2026 DeKalb Farmers Market
2026-07-16 12:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-23 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-30 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-06 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Hinckley Summer Concert
2026-07-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Hinckley Community Building, 120 N Maple St.,, Hinckley, Illinois, 60520, United States
Enjoy a summer concert featuring the Misty River Music Makers Ladies Barbershop in the Hinckley Community Building.

Waterman Lions Summerfest 2026
2026-07-18 07:30 - 22:00 | Waterman Lions Park, 435 S. Birch St, Waterman, IL, 60556, United States
Don’t miss the 26th Waterman Lions Summerfest and Antique Tractor & Truck Show! Enjoy an entire day full of antique and craft shows, tractor pulls, train rides, live music, a beer garden, and more, and end it with a fireworks show!

DeKalb Back Alley Market
2026-07-18 15:00 - 20:00 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The DeKalb Back Alley Market (BAM) takes over downtown DeKalb with a curated mix of vintage, handmade, and just plain cool. You’ll find 150+ vendors spread through streets and alleyways—everything from vintage clothing and home décor to pottery, candles, apothecary goods, and specialty foods.

It’s not a craft fair and it’s not a flea market. BAM is built to feel a little different—more curated, more unexpected, and fun to wander. Add in live music, local food, and a crowd that shows up ready to explore, and it turns into more than just shopping.

Come dig around, find something you didn’t know you needed, and spend a few hours having fun in our alley!

Location: DeKalb Back Alley Market, Palmer Ct., 2nd and 3rd St. DeKalb, ILAdmission is free. Bring your family and well-behaved petsDon’t miss out on this unique shopping experience in Downtown DeKalb!

Free Breakfasts for Veterans
2026-07-19 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.

Nature's Explorers Summer Camp
2026-07-20 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-21 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-22 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-23 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-24 09:00 - 15:00 | 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)

Free Legal Consultations
2026-07-21 12:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
DeKalb Township will be hosting Prairie State Legal Services once a month throughout 2026 to ensure qualifying residents have access to FREE legal services.
If you are a tenant with questions regarding a housing matter; If you are being forcibly discharged from a nursing home; If you were recently denied public benefits or if your benefits were reduced; If you have an employment-related legal question; If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse, please call the DeKalb Township today to schedule an appointment and determine if you are eligible to receive these FREE services.
For additional details or to check your eligibility, call the DeKalb Township at 815-758-8282.

2026 Sycamore Farmers Market
2026-07-21 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-28 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-04 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-11 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.

2026 Food Truck Wednesdays
2026-07-22 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-29 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-05 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-12 11:00 - 14:00 | MLK Commons, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Come out for lunch, meet up with a friend or grab your afternoon pick-me-up from a variety of food trucks each Wednesday through the fall.

Local food trucks will line the street on Normal Road in front of the MLK Commons on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CAB will provide entertainment and fun, including student performances. There will also be appearances from members of NIU Athletics.

Shabbona Farmers Market 2026
2026-07-25 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-08 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!

Sycamore Park District and Parks Foundation present: Sip 'n' Savor
2026-07-25 13:00 - 17:00 | Sycamore Community Park, 940 E. State St, Sycamore, IL, 60178
Sip ‘n’ Savor Celebrates the flavors and makers that nurture local spirit.
Free general admission brings people together for live music and to visit with local food and artisan vendors. A $30 Tasting Ticket allows eventgoers to sample the spirit of the community! Proceeds support the Sycamore Parks Foundation.

FREE ADMISSION to enjoy live music, food vendors, and craft and artisan booths.
TASTING TICKET: $30Sample the unique local libations that nurture the community spirit! Ages 21+ | Proceeds support the Sycamore Parks Foundation.
Presented in partnership with MVP Sports Bar and Sycamore Whiskey Club. Sponsored by Pest Control Consultants and Resource Bank.

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.

50 Men Who Cook 2026
2026-08-08 18:00 - 21:00 | BARSEMA ALUMNI AND VISITORS CENTER, NIU, 231 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
CASA’s signature fundraising event, 50 Men Who Cook, showcases 50 men from across the DeKalb community as they showcase their best dishes for guests to taste and vote for their favorite in each category. Beyond the competition, the evening features live music, raffles for attendees, and a cash bar! Enjoy an exquisite night of great food, friendly competition, and community spirit. All for a good cause!

Sunday at Sandwich Market
2026-08-09 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.

Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee 2026
2026-08-13 07:00 - 2026-08-16 17:00 | 27707 Lukens Road Sycamore IL 60178, 27707 Lukens Rd, Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Preserving agricultural history for future generations to enjoy, the Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee is a four-day event that showcases products like steam engines and gas tractors.

69th Annual Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee August 13–16, 2026 Taylor Marshall Farm, 27707 Lukens Road, Sycamore, IL

Celebrate the past and marvel at the machines that built America at the 69th Annual Sycamore Steam Show, hosted by the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club. This beloved four-day event brings history to life with live threshing and sawmill demonstrations, an impressive collection of steam and gas engines, and a wide selection of flea market vendors and food stands.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience live steam engine demonstrations, threshing and sawmill operations, tractor displays, and a wide variety of historic machinery in action. Many of these machines are more than a century old — and still running today.

The show grounds will be filled with activities for all ages, including:

• Operating steam engines and antique machinery• Threshing and agricultural demonstrations• Antique tractor and equipment displays• Craft and flea market vendors• Great food and refreshments• Exhibits from collectors and enthusiasts from across the Midwest

Admission:

General: $10.00

Kids under 12: Free

Thursday Seniors: $5.00(Cash only at the gate)

Gates open at 7:00 AM daily

Tickets are available at the gate (cash only). Please note that golf carts, pets, and alcohol are not permitted on the showgrounds.

Learn more at sycamoresteamshow.com
