The Naperville area of suburban Chicago has become home to one of the most welcoming Pride celebrations in Illinois. In 2025 the organizers of Naper Pride will once again transform the city’s historic Naper Settlement into a day-long festival that draws families, friends, neighbors and allies for a heartfelt celebration of lgbtq+QIA+ visibility and community. Scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025 from noon until 10 p.m., the fourth annual Naper Pride Fest is designed to bring the entire community together in a single-day event. The nineteenth-century buildings of Naper Settlement, a 13 acre living‑history museum, provide a picturesque backdrop and plenty of open space for visitors to stroll, explore and meet up with friends. The 2025 program stays true to Naper Pride’s family‑friendly focus. Throughout the day guests can wander a vendor area filled with local businesses, community organizations, games and artisans sharing resources and products. It’s set up like a small street fair: booths line the walkways of the museum grounds and volunteers are on hand to answer questions or connect visitors with services. The emphasis isn’t just on shopping; it’s about building relationships and showcasing the diversity of people who live and work in Naperville. For many attendees the vendor area is a chance to discover new lgbtq+Q‑owned companies, pick up handmade crafts or learn about advocacy groups operating in the region. Children and teenagers will find plenty of interactive games to keep them busy while parents chat with neighbors or relax in the shade. Adults looking for refreshment can head to the beer garden, which highlights cold beer, hard cider and ready‑to‑drink cocktails. Naper Pride has worked with local breweries and cider houses to curate a menu that reflects regional tastes, and non‑alcoholic options are always available. Surrounding the beer garden are food vendors representing a wide range of cuisines—from classic Midwestern barbecue to vegetarian and vegan dishes. Organizers deliberately keep prices reasonable so that families can sample a little bit of everything without breaking the bank. There are also dessert trucks and coffee stands for those who need a sugar boost before hitting the dance floor later in the evening. Live entertainment is the centerpiece of Naper Pride Fest, and 2025 promises a lineup as eclectic as the crowd itself. The festival’s main stage hosts local and regional acts spanning rock, pop, soul and drag performance. Planned acts include singer‑songwriter Myles Barnes, the high‑energy cover band Beyond the Blonde, groove specialists One Foot on the Groove and a family dance session hosted by Keri Traid & Miss Moscoto. Later in the evening the Cheryl Rody Band brings a blend of blues and rock to the stage before tribute acts Crocodile Rockstar (celebrating Elton John’s music) and Sparks Fly – The T Swift Experience close out the night. Between sets the festival will feature drag performers, spoken‑word artists and dance troupes, ensuring that there is always something happening for those who don’t want to sit still. Smaller stages scattered across the settlement offer acoustic acts and open‑mic opportunities for emerging performers. Beyond the party atmosphere lies Naper Pride’s mission. Founded as a family‑centered organization serving the Naperville community, Naper Pride is run entirely by volunteers. Its goal is to bring people from all walks of life together to celebrate inclusivity and support lgbtq+QIA+ individuals. Proceeds from the festival are reinvested into programs focused on education, health and wellness, and community support. That ethos is evident throughout the festival grounds: volunteers greet visitors at the gates, information booths distribute brochures on mental health resources and youth groups organize games for younger attendees. Longtime residents and first‑time visitors alike often note how intentional the organizers are about making everyone feel safe and welcome. Practical information is straightforward. Admission is $10 for adults if purchased online in advance, $15 at the gate, $5 for youths aged 10–17, and free for children under ten. The gates open at noon and close at 10 p.m., rain or shine. There is ample free parking in municipal lots near the settlement, and volunteers will direct traffic to available spaces. Guests are encouraged to enter through Gate 1 or Gate 2 on Aurora Avenue, as the smaller gate on Porter Avenue will be closed for security reasons. For those traveling from out of town there are several hotels within walking distance; booking early is advised as rooms tend to fill up quickly. If you’re planning to attend Naper Pride Fest 2025, arrive early to enjoy the museum grounds before the crowds build and bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair for the evening concerts. Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll likely spend much of the day on your feet—and don’t forget sunscreen. Above all, come ready to celebrate. Naper Pride Fest isn’t just an event; it’s a reminder of how a community can come together in solidarity and joy. With its mix of history, live music, food and family‑friendly activities, the festival offers something for every age group. Check the official Naper Pride website for the latest updates on the 2025 schedule, performer announcements and volunteer opportunities, and mark September 13 on your calendar for a day of celebration.

• Prev
• Next