Tire Collection & Recycling Event
2025-09-20 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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+

2025 Food Truck Wednesdays
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.

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.

Beginner Line Dancing
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.

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!

2025 Taste of DeKalb
2025-09-28 09:00 - 15:00 | Van Buer Plaza, 148-198 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The 2025 Taste of DeKalb is a food and entertainment event hosted by the Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary Club in conjunction with the Corn Classic 10K race held on September 28, 2025. The event will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in Frank Van Buer Plaza in downtown DeKalb. The event is open and free to the public. This year they are also welcoming back InFunktious as the 9:00am band and The PriSSillas to the Taste of DeKalb!

Egyptian Theatre Horror Film Series
2025-09-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Step into the chilling world of cinematic terror with the Horror Film Series at the historic Egyptian Theatre this fall. From the heart-pounders to the bone-chilling, this series offers something for every horror lover! Join us for all of the thrills and chills on the largest movie screen in DeKalb County!

Film Schedule:September 30 – Night of the Living Dead (1968)October 7 – The Monster Squad (1987)October 14 – The Lost Boys (1987)October 21 – Shaun of the Dead (2004)October 29 – Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

NIU Wind Ensemble Concert
2025-09-30 19:00 - 21:00 | NIU Music Building, 550 Lucinda Ave, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The NIU Wind Ensemble will present the collegiate world premiere of a piece commissioned by the US Marine Band to commemorate a significant anniversary.

Join this special performance by the NIU Wind Ensemble featuring the collegiate premiere of Symphony No. 2, “The Sacred Cloth”, a piece written by Dr. Onsby Rose.

Coffee With A Cop
2025-10-01 08:00 - 11:00 | Hy-Vee, 2700 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
It’s back for a second year — the ultimate small-town meet-and-greet with our very own local law enforcement. Ever wondered who writes tickets in the best penmanship? Or who’s secretly the best donut critic in town?

This is your chance to ask the big questions, shake some hands, and maybe even snag a selfie with the people who keep our streets safe (and occasionally rescue lost squirrels).

Come on out, have a laugh, and meet the badge behind the smile — we promise, no pop quizzes on traffic laws!

Hiring Smart: Finding the Right Fit for Your Business Workshop
2025-10-01 09:00 - 10:00 | Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL
Hiring is one of the most significant investments a small business makes. Learn fundamental tips to attract, interview, and select the best talent to strengthen your team.
You’ll learn key steps in the hiring process, what to look for beyond skills, and strategies to make a positive impression on potential hires.

Getting Started with Six Sigma: Improve Your Processes Workshop
2025-10-01 10:30 - 11:30 | Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL
Are you curious about Six Sigma? This introductory session provides a high-level overview of how Six Sigma principles can help you identify and eliminate inefficiencies, leading to better quality and cost savings.
You will learn what Six Sigma is all about, the benefits of process improvement, and basic concepts like variation and defect reduction.

Cash Flow Hacks for Small Businesses Workshop
2025-10-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL
A quick-start session designed to provide actionable tips you can implement today to better understand and improve your business’s cash flow. Ideal for small business owners looking for immediate financial clarity.
You will learn practical strategies to identify cash flow challenges, quick tips for cash management, and why cash flow is king for sustainable growth.

Classic Universal Monsters
2025-10-01 19:00 - 20:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
In the early 1900s, the small studio, Universal Pictures, discovered that audiences were interested in thrilling adventures. They released a series of classic horror films between 1913 and 1956. It was these films that boosted Universal into the major film studio that it is today.
William Pack tells us about the earliest monster movies, from Dracula to Frankenstein, from their inspiration to the impact they have on us today.
This program is intended for adults and teens. No registration is required.
For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.

Fair Housing for All
2025-10-02 11:00 - 12:30 | DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
On Thursday, October 2, DeKalb Township, in partnership with Housing Action Illinois, Hope Fair Housing Center, and Prairie State Legal Services, will host a free informational session focused on Illinois House Bill 2775. Signed into law in 2023, this important legislation makes source of income a protected class under the Illinois Human Rights Act, effectively prohibiting housing discrimination based on lawful sources of income—including housing choice vouchers.
This session will provide tenants with valuable knowledge about their rights under the law, how to identify source of income discrimination, and what actions to take if it occurs. At the same time, landlords and property managers will gain a clear understanding of the law so they can remain informed, compliant, and protected. The presentation will take place at DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th Street, DeKalb, IL, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. A Zoom option will also be available for those who prefer to attend virtually. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information or request a Zoom meeting information, please contact Mary Hess at 815-758-8282.

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
2025-10-02 12:00 - 13:00 | IL
The Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series is presented by the Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center in partnership with DeKalb area historic sites. Once a month, a knowledgeable speaker will present an hour-long program about history relevant to DeKalb County. All programs are free of charge, and guests are invited to bring their lunch.

Program descriptions can be found at ellwoodhouse.org and dekalbcountyhistory.org.

May 1 – 2025 Ellwood House Exhibit Preview

June 5 – The Interrelation of Art + History

August 7 – Off to School: Then & Now at North Grove One-room School

September 4 – Remembering The GoodTymes: A Decade of Picnics

October 2 – Historic Homes Tour Sneak Preview

November 6 – Kernels of Corn: History of Cornsilk Magazine

December 4 – The Heiress & the Interpreter: Investigating the ill-fated “Engagement” of Elise Ellwood to Said Kalil Haick, July 1907

NIU Homecoming Block Party: Down Home in Downtown DeKalb
2025-10-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
NIU students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community are invited to join the Huskies for a free down home celebration in Downtown DeKalb on Lincoln Highway (between 1st and 4th Streets) on Thurs., Oct. 2 from 5-8 p.m.

The Huskie Homecoming Block Party has something for everyone—kidzone, classic car show, March of the Huskies, pep rally, food trucks, live music, discounts at local businesses and much more!

Celebrate NIU Homecoming not only during the Block Party, but all week! Visit niu.edu/homecoming for a full calendar of NIU Homecoming activities.
