From the very last Ribfest in Knoch Park to the very first food truck festival, it’s all happening in Naperville this summer. We set out to round up summer events in town and came up with a full roster!

Community events in Naperville showcase what we love best about our “Live and Love Local” approach to real estate. Every one of these events features a local focus, including area businesses, sponsors, organizations, and charitable groups. Many of these events have been part of the Naperville community for decades.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Naperville Memorial Day Parade, Naperville, May 27

Naperville honors veterans on Memorial Day with a grand parade stepping off at 10:30 AM at Jackson and West streets. That’s just one of the many ways Naperville recognizes those who have died in active military service to our country. More than 2,000 veterans’ graves will be decorated over Memorial Day Weekend. Memorial Day observances begin with a flag-raising ceremony at 7:45 AM at city hall, followed by an 8:15 AM service at Veteran’s Park, an 8:35 AM service at Burlington Square, a 9 AM service at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and a 9:45 AM service at the GAR Monument. All residents are welcome at these events.

Naperville Knowledge Naperville’s Memorial Day observance has been organized for more than 80 years by local veterans and citizens in conjunction with dedicated efforts of the Judd Kendall VFW Post and American Legion Post 43.

Naperville Municipal Band Summer Concerts, Central Park, May 26 through August 15

The Naperville Municipal Band will perform its traditional Memorial Day Parade with a concert in Central Park following the parade. The summer season will continue with Thursday night concerts in Central Park from June 6 through August 15. All performances are free.

Naperville Knowledge The Naperville Municipal Band has entertained area residents for 160 years. Thursday night concerts are a much-loved community tradition with people of all ages gathering at Central Park for performances. Each NMB concert features a local charity that comes to sell baked goods. Come early with a picnic supper and share an evening of music with your neighbors at these time-honored concerts.

Downtown Naperville Wine Walk, June 2

We’re proud to serve as one of the sponsors of the ever-popular Downtown Naperville Wine Walk, set for June 2 from noon to 5 PM. If you have a ticket to already sold-out event, you’ll be one of the attendees strolling through downtown Naperville as you wine and food tastings along the way.

Naperville Knowledge The Downtown Naperville Wine Walk benefits Arranmore Arts. While our motto at john greene is “Live and Love Local,” theirs is “Live Inspired.” This arts organization within Arranmore Farm and Polo Club builds community through their InspirEd “Jam” theater, dance, and music programs for children.

Naperville Woman’s Club Fine Art and Artisan Fair, Naper Settlement, June 22 and 23

The Naperville Woman’s Club will hold the 60th Naperville Fine Art and Artisan Fair over a two-day event featuring more than 100 artists displaying, selling, and demonstrating their original works. This signature event is the club’s largest fundraiser and attracts about 10,000 attendees. All the action happens at Naper Settlement from 10 AM to 5 PM. You’ll find live entertainment, a silent auction, and the Petite Picasso’s children’s activity tent. One very special part of the art fair is the Empty Bowls project to help fight hunger in the Naperville area. Lisle’s ClaySpace is donating ceramic bowls to benefit local food pantries. Admission and parking at this event is totally free!

Naperville Knowledge The Naperville Woman’s Club Fine Art and Artisan Fair is the longest continuously running juried art fair in Illinois. Proceeds from the fair go right back into the community through donations to local and national charities.

Naperville Ribfest, Knoch Park, July 3 through July 6

The Exchange Club of Naperville will host the very last Ribfest at Naperville’s Knoch Park this July. Event organizers are looking for a new location after 2019 since Knoch Park will be unavailable due to construction projects (including a new varsity girls softball field at Naperville Central High School). After more than 30 years in Knoch Park, this year’s Ribfest is sure to go out with more of a bang than usual. About 200,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which includes a spectacular fireworks display.

The live music lineup for “Last Nights at Knoch” will open with Billy Idol on July 3. Flo Rida and KC and the Sunshine Band will take the stage on July 4. Country music artists Brantley Gilbert and Randy Houser will headline on July 5. And on July 6, classic rock legends Bad Company will rule the stage. Advance ticket purchase for these shows is a must—you can buy them here.

Naperville Knowledge Ribfest is a fundraiser held by the Exchange Club of Naperville to fight child abuse and domestic violence. To date, Ribfest has contributed more than $17.5 million toward this effort. Volunteers staff the festival and dozens of companies and organizations act as sponsors. Sponsors for the 2019 festival include Jewel Osco, Naperville Bank and Trust, ABC 7 Chicago, and DuPage Medical Group.

Naperville Ale Fest, Naper Settlement, July 13

The 17th annual Naperville Ale Fest will happen July 13 from noon to 5 PM, bringing 200+ craft beers, live music, and an array of Chicagoland food trucks to Naper Settlement. VIP tickets get you early admission and entry to the VIP lounge featuring specialty beers. Tickets to this event usually sell out, so get your now if you want to attend.

Naperville Knowledge This festival is for ages 21 and up only. IDs will be checked at the door. Local craft brewers represented at this year’s festival include Naperville’s own cidery, 2 Fools Cider; Downers Grove Alter Brewing Company; and Oswego Brewing Company.

Naperville Food Truck Festival, Naper Settlement, August 10

Food trucks from the Chicagoland area will invade Naper Settlement on August 10 from noon to 7 PM for the inaugural Naperville Food Truck Festival. Can’t wait for the gates to open? Early eaters can get in at 11 AM. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets for this outdoor event. This family-friendly event will feature a vendor village with local businesses and food truck from purveyors such as Nothing Bundt Cakes and the Pierogi Squad. Pierogi? We can’t say no to that!

Naperville Knowledge This is a ticketed event with food and drink sold separately from admission. Parking is free. Children 10 and under get in free with a paying adult. General admission tickets are $5 online and $10 at the door. Early Eater tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door.

India Day, Knoch Park, August 11

Hosted by Naperville’s Indian Community Outreach, India Day will take place at Knoch Park in an all-day event that features a parade, a food court, live music, fashion show, talent show, and more. The event includes fireworks and a free concert headlined by a to-be-announced Bollywood star performer from India.

Naperville Knowledge Naperville’s India Day is one of the largest Indian American festivals in the United States. The 2018 event drew over 30,000 attendees from all over the country.

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