DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

World of Reading
2026-03-14 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Explore a World of Reading at one of the DeKalb Public Library’s biggest events of the year!
Mark your calendar and join a day of literary exploration filled with crafts and activities, suitable for readers of all ages. Admission is free, and memories are guaranteed.
Wall up your friends in Fortunado’s catacombs, sample synonym buns and half-baked ideas in the world of The Phantom Tollbooth, craft your own Mad Hatter hat and meet Alice in Wonderland, show off your archery skills like Katniss Everdeen, and more!
Thank you to the following sponsors for making this event possible: The Treehouse Pie Company, Off the Leash Coffee, Sycamore Hy-Vee, and the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library.
For more information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

St. Patricks Day .1K Fun Run
2026-03-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Fatty’s Pub and Grille, 1312 W Lincoln Hwy,, DeKalb, IL, 60115
Join us for a super fun St. Patrick’s Day 0.1K Fun Run with 102.3 The Coyote and Fatty’s Pub & Grill – Costume contest & live music after!St. Patricks Day .1K Fun Run is back! Join 102.3 The Coyote and Fatty’s Pub & Grill for a hilarious and laid-back event at Fatty’s Pub & Grille. Lace up your sneakers for this short, fun run that’s more about laughs than speed. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just in it for the chance to say you ran a race, this event is for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a unique way with great company and good vibes. See you at the finish line! Proceeds Benefit Habitat For Humanity!

Come dressed in your best St Pattys Day costume for a chance to win prizes plus win prizes for 1st, 2nd and LAST PLACE finish in the race! Stay for the live music afterward.

NOTE

The deadline for a guranteed T-Shirt is February 28th. A Limited quantity of shirts will be available for walks up the day of the event on March 14th.

Timeline:9am – Bar opens10am – Race starts10:05am – Costume Contest, Race Winners Announced, and Live Music2pm – Official event ends

Click the link below to register!

Free Breakfasts for Veterans
2026-03-15 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.

Sister's Easter Catechism: Will My Bunny Go to Heaven?
2026-03-15 14:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Celebrate the Easter Season with Sister as she answers the time-worn questions of the season like “Why isn’t Easter the same day every year like Christmas?” and “Will My Bunny Go To Heaven?” Part pageant, and wHOLY hysterical, the latest of the sinfully funny Late Nite Catechism series unearths the origins of Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, Easter bonnets, Easter baskets, and of course those yummy Easter Peeps. Sister answers questions about pet heaven and the significance of those adorable baby chicks! Classroom participation is a must, so don’t forget to wear your Easter bonnet and join Sister for this seasonal treat!

Acoustapalooza
2026-03-15 18:00 - 22:00 | Fatty’s Pub and Grille, 1312 W Lincoln Hwy,, DeKalb, IL, 60115
18+Doors 6:00 PM | Music 6:30–10:00 PM

Lineup• Norah McGinnis• Mark Walter’s• Two Girls One Guitar• Bugs Benson• Ry Guys

Free Legal Consultations
2026-03-17 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.

Sip & Sparkle: Jewelry Swap 2026
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Join Tails for the second annual Sip & Sparkle: Jewelry Swap for a great cause- helping the many animals at Tails Humane Society!

Sip & Sparkle will take place on Thursday, March 19th at the beautiful Blumen Gardens, bringing an evening of fun, food, drinks, networking, and of course, fabulous jewelry!

At Sip & Sparkle, discover hidden treasures as participants swap 3-5 pieces of gently used jewelry or accessories (from elegant necklaces and fun earrings to chic scarves and handbags) for unique finds from others! Exciting raffle prizes and photo opportunities will add a touch of sparkle to this memorable night!

Start by exchanging your jewelry for tokens and a number, then enjoy the festivities! Once the jewelry store opens, your number, will be called and you can swap your tokens for an equivalent amount of jewelry. The more pieces you bring to the swap, the more exciting new additions you can take home to your collection!
Tickets: https://tailshumanesociety.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F30172
$35 Ticket Includes:
– Swag bag stuffed with amazing goodies!– Sip & Sparkle stemless wine glass– Free ticket for your 1st drink– 2 raffle tickets (participants can purchase additional raffle tickets!)– Dinner table, dessert table, cash bar, photo opportunities, and so much more!

Regional Candy Tasting for Teens
2026-03-20 13:30 - 14:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
There are different types of regional candies across the US. Learn about certain candies; and more importantly taste them! At the end of the tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to vote and decide which candy you liked the best.
This program is for tweens and teens in grades 6-12. Registration is not required, but the tasting is first come, first served as supplies are limited.
This program is part of the America 250 initiative, celebrating our nation’s anniversary throughout the year.
For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or 815-756-9568 ext. 3400.

Faranda's Fish Fry and Community Fundraiser
2026-03-20 16:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-27 16:00 - 20:00 | Faranda’s Banquet Center, 302 Grove Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Serving up great fish for a great cause, year after year. Faranda’s will host its annual Fish Fry Series starting Friday February 6th.
Join on Friday nights 4pm to 8pm until Easter for a night out while you support local nonprofits. Pick from ten entrees with five side choices. All entrees enjoy unlimited access to the soup, salad, and desert stations. Full-service bar, non-alcoholic beverages, and kids menu available.
Want to try something more unique, check weekly for specials starting February 13th. Specials will include Fried Haddock, Catfish, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and more.
10% of all sales will be donated back to local nonprofits.
In 2025 Faranda’s Fish Fry Raised over $4,500 for local nonprofits including Safe Passage, Tails, Elder Care Services, and more. Join in 2026 to make this year’s event even more impactful.

KSO's Spring Pops Concert: A Celebration of American Film Composers
2026-03-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Boutell Memorial Concert Hall at Northern Illinois University, 400 Lucinda Ave, DeKalb, IL
The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra invites audiences on a cinematic journey at the KSO’s Spring Pops Concert: A Celebration of American Film Composers, on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Northern Illinois University Music Building, DeKalb.
This blockbuster program showcases some of the most iconic and beloved film scores ever written—music that has defined generations of moviegoers and become part of America’s cultural soundtrack.
The evening highlights the unforgettable genius of everyone’s favorite composer John Williams, featuring selections from:
Star Wars
E.T. – Adventures on Earth
Schindler’s List
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Jaws
Audience members will also hear music from popular movies and television including:
Apollo 13 by James Horner, arranged by John Moss
Psycho by Bernard Herrmann
The Magnificent Seven by Elmer Bernstein
Star Trek: Into Darkness and Up by Michael Giacchino
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by Howard Shore, arranged by John Whitney
The Simpsons by Danny Elfman, transcribed by Patrick Sheehan
Spider-Man by Danny Elfman, arranged by John Wasson
Perfect for families, film enthusiasts, and symphony lovers alike, this high-energy KSO Spring Pops Concert promises nostalgia, excitement, and unforgettable melodies performed live by the full orchestra.
Tickets and additional information are available at kishorchestra.org.

Sandwich PD Egg Hunt
2026-03-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Sandwich Public Safety Complex, 1251 E. 6th St., Sandwich, Illinois, 60548, United States
The Sandwich Police Department will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on March 21, 2026!

Sycamore Winter Farmers Market
2026-03-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Flowers by Emelia and Prairie Wildflowers, 1126 E. State St, Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Shop honey, wool, bread, crafts, teas, and more at the Sycamore Winter Farmers Market every 1st and 3rd Saturday November-March from 10am-1pm in their greenhouse!

Valentine’s Day Market on February 14th.

Rockford Peaches and the AAGPBL
2026-03-21 11:00 - 12:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
During the 1940s, male professional baseball players left the field to lend a hand in WW2 war efforts. To keep the game alive, Chicago Cubs’ owner Philip K. Wrigley and others started the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) which lasted from 1943-1954. Rockford’s own team, The Peaches, were one of the best teams in the league, winning the championship four times, more than any other team. Today many people know of the Peaches through the 1992 Hollywood film, A League of Their Own.
Provided by Midway Village Museum, this presentation is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. It is open to all ages and sponsored by The Friends of the Library. Registration is not required.
For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

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!

Hits of the Ragtime Era
2026-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Pop music comes and goes, but some songs from over 100 years ago are just as fresh in the mind as the day they were written. The Entertainer, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, St. Louis Blues, and Ballin’ the Jack are still familiar, but even when they first hit the scene, these songs were recognized as having something special.
Look at some of the songs that captivated the public and how their popularity continued into the present and also discover some songs and rags that were hits back in their day. So, to quote Irving Berlin, “come on along” for a great hour of ragtime and some early jazz and blues!
“Cherry & Jerry” is Isaac Cherry on percussion and Jerry Rabushka on piano. Based in St. Louis, the duo is also part of the larger “Ragged Blade Band,” and has toured music of the ragtime era throughout a several state areas. They’ve found this music is great for good times – brewpubs, wineries, markets, festivals, and more! They’ve appeared in the Big River Steampunk Festival in Hannibal, MO, the Oddities and Curiosities Expo in Chicago and Tulsa, the RAGBRAI bicycle event in Iowa, and the St. Louis World’s Fare in their hometown.
This free event is open to all. No registration is required. It is sponsored by Gretchen and Charles Moore.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year.
For more information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

2026 Soup-er Sundays
2026-03-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The highly anticipated Soup-er Sundays lecture series returns for its fourth year in 2026. You won’t want to miss these!

I-PASS & ICASH at DeKalb Township
2026-03-25 09:00 - 14:00 | DeKalb Township Board Room, 2323 S 4th Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Illinois Tollway and Illinois Treasurer’s Office Return to DeKalb Township for Community Service Event
On March 25th, from 9 AM – 2 PM, The DeKalb Township will host The Illinois Tollway and the Illinois Treasurer’s Office at their facility, located at 2323 S. 4th St. in DeKalb.
This event provides residents with convenient, in-person access to important Tollway and state services.
In 2024, the Illinois Tollway began phasing out windshield-mounted I-PASS transponders in favor of new I-PASS sticker tags. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to recycle and exchange their lithium-containing windshield-mounted transponders for safe disposal. The public is strongly encouraged to return old transponders to ensure environmentally responsible recycling.
Tollway users can also receive assistance with updating their I-PASS account information, including payment methods, license plate details, and vehicle information. New or replacement I-PASS sticker tags will be available on-site. In addition, residents may apply for I-PASS Assist, the Tollway’s financial assistance program. Approved applicants receive reduced toll rates and may qualify to have previously unpaid balances forgiven or reduced.
Representatives from ICASH, an initiative of the Illinois Treasurer’s Office, will also be present to help reunite residents with unclaimed property. ICASH has helped return billions of dollars in unclaimed funds to Illinois residents, including $20,000 that was owed to local community members and claimed at the Township’s last ICASH event in the fall.
This popular event is free and open to the public. Appointments are strongly encouraged. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Kimberly at DeKalb Township at 815-758-8282.

The Spirit of America through Coins & Currency
2026-03-25 19:00 - 20:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Enjoy a presentation about how the indomitable American spirit not only survived 250 years of history, but helped shape it; as told through our money!
Ben Franklin made a coin? Coins helped win WW2? What the heck is a paper coin and how did it win the civil war? Wait, they made a $500 bill? Would an American give free silver back to the government? Find answers to all these questions and more with Dann from JP Coins & Collectibles in Sycamore.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
For more information, please contact Emily K at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 6106.

AARP Smart Driver Course
2026-03-26 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-27 09:00 - 13:00 | DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
AARP’s Smart Driver course teaches valuable defensive driving strategies and provides a refresher of the rules of the road. Participants may qualify for a multi-year automobile insurance discount through their insurer by completing the 8-hour course. Anyone interested in learning more about this discount should contact their automobile insurance provider.
Space for the course is limited and attendees must pre-register 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, Community Relations & Events Coordinator at DeKalb Township.

Day 1 of this class is March 26, from 9-1
Day 2 of this class is March 27, from 9-1
Attendance both days is required.

Let “The Good Tymes” Roll: Free Showing
2026-03-27 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-28 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Sycamore State Theater, 420 W State St., Sycamore, Illinois, United States
Running from the 1970s-1980s this annual event attracted thousands of people each year. Held in different places throughout the county, including an annual t-shirt, music, and lots of good food! And yes, the Sycamore Park District’s “Good Tymes” shelter is part of the story.

Easter Bunny Breakfast at Hy-Vee 2026
2026-03-28 08:00 - 11:00 | Hy-Vee, 2700 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Join Hy-Vee for a fun-filled morning at Easter Bunny Breakfast!

Date: March 28th

Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Bring the whole family and enjoy a delicious breakfast while the Easter Bunny hops in for photos and smiles! After breakfast, kids can join in the excitement of an Easter Treasure Hunt around the store!

Adults – $10 | Kids – $5

Don’t forget your baskets and your cameras!

Easter Eggstravaganza
2026-03-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Village Bible Church Indian Creek Campus, 209 N Nokomis St., Shabbona, Illinois, 60550, United States
You’re invited to attend an annual Easter Eggstravaganza! For kids of all ages, featuring a carnival, prizes, an egg hunt, and a story!

This is an event you don’t want to miss, and the best part is it’s completely free! Register is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome as well.

Genoa Park District Egg Hunt
2026-03-28 10:00 | Chamberlain Park, 400 East 2nd Street, Genoa, IL, 60135, United States
Celebrate Easter at the Genoa Park District’s Egg Hunt at Chamberlain Park on Saturday, March 28 at 10am! Kids grab your basket and fill it with eggs and maybe a special prize. Children will be separated by age groups for more fun. You will also get to see that special Easter Bunny too. The egg hunt will start promptly at designated times and will go fast, so don’t be late.

Kids' Egg Hunt 2026
2026-03-28 11:00 | Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Bring your own baskets and join the fun as children ages 10 and under search for colorful eggs filled with treats! This event is free with no pre-registration required.

WCPW®: Windy City Women!
2026-03-28 19:00 - 21:30 | The WCPW® Studio, 1600 E. Lincoln Hwy. #2, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
WCPW®: Windy City Women!

Saturday March 28th, 2026

Doors 6:30pm, Bell 7pm

That Arena Rock Show
2026-03-28 19:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Back by popular demand! That Arena Rock Show is the ultimate high energy tribute to “Classic” Rock N’ Roll. Performing legendary rock anthems that ruled the airwaves in the 70s and 80s. Including artists like: Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, and Guns N Roses to name a few. This show will take you on a trip back in time, turning every sized venue into an arena for a night! Get your lights out and your fist in the air. This rock show is more than just music – it’s an experience!
