DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Countries in 1 Day
2025-09-13 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Are you ready to travel the world from the comfort of your own library? Prepare for takeoff at the annual “8 Countries in 1 Day” event when the DeKalb Public Library takes you on a journey around the globe!
Attend a Masquerade Ball in Italy, play Dinifri in Morocco, gobble down pineapple cake in Taiwan, and much more! Other countries included will be South Korea, Montenegro, Armenia, Myanmar, and India. Each country will have crafts, activities, and food.
Stop by the welcome table to get your “luggage” and passport before your adventure begins. Visit every country, get your passport stamped, and enter for a chance to win one of many prizes. Bring canned food items to get additional raffle tickets.
The library welcomes back the Northern Illinois University’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies and International Student Affairs as partners.
Off the Leash Coffee Company will provide samples of coffees and chocolates from around the world at their kiosk in the lower level.
Gather in the main lobby for big performances throughout the day!
11:00 a.m.: Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance
12:00 p.m.: Indian Classical Dance
A big thanks goes out to the many sponsors who make this event possible: Friends of the DeKalb Public Library, Egg Haven, WNIJ, Banner Up, The Suter Company, Off the Leash Coffee Company, Kishwaukee-DeKalb Kiwanis Club, Old National Bank, Nestle Distribution Company, Integrated Store Systems, Inc., and China House.
No registration is required to attend this free event. All are welcome!
For more information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

DeKalb Vintage Fest
2025-09-13 11:00 - 18:00 | NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Illinois Vintage Fest is finally coming back to DeKalb! On September 13th, the NIU Convocation Center will have 80+ vendors selling mostly vintage clothing, but include artisans, jewelry, collectibles, and more! They are pumped to be hosting DeKalb Vintage Fest at such a great venue!– – –Parking at this location will be $9 prepaid for the day or $12 the day of. Entry into the event is free as always!

Art in the Park
2025-09-14 11:00 - 15:00 | Citizens Memorial Sports Complex, 435 Airport Road, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Local artists will showcase their unique and diverse talents, offering you the chance to discover something new, celebrate local creativity, and support artists by purchasing pieces at a variety of price points. Free parking and admission. Presented by Jubilee and Sycamore Park District.
Stroll through the park and explore a colorful assortment of visual art displays, from paintings and photography to sculpture and handcrafted goods. Whether you’re an avid art collector or just looking for something special, there’s something for everyone. Family-friendly fun! Bring the kids—there will be interactive activities and creative crafts to keep young artists inspired and entertained. Grab a yummy lunch from Cousins Maine Lobster food truck. Artists’ registration deadline: August 25. Find all the event details here.

House Music Fest
2025-09-14 14:00 - 17:00 | Van Buer Plaza, 148-198 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Behind The Beats presents, DeKalb’s 1st House Music Fest!

Come together and show how true HouseHeadz get down at this FREE event with nothing but the hottest House tracks. Along with some great food trucks & cold drinks.

Music by:Vinyl Richie | Ro Stone | Ray Gooden | DJ Kris | Joe Majesty | DJ Passa (Joe Mitchell)

Food Trucks:Big D’s Hotdogs | Burritoville | Jah Love Jamaica

Beer & Cocktails:Fatty’s Pub & Grille

Date: Sunday, September 14th, 2025Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pmLocation: Frank Van Buer Plaza | DeKalb, IL

Need to Knows:Bring your own chairsNo outside food, drinks (except water), tents

2025 Food Truck Wednesdays
2025-09-17 11:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-24 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 during 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.

Beginner Line Dancing
2025-09-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Denim & Diamonds Saloon, 425 W State St., Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Beginner lessons from 6-8pm

Open dancing until 10pmEvery Wednesday, unless noted on their calendar.

DeKalb Farmers' Market
2025-09-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Van Buer Plaza, 148-198 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Vendors, food trucks, and live music! Soak up the summer at the DeKalb Farmers’ Market where over 25 local vendors bring you everything from fresh produce and flowers to baked goods, honey, olive oil, coffee, handmade crafts, and more! Browse the booths, enjoy live tunes from the Live Lunch Music Series presented by the Egyptian Theatre, and grab a bite from your favorite local food trucks.

Cash, credit, and Link are accepted. They offer Link Match, so Link card holders can purchase up to $50 worth of produce for just $25! Visit the Information Booth on market days for Link tokens and Link Match to use at qualifying vendors.

Learn more at dekalb.org/dekalb-farmers-market.

Malta Music in the Park
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Malta Lions Park, 409 N 4th Street, Malta, IL, 60150, United States
Enjoy live tunes and summer vibes at Malta Music in the Park at Malta Lions Park! This free, family-friendly concert series features performances from 6–8 PM, including the Yankee Cowboy Band on Thursday, July 17, The Beaux Band on Thursday, August 20, and Sound Check Band on Thursday, September 18. Grab a bite from the Press Box Food Truck or Andale Taco Shop, bring your lawn chairs, and feel free to BYOB for a relaxing evening of music in the park.

Line & couples Dancing
2025-09-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Denim & Diamonds Saloon, 425 W State St., Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Join DJ Dave at Denim and Dimonds for Line Dancing and Couples Dancing beginning at 7pmEvery Friday unless noted on their calendar.

Parent's Escape for Errands
2025-09-19 18:15 - 20:45 | Sycamore Park District Community Center, 480 Airport Rd, Sycamore, IL, 60178
Get some time away after the first few weeks of school, relax before the pumpkin and Halloween activities in October, or finish some last-minute Holiday cooking or shopping needs in December. Whatever it is, let the Sycamore Park District keep your kids engaged with themed crafts, active gym games, free play, and a cozy movie to wind down with awesome staff! Each session algins with a busy time of the year to make your life just a little easier – and give your kids an exciting evening of their own! Sep 19 | Oct 17 | Nov 21 | Dec 19

An Evening of Classical Crossover Guitar with David Rogers
2025-09-19 18:30 - 19:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Termed, ‘a prominent guitarist,’ by the New York Times and praised by The Washington Post for his ‘astonishingly florid’ improvisations, David Rogers presents an evening of Spanish music, Up-Tempo Latin, The Beatles, flashy settings of Pop Songs, music by J.S. Bach, and original compositions. He also tells many humorous stories about the music.
An endorsing artist for Aquila Strings (Italy), David’s music has been featured in major guitar magazines such as Fingerstyle Guitar in the United States and Akustic Gitarre, in Germany. His solo and ensemble performances have been broadcast on American National Public Radio and Bayrische Rundfunk.
This concert is free and open to all. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and music will begin at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required. Sponsored by the Rick Johns Memorial Fund.
For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Tire Collection & Recycling Event
2025-09-20 09:00 - 12:00 | DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
FREE TIRE RECYCLING EVENT
Open to the Residents of DeKalb Township
On Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, DeKalb Township and the DeKalb Township Road District will host a drive-thru tire recycling event at their facility located at 2323 S. 4th Street, DeKalb.
This event is exclusively for DeKalb Township residents. Participants must present proof of residency upon arrival.
Residents may bring up to six tires per household. Most types of tires will be accepted, including bicycle, vehicle, and tractor tires. However, all metal components—such as rims and hubcaps—must be removed prior to drop-off.
This free event provides residents with a safe and convenient way to dispose of old, unwanted tires. By participating, residents are helping to reduce illegal dumping and promote environmental sustainability through proper waste management.
There is no cost to participate.
For more information, please contact Kimberly Barrios at 815-758-8282.

Fall Fest at Blumen Gardens
2025-09-20 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-21 09:00 - 16:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Celebrate the season with two days of food trucks, live music, local makers, family fun, and festive blooms—all in the historic Blumen Gardens.

Date: Saturday, September 20th – Sunday, September 21stTime: Store open 9 AM–4 PM (see daily schedule below)

Saturday, September 20

Cousins Maine Lobster Truck — 11 –2:30 PM

Live Music: Dan Holmes — 11 –3 PM

The Charming Kitties Charm Bar — 11 –3 PM

Sunday, September 21

The Charming Kitties Charm Bar — 11 –3 PM

Artist + Maker Market — 11 –2 PM

WildCarrot Cooking Company Food Truck — 11 –3 PM

Live Music: StrawDawg Band — 11 –2 PM

Friendly Farms Petting Zoo — 10 –2 PM

Freaky Fun Face Painting — 10 –2 PM

STEM Fest 2025
2025-09-20 10:00 - 15:00 | MLK Commons, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Come to NIU’s central campus for tons of STEM Fest activities! There will be over 100 exhibits, demonstrations, and speakers to discover at the Holmes Student Center, MLK Commons, Anderson Hall, Swen Parson and the Founders Memorial Library.

Some activities featured include the BookLab, a hands-on space dedicated to exploring the history, technology and future of books, virtual reality technologies developed by students, and educational video games.

We hope you’ll join NIU STEAM to welcome visitors of all ages to this FREE family event celebrating science, technology, engineering and math!

Self-Defense Seminar
2025-09-20 13:00 - 14:30 | Sycamore Park District Community Center, 480 Airport Rd, Sycamore, IL, 60178
Empower yourself with practical self-defense skills. Jeremy is a 4th Degree Black Belt with a passion for helping participants build confidence, increase awareness, and learn fundamental techniques to protect themselves in real-world situations. Whether you’re a beginner or have martial arts experience, everyone is welcome to learn in this supportive environment that covers essential self-defense strategies, basic strikes, escapes, and defensive movements. Let’s work together to make safety and self-empowerment accessible to everyone! Parents must remain in the building with participants ages 12-16.

Wine on the Terrace 2025
2025-09-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Wine on the Terrace is the Ellwood House Museum’s signature fundraising event, an elegant and relaxed evening that directly supports the mission to preserve this historic site and connect the community to local history.
Guests will enjoy unlimited wine and craft beer tastings, delicious food from local favorites, and live music, all set against the backdrop of the mansion’s historic terraces and beautiful garden grounds. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or attending for the first time, this is the perfect way to experience one of DeKalb’s most iconic landmarks.
Your ticket includes drinks, food, and entertainment. The event is 21+ and will be held rain or shine. Come celebrate history with us!
Wine on the Terrace is sponsored in part by Resource Bank
$50 Ellwood House Museum Members$70 General Public

The Crafty Farmer's Open Air Market
2025-09-21 09:00 - 15:00 | Hy-Vee, 2700 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Check out The Crafty Farmers Open Air Market! The 2025 season starts Sunday, May 4th and occurs every other Sunday until October 5th.

Be the One Walk
2025-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Health & Wellness Center, 626 Bethany Road, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
It is estimated that up to 22 veterans or service members take their lives each day. This walk is part of the American Legion’s Mission and an initiative involving multiple communities that will help build awareness about the crisis, destigmatize asking for mental health support, and will introduce participants to resources available to veterans who are possibly struggling.

The walk, which is hosted by the DeKalb American Legion Post 66, will begin at 10:00 am with a welcome and overview, and activities are expected to end by 12:00 noon.

Registration/Check In will begin at 9:00 am. If you do not register online prior to the day of the walk, you can register on site on that day….bring your last-minute friends with you!

The walk is 2.2 miles on sidewalks and asphalt pathways. There is a 1-mile circuit available as well for those who cannot or do not wish to walk 2.2 miles.

If you do not wish to walk or are unable to walk, please still register to enjoy a beautiful day with friends and participate in other activities. Activities available on the patio and in the classrooms during that time frame will include Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Labyrinth Meditation, and multiple exhibits for you to visit with information focusing on veteran mental health support and services.

Refreshments will be available prior to the walk…apples from the orchard, oranges, and granola bars, as well as the much needed morning coffee. Pizza and cookies donated by community businesses will also be available following the walk.

22 rocks will be carried in the walk, representing the loss of 22 lives/day to suicide, with a short ceremony at the end of the walk to remember those who lost their lives.

If you would like to dedicate a rock in memory of a veteran or soldier who has lost their life due to the struggle of PTSD, depression, sexual trauma, etc., please go to the “Dedicate a Rock” tab on this website and the rock will be carved with the name of that veteran and carried on the walk. There is no fee for this service.

Register Now

Moms Unhinged Stand Up Comedy Show
2025-09-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join a night of laughter exploring everything from motherhood, midlife crisis, marriage, divorce, online dating, and other things that irritate us. Men are welcome to the show, too. Moms Unhinged has been selling out shows all over the country and is coming BACK to DeKalb with a brand NEW lineup of mom comedians! They do clean (ish) comedy for a fun night out with girlfriends, drinking clubs (I mean book clubs), neighborhood groups or your own mom.

Performing: Avril Granato, Jan Slavin, Lindsay Porter, and Andrea MarieAdult themes and language – 18+

Taste of Sandwich
2025-09-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Railroad and Main Street, Sandwich, Corner of Railroad and Main Street, Sandwich, Illinois
The Taste of Sandwich will be held Wednesday, September 24th from 5pm-7pm in downtown Sandwich, IL. There will be a variety of vendors offering sample portions of their foods.

This year’s contest will include a full profile of each restaurant involved and the sandwich they submit, which will be included on their menus for a limited time. Another addition to the Taste of Sandwich is the Waubonsee Community College Steel Drum Band providing music during the event.

Restaurants have been asked to showcase their creativity using unique ingredients and creating layers of flavors and texture combinations to win “The Best Sandwich in Sandwich” title. All competitors will present a complete sandwich for display, as well as individual samples for the judges. The judges will grade the entrants on presentation, execution and taste.

Check out the 2024 Taste of Sandwich recap here.

How Music Rebuilds
2025-09-25 17:00 - 18:00 | Pick Museum of Anthropology, Cole Hall 114, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Join a special performance in collaboration with the World Music Program at the Pick Museum of Anthropology gallery (Cole Hall 114). In celebration of the International Day of Peace, this event showcases how music has contributed to community resilience in the aftermath of conflicts. Each musician will introduce and perform a song connected to a community that has experienced conflict.

After the performance, stay for a reception and take some time to engage with the current exhibit, “How We Rebuild.”

Afton Forest Preserve Public Observing Event
2025-09-26 19:00 - 23:55 | Afton Forest Preserve, 13600 Crego Rd, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The Northwest Suburban Astronomers is hosting this free event, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore the night sky and observe various telescopes. The group is welcoming and happy to share their knowledge with attendees.

If you plan to attend, please follow these guidelines. Bring a red flashlight to minimize disruption to your natural night vision.

There are three parking lots at the preserve. The second lot, on your right as you drive in, is reserved for astronomers setting up their telescopes, so please don’t park there. The first and third parking lots are available for visitors during this event. After parking, simply walk over to the observation area.

Fall DeKalb Back Alley Market with Oddities Alley
2025-09-27 09:00 - 15:00 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Stroll down 2nd, 3rd & Palmer Ct. and explore 250+ oddities, bakers, artists & makers, enjoy local music, food trucks, and witchy vibes.

Not your grandma’s market. No bad crafts, just wicked finds.

Hinckley Fall Festival and Cruise Night
2025-09-27 11:00 - 22:00 | The Brown Pub, 200 Somonauk Road, Hinckley, IL, 60520, United States
Come join The Hinckley Fall Fest at The Brown Pub and The Hinckley Coffee House! There’s something for everyone, from vendors, a car show, kid’s games, Oktoberfest beer tasting, live music and more.

Afternoon Concert with Chris Prola
2025-09-27 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Enjoy modern variations on classical composers as pianist Chris Prola plays pieces by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Paganini, and more! To help transport us to a more classical time, Chris will perform dressed in traditional 18th century attire.
This free performance requires no registration, and all ages are welcome.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Saturday Night at Glidden (SNAG)
2025-09-27 16:00 - 19:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
This unique fundraiser dinner will be held Saturday, Sept. 27 from 4-7 pm at the historic Glidden Homestead. Parking is available onsite.

This event features a catered buffet, tours of the historic house and barn, music by Bend in the Road, raffle items, games and more — all with the unique Glidden Homestead as a beautiful and unforgettable backdrop! You don’t want to miss it!

All proceeds from this evening will support continued operations and preservation of the historic Glidden Homestead, where Joseph F. Glidden created and initially manufactured “The Winner” barbed wire!

DeKalb Corn Classic 2025
2025-09-28 08:15 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join one of Northern Illinois’ best races! ​Beginning and ending in Downtown DeKalb, the route will take runners through historical neighborhoods, along the Kishwaukee River via Prairie Park, through NIU’s campus and Huskie Stadium and end in Van Buer Plaza with a Post Race Celebration!
