Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: August 7, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - August 7, 2025

Mayor's Message

Welcome to Darien Fest!

This coming weekend, August 8 – 10, the City of Darien and the Darien Business Alliance will be conducting our 37th Annual Darien Fest at Westwood Park located on 75th Street and Fairview Avenue. Events such as Darien Fest play an important role in bringing families, friends and neighbors together in a fun, relaxed setting. Amid the busy pace of everyday life, the fest offers a much-needed opportunity for residents to step away from their routines and simply enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s sharing a meal from a local food vendor, cheering on a favorite band like “Blind Reality,” “Bad Medicine,” or “Reckless,” or watching kids laugh and play on the Windy City Carnival rides, Darien Fest creates an atmosphere where lasting memories are made.

The fest will offer activities like BINGO, while our Business Expo provides fest visitors with an opportunity to explore and learn about several of our Darien businesses. The wide variety of entertainment provides something for residents and visitors of all ages. These shared experiences foster a sense of connection and community pride, reminding us of the value of spending quality time together. Darien Fest is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of local spirit, togetherness, and the simple joy of being part of a vibrant community.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

37th Annual Darien Fest

Join us THIS WEEKEND, August 8 - 10, at Westwood Park (northeast corner of 75th St. and Fairview Ave) for the 37th Annual Darien Fest! There will be carnival rides, food and drinks, a Business EXPO, and live entertainment daily! Unlimited ride specials are available. Fest information.

Proposed Chestnut Court Shopping Center TIF District

To encourage redevelopment of the underutilized/distressed Chestnut Court Shopping Center, the City of Darien is exploring the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”) District for the property, which is located at the southeast corner of 75th Street and Lemont Road.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a redevelopment tool used by municipalities across Illinois to promote economic growth and reinvestment in areas that are underutilized, blighted, or in need of improvement. The Illinois State Comptroller reports that there are nearly 1,500 TIF Districts from more than 500 municipalities in the State of Illinois. For more information, please visit the city’s website.

Darien Tree Planting Programs Available Now

Interested in ordering trees for your parkway or to plant on your private property? The following tree planting programs offer cost-saving options for Darien residents!

Find more information and a full list of available trees here.

No LRS E-Waste Event in 2025

Due to reduced participation last year, the City of Darien will not offer a free curbside electronic waste collection in 2025. Future electronics recycling events will be discussed annually and part of the city’s budget review. To dispose of electronic items, please contact LRS to arrange a special collection (fees apply). LRS can be reached at 844.633.3577 or here.

Additional information about recycling events in DuPage County is listed here.

Movies in the Park

Don't miss Movies in the Park next week! The Darien Park District will be showing Wicked at the Community Center at 7301 Fairview Ave on August 15. Come early at 7pm for a witchy meet and greet!

The movie starts at dusk and there will be concessions available for purchase. Bring the whole family and a blanket to this fun, free event! Learn more here.

Shop Local for School Supplies

Back-to-school shopping season has arrived! Turn this annual chore into a creative way to support your community by finding local shops that carry some of the items on your classroom's supply list. Shopping locally supports our neighbors and helps to build a strong community.

Cass School District 63 Superintendent

Search Survey

For residents of Cass School District 63, which includes Concord Elementary and Cass Junior High Schools, Superintendent Mark Cross will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year. As a result, the Board of Education is asking for community input to help define the qualities and priorities for our next leader.

If you are interested in helping, you can find the survey and more information here. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey and provide input into this important process.

New Police Text Alert System

The Police Department is currently exploring options for a new text alert system. The city is no longer using the previous service, as we were experiencing too many issues with it. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

Be in the Know - Help Spread the Word

Darien’s Direct Connect E-Newsletter (DC) is the City’s primary source of information for residents and businesses. Please tell your friends and neighbors about DC, forward this email to them, and ask them to sign up. Signing up is simple and can be done here.