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 $75 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.

2025 West Suburban Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade / 10AM March 15, 2025. Start Point: Naperville North High School.

2025 Naperville Memorial Day Parade / 10:30AM May 26, 2025.  Start Point: Naperville VFW, 908 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540.

2025 Holiday Parade of Lights / 7PM November 28, 2025. Downtown Naperville - Staging area at Centennial Beach parking lot

Strength and Honor Lunch

The annual “Strength and Honor” luncheon is held each April to honor and give thanks to Veterans and active military.

This year’s luncheon on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, featured guest speaker Dr. Ralph “Croker” Jones, U.S. Navy (Ret.). The luncheon celebrated our Veterans and military with a record attendance – over 300 Veterans and nearly 700 total attendees. The event is free of charge for Veterans and military.

The Naperville Salute – Independence Day Weekend

The Naperville Salute, a hometown-focused Fourth of July celebration, will return in 2025 to Rotary Hill near downtown Naperville. The Salute blends community, local entertainment, food and family fun. Proceeds from The Salute will benefit Naperville Responds. For more info, visit www.napervillesalute.com.

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

It's time to stein! Peanuts Bar & Grill in downtown Naperville holds its annual Oktoberfest to benefit Naperville Responds in early October.

Cheers For Veterans Gala and Fundraiser

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making Cheers For Veterans an incredible success. Your support and enthusiasm have truly made a difference. Cheers will return in November 2025.