Naper Nights kicks off with tributes to Jane’s Addiction and Outlaw Country

Posted June 17, 2025 2:08 pm

By Denise Wilt, Naper Settlement

While grooving to the live bands, enjoy local cuisine, beer, wine, and canned cocktails at the annual Naper Nights, which kicks off Friday and Saturday, June 20-21. Courtesy of Naperville Heritage Society

Naper Settlement will kick off the 2025 Naper Nights Community Concert Series season with a Jane’s Addiction tribute on June 20 and a Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings tribute on June 21. The series is from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays on the museum campus, 523 S. Webster St. in Naperville.

Nothing’s Shocking, the ultimate Jane’s Addiction tribute, will take the Naper Nights stage on June 20 from 8 to 10 p.m. Concertgoers will enjoy a live retrospective journey through Jane’s Addiction’s greatest hits (and cult favorites) including “Been Caught Stealing,” “Jane Says,” “Stop!” and many more.

WailOn will honor the outlaws of country music on June 21 from 8 to 10 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of the golden era of country music as WailOn celebrates the 50th anniversary of the albums “Red Headed Stranger” and “Dreaming My Dreams” with a special tribute performance to Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.

On June 21, WailOn will celebrate the 50th anniversary of two classic albums: Willie Nelson's “Red Headed Stranger” and Waylon Jennings' “Dreaming My Dreams.” Courtesy of WailOn

Opening for Nothing’s Shocking will be Sun Stereo, who will start the night with a psychedelic journey back in time with a tribute to The Flaming Lips from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Tennessee Whiskey will get the crowd singing and dancing with an unforgettable performance showcasing Chris Stapleton’s music in all its forms on Saturday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Naper Nights will open from 5 to 5:40 p.m. with local students from the School of Rock playing their favorites on stage.

Tennessee Whiskey, showcasing Chris Stapleton’s music, will open the Saturday night show at Naper Nights in Naperville. Courtesy of Tennessee Whiskey

Naper Settlement will celebrate the community by offering local cuisine from a variety of vendors including Billy Bricks, Ben & Jerry’s, Craft Urban, Grumpy Gaucho, Guzman y Gomez, Hello Boba, John’s Rib House, and Half Baked Goodness.

There will be beer selections from Alter Brewing Company including a new light beer option, wine selections from Rodney Strong Vineyards, and two new canned cocktails including Lipton Hard ice tea and Salucita Paloma.

A children’s area with activities provided by Pinot's Palette and Chasers Laser Tag will also be on site.

Each night, all tips collected at the beverage tents benefit a local organization. Tips on Friday benefit the Naperville Area Humane Society, and Saturday’s tips will go to the Naperville Junior Woman's Club.

Naper Settlement is holding a School’s Out ticket promotion for teachers and college students for the June Naper Nights. June Naper Nights tickets are $15 per teacher or college student with a valid 2024-2025 teacher ID or college student ID. This ticket discount is available at the event entrance gate only and is not available online.

Naper Nights celebrates historic milestones in music with themed tribute concerts throughout the summer. Courtesy of Naperville Heritage Society

Naper Nights tickets are $25 or $15 for ages 4-12. Members and children under 4 receive complimentary admission. For more information and tickets, visit NaperNights.org.

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