DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Voluntary Action Center's Volunteer Appreciation Open House
2026-03-12 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Salem Lutheran Church, 1145 DeKalb Ave, Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
VAC is excited to invite dedicated volunteers to the Volunteer Appreciation Open House on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 4:30 – 6:30 pm at Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore, IL.
This special event is their way of saying thank you to the incredible individuals whose time, energy, and compassion make their mission possible, from delivering Meals on Wheels and providing transportation through TransVAC to supporting nutrition and community programs.
Join an afternoon of connection, refreshments, and recognition, including remarks at 5:30 pm to honor the outstanding contributions of volunteer heroes and supporters.
RSVP by March 5 at https://form.jotform.com/253366316792161

2026 Obscura Paracon
2026-03-21 11:00 - 2026-03-22 19:30 | NIU Altgeld Hall, 116 Altgeld Hall, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Are you into ghosts, witchcraft, haunted history, or all things paranormal?
Then you don’t want to miss Obscura Paracon 2026, happening March 21–22 at the stunning and spooky Altgeld Hall Castle on the NIU campus in DeKalb, Illinois!

This two-day paranormal convention brings together investigators, authors, mediums, cryptid researchers, psychics, witches, vendors, and fans of the strange for a weekend of lectures, workshops, shopping, networking, and after-hours events.

Special Guests include:
Dave Schrader • Chris Fleming • Dale Kaczmarek • Amelia Cotter • Barnaby Jones • Tony Szabelski • Joshua Purvis • Robbin Terry • Jenny Davis • Willy Adkins & more!

Hands-On Workshops on aura photography, spirit photography, protection satchels, witch bells, ancestral tea work, intuitive development & more

Huge Vendor Marketplace featuring metaphysical goods, ghost hunting gear, dark art, handmade curiosities, books, oddities, and more!

Day passes, weekend VIP tickets, workshop add-ons, and ghost hunt tickets available now.
DeKalb, IL | March 21–22, 2026

Learn more & grab your tickets at:
www.ObscuraParacon.com

Presented by Breaking Fate Entertainment and Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities!

DeKalb County Volunteer Fair
2026-04-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join the first-ever
DeKalb County Volunteer Fair:Thursday, April 9, 20265:00pm – 7:00pm
The best local nonprofits are gathering under one roof, so individuals looking for ways to support can find the cause that needs their unique talents. A strong volunteer program is vital to the success of so many nonprofits, including those which serve DeKalb County. This event is designed to do two things: connect local causes with people who power them and empower individuals to find meaningful ways to give back.
This event is open to the public and free to attend. It has been planned by the following members of the 2025-2026 DeKalb Chamber Leadership Academy class:
Casey Bachochin, DeKalb TownshipRobin Borgione, Egyptian TheatreMegann Horstead, Shaw MediaEmily Kvasnicka, DeKalb Park DistrictNicole Ruffin, Safe PassageCharles Schmitt, DeKalb MechanicalMenelek Shah, NIU Police Department
If you represent a nonprofit that might be interested in participating or have any questions about this event, please email robin@egyptiantheatre.org or call (815) 758-1215, ext. 8.

Arbor Day Week Community Tree Planting - America 250
2026-04-21 09:00 - 12:00 | IL
DeKalb Township is celebrating Arbor Day week by launching our “250 Trees for Tomorrow” initiative with a community tree planting event at Elder Care Services. Volunteers are needed to plant, mulch, & water roughly a dozen trees. Volunteers are needed!

Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome. Coffee and donuts will be provided to volunteers.
For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact DeKalb Township at 815-758-8282.

To learn more about the Township’s 250 Trees for Tomorrow (free tree and shrub) initiative, visit: https://dekalbtownship.org/residental-services/

DeKalb County History Center Day of Service
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
The DeKalb County History Center is inviting individuals, families, community groups, and local organizations to participate in a Day of Service during National Volunteer Week on Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will help prepare the History Center campus for the busy spring and summer season.

This hands-on volunteer opportunity will focus on sprucing up the grounds and pathways throughout the campus. Tasks will include spreading mulch, general spring clean-up, placing and filling raised garden beds, clearing rocks, and, weather permitting, planting flowers and greenery to keep the campus welcoming for visitors and programs.

No special experience is needed to participate. Volunteers are asked to bring a pair of gloves, and History Center staff along with Master Gardener Cathy Anderson will provide guidance and instructions for each task. The work is designed to be approachable, family-friendly, and rewarding, making it a great opportunity for groups and individuals alike.

CASA Color Run 2026
2026-06-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Sycamore Middle School, 150 Maplewood Dr, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
The CASA Color Run is a fun, family-friendly 5K! Walk, jog or sprint – anything is fine so long as you have fun! Stick around after the race for music, snacks and water. Registration is $30 for ages 13+, $20 for ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. Register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Sycamore/CASAColorRun.

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
