Bookshop bash, new Birkenstock store, 4th of July picnic, first Saturday, and more.
July 01, 2025
Happy Tuesday, 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 week ahead:
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Bookshop bash 📚
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Birkenstock store 👡
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4th of July picnic 🧺
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
150-year bookshop bash: Anderson’s Bookshop marked a century-and-a-half of independent bookselling with author signings, workshops and pop-up events in its downtown store — check out the details.
Townhome plan wins approval: Naperville’s plan commission signed off on Everly Trace, a 68-unit farmhouse-style community between Crone Middle School and single-family homes, offering diverse and lower-maintenance options from about $450K — read the full story.
New downtown arrivals: Birkenstock and indie boutique George & Fred opened earlier this month, with California’s Gorjana joining on Monday and plenty others coming to town in the near future — learn more.
The most underrated investment: While markets seesaws with the headlines, gold and silver are quietly holding value behind the scenes. Curious how it works? Snag this free investor kit to learn more.
Highlights this week
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Best Illinois cities to call home this year
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Shop local goods to live bluegrass music
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Celebrate the season at West Plaza’s opening day
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Check out the fire museum for free on Tuesdays
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Get 1/2 off your first TruGreen lawn treatment
🫶 We got your back
Scoops of sunshine: Arista Coffee & Café is your passport to gelato heaven, where every scoop tastes like a vacation in a cup—from tangy lemon to velvety stracciatella. It’s hands-down the sweetest way to beat the heat this weekend.
Pocket-sized perfection: If you’re craving dumplings that dance between delicate pleats and bold fillings, look no further than Xi’an Cuisine—they steam, they sear, they even deep-fry, but no matter the shape, each bite packs a flavor punch you won’t see coming.
See clearly, look cheeky: Ready to upgrade your eye game? Naperville Optical isn’t your grandma’s eyewear counter (unless grandma’s a style icon). From retro cat-eyes to modern minimalist frames that whisper “I’ve got this,” they’ll have you seeing—and being seen—in a whole new light.
Game-day glory days: When you need that signed rookie card or MVP autograph to complete your shrine, look no further than GradePlusTrade. From graded gems to limited-edition collectibles, they’ve got the goods that make your living room feel like championship central—no referees required (just maybe a foam finger).
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
This week
🎻 Wheels North @ Naper Settlement | Tuesday (7/1) at 3 pm – Progressive bluegrass with harmonies that hit just right. Wheels North blends banjo, bass, and fiddle magic in the heart of Naperville’s historic village. It’s a rootsy, toe-tapping pre-holiday warm-up.
👻 Naperville July 3rd Independence Ghost Walk @ Quigley’s Irish Pub | Thursday (7/3) at 7 pm – Celebrate Independence Day the spooky way with a haunted stroll through historic Naperville. Paranormal tales, real ghost-hunting gear, and just enough history to keep it legit. Reserve your spot—it sells out fast.
🔭 Free Public Stargazing: Naperville Riverwalk @ Dandelion Fountain | Thursday (7/3) at 8 pm – Gaze at the stars, planets, and maybe a few fireworks too. This free telescope party along the Riverwalk is perfect for friends, families, and aspiring astronomers. Just check the weather before you go—clouds might steal the show.
🧺 Brookdale Neighborhood Fourth of July Picnic @ Foxhill Greens Park | Friday (7/4) at 11 am – Right after the parade, grab your blanket and join your Brookdale neighbors under the trees for good food, games, and community cheer. Volunteer for a quick shift to help set up or tidy up—and earn extra neighborhood smiles in return!
💃 Flirty Friday @ Anthem Ale House | Friday (7/4) at 8 pm – Singles, it’s time to mix, mingle, and make connections over throwback 80s & 90s hits at Anthem Ale House. Sip on great drinks, bring your best energy, and spark something new on the dance floor.
This weekend
🧸 Grand Opening @ Olivia’s Play Place | Saturday (7/5) at 10 am – Olivia’s Play Place is throwing open its doors July 5, but here’s a secret: you can sneak in all June for free playtime with the kiddos. Toddler-approved slides, soft blocks, and giggles guaranteed. Mark your calendars for 10 am sharp—playground envy has arrived.
🛍️ First Saturday Sale @ Warehouse 55 Aurora | Saturday (7/5) at 10 am – Warehouse 55’s First Saturday Sale is your excuse to spoil yourself without breaking the bank—score 15% off all items $20+ this July 5. Browse one-of-a-kind homewares and vinyl treasures from 10 am–5 pm and finally snag that piece you’ve been eyeing. Coffee and good vibes included free of charge. Don’t sleep on it—this monthly fling only lasts a day!
🎨 The Sticker Snobs Season 5 @ McCarty Mills Taproom | Saturday (7/5) at 3 pm – The Sticker Snobs are back at McCarty Mills Taproom, turning your fave surfaces into mini masterpieces. From 3–8 pm, explore framed sticker art and grab packs to fuel your sticker obsession. Free to attend and family-friendly, with food and drinks available for purchase and limited indoor/outdoor seating. Artists, submit your work via the link to join Season 5’s sticky celebration!
🃏 Duelist’s Advance Case Tournament @ Chupacabra Games | Sunday (7/6) at 5 pm – Ready your deck for a high-stakes case tournament: register at 4 pm, shuffle at 5 pm, and bring your best five packs for a shot at booster-box glory. $25 entry gets you in on the action, with top prizes scaling up to three full boxes and plenty of packs for semifinalists. Whether you’re a seasoned duel pro or just here for the thrills, this Sunday showdown will have you on the edge of your seat.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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7/1 Wheels North @ Naper Settlement – 4 pm
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7/2 Music Bingo @ Draft Picks Naperville – 7 pm
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7/2 Karaoke Night @ The Piazza – 7 pm
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7/3 DJ Suave Smooth @ Aurora Transportation Center – 6 pm
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7/3 DJ Pena @ McCullough Park – 6 pm
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7/3 Live & Uncorked ft. Billy Elton @ Blackberry Farm Aurora – 7 pm
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7/3 Deja Vu Trio @ Potter’s Place – 7 pm
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7/3 Still Not Friday Comedy Showcase @ Two Brothers Roundhouse – 8 pm
🏠️ This house is wild
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Eabad Haque and Moin Haque (Coldwell Banker Realty) – 5 bedrooms | 7 bathrooms | Built in 2003 | 12033 sqft
Four stories of stone, brick, and stucco bring a whole new meaning to “living large”—think 12,000 square feet of pure, unfiltered luxury on 2.5 lush acres. The foyer’s curved staircase is ready for dramatic entrances, while the living room’s limestone fireplace and panoramic windows practically demand a standing ovation. The kitchen? Double islands, antique beams, and enough hidden gadgets to make a Swiss Army knife jealous.
A spiral staircase leads to a library with views so good, even your books might get distracted. The primary suite sports a semicircle sitting room, a closet that could swallow a boutique, and a bathroom that’s basically a spa day on demand. Downstairs, the walk-out basement is party central with a granite-topped bar, stone fireplace, and a secret entrance for caterers to sneak in the good stuff. Six-car radiant heated garage, elevator-ready shaft, and award-winning schools—because why settle for ordinary when you can have it all, and then some?
Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →
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