Four days of carnival rides, food vendors and live entertainment hit Jackson Avenue starting Friday, Sept. 4, when the Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling returns for Labor Day weekend.
The festival runs Friday, Sept. 4, through Monday, Sept. 7, near downtown Naperville. Here's what families need to know before heading out.
Festival hours
- Friday, Sept. 4: 5–10 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 6: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 7: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Carnival details
The carnival sets up on Jackson Avenue between Eagle and Ewing streets. Rides open two hours after the main gates on Saturday and Sunday:
- Friday, Sept. 4: 5–10 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5: noon–10 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 6: noon–10 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 7: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Ride ticket pricing has not been posted publicly. The Jaycees direct attendees to lastfling.org/carnival for current prices.
Labor Day Parade
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7, in downtown Naperville. KidsMatter, a youth mental-health nonprofit celebrating its 25th anniversary, serves as this year's grand marshal, according to the Chicago Tribune's Naperville Sun.
"As the many challenges facing young people continue to evolve, so do our programs — but our commitment never wavers," Nina Menis, KidsMatter's CEO and executive director, said in a news release.
The specific parade route has not been published in available sources. Details are expected at lastfling.org/parade.
Volunteering and fundraising
Last Fling is the Naperville Jaycees' largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds going to nonprofit organizations in and around Naperville. The Jaycees organize the event in cooperation with the City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District.
Nonprofit groups can earn $7 per hour per volunteer by staffing festival shifts, according to a Naperville Sun report in July. Volunteers must be middle-school age or older.
Karen Coleman, Last Fling public relations chair, said in an Aug. 11 Positively Naperville article that "donating 4-5 hours of your time will make a difference for your community."
What to know before you go
The festival includes food and beverage vendors, a family-fun area, a business expo and live entertainment. The entertainment lineup has not been posted. Parking and directions are available at lastfling.org.
Carnival rules prohibit crowd surfing, moshing and throwing items. Patrons removed for those behaviors will have wristbands confiscated with no refund.
Accessibility details, including wheelchair and stroller access, have not been published. Families needing accommodations should check lastfling.org or contact the Naperville Jaycees directly.
