Hot Summer Nights—Sizzlin’ Events You Won’t Want to Miss
By Mark Zonca
June 2014 View more Featured
From fitness fun and mouth-watering festivals, to musical celebrations and arts and crafts, this summer is packed with some of the hottest events of the year.
JUNE
13th Annual Run for Reading
June 7 The Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy 5K family run/walk to support literacy, fitness and family, takes place on 5th Avenue/Plank Road in Naperville at 8:15 p.m. In person registration: June 4 and 5 at the Naperville Running Company, 34 W. Jefferson Street, or June 6 and 7 at 5th Ave Station.
Downtown Naperville wine walk
June 7 Stroll through downtown Naperville shops while tasting a variety of wines and appetizers, and enjoying musical performances by ArranmoreArts musicians. Proceeds from the event will benefit ArranmoreArts. Noon to 5 p.m.
Athleta Esprit de She Triathlon
June 8 The Athleta Esprit de She Naperville Triathlon is a sprint distance triathlon in and around Centennial Beach starting at 7:30 a.m. The swim course takes place at Centennial Beach. The bike course is two laps on paved roadways throughout the Naperville area and the run traverses paved roads and paths through Riverwalk Park. All participants must be a USAT member or purchase a single-event permit for $12.
Naperville Municipal Band Concerts
All concert are free and take place at the Naperville Community Concert Center. 7:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, or bench seating is available.
June 5 “Strike Up The Band”
June 12 “Sound Off”
June 29 “Opera For People Who Don’t Like Opera”
June 26 “Thursday Night in Central Park” Tom Bough-Tuba Soloist and
Children’s Parade
Art in Bloom Cantigny Fine Art Festival
June 14–15 One of Cantigny’s biggest events of the year and a Father’s Day tradition, Art in Bloom features a juried art show, more than 75 exhibiting artists, activities and crafts, demonstrations, live music and great food. Free with $5 parking.10 a.m., Wheaton.
Rollin’ on The River
Enjoy live music on the Riverwalk on Friday evenings throughout the summer. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Riverwalk Free Speech Pavilion located at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street.
June 13 Sinister Finch (Rock)
June 20 Battle of the Bands 2nd and 3rd place finishers June 27 Ted Slowik
(Crafted Americana)
Naper Nights
Rock out to great music at Naper Settlement’s Naper Nights Community Concert Series and dance the night away on the beautiful 12-acre grounds. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, your family and friends for a summertime tradition. No outside food or beverages allowed. Gates open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
June 20 6 p.m., Deacon Blues: Steely Dan tribute band, 8:15 p.m., Michael McDermott and the Duke Street Kings: Music of Bruce Springsteen
June 21 6 p.m., Fortunate Sons: Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute; 8:15 p.m., Mike and Joe, Pop and rock hits from the ’90s to today
Cabernet cabaret: forces of nature
June 21 This open-air concert brings together some of Chicago’s most talented performers for one night of musical magic under the stars. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the gate. Children 13 and under are free. Arranmore Farm and Polo Club,
6:30 p.m., Oswego.
Step up For Autism Walk
June 22 Designed to raise awareness about autism, the Step Up for Autism walk was the first of its kind to be held in Naperville. Funds raised will benefit children and adults with autism in our community served by Little Friends and the Little Friends Center for Autism. Downtown Naperville Riverwalk.
8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. Kids Area Activities
9:15 a.m. Walk Kick-Off
9:30 a.m. Fun-Run Begins
9:35 a.m. Walk Begins
Arranmore ale fest
June 28 A variety of entertainment acts and more than 80 unique craft beers will be brought together in one billing for this inaugural festival. Proceeds to benefit ArranmoreArts and other local charities. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Arranmore Farm and Polo Club, Oswego.
JULY
Rib Fest 2013
Naperville RibFest
July 3–6 Enjoy ribs, rides and music at one of Naperville’s most popular summer events. The July 4th fireworks display will take place at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, July 4.Visit ribfest.net
July 3 BoDeans
July 5 Roger Hodgson of Super Tramp
July 6 George Thorogood, Blue Oyster Cult and Foghat
Naperville Municipal Band Concerts
The free concerts start at 7:30 p.m. at the Naperville Community Concert Center.
July 2 “America the Beautiful”—featuring the 1812 Overture
July 10 NMB Big Jazz Band
July 17 “Our United States” Bruce Beach (Guest Conductor)
July 24 To Be Announced
July 31 “Ladies Choice”
Rollin’ on The River
The Free concerts are held from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Riverwalk Free Speech Pavilion located at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street.
July 11 Elizabeth Carol (Acoustic/Folk/Indie)
July 18 Andrew Huber (Acoustic/Folk/Indie)
July 25 Dave Byron (Guitar)
Naperville Ale Fest
July 19 The second annual Naperville Ale Fest will feature more than 180 unique beers from craft breweries around the country at Naper Settlement, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Some of Naperville’s best restaurants and catering companies will also be in attendance. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Naper Settlement and the Naperville Heritage Society.
Naper Nights
Naper Settlement’s Naper Nights Community Concert Series continues to heat up the summer nights in July.
July 25 (Gates open 5-10 p.m.)
6:30 p.m., Think Floyd: Songs from the Floyd era
July 26 (Gates open 3-10 p.m.)
3 p.m., Naperville Park Disrict Battle of the Bands, OMT: One More Time
6 p.m., The Ents: Rush Tribute Band
8:15 p.m. ARRivAl ARRA transforms into Arrival for a night of music from Journey
Naperville Woman’s Club Fine Art Fair
July 12–13 The Naperville Woman’s Club 55th Annual Juried Fine Art Fair featuring more than100 artists from around the country, takes place10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Naper Settlement. Activities include entertainment, a silent auction, artist demonstrations, the Empty Bowl Fundraiser to benefit local food pantries, and the Petite Picassos children’s activities tent. Admission is free.
Best of Naperville magazine Awards
July 31 Winners of this year’s Best of Naperville Magazine Awards will be announced during this evening of fun, food, and celebration. Voting for the 40 best categories continues through June 15. To vote and purchase tickets to the best party of the summer, visit www.napervillemagazine.com
AUGUST
Rollin’ on The River
Enjoy free live music on the Riverwalk on Friday evenings throughout the summer. Concerts will be held from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Riverwalk Free Speech Pavilion.
August 1 Bloody Mary (Rock)
August 8 School of Rock (Rock)
Go Ballistic Naperville
August 2 The first of its kind event will challenge all ages and fitness levels with a variety of obstacles that will test your upper body, lower body, core strength, endurance, and fun meter. Pay once and race in as many races as you like during the day. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Frontier Park Sports Complex, Naperville.
Wheaton Brew Fest
August 2 Wheaton Brew Fest features a wide variety of local and national beers and great entertainment with the opportunity to sample each beer and determine a favorite. Memorial Park, Wheaton.
Naperville Municipal Band Concerts
All concert are free and take place at the Naperville Community Concert Center starting at 7:30 p.m.
August 6 Joint NMB Big Jazz Band Concert
August 14 “Great Themes and Melodies”
Zoo Brew
August 9–10 Enjoy bears and beers, lions and lagers, aardvarks and ales all at the Brookfield Zoos third annual Zoo Brew. The 21 and over event features beer tasting from more than 60 beers along with live music and a silent auction. Ticket prices include free admission to Brookfield Zoo.
Naper Nights 2013
Naper Nights
Naper Settlement’s Naper Nights Community Concert Series continues to heat up the summer nights in August.
August 22 6:30 p.m., American English: Two full sets of Beatles music
August 23 6 p.m., Tumbling Dice: Rolling Stones Tribute Band; 8:15 p.m.,16 Candles: Pop and rock of the ’80s and ’90s
Naperville Wine Fest
August 22–23 Sample from more than 270 wines from around the world at the CityGate Centre. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting. Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations are also conducted.
Last Fling
August 29–September 1 The Last Fling is held annually over Labor Day Weekend, featuring a carnival, live entertainment, business expo, Family Funland, food vendors, and special events. Visit www.lastfling.org.
