24 can't miss things to do in Naperville this week (2/28)

Where to get the best Paczkis, how to immerse yourself in a video game, when to enroll in the best spring programs, and dozens of other things worth checking out.

February 28, 2025

Good morning, Naperville. Settle in, sip whatever gets you going, and let The Naperville Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead ☕️

In today’s edition:

  • Paczki day 🥐 

  • A new way to game 🕹️ 

  • Spring programs for kids 🚸 

  • 20+ things to do 📆 

Let’s get to it.

This week’s highlights

🍩 Paczki Day is almost here

If your sweet tooth has been waiting all year for Paczki Day, the time has come — Naperville bakeries are rolling out the goods on Tuesday. From maple bacon to banana cream pie, and the classic whipped cream with strawberries, it’s a good idea to claim your favorites before they’re gone. Pre-orders are open now →

🎮 Ever wanted to immerse yourself in a video game?

Starting March 21st, you’ll be able to do just that. Whether you're looking for a new way to sweat, a fun birthday spot, or an excuse to compete with your friends, this brand new source of high-energy gaming is one you don’t want to sleep on →

🎭 Early registration opens Monday

Naperville Park District’s spring programs and summer camps open for resident registration on Monday, and the good ones always go quick. Whether your kid wants to build robots, become a YouTube star, or dive into prehistoric adventures, there’s something for all the littles (and a few things for adults, too). Secure your spot before nonresidents are allowed to steal them all →

Other highlights this week:

Here’s your weekly Naperville brief, featuring (at least) 20 things worth checking out over the next seven days 👇

Today - February 28th

🦞 Love lobster?

4 – 8 pm : Fresh Maine lobster is rolling into Go Brewing and serving up buttery lobster rolls, creamy bisque, and all the shellfish goodness your heart desires →

🐶 Yoga with furry friends

7 pm: Downward dog takes on a whole new meaning at Furry Friend Yoga. This 40-minute class at ADOPT’s training center is packed with puppy cuddles and calming stretches. It’s open to yogis 12 and up →

Tomorrow - March 1st

🥞 All-you-can-eat pancakes

7 am - noon: Troop 100’s Annual Pancake Breakfast is serving up unlimited stacks of fluffy pancakes, sausage, and coffee at Wesley Methodist Church. Bring your appetite, buy a raffle ticket, and support the Scouts →

🎨 Handmade treasures and sweets

9 am – 4 pm: If you love unique finds, tasty treats, and supporting local makers, the Spring Craft Show at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora is your kind of shopping spree. With over 20 vendors, you’ll find everything from handmade soaps and artisanal fudge to custom prints and glam accessories →

Can’t make it tomorrow? It’s happening Sunday too.

🎸 Cheap Trick fans, this one’s for you

1 - 4 pm: Rick Nielsen, the guitar-shredding legend, is signing bottles of ROCK’N Vodka at Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets →

🐶 Who rescued who?

12:45 pm: If you’ve been waiting for a sign to adopt or foster a dog—this is it. Angel Dog Alliance is bringing a lineup of lovable pups to Pet Supplies Plus, all of which are waiting to steal your heart. Not ready to commit? Fostering saves lives, and they’re in urgent need of temporary homes →

Already have a pup? Book a St. Paddy’s mini photo shoot for them → Alternatively, you can check out the free puppy (8 - 20 weeks) workshop at Dog Training Elite →

Sunday - March 2nd

☕ Boozy brunch? Yes please

Until 3 pm: Brunch is already the best meal of the week — add Boozy Iced Coffee Flights and you have the best meal of the month. At Tapville Social, you can pair your caffeine kick with chicken & waffles, French toast, or the ever-reliable mimosa →

🌟 An empowerment event every girl deserves

1 – 4 pm: The Dare to Be Rare event at Alive Naperville is all about uplifting and empowering girls 8+ through vision boarding, yoga, dance, and self-affirmations →

🤸‍♂️ Fly high for Mardi Gras

1 pm: Beads, King’s Cake, and... aerial dance? AIR Naperville is throwing a Mardi Gras Soirée that’s part workout, part spectacle, and all parts fun. This beginner-friendly workshop will have you flipping, twirling, and posing mid-air even if you have absolutely no experience. Stick around after for festive mocktails →

Monday - March 3rd

🔑 Family-friendly fun at JoJo’s

All month long: JoJo’s ShakeBAR has cracked the code on kid-approved activities: food + crafts. For $29, you’ll get an appetizer, entrée, and all the supplies needed to make a backpack-ready keychain. Reserve your spot any time through the end of March →

🏃‍♂️ How to stay young forever

1 pm: Holistic health coach, Joanna Whiteside, is breaking down the essentials to thriving as you age beyond 50 with conversations around movement, nutrition, sleep, and social life. Fort hill Fitness members get in free →

🌱 Pick up a free seed-starting kit

All day: Need help kick starting your garden this year? Stop by any Naperville Public Library locations any time throughout the day to grab a free seed-starting kit. Pro-tip: go as early as you can to ensure you don’t miss out →

Want to be included in a cook book and get a complimentary copy when it’s ready? Register by March 3rd and submit your favorite brunch recipes by March 10th →

Tuesday - March 4th

🛸 Are we alone?

7:30 pm: The James Webb Space Telescope has been snooping on exoplanets, and the results are wild (yet notoriously tough to understand). Astronomer Michael Zhang will break it all down at this month’s Naperville Astronomical Association meeting →

🌌 Online space shenanigans

7 pm: Prefer to explore space without leaving the house? The Library is hosting an online event with Coralie Adam, a leader at KinetX Aerospace →

Wednesday - March 5th

📚️ Did you know teens can get free books?

3 - 5 pm: The 95th Street Library offers teens a free book (of their choice) to take home in exchange for an honest review →

🌉 Build a bridge (for grades 4 - 8)

4 pm: Littles in fourth through eighth grade are invited to the Naper Blvd. Library to channel their inner Leonard da Vinci. They’ll build self-supporting bridges using chopsticks and have the opportunity to meet other kids →

🥃 Ten whiskeys, one night

6 – 8 pm: Sip your way through 10 premium whiskeys, a full cocktail, and a whiskey-inspired buffet while industry experts teach you something new. Expect rich, complex flavors from various distilleries →

Thursday - March 6th

✨ Free stargazing? That’s a bright idea

6:30 - 8:30 pm: The Naperville Riverwalk is already a scenic gem, but add a telescope, the cover of nightfall, and curious eyes… magic. The Naperville Astronomical Association is setting up shop for a free night of celestial sightseeing →

🌈 More magic at this hands-on family night

6 pm: Ever wondered why a soap bubble shimmers or how rainbows work? Naper Settlement’s Family STEM Night is turning everyday wonders into hands-on science fun. Designed for kids 12 and under (adults will love it too), you and the fam won’t want to miss this colorful evening of discovery →

🍣 Roll with it—sushi that is

7 pm: Whether you’re trying to impress a date, out-class your friends, or just love sushi, Leilani Asian Fusion’s Sushi & Cocktail Masterclass is calling your name. For $50, you’ll learn to roll two sushi creations and shake up a signature cocktail in a hands-on, deliciously fun experience →

🥋 Learn to fight like a warrior

Mar 6 – Apr 24: The Warrior Women Self-Defense Program isn’t about throwing punches — it’s about walking through life with confidence. This eight-week class covers everything from situational awareness to powerful escapes. With separate beginner’s and advanced programs, there’s something for every experience level →

Live music, gatherings, & entertainment

This weekend:

  • 2/28 Vino & Vinyasa @ YogaSix - 4:30 pm

  • 2/28 JD Kostyk @ Up North – 6 pm

  • 2/28 Elafunk! @ McCarty Mills Taproom - 8 pm

  • 2/28 Phamous Mockingband @ Two Brothers Roundhouse - 8:30 pm

  • 2/28 The Local Group @ Draft Picks Naperville – 8:45 pm

  • 3/1 SINGO @ Your Neighbors - 8 pm

  • 3/1 InFunktious @ Quigley's Irish Pub – 9 pm

  • 3/2 Sunday funday trivia @ Noon Whistle Brewing Co - 3 pm

  • 3/2 Naperville Municipal Band @ Wentz Concert Hall – 3 pm

Next week:

  • 3/3 Bingo @ Noon Whistle Brewing Co - 7 pm

  • 3/4 YuGiOh locals @ Chupacabra Games - 7 pm

  • 3/4 Mardi Gras karaoke @ The Lantern - 8:45 pm

  • 3/5 Commander night @ Chupacabra Games - 7 pm

  • 3/5 Trivia night @ SixtyFour Wine Bar - 7 pm

  • 3/6 Trivia night @ Miskatonic Brewing - 7 pm

  • 3/6 The Naperville Winds @ Wentz Concert Hall – 7:30 pm

  • 3/6 Salsa lessons @ MZ Bar & Grill - 8:15 pm

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 more room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Susan Colella (Baird & Warner)

This 2004 home has 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and 3,500 square feet plus a stone-paved front patio, two story foyer, hardwood floors throughout, tray ceilings, wainscoting, French doors, and stainless steel appliances. The finished basement provides plenty of space for a bar, media area, play space, and even a private gym.

Outside, there’s a second custom-paved patio with built in seating, organic garden space, and a fenced in yard. To top it all off, the roof, furnaces, water heaters, and sump pump are relatively new.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →

Naperville fun & games

As always, this week’s wordle features a 5-letter word hidden inside this edition. Let us know how many guesses it takes you!

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Trivia question of the week

❓Question: National Anthem Day is March 3rd. How long after The Star Spangled Banner was written did it become our national anthem?

🤔 Hint: Only six people (on record) have ever lived this long.

Reply and shoot us your best guess (no cheating!) - Same time, same place next week → we’ll share the answer and a fresh question to ponder.

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Last week’s answer: 26,372 feet. 

See ya next week!

P.S. Know of an event or business we should share, interested in certain types of events & stories, or want to ask a question? Feel free to reply (or email us) any time. 

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