Feast on buttery lobster rolls, lobster mac ’n’ cheese, and more—no passport required. Snap pics, collect points in the Cousins app, and go cashless with contactless payments for a breezy bite. Bring your appetite and your sunny disposition for a crustacean celebration you won’t forget.
✍️ Author Signing: Pat Green @ Yellow Bird Books | Sunday (6/22) at 1 pm – Meet Pat Green, the activist-turned-author whose 80s-set teen drama takes you back to Fox Valley Mall’s heyday. Watch him sign copies of his new novel featuring misfit friendships, vintage nostalgia, and hearts of glass navigating real-world dangers. With an ASL interpreter on hand, everyone can soak up the stories and art from a true multimedia storyteller. Don’t miss this chance to grab a signed copy and chat about equality, activism, and watches.
🎲 Blood on the Clocktower @ Treasures Naperville | Sunday (6/22) at 5 pm – Put your sleuthing skills to the test in this live-action social deduction game. Beginners welcome—no prior experience needed to bluff, deduce, and survive the town’s hidden evil. Gather around the table at Treasures Naperville for three hours of suspense, strategy, and surprise reveals. Come for the mystery, stay for the camaraderie (and maybe a victory dance).
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/20 Triple Threat and more @ The Bit Theater – 8 pm
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6/20 Gotham Ramblers @ Quigley’s Irish Pub – 9 pm
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6/21 Willie & Waylon and Chris Stapleton Tribute @ Naper Settlement – 5 pm
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6/21 Wildwood Country @ Potter’s Place – 8 pm
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6/21 Mr. Blotto @ Two Brothers Roundhouse – 9 pm
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6/22 Brian Kleidon @ The Growing Place – 11 am
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6/22 Aaron Kelly @ The Growing Place – 11:30 am
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6/22 Marianne and more @ Potter’s Place – 5 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Naperville edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Bridget Salela & Walter Burrell (Coldwell Banker Realty) – 5 bedrooms | 8 bathrooms | Built in 2007 | 7375 sqft
Opulence levels are off the charts in this 7,375-square-foot stunner, where hand-scraped walnut floors practically dare you to wear socks, and every bedroom comes with its own ensuite and walk-in closet—because sharing is so last century. The kitchen’s custom Alder cabinets and top-tier appliances are ready for culinary showdowns, while the double-sided fireplace in the breakfast nook is perfect for dramatic coffee sipping. Dual staircases mean you can make a grand entrance twice as often, and the private courtyard with its own fireplace is just begging for some Gatsby-level soirées.
The basement is basically its own amusement park: home theater, wine cellar, soundproof music studio, and a bar area that’s seen more action than most nightclubs. Radiant heat, Control 4 system, central vac, and a slate roof keep things comfy and connected, while the home office’s separate entrance lets you dodge Zoom calls in style. There’s even an elevator shaft disguised as extra closets, and a garage staircase straight to the basement for the ultimate secret lair vibes. All this, just blocks from downtown Naperville and award-winning schools—because why settle for ordinary when you can have legendary?
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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