Dog Days of Summer Naperville 2026: The Downtown Dog Sculpture Walk

Looking for fun things to do in Downtown Naperville this summer? From now through Labor Day weekend, the Dog Days of Summer sculpture walk turns downtown into an open-air gallery of two dozen hand-painted dog sculptures (with one playful cat in the mix), displayed along Main Street, Water Street, Jefferson Avenue, and the Naperville Riverwalk. It is free, it is family-friendly, and it is exactly the kind of community moment that makes people fall for this town. It is also why so many families who come downtown for an afternoon end up browsing Naperville neighborhoods and homes for sale a season later.

This is your complete guide to the 2026 sculpture walk: what it is, where to find the sculptures, how to vote for your favorite, and how to turn the walk into a full downtown day.

What Is Dog Days of Summer in Naperville?

Dog Days of Summer is a public-art event organized by the Downtown Naperville Alliance in which local businesses and organizations sponsor uniquely painted dog sculptures (plus one cat) displayed throughout Downtown Naperville for the summer. Visitors stroll downtown, photograph the sculptures, support local artists and shops, and vote for their favorite design in a People’s Choice contest.

Each of the 24 sculptures is sponsored by a local business or organization and brought to life by a local artist, so no two are alike. Together they double as a self-guided art walk and a love letter to the downtown community.

When and Where to See the Sculptures

• On display: through the summer, with voting open until Saturday, August 29, 2026.
• Where: throughout Downtown Naperville, including Main Street, Water Street, Jefferson Avenue, and along the Naperville Riverwalk.
• Cost: free to view and to vote.
• Official map: the Downtown Naperville Alliance lists every sculpture on its official sculptures page. For a route that hits all 24 in one loop, see our self-guided Naperville dog sculpture walk and map.

Meet the Sculptures: 24 Local Works of Art

Twenty-four sculptures, twenty-four stories. Some are painted to match a sponsor’s brand, some honor a beloved pet, and one is a clever cat hiding among the dogs. Part of the fun is spotting the details, then deciding which one earns your vote.

Want the full lineup with sponsors and artists so you do not miss any? Our downtown sculpture walk map breaks down all 24 sculptures and the smartest route to see them.

Local Favorite: Naperville.com’s Giant Schnauzer, Valentino

One sculpture is especially close to home. Naperville.com sponsored sculpture number 3, a Giant Schnauzer modeled after Valentino, the office dog of The Dan Firks Team and a familiar face around downtown, beard, eyebrows, and oversized personality included. Local artist Patricia Melekus captured him in paint. Meet Valentino and the story behind the sculpture.

How to Vote for Your Favorite Sculpture

Voting is live for the 2026 event. You can cast your vote on the official Dog Days of Summer sculptures page, where each sculpture has a “Vote” button. Voting is limited to one vote per IP address and runs until Saturday, August 29, with winners announced Friday, September 4. For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our guide to voting for your favorite Naperville dog sculpture.

Make a Day of It Downtown

The sculpture walk pairs perfectly with everything else downtown does well:

• Walk the Riverwalk. The shaded brick paths along the DuPage River connect many of the sculptures.
• Grab a bite. See our roundup of the best places to eat in downtown Naperville for patios and ice-cream stops along the route.
• Browse local shops. Many of the sponsors are the very stores you will pass, a good excuse to step inside.
• Bring the real dog. Downtown Naperville is dog-friendly; just pack water for warm afternoons.

For more summer ideas, our things to do in Naperville guide is updated all season.

Why a Downtown Like This Matters

Beyond the photos, events like this are part of what keeps Downtown Naperville one of the most walkable, livable downtowns in the Chicago suburbs. As The Dan Firks Team often points out, people decide they want to live in Naperville on a day like this, when they are walking the Riverwalk, the kids are hunting for the next sculpture, and downtown simply feels like home. The sculpture walk supports local artists and local businesses at the same time, which is the whole idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dog Days of Summer in Naperville?

It is a free public-art event by the Downtown Naperville Alliance featuring 24 hand-painted dog sculptures (plus one cat) displayed across Downtown Naperville for the summer. Visitors walk downtown to view the sculptures, support local artists and businesses, photograph their favorites, and vote in the People’s Choice contest.

When does Dog Days of Summer Naperville 2026 run?

The sculptures are on display through the summer, and voting is open until Saturday, August 29, 2026, with winners announced Friday, September 4. Viewing and voting are free, and the sculptures are accessible along Main Street, Water Street, Jefferson Avenue, and the Naperville Riverwalk.

How many dog sculptures are in Downtown Naperville?

There are 24 hand-painted sculptures, almost all dogs with one cat in the group, each sponsored by a local business or organization and decorated by a local artist. You can see the full lineup and a self-guided route on our downtown Naperville dog sculpture walk map.

Is Dog Days of Summer free?

Yes. Viewing the sculptures and voting for your favorite are completely free. The event is designed to draw visitors into Downtown Naperville to enjoy public art, dine at local restaurants, and shop at local businesses while exploring the Riverwalk and downtown streets.

Where can I vote for my favorite dog sculpture?

Voting is live on the official Downtown Naperville Alliance sculptures page at downtownnaperville.com/sculptures. Each sculpture has a “Vote” button, voting is limited to one vote per IP address, and the deadline is Saturday, August 29, 2026.