This weekend in Naperville, IL

Fox Valley Genealogical Society’s 2026 Fall Conference presents Moving On: Early American Migration, a day of learning with four lectures led by nationally respected speakers Michael John Neill and Dr. David McDonald. The program blends practical research methods with historical context to help trace ancestral migration routes, work with Bureau of Land Management land records and tract books, examine Illinois settlement trends from the colonial era through 1850, and explore how the Second Great Awakening shaped life in the 1800s. Extended Q&A sessions of 30 minutes follow both the morning and afternoon lectures, providing added time to address specific research questions. The conference is hosted at the NIU Naperville Conference Center.

Hosted by the Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council at Phillips Park, the 1st Annual Coquí 5K Run and Walk brings families together for a spirited day of movement and music. Runners and walkers share the path while supporters cheer from the sidelines. A live DJ and a group warm up set the tone before the race begins. The atmosphere centers on community, culture, and support for a cause.

Explore a sweet lineup at the farmers market with 1, 2, and 3 pound jars of honey, along with honey bears and honey stix available each week. Creamed honey is offered in limited quantities and can sell out quickly. Depending on availability, you may also find paw wax that is not just for pets, flavored honey like lemon and jalapeño, as well as pollen, honeycomb, and soap. Cash is accepted, and credit cards are welcome with a fee.

The NIC Committee on Accessibility will host an educational summit. Registration is open for both participants and volunteers, with options to take part as an attendee or support the event in a volunteer role.

A community-centered walk focused on supporting young women navigating their breast cancer journey. This family-friendly gathering offers ways to contribute by walking, donating, or sharing the message, and every step helps provide essential resources and meaningful support during a difficult time. Registration is open.

Ninjas Open Play at Ultimate Ninjas Academy welcomes children ages 3 to 9 for a fun session on the obstacles. Participants can take on bigger ninja challenges with assistance from an adult or a coach. Kids can try monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, and a warped wall, along with other scaled-down obstacles inspired by those seen on TV.

At Naper Settlement, an early newspaper hawker shares stories about Land of Lincoln legends and their inventions, featuring Marvin Camras with the tape recorder, Laurens Hammond with the electronic keyboard, Levant Richardson with ball bearing roller skates, Charles Pajeau with tinker toys, Ives McGaffrey with the vacuum cleaner, and Whitcomb Judson with the zipper.

NeuroQueer Social Night is a monthly gathering for neurodiverse LGBTQ adults and allies that focuses on connection and community. Attendees can take part in crafts, games, and other relaxed activities in a setting that is supportive of neurodiversity, with the freedom to participate at a pace that feels comfortable. There are also options tailored to more specific interests. For details, email olive@naperpride.org.

Will Hoge performs at The Venue. The Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter crafted his 15th studio album, Sweet Misery, as a bold step that embraces fresh ideas while honoring his rock and roll roots with experience and purpose, avoiding predictability. After re-recording Carousel and Blackbird On A Lonely Wire, he focused on a louder, hook-forward band sound filled with vivid stories and big choruses, bringing in a trusted group of musicians to elevate the songs. His career includes number-one hits, Grammy recognition, major-label deals, and hard-won independence, and he helped popularize Americana before the genre had its own Grammy category. In a digital era of quick fame, he continues to value the long journey and the craft itself.

Explore a range of local holistic wellness and arts. Exhibitors may feature aura photography, bodywork, energy work, and intuitive readings, from tarot to astrology, along with handcrafted jewelry and gift items, spa products, and free workshops. Admission is free, and attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Enjoy outdoor fun at The Growing Place Aurora with live music from Milkmen’s Kids, pumpkin-themed crafts, lawn games, and food. Admission is free.

The Aura Foundation introduces Community Healing Sessions, a donation based wellness offering created to make self-care accessible through the support of volunteer practitioners. Participants can explore holistic services that may include Reiki, energy work, sound centered practices, relaxation techniques, and other wellness options, with offerings adjusted over time based on practitioner participation and community needs. The first session features private Reiki appointments provided by trained volunteers in a calm, supportive setting. Reiki is a gentle practice that originated in Japan and is commonly used to encourage relaxation, ease stress, and support overall well-being. During a session, participants remain fully clothed while the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the body. Many people report feeling deeply relaxed and refreshed afterward. Reiki is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition, and it is often used as a complementary approach that supports the body’s natural capacity to rest and restore. Appointments are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, and all proceeds benefit The Aura Foundation and its community wellness programs, educational offerings, and healing experiences. Registration is required, appointments are limited, and scheduling can be completed online or by calling 630-219-8546. Zeffy registration is also required. Self-Care Sundays reflects The Aura Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to wellness resources, learning opportunities, and restorative experiences for the community.

Ultimate Ninjas Academy invites children ages 3 to 9 to an open play session designed for young ninjas. Participants can try monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, a warped wall, and many other smaller versions of obstacles seen on TV. Bigger challenges are available with help from an adult or a coach.

Growlers for Howlers takes over Two Brothers Roundhouse with music, food, and fundraising in support of A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter. The event spans the entire venue, indoors and outdoors, with a live set by Jake Stirn & The Dog Pack, beer, seltzers, and nonalcoholic options, plus raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing, and a silent auction. Guests can meet adoptable dogs and enjoy food available for purchase from Two Brothers. Tickets will be available soon, and all proceeds benefit the animals of A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.

Lotus Vibrations Healing offers a restorative sound meditation that immerses participants in layered tones from singing bowls, drums, rattles, didgeridoo, flute, gong, and handpan. The vibrations are intended to ease tension and support an energetic reset at a cellular level, helping attendees feel balanced and renewed. The evolving waves of sound encourage brainwave entrainment, gently shifting consciousness and inviting harmony in mind, body, and spirit. Participants are encouraged to lie down, focus on their breath, and relax. Please bring a yoga mat, eye mask, blanket, pillows, a water bottle, and any knee support you may need. Chairs are available. This is a donation based event open to the community.