Your kids can watch a blacksmith hammer iron in the morning and fireworks light up the sky that same night.

Naper Settlement hosts its USA 250 Hometown Picnic on Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 523 S. Webster St. The outdoor living history museum is opening its 13-acre campus for a day of historic demonstrations, lawn games, exhibits, and food as part of its year-long celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary. The City of Naperville announced on July 14 that the rescheduled community fireworks will launch at 9:30 p.m. that same evening, co-hosted by the city and the Naperville Park District.

What to expect

Naper Settlement described the picnic on its Instagram page as "a day full of old-fashioned fun with lawn games, food, and laughter" spread across the museum grounds. Living history demonstrations will take place in and around the campus's historic structures, including the Blacksmith Shop, Print Shop, and Copenhagen Schoolhouse. The museum's interactive exhibit "We the People: Naperville and the American Story," which opened in February and runs through December 2026, will also be accessible during the event.

The Hometown Picnic is one of more than 30 educational programs in Naper Settlement's USA 250 lineup, according to the museum's website. Rena Tamayo-Calabrese, president and CEO of Naper Settlement, described the 2026 programming as a "series of aha moments" connecting contemporary life with the nation's founding principles when the exhibit opened in February.

Tickets and logistics

The event requires tickets, according to Naper Settlement's official posts. A specific price has not been published. Families should visit napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010 for pricing and event details. Municipal garages on Chicago Avenue and Webster Street serve the area.

Week of August 7–15

Friday, August 7 — A Night at the Movies: Goat, 95th Street Community Plaza (3109 Cedar Glade Drive). Bingo at 7:30 p.m., movie at 8:30 p.m. Free.

Saturday, August 8 — USA 250 Hometown Picnic, Naper Settlement (523 S. Webster St.), 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ticketed.

Saturday, August 8 — Naperville Community Fireworks, 9:30 p.m. Co-hosted by the City of Naperville and Naperville Park District. Free.

Tuesday, August 11 — River Sounds finale, Jaycees WiFi Park (120 Water St.), 6:30 p.m. Musicians move to a floating stage on the DuPage River around 8 p.m. Free.

Tuesday, August 11 — Millennium Carillon Summer Recital, Moser Tower (443 Aurora Ave.), 7 p.m. Free.

Thursday, August 13 — Naperville Municipal Band, Central Park (104 E. Benton Ave.), 7:30 p.m. Free.

Friday–Saturday, August 14–15 — Final Naper Nights concert weekend, Naper Settlement. $25 adults, $15 kids ages 4–12.