4th of July parade, chalk art contest, tax debate, veterans’ ruck march, a warehouse sale, and more.
July 04, 2025
Happy Fourth of July, 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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Grocery tax debate ⚖️
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Veterans ruck march 🎖️
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Fourth of July parade 🎆
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Graduates named: Naperville residents have completed degrees from Iowa State University, Northern Illinois University, and Marquette University in fields ranging from marketing and engineering to psychology and physical therapy — see the full list.
July Chalk Art contest underway: The Forest Preserve’s Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook is hosting a free, all-ages sidewalk chalk contest throughout July, with supplies provided and prizes in multiple categories — find out how to enter.
Tax choice debate: The City Council weighed replacing the state grocery tax with a 1% local grocery levy or hiking its home-rule sales tax to offset a $6.5 million shortfall — read the full debate.
Compare rates for free: The average driver pays $175 a month on car insurance, but most of us are paying way too much. If it’s been a while since you shopped around, you’re likely part of that “most of us” — this comparison tool can save you hundreds.
Highlights this week
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Chicago transit system faces fiscal cliff
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Nearby universities rank among the best
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Support veterans in a 5-mile ruck march
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Get half price drinks at The Town Bar today
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Score deals at Warehouse’s Saturday sale
🫶 We got your back
Crunch time: When your stomach starts growling for something crispy, herby, and downright irresistible, Mediterranean Oasis Mart whips up golden falafel that’ll have you reaching for extra tahini—and maybe a second pita—faster than you can say “chickpea bliss.”
Frankly fantastical franks: When you need a quick bite that packs a punch, Johnny’s Red Hots is the reigning champ of mustard, relish, and risk-it-all topping combos. Think loaded chili-cheese dogs with a dash of sriracha and pickled jalapeños—because sometimes comfort food needs a kick.
Tune in, power up: When you need a PC that churns through renders like a boss, keyboards that feel like an extension of your fingertips, or speakers that make your playlists thump, PC Mart is the secret weapon for every tech obsession.
Energy efficiency on a budget: New windows and doors may not seem glamorous, but they can deliver real savings — windows can reduce utility bills by 7-15% and doors by up to 35%. To sweeten the savings, Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 off per door right 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
🥾 Freedom Ruck March @ Riverwalk Grand Pavilion | Friday (7/4) at 7 am – Lace up for a 5-mile ruck march in support of our veterans, starting at 7:00 am with step-off at 8:00 am from the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. Choose from ruck-only or full food & beverage wristband packages, and stick around after for family fun, live music, and refreshments at the Naperville VFW.
🏮 Open Independence Day @ The Lantern | Friday (7/4) at 11 am – Stoke your July 4th spark at The Lantern, opening at 11:00 am for all your holiday brews and bites. Whether you’re fueling up pre-parade or cooling down post-fireworks, this cozy spot has you covered.
🎉 Brookdale 48th Annual Fourth of July Parade @ Hill Middle School | Friday (7/4) at 11 am – Brookdale’s most beloved tradition rolls out at 11:00 am (line up at 10:30 am at Hill Middle School!). Deck yourself in red, white, and blue, join the float challenge, and march, ride, or wheel your way through town. Creative costumes and decorated wheels could snag you top prizes!
This weekend
🍔 Burgers On Oak Avenue @ The Neighbor Project | Saturday (7/5) at 12 pm – Roll up your sleeves and flip some patties for a good cause at Burgers On Oak Avenue! Volunteer to beautify the neighborhood and reward yourself with juicy burgers on us. Noon to 3 pm at 218 Oak Avenue—tools, gloves, and community spirit provided.
🌺 Summer Luau Kids Night Out @ My Gym Aurora | Saturday (7/5) at 5:30 pm – Drop off your keiki for three hours of tiki-tastic fun—snacks, games, and island arts await from 5:30–8:30 pm. By bedtime, they’ll be so wiped out, you’ll be thanking us for the free evening! Meanwhile, you get to savor some grown-up time—sandals and umbrella cocktails encouraged. Head to our site for all the luau-ready details.
🎵 Singo Chicago @ Your Neighbors | Saturday (7/5) at 7 pm – It’s bingo, but with beats! Singo Chicago turns the classic game on its head with DJ-curated playlists and a chance at a juicy $600 progressive jackpot. Shout the lyrics, dab your card, and maybe snag appetizers on the house. Ready, set, Singo!
🏚️ Aurora Hauntings Ghost Walk @ Two Brothers Roundhouse | Saturday (7/5) at 8 pm – Grab your EMF meter and nerves of steel for Aurora’s spookiest evening stroll. From the 150-year-old roundhouse to Stolp Island, these ghostly tales will have you checking over your shoulder. Perfect for thrill-seekers and brave hearts—no refunds for heart palpitations!
🏊 Lazy Sunday Swim @ Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center | Sunday (7/6) at 9 am – Ease into your Sunday with a leisurely dip and poolside chill session—novelty ice creams highly recommended. Tickets are non-refundable and required for ages 2+, with little splashers under 2 free; under-12s swim with an adult. Bring the whole crew, relax in our family-friendly lanes, and make a splash before the week kicks back in.
🧠 Sunday Trivia @ Noon Whistle Brewing Co | Sunday (7/6) at 3 pm – Flex your brainpower with two hours of general knowledge, themed bonus rounds, and toe-tapping music questions courtesy of Bag of Tricks. Fuel up on craft pints while you battle for bragging rights and sweet prizes. Round up your smartest friends, stake out a table early, and get ready for a Sunday Funday unlike any other.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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7/4 Music Bingo @ Noon Whistle Brewing – 7 pm
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7/4 Naperville Municipal Band @ Wagner Pavilion – 7:30 pm
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7/4 Flirty Friday @ Anthem Ale House – 8 pm
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7/4 Canaoke Friday with DJ Dave @ The Can Bar – 9 pm
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7/5 DJ Overstreet and more @ The Town Bar & Grill – 7 pm
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7/5 Joker’s Rival @ Two Brothers Roundhouse – 8:30 pm
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7/5 Whiskey Thomas @ Saddle Up at Q – 9 pm
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7/6 1st Sunday Salsa Social @ The Matrix Club – 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.
Listed by: Walter Burrell and Bridget Salela (Coldwell Banker Realty)
JGMA’s masterpiece boasts Brazilian Ipe and Teak Cumaru siding beneath a custom Rheinzink zinc roof, all lit up by 16-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that spill sunlight onto sleek open spaces. Stainless-steel appliances and a second full kitchen downstairs make cooking feel like a spectator sport, while radiant-heated floors keep toes cozy.
Set on 1.5 acres of whispering woods, the lush backyard retreat comes with multi-zoned climate control, dual laundry wings and a trio of furnaces. Five bedrooms, four baths and a spa-worthy vibe prove that luxury can also be unapologetically practical.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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