DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Turn of the Century Tea Party @ Ellwood House
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
You and your little one are cordially invited to a charming, turn-of-the-century tea party where imagination meets elegance! Take a delightful step back in time and enjoy a “proper” afternoon of tea, treats, and games with Dekalb Public Library at the historical Ellwood House Museum. Start by making fancy hats and accessories to complete party attire before gathering for tea, juice, treats, and etiquette games. Afterwards, retire to the courtyard lawn (weather permitting; otherwise, inside) for old-fashioned party games and end the party with a visit to Ellwood Dollhouse.
Patrons are encouraged to “play dress up” for the occasion!
Teatime starts promptly at 2:00 p.m. and families will be seated first come, first served. Please arrive early for seating. No registration is required.
This program is intended for families with children ages 6-11. Younger children may need additional assistance with crafts and activities.
For additional information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.

The History of The Beach Boys
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The soundtrack for an American summer wouldn’t be complete without The Beach Boys…surf, sun and California dreaming. This presentation will focus on The Beach Boys “sunniest” years from 1962-1967. With the use of performance and interview clips, we’ll trace the arc of the Beach Boys’ early career from “Surfin’ U.S.A”., “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “California Girls” to the more mature Pet Sounds, “Good Vibrations” and the abandoned Smile project. Surf’s Up!
After a rewarding career in advertising sales, Gary Wenstrup retired and developed courses on the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Motown Records for the Continuing Education Departments of College of DuPage and Oakton Community College. He has lectured at over 80 Chicago area libraries.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. This event is free and open to all. No registration is required.
This program is open to all ages, but please note that the presentation may include discussion of mature subjects.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Free Breakfasts for Veterans
2026-05-17 07:30 - 11:30, 2026-06-21 07:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-19 07:30 - 11:30, 2026-08-16 07:30 - 11:30, 2026-09-20 07:30 - 11:30, 2026-10-18 07:30 - 11:30, 2026-11-15 07:30 - 11:30, 2026-12-20 07:30 - 11:30 | DeKalb Moose Lodge, 1231 E Lincoln Hwy.,, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Continuing through 2026, the DeKalb Moose Lodge will be offering all veterans a free breakfast on the third Sunday of each month.

Beeswax Candles Workshop
2026-05-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Step back in time and experience the warm glow of history at the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center. As part of the Past Times at Glidden series, this hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the art and function of beeswax candle making in the 19th century.

Begin with a brief look at how candlelight shaped daily life in early American homes—long before the flip of a switch. Then, guided by instructor Courtney Sliga, create your own set of beautiful, functional candles. Each participant will make and take home four handcrafted beeswax candles.

This workshop takes place on Sunday, May 24 from 1-4 pm at the Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. The cost is $55 per person, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Homestead’s mission. Pre-registration is required and tickets can be purchased at GliddenHomestead.org.

The Past Times at Glidden series is part of the site’s America250 programming, celebrating traditional trades and crafts that helped shape the nation. These programs connect historic practices to the site’s own story as the home of Joseph F. Glidden, who invented and first manufactured “The Winner” barbed wire on this property in the 1870s.

Motorcycle Parade Escorts
2026-05-25 06:15 | Illinois
On Memorial Day, the Genoa American Legion Riders are coordinating motorcycle escorts for the DeKalb, Sycamore and Genoa Memorial Day Parades.

Anyone with a motorcycle may participate and ride at their own risk. Staging starts at the DeKalb Elks Lodge 765, 321 South Annie Glidden Road.

If you wish to attend the Mayors’ Memorial Day Breakfast, staging is from 6:15 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Breakfast is $10.00 RSVP prepaid and $15.00 pay at the door. For more information contact Frank Beierlotzer at ffb66@juno.com or 815-901-3834. If you do not attend the breakfast, staging is 7:30 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. with KSU at 8:05 a.m.

There will be an escorted ride to downtown DeKalb and staging again to attend the Clock Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. There will be KSU at 8:58 a.m. and then escort the DeKalb parade to the Ellwood House. Sycamore American Legion Riders will lead to Sycamore to stage for their parade. From there, the escort will go to Genoa and stage for their parade. KSU at 11:28 a.m. to escort the Genoa parade to the cemetery for their Memorial Day Ceremony. After the ceremony, riders will be treated to free hamburgers at the Genoa Veterans Home about 1:20 p.m.

2026 Mayors' Memorial Day Breakfast
2026-05-25 06:30 - 08:00 | DeKalb ELKS Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, 209 South Annie Glidden, Dekalb, IL, 60115, United States
This will be the 34th breakfast on Memorial Day and the 10th breakfast at the Elks Lodge. DeKalb County Forty et Eight Voiture 207 asks everyone to join the breakfast and then attend one or more of the Memorial Day events.

There will be a United Prayer at 7:15 a.m., a short program at 7:30 a.m. and we will be done by 8 a.m.

Memorial Day Celebration
2026-05-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The parade will be held in downtown DeKalb on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 9 a.m., with lineup beginning at 8:30 a.m. The parade will travel west down Locust Street, DeKalb’s honorary Veterans Way, and past the DeKalb Veterans Memorial Mural. It will then proceed north on Linden Place to the Ellwood House. Join this enhanced Memorial Day parade as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the nation’s founding and salute America’s greatest heroes.

Music the Native Way
2026-05-30 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
In this program, Kim Sigafus McIver will present on the history of Native instruments and their use. The drum, rain stick, and flute will be introduced, and attendees will be invited to play an instrument and learn a song. Everyone will also receive a handout of music to take home. A brief Q&A will follow the presentation.
Kim Sigafus McIver is an award-winning Ojibwe author and speaker.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative, celebrating our nation throughout the year.
This program is for all ages. No registration is required. It is sponsored by the Kishwaukee-DeKalb Kiwanis Club.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Hinckley Good Time for All Festival - Fireworks at Dark
2026-06-27 17:00 - 22:00 | Hinckley High School, 700 E Lincoln Ave, Hinckley, IL, 60520, United States
Hinckley Good Time for All Festival.
Fireworks at Dark – Activities in the Afternoon.
Find more details as the event approaches at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069410888832

78th Annual Kirkland 4th of July Festival
2026-07-02 00:00 - 2026-07-04 23:59 | Franklin Township Park, 250 W. South St, Kirkland, IL, United States
Three-day festival, Kirkland 4th of July will host its 78th annual event at Franklin Township Park starting July 2nd, 2026. This event brings us together every year with live music, carnival rides, vendors, games, a parade, car and tractor show, and of course fireworks! This year’s live performances will feature Ethan Larson, Back Country Roads, Six Pack Band, Back Forward Band and more. The festival will close out on the night of Saturday, July 4th with one of Northern Illinois’ best fireworks shows. You won’t want to miss it! View the schedules below.

Shabbona 4th of July Festival
2026-07-04 07:00 - 14:30 | Purdy Park, 205 E Navaho Ave, Shabbona, IL, 60550, United States
The Village of Shabbona’s 4th of July craft fair, parade and festival is an annual event. Start your day off with the Shabbona Fire Protection District’s pancake breakfast at the Fire Barn, then mosey around Purdy Park and check out all the crafters beginning at 8am. Stick around and view the parade at noon and enjoy all the festival activities. Fireworks are at Shabbona Lake State Park and begin at dusk.

America 250 Ceremony
2026-07-08 15:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W State St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
One County, One Nation: America 250 Ceremony

Join the DeKalb County Community as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States! The ceremony will include a public reading of the Declaration of Independence and is envisioned as a community-focused event celebrating our shared history and civic values.

Reading of Declaration of Independence
2026-07-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Hinckley Community Building, 100 N. Maple Street, Hinckley,, Illinois
Join with citizens across the country in a simultaneous reading the Declaration of Independence at the Hinckley Community Building.

Turning Back Time Car Show
2026-07-26 07:00 - 15:00 | Downtown Sycamore, Sycamore, Illlinois, 60178
Come celebrate the 26th Anniversary of the Fizz Ehrler Memorial Turning Back Time Car Show in downtown Sycamore on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This is one of the largest car shows in the Midwest and truly a must-do summer tradition.

Enjoy:• Classic cars and amazing vehicles• Family fun for all ages• Great food and local vendors• Games, activities, and entertainment

They are a nonprofit organization, and every dollar raised goes right back into the community through local charities and student scholarships.

Join as they also celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with a day full of fun, pride, and community spirit.

For full details, visit: www.turningbacktimecarshow.org

Power of Songs
2026-08-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Hinckley Community Building, 120 N Maple St.,, Hinckley, Illinois, 60520, United States
Enjoy the Power of Songs in our democracy with Illinois musician Chris Vallillo in the Hinckley Community Building.
