The concert center stage at Central Park is getting wrapped in cardboard this Friday, and your kids can build their own creations right next to it.

Park After Dark, a brand-new three-night music and arts experience, takes over the Naperville Community Concert Center at 104 E. Benton Ave. from Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. each night. Headliners hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Co-producer Shannon Greene Robb of Arranmore Events told the Chicago Tribune she wanted to break the mold of a standard band-on-a-stage show. "We wanted to bring something different to the concert center, make it unexpected, interactive," Greene Robb said.

The unifying theme is "reinvention." Freightwood Creative Production is transforming the proscenium stage with a set built entirely from cardboard, including cardboard lanterns and blankets that reimagine the space. On Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, Freightwood will host a Cardboard Creation Studio, sponsored by DJK Custom Homes, where kids can build their own structures and props from cardboard.

Each evening kicks off with pre-show performances by Adventure Sandwich, a Chicago-based family entertainment group that blends music, puppets, games, and cardboard-based creative play.

The lineup

  • Friday, July 17: "Feelin' Groovy: Michael Mahler Sings Paul Simon," a folk-rock set featuring "Mrs. Robinson," "Cecilia," and "You Can Call Me Al."
  • Saturday, July 18: The Lovettes, performing iconic songs from female artists of the 1950s and 1960s.
  • Sunday, July 19: Better Together, a five-piece ensemble blending soulful grooves and improvisation in the spirit of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.

How it's funded

The Downtown Naperville Alliance is presenting the event, with Arranmore Events and Freightwood Creative Production co-producing. Park After Dark received a $74,000 grant from Naperville's Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) program, which is funded through the city's 1% food and beverage tax. About 80 projects shared $1.2 million in SECA funding in 2026, according to city grant records.

Pack a picnic

Organizers are encouraging families to grab dinner from participating downtown restaurants and bring it to the park. Partners include The George, Empire, Allegory, Tapville, Fiammé, The Belmont, Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House, and Cookie Dough Creations.

What we don't know yet

The Downtown Naperville Alliance has not published accessibility details for the venue, including wheelchair access, stroller-friendliness, or sensory-friendly accommodations. Parking guidance for the 104 E. Benton Ave. site has also not been posted. The 5th Avenue Station parking garage and downtown surface lots are nearby options. Families needing more information can check downtownnaperville.com/events/park-after-dark.

This week in Naperville

  • Friday, July 17, 6:30 p.m. — Park After Dark opening night, 104 E. Benton Ave. Free. Michael Mahler performs Paul Simon hits; Adventure Sandwich pre-show for kids.
  • Saturday, July 18, 6:30 p.m. — Park After Dark night two, same venue. Free. The Lovettes headline; Cardboard Creation Studio open for kids.
  • Sunday, July 19, 6:30 p.m. — Park After Dark closing night, same venue. Free. Better Together headlines; Cardboard Creation Studio continues.