DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Soup-er Sundays
2025-02-23 12:00, 2025-03-09 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Transformation Through Rhythm!
2025-02-23 15:00 - 16:45 | DeKalb High School, 501 W Dresser Rd, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
As a proud DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership Community Partner, Arcomusical cordially invites the DeKalb community to attend Transformation Through Rhythm, the annual event that is drumming up a good cause! Hosted at the DeKalb High School Auditorium on Sunday afternoon February 23rd at 3PM. The performance will feature local percussion groups including the Harambee Ensemble, the DeKalb High School Percussion Ensemble, the Northern Illinois University Percussion Ensemble, and Arcomusical. All donations received will benefit the more than 150 non-profit organizations based in and/or serving DeKalb County. Admission is free, and donations will be collected both digitally and in-person at the event.

“​​The Transformation Through Rhythm concerts bring together the perfect blend of music and community spirit. I’m thrilled the concerts are supporting Give DeKalb County, thus benefiting nonprofits in our county. The concert itself is amazing – a joyful tapestry of rhythm, energy, people, color and inspiration!”-Jen Conley (Transformation Through Rhythm Founder, music therapist, and licensed counselor)

95th Anniversary Film Series
2025-02-25 19:00, 2025-03-04 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)

Living History Presentation: Lucy Pettengill
2025-02-26 17:30 - 18:30 | Malta Township Public Library, 203 Adams St., Malta, Illinois, 60150, United States
Meet Lucy Pettengill, resident of Peoria, IL, in March 1857. Learn about the struggles she and her fellow abolitionists encountered, in order to assist freedom seekers on their way north. Hear the accounts of the efforts of the underground railroad activities from someone who was there! Mrs. Pettengill will share with you the details of the abolitionist movements and actions in Western Illinois, and why her work was not only secret, but dangerous.​ Lucy Pettengill will be portrayed by Laura Keyes, Historic Voices. She is a librarian and historian who has been portraying historic women and lecturing on historical topics since 2008.

The Wizard of Oz
2025-02-27 19:30 - 2025-03-09 14:00 | Stage Coach Players, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Follow the yellow brick road in this exciting, steampunk-themed stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the 1939 MGM film.

The timeless tale takes audiences along as young Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, travel from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, making some new, but somehow familiar, friends along the way.

Show dates for The Wizard of Oz are as follows:

Thursday, February 27, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Friday, February 28, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Saturday, March 1, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 2, 2025 • 2:00 PM

Thursday, March 6, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Friday, March 7, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Saturday, March 8, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 9, 2025 • 2:00 PM

Tickets can be purchased here or by calling the Stage Coach Players box office at 815-758-1940.

Friday Night Line Dancing w/ DJ Dave
2025-02-28 19:00 - 2025-03-01 01:00, 2025-03-14 19:00 - 2025-03-15 01:00 | Denim & Diamonds Saloon, 425 W State St., Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
DJ Dave will be playing all the line dance & couple favorites! Try out Denim & Diamonds’ famous Apple Pie Shots for just $2. (There is always a $5 cover on Friday & Saturdays)

Pat Tomasulo
2025-02-28 19:30, 2025-03-01 19:30 | Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548
Pat Tomasulo is a Chicago-based stand-up comedian, TV host, actor and podcaster. One of the top headlining acts in Chicago, his very first one-hour comedy special, “What A Time To Be Alive,” released in early 2022. You can also see and hear him weekly on “The Pat Tomasulo Podcast,” one of the highest-charting podcasts on Apple’s “Stand-Up Comedy” podcast rankings. And if you live in the Chicagoland area, you can see Pat every morning as one of the hosts of the WGN Morning News, the highest-rated AM news program in Chicago for over 10 years running. Other TV credits include guest host and contributor to “LIVE! With Regis and Kelly,” and co-host of “Shaq Vs,” an ABC primetime reality show featuring basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal. Pat is also the creator and host of “Laugh Your Face Off,” an annual comedy benefit that has raised over $2.6M for The Facial Pain Research Foundation, a group that funds research to cure trigeminal neuralgia, a rare pain condition his wife, Amy, suffers from.

Gaelic Storm with Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
2025-02-28 20:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
It’s hard to imagine a band just coming into their own after 20 years of success, but that’s exactly what makes a true anomaly. Gaelic Storm, a multi-national, Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and after two decades and over 2000 shows, they are a true force to be reckoned with. The band attributes their continued success to their fanatic audience, and it’s a well-diversified crowd for sure – attracting fans of every genre with their rich storytelling, energetic instrumentals, devotion to Celtic traditions and passion for their stagecraft. They are as loyal to their fans as the fans are to them. Recent years have seen the addition of Natalya Kay on fiddle and Parker Hastings on guitar, who both bring their own energy, musicianship and spirit to Gaelic Storm.

PJ's Crawfish Festival
2025-03-01 12:00 - 23:00 | PJ’s Courthouse Tavern, 202 West State Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States

NIU Women's Basketball Home Game
2025-03-01 13:00, 2025-03-05 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

Hygge Countdown to Spring
2025-03-01 14:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
“In Denmark, winters are especially long, yet Danish people are considered some of the happiest in the world. They embrace the dark winter months with the joyful practice of Hygge (pronounced ‘HOO-gah’) meaning coziness, candlelight, nature, and meeting with friends.” – Emma Mitchell from Making Winter: a Hygge-inspired Guide to Surviving the Winter Months.
Beat the winter blues with an immersive experience focusing on intentional happiness and community with Scandinavian-inspired arts and crafts, meditative coloring, peaceful music, and tasty treats. You’ll gain some tips to create “hygge,” and choose from a selection of library books which inspire joy and relaxation to bring home.
In March, we prepare for spring’s emergence by making a homemade cleaning spray scented with essential oils, craft a frame with spring flowers, paint a garden ornament, and sip fruit and herbal teas flavored with local honey sticks provided by Big Red’s Heavenly Honey.
This program is intended for adults. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

NIU Men's Basketball Home Game
2025-03-01 15:30 - 17:30, 2025-03-04 18:00 - 20:00 | 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

Late Nite Catechism
2025-03-02 14:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Late Nite Catechism is an uproariously funny play that takes the audience back to their youth. The irrepressible Sister teaches class to a roomful of “students.” Throughout the course of the class the benevolent instructor rewards the “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and other nifty prizes. Naughty students may well find themselves on stage sitting in a corner reflecting their actions. However, even the most reluctant “students” will be clamoring to get into this Sister’s class. The New York Times calls Late Nite Catechism “interactive theater at its best and full of laughs!”

Shamrock Book Folding
2025-03-06 18:00 - 20:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Make a piece of artwork by folding a book into a Shamrock!
All materials are provided. This program is first come, first served as space is limited. Intended for teens and adults.
For additional information, please contact the tech desk at laral@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.

Vintage Shop Hop
2025-03-07 00:00 - 2025-03-08 23:59 | DeKalb County, illinois
Explore DeKalb County’s vintage and antique shops during this Spring edition of the Vintage Shop Hop! Each shop offers specials and fun inside their store–you’ll find plenty of activities in each shop you visit during the event. Participating locations include:

TOFT Vintage Home (113 S. Main Street, Sandwich, IL, 60548)

Midnight Pine Studios (117 S. Main Street, Sandwich, IL, 60548)

Crew and Co. (128 S. Main Street, Sandwich, IL, 60548)

Farmer’s Daughter Home (1312 E. Church Street, Sandwich, IL, 60548)

Sandwich Antique Mart (2300 East Route 34, Sandwich, IL, 60548)

Blumen Gardens (408 Edward Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178)

Made Just for You Gifts (338 W. State Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178)

Sycamore Antiques (321 W. State Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178)

Painted Lady Collection (303 W. State Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178)

35:35 Makers Collective (265 W. Peace Rd., Sycamore, IL, 60178)

IESA State Wrestling championship
2025-03-07 08:00 - 2025-03-08 17:00 | NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Friday Cash: $15.00 Preschoolers admitted Free Parking: Free

Friday, March 78:30 a.m. Pass Gate Entrance Open to Athletes and Coaches9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins for all competitors10:00 a.m. Doors Open to Spectators10:45 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Meeting for all Coaches and Officials10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Warm-up period for wrestlersSession 1 (Class A—Mats 1, 2, 3, & 4; Class AA—Mats 5, 6, 7, & 8)11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Championship Bracket First Round2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. BREAK3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Quarterfinal Round of Championship Bracket and First Round WrestlebacksSaturday, March 8Session 2 (Class A—Mats 1, 2, 3, & 4; Class AA—Mats 5, 6, 7, & 8)7:45 a.m. Pass Gate Entrance Open to Athletes and Coaches8:00 a.m. Doors Open to Spectators9:00 a.m. -10:45 a.m. Second Round of Wrestlebacks10:45 a.m.-11:00 a.m. BREAK11:00 a.m. -12:45 p.m. Semifinal Round of Championship Bracket & Quarterfinal Round Wrestlebacks12:45 p.m. -1:35 p.m. LUNCH BREAK1:35 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Semifinal Round Wrestle-backs2:45 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Fifth-Sixth & Third-Fourth Place Matches (8 mats–All 5th-6th place matches completedbefore start of 3rd-4th place matches)4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. BREAK4:45 p.m. Parade of Champions (Two Finalists in Each Weight Class Only)5:15 p.m. Championship Matches (4 Mats)Order of championship matches: 95 & 100; 105 & 112; 119 & 126; 135 & 145; 155 &167; 185 & 215; 275 & 65; 70 & 75; 80 & 85; 90.Please Note: Times are approximate and are subject to change. Matches may begin no earlier than 30 minutes from thescheduled starting time. All wrestling will take place in the Convocation Center on the campus of Northern IllinoisUniversity.CONSOLATION BRACKET CRITERIANote 1: All wrestlers who are beaten in the championship bracket move to the consolation bracket (except 2nd place).Note 2: If consolation bracket qualifiers have wrestled one another in the championship bracket, wrestlers will re-wrestleto determine who advances. There are no walkovers. The losers of the championship bracket quarterfinalmatches in the top half of the bracket will be placed in the bottom bracket of the second round wrestlebackswhile the losers of the championship bracket quarterfinal matches in the bottom half of the championshipbracket will be placed in the top bracket of the second round wrestlebacks.Note 3: All wrestlers will wrestle two matches on Friday. Of the 16 wrestlers in each weight class, four will be eliminatedon Friday. There will be 12 wrestlers remaining in each weight class after the conclusion of wrestling on Fridayand all 12 will wrestle at least once on Saturday.Individual awards for 1st – 6th places will be presented by the coach of each weight class champion following the title boutin each weight class with team awards at conclusion of meet. All wrestlers who place in each weight class are requiredto report to the awards area following the championship match in their respective weight class for presentation ofindividual awards to be followed by a group photograph of the place finishers in each weight class. All first-placefinishers are to stay in uniform and report following the 90 lb. class individual presentations for a group photograph of allweight class champions. A photographer will be available to photograph each weight class and team champions.

The Grand Marshal will lead the annual Parade of Champions Saturday night (March 8) before the championship bouts of the 43rd annual Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) State Final Wrestling Tournament.

Named Grand Marshals for 2025 are: Branden Petersen and Adam Greenberg

Remembering Port Chicago & Cyril O. Sheppard
2025-03-08 11:00 - 12:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Following two massive explosions in 1944 in Port Chicago, California, that killed 320 American sailors and injured 390 more, the US Navy branded 50 young Black sailors as mutineers for their refusal to return to the unsafe working conditions that caused the explosions.
These 50 Black sailors would be known as The Port Chicago 50. They protested their unfair treatment, and were tried and wrongly convicted of mutiny. This program will tell their story, and follow their decades-long fight for justice.
This program is free and open to teens and adults. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Murder Mystery Dinner
2025-03-08 17:00 - 21:30 | The Brown Pub, 200 Somonauk Road, Hinckley, IL, 60520, United States
Join the Hinckley Festival Association to figure out “whodunit“ in a murder mystery dinner at The Brown Pub on Saturday, March 8!

The ticket price is $50 per person for a buffet dinner and dessert and the murder mystery show. The proceeds will support the 2025 Hinckley Fireworks.

Gas raffle tickets will be available in addition to a 50/50 raffle (2nd prize will be 1 gas raffle ticket and 3rd prize a free drink at The Brown Pub) that will be drawn at the end of the event.
Cocktail hour starts at 5 PM, with Act 1, dinner, and Act 2 to follow.

Register online (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hinckley-fireworks-fest-murder-mystery-dinner-tickets-1116020139279) or buy tickets in person at The Brown Pub!

Hy-Vee's Indoor Crafters Market
2025-03-09 11:00 - 15:00 | Hy-Vee, 2700 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Check out local crafters set up by the Pharmacy & Club Room near the front of Hy-Vee! Crafters will be set up on February 16th, March 9th, and April 13th.

The Oh Yeahs
2025-03-09 15:00 | Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548
THE OH YEAHS is an acoustic female trio featuring three of Chicago’s top vocalists and multi-instrumentalists: Leslie Beukelman, Allison Orobia, and Sarah Marie Young. Each of these women has a diverse musical background, but they all have one thing in common: they love to make music and sing together, and it shows. The Oh Yeahs leave audiences wondering who is singing which part as they weave their voices together in harmony and warm unison. Accompanied by guitar, ukulele, percussion, and trumpet or melodica, The Oh Yeahs showcase their vibrant personality on their latest release. Their live show and new album feature each woman’s songwriting and unique approach to popular music.

Disability Awareness Training
2025-03-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The DeKalb County CVB & DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation invite you to attend a FREE event on disability awareness. This is an opportunity to enhance your understanding of accessibility and be a leader in fostering an inclusive environment. Join industry peers as we discuss best practices and innovative solutions.

This program will be presented by RAMP and each participant will receive a certificate for their business upon completion.Together, we can and will make DeKalb County a better place to visit, work, and live.

Registration form
Disability Training registration

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Industry TypeAdvertisingAgricultureBankingConstructionCreativesEducationEntertainmentFashionFinanceHospitalityMarketingRetailServicesTechnologyOtherDo you have any questions you would like to ask our speakers?Want to keep up-to-date with our latest news and announcements? Yes please!

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Please register by March 7th, 2025

AARP Smart Driver Course - Day 1
2025-03-11 12:00 - 16:00 | IL
The DeKalb Township will host an AARP Safe Driver Course at their facility on March 11th & 12th. 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.

AARP Smart Driver Course - Day 2
2025-03-12 12:00 - 16:00 | IL

Jazz in Progress After-hours Concert
2025-03-14 18:30 - 19:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Jazz in Progress joins the DeKalb Public Library for an after-hours concert that will feature different styles of big band and modern jazz music in the library’s main lobby!
Jazz in Progress (JIP) organized in 2012 to encourage local musicians to play jazz in support of its mission of musical, charitable, and educational purposes to advance the appreciation, performance, and history of jazz music and its related genres. Its membership includes a variety of talented musicians from the DeKalb County area. The ensemble also honors the practice of inviting local high school and college jazz musicians to sit in with the band, giving young musicians an opportunity to gain more experience in playing jazz music.
JIP is an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that puts funds raised back into local community music programs. Past recipients of JIP donations include the DeKalb, Genoa-Kingston, Hinckley-Big Rock, Indian Creek and Sycamore music booster organizations, as well as St. Mary’s-DeKalb and the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
JIP has performed at benefit and fund raising events and venues around the area including the St. Mary’s Lancer Legacy Ball, Sycamore Natural History Museum’s Rockin’ for the Reptiles, Stage Coach Theatre, Sycamore Farmers Market, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Artigras, The House Café, and Oak Crest Senior Proms. The band also has performed with the Celebration Chorale and at many other community and charity events.
This concert is free and open to all. No registration is required. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and music will begin at 6:30 p.m.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
