The weather may be hot, but one of the delights of summer in Naperville is the rich variety of free cultural and family events available every weekend. There is something for everyone!

Continuing in the community tradition of free Thursday night band concerts by the Naperville Municipal Band in Central Park, the Naperville Park District has added its own events through the years.

Rollin' on the River offers Friday evening entertainment on the Riverwalk, appealing especially to the teen audience. Free concerts run from 7:00-9:00 p.m. each Friday, featuring talented local bands.  This year’s winners of the Naperville Park District Battle of the Bands competition take the stage on August 13, so if you missed them at Ribfest, here is your opportunity to hear best of the bands perform.  Concerts take place at the Riverwalk pavilion at Jackson and Webster Street.

On Friday, July 16, the Midsummer Shakespeare Troupe returns to Central Park to perform, “As You Like It.”  Directed by Toni Hix, the actors are able to use gestures, music, and humor to assist in making the language more understandable.  The characters are funny and will entertain even the youngest in the audience.  The show begins at 7 p.m.  at the Community Concert Center in Central Park at 104 E. Benton Avenue in downtown Naperville.

On Saturday, July 17, weekly Carillon recitals will continue, with Christine Power playing at noon and Tim Sleep playing at 7:00 p.m.  Sue Bergren plays at the Sunday recital at 4:00 p.m. on July 18. These free recitals can be heard throughout the Riverwalk area, and listeners are welcome to sit on the lawn at Rotary Hill as well.

At 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 18, Naperville’s own country musician and firefighter, Billy Croft, brings his band, Billy Croft and The 5-Alarm to May Watts Park, 804 S. Whispering Hills Drive, for the Park District’s Concert in Your Park series. Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets for a Sunday evening of musical entertainment. Cold Stone Creamery ice cream will be available for purchase and prizes will be awarded at the end of the event.

This free event is made possible through sponsorships by Continental Motors of Naperville and Jackson Moving & Storage. “We are happy to support these fun, outdoor events,” said Sabrina Erskine of Continental Motors. “We hope that families will take advantage of the opportunity to relax and enjoy upbeat music in a beautiful park right in their community.”

Click here to learn more about upcoming Park District events.