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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.
In today’s edition: Riverwalk commemorative bricks, crafters paradise, pumpkin smash, and more.
Let’s get to it.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Community legacy in Naperville: Fall 2025 Riverwalk commemorative bricks are slated for early November installation, following an Oct. 9 spring placement at Fredenhagen Park, with the Spring 2026 order deadline March 15, 2026 — see installation timing and deadlines.
Plans paused amid scrutiny: Naperville City Council indefinitely tabled Dutch Bros’ Market Meadows drive-thru proposal to address traffic and safety concerns, while company refines plans and targets 28 to 34 Chicago-area locations by 2026 — get all the details.
Around-the-clock crisis care: DuPage County’s new Crisis Recovery Center in Wheaton is drawing praise after a strong start, completing 332 assessments in seven weeks and serving 65 youth as officials pursue funding — see services and funding plans.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
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A roomy romp at Whalon Lake Dog Park
Naperville pups know the spot: Whalon Lake Dog Park, a breezy playground that turns dignified doodles into zoomie machines. In the preserve, it’s the go-to when a backyard lap won’t do.
The off-leash area spans 11.9 acres, with a separate 1.9-acre pen for pups under 35 pounds. Translation: elbow room. There’s space to chase, sniff the breeze, and settle into a pace without bumper cars.
Bonus for humans: a paved loop around the lake and wide-open prairie views. Bring water and a ball, then follow their nose.
If your dog brings the leash at 5 p.m. on the dot, we’re not saying they can tell time, but they might. Make your next romp at Whalon Lake Dog Park today, then cue the nap.
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Advertising with us is as easy as it gets. Fill out this quick form and we’ll get you in an upcoming edition!
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🫶 We got your back
Help stock holiday kitchens: With the holidays ahead, Naperville Sunrise Rotary will host a Food Preparation Drive on Nov. 14 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Naperville Country Club, collecting unopened basics like cooking oil, flour, sugar, and spices for West Suburban Community Pantry. Can’t make it? Weekday drop-offs are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the pantry. See where and when to donate.
Festive night out ahead: Mark your calendar: Downtown Naperville’s Holiday Parade of Lights returns Friday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will headline the illuminated procession, stepping off from Centennial Beach and weaving through Jackson, Webster, and Van Buren before ending at Naper Elementary School. Expect local groups, music, and plenty of sparkle. Get all the parade details.
Historic mansion vibes: Craving a night that actually feels like a night out? Mesón Sabika serves shareable Spanish tapas like paella, tortilla Española, and more inside an 1847 mansion with refined, cozy rooms. Linger, trade bites, let the house set the tone.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
Need new windows? It’s not the most glamorous upgrade, we’ll admit. But newer windows = lower energy bills and a subtle (but definitely noticeable) glow-up. If you’ve been putting it off or waiting for the right moment, Renewal by Andersen is offering a discount that just might seal the deal. Check it out here.
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🤝 Introducing local deals (just for you)
We’re launching a brand new segment to bring you exclusive local offers from trusted businesses right here in Naperville. Think of it as your inside pass to the best local finds, discounts, and experiences.
The kind only available to Naperville Brief readers.
Know a local business you love? Send ’em this newsletter and encourage them to get involved.
Own, manage, or market a local business? We’d love to feature you here for free. The only catch? Your deal has to be genuinely valuable and exclusive to our readers.
Email us 👉 [email protected] to get started.
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📆 Around town this weekend
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →
Today
💐 Fall Floral Design Class @ The Green Branch | Friday (11/7) at 6:30pm – If your coffee table deserves better than the grocery store bouquet, Christine’s fall floral class has you covered. Sip, snip, and build a legit arrangement to take home, all the fun of autumn without raking, glitter, or faux pumpkins.
🕵️ Murder Mystey Dinner @ Arrowhead Golf Club | Friday (11/7) at 6:30pm – Fancy a dinner where your alibi matters? At Arrowhead’s murder mystery, question suspects for clues, dress to impress for prizes, and savor potato soup, Chicken Marsala, and brownie caramel cheesecake, plus a cash bar, while trying not to become the evening’s interesting plot twist.
This weekend
✂️ Crafters Paradise @ Bethany Lutheran Church | Saturday (11/8) at 9:00am – Skip the big-box aisles and wander the annual Crafters Paradise at Bethany Lutheran Church in Naperville, a cozy marketplace of handmade goods, local talent, and gift-worthy finds. It’s peak early-bird shopping, no mall chaos, maximum charm.
🎃 Pumpkin Smash @ Hidden Oaks Nature Center | Saturday (11/8) at 12:00pm – Finally, a responsible way to take out your post-Halloween aggression. We’re smashing those sad jack-o’-lanterns at Hidden Oaks for compost, choosing their fate by mallet, railing, or launch, then rewarding ourselves with hot dogs, s’mores, and the warm glow of doing good. Free, all ages.
🥩 Wagyu, Whiskey, and Wine Dinner @ Morton’s The Steakhouse | Saturday (11/8) at 6:30pm – Take a break from the week and let Morton’s handle the splurge with a five-course Wagyu dinner, paired with whiskey cocktails and fine wines. Your grill gets the night off, your palate gets spoiled, and you get bragging rights without doing dishes.
🐾 Punts Paws & Pints: The Pawction Finale @ Two Brothers Roundhouse | Sunday (11/9) at 12:00pm – Take a break from pretending the Bears have a deep-ball, and head to Two Brothers Roundhouse for football, craft beer, and the Pawction finale. Cheer Bears vs Giants, place your last bids, then toast to saving pets. Every pint helps, every bid saves lives.
🎭The Rocky Horror Show @ BrightSide Theatre | Sunday (11/9) at 2:00pm – Time to do the Time Warp again! This cult classic bursts onto the BrightSide stage with glitter, fishnets, and a soundtrack that refuses to quit. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a curious first-timer, expect wild antics, bold characters, and a rock ‘n’ roll fever dream that’s equal parts chaos and charm.
🎵 20th Anniversary Organ Concert @ Grace United Methodist Church of Naperville | Sunday (11/9) at 4:00pm – Our grand Reuter pipe organ is turning 20, and the party sounds glorious. Expect a one-hour celebration with maestro Stephen Buzard, our own José Rosado, the Chancel Choir, and some belt-it-out hymns, plus a behind-the-scenes chat, and civilized post-concert nibbles.
Next week
🎖️ Where Heroes Walked: The Places, The Faces, and the Legacy of D-Day @ White Oak Library District | Monday (11/10) at 7:00pm – At the library, skip the streaming wars and hear Illinois native Ron Eckberg bring D-Day, June 6, 1944 to life with words, images, and music. The proud son of a WWII frontline vet, he draws on research, veteran interviews, and Normandy visits. Seats go fast.
📖 West Chicago Public Library Storytime @ First Division Museum | Tuesday (11/11) at 4:30pm – Round up the kiddos for a Veterans Day storytime at the First Division Museum, featuring a veteran reader and kid-sized attention spans. Perfect for kids six and under. Meet at the lobby desk, wander to the spot, outside if it’s pleasant, inside if it’s brisk.
✉️ Art Exhibit inspired by Letters during WW2: Between the Lines @ Schoenherr Gallery at North Central College | Tuesday (11/11) at 6:00pm – Think your texts are intimate? Try 500 WWII letters from a serviceman to his sweetheart, translated into 20-plus mixed-media paintings by Marilyn Dale at North Central, quiet, powerful, and beautifully human. Free Veterans Day reception with refreshments, and a cut goes to the Naperville VFW.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
- 11/7 Best Laid Plans @ Arrowhead Golf Club – 6:30 pm
- 11/7 Faculty Recital Series: Jazz @ Madden Theatre – 7:30 pm
- 11/8 JetSet @ Bryan’s American Grille – 7 pm
- 11/9 Eric Johanson @ The Venue – 7 pm
- 11/14 The Heartwreckers @ The Venue – 8 pm
- 11/14 Indika Reggae Band and more @ Basecamp – 8 pm
- 11/15 Gospel Jazz Brunch @ Bolingbrook Golf Club – 11 am
- 11/15 Steve Cochran @ Paramount Theatre – 5 pm
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🏠️ 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).
Listed by: Jennifer May (Keller Williams Infinity)
Cul-de-sac cool in Naperville’s Prairie Crossing, within District 204 and Neuqua Valley. Nearly 3,300 square feet plus an English basement add flex, featuring a rec room and two extra bedrooms. A two-story foyer leads to a vaulted family room with skylights and a fireplace, plus hardwood floors and nine foot ceilings. The kitchen brings stainless, granite, and a walk-in pantry. A vaulted sunroom is light therapy.
Formal living and dining, a main floor office and laundry, plus a fenced yard with a deck and mature trees. Updates include roof and HVAC 2019, windows 2016-2017, exterior paint 2020.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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