Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: September 24, 2026

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - September 24, 2026

Mayor's Message

“The Power of Forgiveness”

During last Sunday’s Mass, our pastor spoke about forgiveness; a subject that, in many ways, feels especially relevant to the world we live in today.

He spoke about how easily we can fall into the mindset of “getting back” at someone when we feel we have been offended, insulted, or hurt. It can sometimes seem easier to hold on to our anger than to let go of it. But he also reminded us of the beauty that can come with forgiveness.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

This Weekend is Darien's Fall Carnival!

We can't wait to see you this weekend at the Fall Carnival at the Chestnut Court Shopping Center on the Southeast corner of 75th St and Lemont Rd. We hope you'll join us for exciting rides, yummy food, and lots of good family fun! windycityamusements.com

Join the fun:

Fri, Sept 25 - 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sat, Sept 26 - 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sun, Sept 27 - 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us in recognizing and celebrating the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

This year's theme, “Unidos, Somos Más,” or “Together, We Are More,” represents the strength and beauty in our diverse community. The 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month poster pictured here was designed by Meleny Gomez and Kirby Quiles-Brown for the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM).

Learn more about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month through the Smithsonian resources available here.

Electronic Waste Collection

Deadline to Register is Oct 2

The City of Darien will be hosting an electronic waste collection! To participate, residents must submit their request to LRS by Friday, October 2nd at 6:00 p.m.

The collection will be on your regular garbage day, the week of October 12 – October 16. Electronics must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. There is a limit of seven items per request and a maximum of two TVs or monitors (TVs not exceeding 60 inches or 100 pounds). Click here to view the flyer for more details.

Submit your request by 10/2:

Online: Using the QR code pictured or LRSrecycles.com/Darien

By Email: Service@LRSrecycles.com

By Phone: 844.Need.LRS

Park District Hoe-Down

Join the celebration at the Darien Park District's Hoe-Down on Sunday, September 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Darien Community Park (7100 Clarendon Hills Rd). There will be inflatables, train rides, games, food, and lots more family fun! darienparks.com

Coffee with a Cop on Oct 7

The Darien Police Department will be hosting Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, October 7 at the McDonald’s at 809 Plainfield Rd. in Darien from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Come by for great company and insightful conversations!

Oktoberfest - Oct 3

Are you ready to have some fun at the 4th Annual Oktoberfest on October 3? Come by Carriage Greens from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for authentic cuisine, refreshing beer, live music, stein contests, and more! This event is presented by the Darien Lions Club and the City of Darien and we look forward to seeing you there.

Darien Businesses of the Week

In an effort to further promote and assist our local businesses, Mayor Marchese, the Darien City Council, and the Darien Business Alliance are proud to present: The Darien Business of the Week!

World Star

7411 S Cass Ave

(630) 297-8688

Rainbow Cone

7417 S Cass Ave

rainbowcone.com

Darien Garden Club Meeting - Oct 5

Join landscape designer Daniel Garczek on Monday, October 5, at 6:30 p.m. at St John Lutheran Church for a creative and inspiring session just in time for the fall holiday season. Daniel will craft two unique arrangements while sharing expert tips and tricks for decorating with natural materials. Attendees will have the chance to win the finished designs in a special raffle--perfect for adding a seasonal touch to your home. Come gather fresh ideas to brighten your home and table for the upcoming season! Learn more here.

Concert Selections of Godspell

The Darien Arts Council invites you to experience a performance of Concert Selections of Godspell on October 16 and 17 at Lord of Life Church (725 75th St). Scan the QR code in the image to purchase tickets or email darienartscouncil@gmail.com with questions.

Recycling Extravaganza

The Rotary Club of Darien's Recycling Extravaganza event is back on Saturday, October 17 at St. John Lutheran Church (7214 S. Cass Ave). Bring your documents for shredding, unused medication for disposal, and your items for recycling from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Check out the flyer for more information on what types of items you can donate. Thank you for keeping your recyclables out of the landfill!

Recycling & Donation Event

Bring your electronics, winter clothing, & textiles to the Christ The Servant parking lot at 8700 Havens Dr on October 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This event is open to all residents and small businesses. Please refer to the flyer for details.

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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.