Naperville Development Partnership

Naperville offers the culture and excitement of a larger city with the community spirit of a small town.  Spectators as well as performers and those with a passion for the visual or performing arts will find Naperville offers an abundance of activities and opportunities.

The Naperville Art League  founded in 1961 allows local artists to showcase their talents to the public. They also sponsor local special events including the Riverwalk Fine Arts Fair. This event takes place every September along the winding picturesque Riverwalk and showcases exceptional artwork by nationally known artists. www.napervilleartleague.com

Naperville’s Century Walk is a collection of outdoor art pieces located throughout the downtown. Freestanding sculpture, mosaic benches, wall relief sculpture and beautiful colorful murals depict the people and events that convey Naperville’s rich history. www.centurywalk.org

In 2008,  the spectacular new Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center and Schoenherr Art Gallery opened on the campus of North Central College. This architectural jewel stands at the gateway to Naperville's downtown and is one of the most premier performing arts complexes in the Midwest.    The 13,000 square foot concert hall was designed to create an initimate feel - yet crafted to provide the superior clarity, warmth and liveiliness of sound that are essential to enjoy music of all genres.  A second location on the college campus,  Pfeiffer Hall, also hosts theatrical productions, ballets, various musical events and other dramatic performances.   www.northcentralcollege.edu/show

Live theater is enjoyed by all thanks to Summer Place Theatre, North Central College, Theatre Eclectic, Magical Starlight Theatre for children as well as the local schools. Singers and musicians take to the stage with the Naperville Men’s Glee Club, the Naperville Municipal Band, Naperville Chamber Singers, DuPage Symphony Orchestra, the Naperville Chorus and the Young Naperville Singers.

The Naperville Cultural Center works with several culture groups and organizations to fund special events and offer special classes. The Cultural Center promotes peace through an understanding of the world’s culture through arts, language, music, movement, and meditation. Native drawing classes, yoga, drumming, and foreign language classes are among the things they offer.   www.naperculture.org

Unique to Naperville is the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower.  The fourth largest in North America, its 72 bells  span six full octaves.  The free Visitors Center has interactive exhibits and general information.  Tours (fee) are available allowing visitors to see the bells on their way up to the open air observation deck.  The deck, offers breathtaking views of Downtown Naperville and beyond. The bells play 3 times daily and concerts bring carillonneurs from all over the world to play this instrument.  www.naperville-carillon.org

The city of Naperville hosts several festivals during the year which encompass community involvement through volunteering and special community related service groups.   Naper Days, held at Naper Settlement,  is a  festival that raises money for The Naperville Heritage Society, a local non-profi t organization working to preserve the rich heritage and history of Naperville. This family friendly festival is held every Father’s Day weekend and includes A Taste of Naperville, Battle of the Bands, children’s activities,  and tours of the many 19th century historic buildings. www.naperdays.org

The nationally recognized Naperville RibFest is a yearly event that takes place every Independence Day weekend. It has been voted the Best Festival in the Midwest. RibFest includes 2 music stages featuring national acts,  world-class rib vendors as well as dozens of other foods, a family area, and carnival for all ages. All proceeds go to the elimination of child abuse and domestic violence.   www.ribfest.net

Last Fling, held during the Labor Day weekend, is the largest Naperville festival. There is something for everyone – an extensive carnival with rides and games, a main stage featuring nationally recognized artists, free performances on the Entertainment Stage, a beer garden, and dozens of food vendors.  The  parade that winds through Downtown on Labor Day.  “The Fling” is sponsored by The Naperville Jaycees. www.lastfling.org 

All these special events could not take place without the generosity and volunteer spirit of Naperville residents. Through service groups and various volunteer organizations, Naperville continues to take pride in this community that they call home.