Nature's Explorers Summer Camp
2026-06-25 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-26 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-06 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-07 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-08 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-09 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-10 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 IL-72, Genoa, 60135, United States
A day camp experience for youth ages 7 to 11. Open to any youth seeking outdoor adventure.

Trailblazers Camp, June 22 to June 26, Ages 9 to 11
Cold-Blooded Critters Camp, July 6 to July 10, Ages 7 to 9 (must have completed 1st grade)
Insect Investigators Camp, July 20 to July 24, Ages 7 to 9 (must have completed 1st grade)

The Big Balloonosaur Adventure
2026-06-25 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-06-25 11:30 - 12:15, 2026-06-25 13:00 - 13:45 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
This summer, Smarty Pants takes audiences back to the age of dinosaurs with the Big Balloonosaur Adventure! Called “simply amazing” by WGN-TV, this hilarious balloon stage show features magic, comedy for all ages, and Smarty’s award-winning, world’s biggest balloon props, plus more dinosaurs you’ve ever seen at the library!
We’ll meet baby dinosaurs, giant dinosaurs, chickens that want to be dinosaurs, and even the world’s largest dinosaur egg (it’s over eight feet tall!)
Smarty Pants’ eye-popping, larger than life balloon creations will have the entire family exclaiming, “I never believed it was possible to do such things with balloons!”
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library. It is free and open to families. No registration is required.
For more information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

2026 DeKalb Farmers Market
2026-06-25 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-02 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-09 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-16 12:00 - 18:00 | Van Buer Plaza, 148-198 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Nestled in the heart of downtown DeKalb, Illinois, the DeKalb Farmers Market features a vibrant selection of over 30 local vendors. Enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, colorful flowers, baked goods, olive oil, coffee, and delicious offerings from food trucks. With live music and a variety of unique finds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Grab a bite to eat from one of our food trucks and enjoy local bands and musicians during your lunch hour from 12-1:30PM! The Live Lunch Music Series is presented by the Egyptian Theatre.

New this season! Enjoy later hours on June 18, July 16, and August 13

There will not be a market on August 27, 2026 due to Corn Fest street closures.

Malta Days Festival 2026
2026-06-26 00:00 - 2026-06-27 23:59 | Malta Lions Park, 409 N 4th Street, Malta, IL, 60150, United States
Enjoy a family-friendly fun time in Malta. Malta’s annual hometown festival has something for everyone. Party all day & night with local food, beer garden, kids’ activities, music soundstage and more! Featuring a firework show at 10pm on Saturday.

Shabbona Farmers Market 2026
2026-06-27 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Purdy Park, 205 E Navaho Ave, Shabbona, IL, 60550, United States
Shabbona Farmers Market begins Saturday, May 2 running every other weekend through October 10, 2026! New in 2026 – Family Outing Days will be held with the Farmers Market. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, games, crafts, and a sweet treat offered sponsored by Big Time Rentals. This market features 12+ vendor and craft bar!

Sandwich Park District Freedom Days 2026
2026-06-27 10:00 - 22:00 | Sandwich Park District, 1001 Latham Street, Sandwich, Illinois, 60548, United States
The Sandwich Park District is proud to continue the tradition of presenting one of the finest parades. Come watch the Sandwich and surrounding community groups and businesses take the opportunity to celebrate. The Parade will step off at 10am.

Fairgrounds Events (Gates open at 3pm):

– Petting Zoo: FREE to the public. The petting zoo is open from 4pm-8pm. Located near the bathrooms.

– Pony Rides: $5 per ride (cash only) The pony rides will run from 4pm-8pm located near the bathrooms.

– Bags Tournament: $10 per person, no partner needed. 6 rounds of play. Sign up on the app, Scoreholio. Pre-registration is preferred but signups on the day of are accepted if there is space. Located near the bathrooms. Registration starts at 3:30 and bags fly at 4:30pm.

– Kids Pedal Pull: FREE to the public. Registration will begin at 5:30pm and the pull will start at 6pm. There will be five weight classes, 40 pounds and under, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, and 71-100. Kids will be weighed at the time of registration (Limited signup slots available) Located on the track.

– Face Painting: Open 3pm-9pm in the Midway. Prices will vary.

– Light Up Toys (Sandwich Park Foundation): Open 3pm-9pm in the Midway.

Fireworks display starts at DARK!

Miss Jamie's Garden Friends Show
2026-06-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Malta Lions Park, 409 N 4th Street, Malta, IL, 60150, United States
Miss Jamie’s Garden Friends Show is an interactive, musical storytelling performance for young children (PreK-4th) focusing on gardening, healthy eating, and environmental sustainability. Featuring farm puppets, singing, and dancing, the show is designed to bring a “garden adventure” to life! Don’t miss it! Live @ Malta Days!

Conductor Cody: American Railways
2026-06-27 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
All aboard! Join Conductor Cody on a magical railway adventure through America’s 250-year history.
From the earliest years to the present day and the eras in between, Conductor Cody will highlight our country’s best moments and achievements. He will also share the ways in which railroads have been crucial to this country reaching its 250th birthday.
Cody is a magician and autism self-advocate. He uses the art of magic to deliver an important message: our differences are nothing to be scared of, but simply a different way of thinking.
This event is free and open to all ages. It is designed specifically for those with sensory needs, but all are welcome.
For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

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

WCPW: Windy City Pro Wrestling
2026-06-27 19:00 - 21:30 | DeKalb Sports and Recreation Center, 1765 S 4th St, DeKalb, IL, 60115
WCPW®

Saturday May 2nd, 2026

Doors 6:30pm, Bell 7pm

2026 Sycamore Farmers Market
2026-06-30 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-07 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-14 15:00 - 18:00 | DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
he DeKalb County History Center is proud to announce that it will serve as the new host of the Sycamore Farmers Market, beginning with the 2026 season. A vibrant, producer-focused community market celebrating local food, agriculture, and handmade goods.

The Sycamore Farmers Market will take place Tuesdays from 3:00–6:00 pm, June 2 through September 1, on the front lawn of the DeKalb County History Center, located at 1730 N. Main Street in Sycamore. The weekly market will feature locally grown produce, flowers, plants, meat, eggs, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, beverages, art, crafts, and more.

Recent improvements through the Campus Expansion Project have transformed the on‑site corn crib into an outdoor music venue and classroom space. This setting will allow for live music, pop‑up educational programming, and seasonal entertainment for visitors. Guests will also be able to enjoy beverages available through the on‑site bar operated by MVPs, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the History Center.

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.

4th of July Celebration 2026
2026-07-04 17:30 - 23:00 | Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Location: Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road

Enjoy a day of FREE family fun in Hopkins Park as we celebrate our nation’s 250th year of independence!

Lineup of Events

Fireworks start approximately at 9:30 PM

Food Vendors start at 5:30 PM

DJ Entertainment starts at 5:30 PM

DeKalb Municipal Band: The Star Spangled Spectacular starts at 7:30 PM

Dan Gogh's Grow Show
2026-07-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Malta Historical Society, 127 N 3rd St., Malta, Illinois, 60150
Come on down to the farm with Dan Gogh for a hilarious, hoe-down magic show all about growing! Through magic, puppets, and comedy, kids discover that reading is like planting a seed that will grow into a garden of creativity.

Sunday at Sandwich Market
2026-07-12 08:00 - 15:00 | Sandwich Fair Grounds, 15730 Pratt Road, Sandwich, IL
Sunday at Sandwich is a vintage, antique, and handmade goods market held at the Sandwich Fairgrounds! Visitors have a chance to shop for new or repurposed items, consumables, and vintage or handmade goods by local vendors from all over the Midwest.
