Events

Mardi Gras

Join us for a vibrant and festive Mardi Gras Celebration hosted by Chef Terrell Cole and @darkhorsegrillandcatering!

Experience the excitement of New Orleans with colorful decorations, lively music, and traditional Mardi Gras fun. Wear your favorite mask or beads and get ready for an evening filled with entertainment, delicious food, and great company. Don’t miss out on this spectacular night of fun, flavor, and festivity.

Tickets are $50 pp. Doors open at 6PM at the Naperville VFW, 908 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540.

Parades

All community supporters and friends & family of Naperville Responds are invited to march! Parade details are generally announced one week prior to each respective Parade.

2026 West Suburban Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade / 10AM March 14, 2026. Start Point: Naperville North High School.

2026 Naperville Memorial Day Parade / 10:30AM May 25, 2026.  Start Point: Naperville VFW, 908 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540.

2026 Holiday Parade of Lights / 7PM November 27, 2026. Downtown Naperville - Staging area at Centennial Beach parking lot

Strength and Honor Lunch

The "Strength and Honor" Luncheon will begin at noon on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, to honor and give thanks to Veterans. The Luncheon will be held at Bobak's Signature Events in Woodridge, 6440 Double Eagle Dr. An 11:00 a.m. arrival and check-in is scheduled with lunch served promptly at noon. Festivities will include patriotic music, camaraderie, keynote speaker and an opportunity to create powerful moments that honor the bravery and sacrifices of our Veterans and Military.

Freedom Ruck March

5-mile Ruck March and Post-Ruck Backyard BBQ in support of our Veterans on Independence Day at the Naperville VFW. Stay tuned for details and registration.

September 11 Remembrance

Naperville Responds, in partnership with the City of Naperville, is proud to support the annual September 11 Remembrance. The remembrance will take place starting at 6PM on Sept. 11, at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial, located behind the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St., along the Riverwalk. In case of rain, the event will be held in City Council Chambers. The Naperville Municipal Band will begin playing music at 5:45PM.

Oktoberfest at Peanuts

Peanuts Bar & Grill in downtown Naperville annual Oktoberfest will return in early fall. Peanuts is located at 22 W Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540.

Cheers For Veterans Gala and Fundraiser

Join us for the 16th Annual Cheers For Veterans Gala and Fundraiser in November. Help us honor and give thanks to our Veterans at this special event.