Tom Sharpe Ensemble
2025-01-25 19:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548
Tom Sharpe is an internationally recognized, award-winning composer, performer, and recording artist. He is a sought-out clinician and performer of his own works, and the artistic director and principal performer of the Sharpe World Music Ensemble. Along with his own music, Tom is the drummer for the widely popular, Grammy award winning group, Mannheim Steamroller. Come see his impressive performance at the Sandwich Opera House.

Soup-er Sundays
2025-01-26 12:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join the J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center for Soup-er Sundays to enjoy warm soup and interesting programs! See programming below:

January 12 – “Bet-a-Million’ Gates: The Other Barded Wire Baron” Join Eric Krupa, the St. Charles History Museum’s Collections and Exhibitions Manager, for a presentation on the cutthroat life and legacy of one of America’s most brash robber barons: John Warne Gates.

January 26 – “The Story of the Edenton Ladies’ Tea Party” DeKalb author, Sally M. Walker will present on her latest book: “Within Our Power: The Story of the Edenton Ladies’ Tea Party” as part of the Glidden Homestead’s Soup-er Sundays series.

February 9 – “DeKalb County in Postcards” See what DeKalb County looked like more than 100 years ago through vintage postcards!

February 23 – “The Legend of Chessie the Railroad Kitten” Learn more about Chessie the Railroad Kitten, an adorable and popular corporate symbol!

March 9 – “Birds, Beasts, Bugs, and Little Fishes: DeKalb Wildlife on Former Glidden Land” See the DeKalb area through local photographer, Michael Day’s eyes.

March 23 – “Never Pursued: J.F. Glidden & the Underground Railroad in DeKalb County” Learn about Sheriff Joseph F. Glidden’s role in DeKalb County history.

Wine Tasting
2025-01-26 12:00 - 15:00 | Class VI, 214 East Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Class VI’s quarterly tasting event has a date! Wine club members may enter at 12:00 PM at no charge. All others may enter at 1:00 PM for $10 at the door.

With so many choices and complimentary bites, it is an event you will not want to miss!

Live Music at Prairie State Winery
2025-01-26 13:30 - 16:00 | Prairie State Winery, 222 West Main St., Genoa, IL, 60135, United States
Enjoy live music in the Prairie State Winery dining room on select weekends! View the schedule below.

January 11- Ethan Larson

January 12 – Cole Bandt

January 25 – BB and the Billies

January 26 – Steve Sharp

Making Inks for Printmaking from Plants Virtual Presentation
2025-01-27 19:00 - 20:00 | IL
This Zoom virtual presentation by printmaking instructor Millicent Kennedy, will discuss recipes for making your own inks and printable dyes from natural dyes used specifically in screenprint, but also other printmaking methods, as well as share a presentation of the processes involved and completed work using these methods, including resists, printed mordants and mordant-dye pastes.
Zoom link: https://niu-edu.zoom.us/j/85780027236?pwd=[REDACTED]
This presentation is in conjunction with the NIU Art Museum’s College of Visual and Performing Arts Faculty Biennial Exhibition.
The exhibitions and programs of the NIU Art Museum are sponsored in part by the Friends of the NIU Art Museum; the NIU Art and Culture Fee and the College of Visual and Performing Arts Season Presenting Sponsor Shaw Media and WNIJ/WNIU.

From World's Fair to National Park: Works in Progress
2025-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Altgeld Hall, 116 Altgeld Hall, Dekalb, IL, 60115, United States
This talk by professor of art history Rebecca Houze considers the build environment of Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Parks, three of the earliest to be established in the United States. As unique expressions of national identity, the parks were designed into the landscape and promoted to tourists by the transcontinental railroad companies with sophisticated programs of advertising and emerging corporate identity.
Location: Altgeld Hall 125
This lecture is in conjunction with the NIU Art Museum’s College of Visual and Performing Arts Faculty Biennial Exhibition.
The exhibitions and programs of the NIU Art Museum are sponsored in part by the Friends of the NIU Art Museum; the NIU Art and Culture Fee and the College of Visual and Performing Arts Season Presenting Sponsor Shaw Media and WNIJ/WNIU.

NIU Men's Basketball Home Game
2025-01-28 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Cheer on the NIU Men’s Basketball team at the NIU Convocation Center! Opponents are listed below:

December 30 – NIU vs East-West University

January 7 – NIU vs Kent State

January 14 – NIU vs Miami

January 18 – NIU vs Central Michigan

January 25 – NIU vs Ball State

January 28 – NIU vs Akron

February 8 – NIU vs Sun Belt Opponent

February 11 – NIU vs Buffalo

February 22 – NIU vs Eastern Michigan

March 1 – NIU vs Western Michigan

March 4 – NIU vs Bowling Green

95th Anniversary Film Series
2025-01-28 19:00, 2025-02-04 19:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Step into the magic of movie history as the Egyptian Theatre celebrates its 95th anniversary with a film series commemorating nine decades! Relive the golden age of Hollywood with classics like the screwball hilarity of Bringing Up Baby and the timeless romance of Casablanca. Experience edge-of-your-seat suspense with Rear Window and the satirical brilliance of Dr. Strangelove. Dive into the heart of cultural and emotional milestones with Cooley High, Glory, and The Truman Show. Finally, bask in the vibrancy of modern hits like the dazzling musical Chicago and the heartfelt coming-of-age tale Lady Bird. Don’t miss your chance to see these iconic films on the largest movie screen in DeKalb County, where movie magic started in 1929.

Full Film Line-Up:

January 7: Bringing Up Baby (1938)

January 14: Casablanca (1942)

January 21: Rear Window (1954)

January 28: Dr. Strangelove (1964)

February 4: Cooley High (1975)

February 11: Glory (1989)

February 18: The Truman Show (1998)

February 25: Chicago (2002)

March 4: Lady Bird (2017)

Music of Black Composers Showcase
2025-01-28 19:00 | NIU Music Building, 550 Lucinda Ave, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Don’t miss an exciting performance happening at NIU! NIU Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at the Illinois Music Educators Conference (in Peoria) at the end of the month. Their entire concert program is music created by Black Composers, which is also going to be shared with the DeKalb community! NIU Wind Ensemble will be performing their entire program at 7 PM on January 28, in the Concert Hall in NIU’s Music Building.

Dr. Thomas Bough, conductorLeif Albertson, Graduate AssistantDr. Lia Snead, Guest ConductorBrandon Estes, Guest Conductor

Red Cross Blood Drive
2025-01-29 13:00 - 18:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Give the Gift of Life! The American Red Cross will be conducting a blood drive at the DeKalb Public Library.
American Red Cross blood donors are critical to ensuring those in need receive relief and care. Right now, we’re urging donors to continue to help us strengthen the blood supply. Donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood donors – are crucial to meeting daily hospital demands.
An advance appointment is preferred. Visit the American Red Cross website, type in your zip code, and select the DeKalb Public Library to make an appointment, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or ask questions about giving blood.
You can also visit the Red Cross website for more general information about the donation process.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Reproduction Gone Awry
2025-01-29 17:00 - 18:00 | Altgeld Hall, 116 Altgeld Hall, Dekalb, IL, 60115, United States
Associate professor of art history Sarah Evans will talk about British (currently living in India) contemporary painting, sculpture and installation artist Bharti Kher in this illustrated lecture.
Location: Altgeld Hall 125
This lecture is in conjunction with the NIU Art Museum’s College of Visual and Performing Arts Faculty Biennial Exhibition.
The exhibitions and programs of the NIU Art Museum are sponsored in part by the Friends of the NIU Art Museum; the NIU Art and Culture Fee and the College of Visual and Performing Arts Season Presenting Sponsor Shaw Media and WNIJ/WNIU.

NIU Women's Basketball Home Game
2025-01-29 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-05 18:00 - 20:00 | NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Cheer on the NIU Women’s Basketball team at the NIU Convocation Center! Opponents are listed below:

December 20 – NIU vs Idaho State

December 28 – NIU vs Viterbo University

January 4 – NIU vs Ohio

January 11 – NIU vs Western Michigan

January 15 – NIU vs Miami

January 25 – NIU vs Ball State

January 29 – NIU vs Central Michigan

February 5 – NIU vs Kent State

February 22 – NIU vs Eastern Michigan

March 1 – NIU vs Bowling Green

March 5 – NIU vs Toledo

Free Advance Care Planning, Power of Attorney for Healthcare
2025-01-30 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-31 10:00 - 14:00 | DeKalb Township Board Room, 2323 S 4th Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
During the month of January, Representatives from Northwestern Medicine’s Advance Care Planning & Medical Ethics department will assist adults in completing their Advance Care Directives at the DeKalb Township, free of charge. Advance Care Directives are legally-binding documents that communicate a person’s healthcare preferences and wishes in the event they are unable to communicate these for themself. Typically, these documents appoint someone to be their substitute healthcare decision-maker and they specify the types of medical interventions the person does or does not wish to receive. These documents have no expiration date, are valid across state lines, can be updated or revoked by the individual at any time, and are recommended for all adults—regardless of health, age or where they receive their healthcare. To schedule an appointment with a Northwestern Medicine representative at DeKalb Township, individuals should contact Kimberly at 815-758-8282. Appointments are limited. No walk-ins accepted.

DeKalb County United Meet & Greet
2025-01-30 18:00 - 20:00 | DeKalb County United, 114 W. State St., Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Join DeKalb County United for a meet & greet and open house! Learn more about the club, its mission, and how you can be part of the action. Appetizers and beverages will be provided. Kids are welcome.

Flannel Fest V
2025-01-31 18:00 - 2025-02-02 22:30 | PJ’s Courthouse Tavern, 202 West State Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Get your tickets today for PJ’s Live Music Flannel Fest V – 2025 taking place January 31st-February 2nd! Over these 3 days you’ll have front stage access to local favorite music artists, including:

FRIDAY 1.31.25Bores & Rucker

SATURDAY 2.1.25InFunktiousRed DeliciousRockin MoxiePegasusNew Groove Revolution

SUNDAY 2.2.252 of UsRon Porter BandMathey & Friends

$30 donation* packages are available for purchase and include a Flannel Fest T-shirt, glass, and access to prizes.

*PJ’s Flannel Fest will be donating a portion of the proceeds of this event to The Sycamore Education Foundation (SEF), no cover charge, all donations appreciated.

AARP Smart Driver Course - Day 1
2025-02-04 10:00 - 14:00 | IL
The DeKalb Township will host an AARP Safe Driver Course at their facility on February 4th & 5th. This 8-hour AARP Smart Driver course (split into 2 four-hour days) teaches valuable defensive driving strategies and provides a refresher of the rules of the road. Participants may also qualify for a multi-year automobile insurance discount by completing the course. Space is limited and attendees must pre-register for the course by calling the DeKalb Township at 815-758-8282. The classroom course costs $20 for AARP Members and $25 for non-members. Financial Assistance is available to qualifying DeKalb Township residents who are unable to pay the course fee. All inquiries about this course can be directed to Kimberly Barrios, Administrative & Communications Lead for the DeKalb Township.

Hope Machines - New Protest Theatre by "Born Free" South Africans
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Altgeld Hall, 116 Altgeld Hall, Dekalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join an illustrated lecture by assistant professor of theatre history, literature and criticism Gibson Cima as he discusses recent work by young South African theatre makers grappling with their country’s colonial and apartheid past.

Location: Altgeld Hall 125

This lecture is in conjunction with the NIU Art Museum’s College of Visual and Performing Arts Faculty Biennial Exhibition.

The exhibitions and programs of the NIU Art Museum are sponsored in part by the Friends of the NIU Art Museum; the NIU Art and Culture Fee and the College of Visual and Performing Arts Season Presenting Sponsor Shaw Media and WNIJ/WNIU.

AARP Smart Driver Course - Day 2
2025-02-05 10:00 - 14:00 | IL

Cards & Cocktails
2025-02-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Chelsea McGhee Studios, 942 W. State Street, Sycamore, 60115, United States
Come to Chelsea McGhee Studios for a Valentine Themed Watercolor Workshop called Cards & Cocktails! On Wednesday, 2/5 the studio will be filled with colors, smells and flavors for Valentine’s Day! It will be the perfect chance to relax, paint, sip and make unique handmade Valentines! This super fun creative collaboration ~ Refreshments by Rachel, a freelance bartender & mixologist, is going to prepare 2 new Valentine Signature Cocktails. She’ll also do a brief demonstration with her secrets so you can make the night’s featured cocktails: Strawberry Champagne Margaritas and a Raspberry Chocolate Martini. While enjoying your drinks, Chelsea will guide you step by step using watercolors to paint a variety Valentine cards and envelopes. Whether you have never painted before or paint all time this class will be so fun! And your Valentines will absolutely love the sweet handmade love letter you create!

Event: Cards & Cocktails

Location: Chelsea McGhee Studios, 942 W. State Street in Sycamore, IL

Date: Wednesday, February 5th from 7-8:30pm

Cost: $42 for 5 watercolor cards & 2 signature Valentine cocktails: Strawberry Champagne Margaritas and a Raspberry Chocolate Martini.

Pre-Registration Required, space is limited!

Paint & Sip
2025-02-06 14:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Relax and enjoy a warm beverage and a creative project! Explore and find your own painting style with like-minded companions.

All materials are provided to paint a canvas. No instructions will be provided.

This program is for teens and adults. No registration is required.

For more information, please contact Anna at annas@dkpl.org or (815)756-9568 ext. 2851.

Valentine Bracelet Making at Bootlegger's
2025-02-06 18:30 | Bootlegger’s Bar, Grill and Pizza, 107 Main St., Maple Park, Illinois, 60151, United States
Grab your Galentines for a lady’s night out making this gorgeous stack of Valentine inspired bracelets!

For $43 per guest, you will be making a stack of 4 bracelets (you choose the wording the night of the party!)•The most requested pink rose quartz heart on 6mm gold (this is such a beautiful stand alone piece!)•champagne glass with gold bar•white jade with gold accents•rose smoke vinyl

To register, please send payment of $43 to Jessica Oros by January 30th!Venmo: InTheGroveDesignsZelle: jessoros@gmail.com2544 last 4.Please put “Bootleggers” in payment memo!Event is nonrefundable, but you may pick up bracelet kits or finished bracelets after the event.

Full bar and menu will be available to snack and have a cocktail while you work! Event is work at your own pace so please feel free to arrive after 6:30.

Petals and Paint
2025-02-06 18:30 | Chelsea McGhee Studios, 942 W. State Street, Sycamore, 60115, United States
A Valentine themed Petals and Paint! Tiffany Hintzsche of The Petal Boutique is joining Chelsea of Chelsea McGhee Studios to offer a Unique Workshop. In this workshop, Tiffany will teach step by step how to create a garden style arrangement with the best seasonal fresh flowers available and Chelsea will guide you through stenciled painting to make your wood envelope box and wood gift tag with your favorite colors. You are welcome to bring any snacks and or sips!

Valentine Production Scramble
2025-02-07 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Paint, cut, glue and color a special Valentine’s card for your sweetheart!

Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring any additional materials you might like to use.

This program is open to teens and adults. It is first come, first served as space and supplies are limited.

For additional information, please contact Isaac at isaacl@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.

Winter Farmers' Market
2025-02-08 09:00 - 15:00 | Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb, 158 North Fourth St, DeKalb, IL, 60115
Market day coming Saturday, February 8 from 9AM to 3PM at 158 N. 4th St. DeKalb.

Get out of the cold, shop, have lunch, shop again, listen to music, buy a new book, meet friends, and enjoy some pastries and coffee. The UUCD Market Day fundraiser is back just in time for Valentines Day! Come enjoy!

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb’s Winter Market features: humanely raised, hormone-free pork, poultry, lamb, grass-fed beef, and organic eggs, sausage, and cheese from the Hasselmann Family Farm in Mendota. Also honey from local honey farms. Delicious organic French pastries from St. Roger’s Abbey, Fraternite de Notre Dame Greek pastries and spanakopitas from the bakers of St, George Greek Orthodox Church Baked goods, beverages, and hearty lunch soup prepared by UUCD cooks, including a seating area for eating and conversing with friends and family, a large variety of artisan crafts from an additional 20+ local vendors. The ever popular, Used Book Sale, with new inventory, located in the UUCD Library, with paperbacks priced at 50 cents or under, and most hardbacks priced at $1. Live music all day by local musicians, including Dave ‘DK’ Kolars & friends and UUCD’s own Howard Solomon. A fun and festive event for all! Admission is $1 per adult. Children accompanied by adults are free.

2025 Downtown DeKalb Sweet Stroll
2025-02-08 12:00 - 17:00 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Treat yourself to a sweet adventure at the Third Annual Downtown DeKalb Sweet Stroll along Lincoln Highway! Start by picking up your Sweet Stroll Passport at any participating business, then make your way through town collecting stamps at each stop. Once you’ve visited all the stops, turn in your completed passport to be entered for a chance to win amazing Valentine’s Day prizes, including a year of flowers from Willrett Flower Company and gift cards from your favorite downtown shops!

Along the way, you’ll find a variety of specialty sweets from local vendors—think cupcakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more! Whether you’re out with your Valentine, Galentine, or the whole family, this event is the perfect way to celebrate the season of love. No tickets required—just come hungry for sweets and ready to explore! Sweet treats will be available for purchase at participating businesses.

Paint A Paw: Valentine's
2025-02-08 13:30 - 15:00 | Tails Humane Society’s Training and Vet Center, 2270 Barber Greene Rd, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Join Tails Humane Society for a paw-sitively delightful afternoon of creativity at Valentine’s Day themed “Paint a Paw” event! This fun-filled class is perfect for artists of all ages, so grab your kids and get ready to create a unique masterpiece featuring your beloved furry friend.
How It Works
A talented local artist will guide you step-by-step, inspiring you to paint a one-of-a-kind Valentines or spring themed wreath!At the end of the class, you’ll take home your masterpiece and a special kit containing pet-safe paint and easy-to-follow instructions, allowing your furry companion to add their own unique touch to your artwork.Don’t have a pet of your own? No problem! We’ll have adorable puppies on hand to lend their paw-prints to your creations, adding a touch of playful charm at the end of the class!
Each ticket includes:

Canvas
All painting supplies
Expert instruction and guidance
Take-home bag with pet-safe paint and instructions
Light refreshments and snacks

All proceeds benefit the animals at Tails Humane Society. Tails is 100% donor and service fee funded. Tails Humane Society is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, tax ID number EIN 36-4334785.
