The Haunt - Jonamac's Haunted Corn Maze
2025-10-11 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-10-17 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-10-18 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Jonamac Orchard, 19412 Shabbona Rd, Malta, IL, 60150, United States
Get Lost In Terror

When the sun sets on the farm, an eerie shadow is cast upon the maze inviting guests to explore the 10-acre labyrinth in our corn field.

Pathways twist and turn through miles of rustling leaves where terrifying creatures and spooky surprises are lurking behind the stalks.

Enter if you dare… but BEWARE!Strongly recommended to purchase tickets beforehand!What You Need To Know

All children under the age of 16 need to be with an adult chaperone. Children are not permitted to enter the maze alone or without adult supervision.

The time on your ticket is your ENTRY TIME. For example, if you select 6:30-7:30PM, you need to redeem your tickets by 7:30PM or the tickets will no longer be valid. Last group in at 10:30PM, then the entrance is closed.

No Halloween Masks or costumes are permitted in the maze, sorry!

Guests are ideally broken up into groups of 4-5 (or fewer) people and metered into the maze by our staff to keep groups separated. Large groups do not get as great of an experience!

It takes about 30-45 minutes to get through the maze, and we have staff to help you if you get lost.

No Alcohol is permitted in the maze.

Flashlights will not be allowed in the Haunted Maze, only glowsticks or pen lights.

Our Scare Actors are not permitted to touch guests, and guests are not permitted to touch or hit Scare Actors, or they will be asked to leave the maze.

Please be advised, the haunted maze does contain strobe lights, flashing lights, loud noises, and dirt pathways.

Unlike other years, this year the entire maze is Haunted. We will not have 1/2 un-haunted and 1/2 haunted.

Evil Intentions Haunted House
2025-10-11 19:00 - 23:59, 2025-10-12 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-10-17 19:00 - 23:59, 2025-10-18 19:00 - 23:59, 2025-10-19 19:00 - 22:00 | Evil Intentions Haunted House, 45W050 Beith Rd, Maple Park, Illinois, 60151, United States
Evil Intentions Haunted House has relocated to Forsaken Hollow! In this new, larger, and more terrifying home, Evil has taken on a new life. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience filled with unexpected scares and surprises. Come see what awaits and discover why all roads end here!

Attractions include:

Corn Trail – A cornfield packed with scares, screams, and evil lurking in the dark.

20,000 Sq. Ft. of Evil! – A massive, nonstop nightmare, 20,000 square feet indoor haunted house with terror around every corner.

Midway – More than just a haunted house. Food, games, and freakish fun to keep the horror going all night.

KSO Opening Fall Concert: Petrushka and “Moor”
2025-10-11 19:30 | Music Building, Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, 550 Lucinda Ave, DeKalb, IL, 60115
The season opens with the Fall Concert: Petrushka and “Moor” on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7:30 pm. A pre-concert talk with Linc Smelser, KSO music director, begins at 6:30 pm. This concert is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and is sponsored in part by Ann and James Tucker.

The concert features:

Petrushka by Igor Stravinsky, the colorful ballet suite, a four-part musical rollercoaster

Symphony No. 25 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—familiar to many from the film Amadeus

Viola Concerto by Béla Bartók, with special guest soloist Teng Li, newly appointed principal violist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Romance Book Club
2025-10-13 19:00 - 20:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Prepare for swoon-worthy reads and lively conversations with fellow romance lovers! We meet each month to discuss our latest romantic read– sharing thoughts, feelings, and favorite moments along the way. From steamy westerns and eerie sci-fi love stories to sweeping historical romances, our carefully chosen selections span the full spectrum of the genre. Whether you’re a longtime romance reader or just starting to explore, you’ll find your perfect match here!
September: Secretly Yours by Tessa BaileyOctober: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly LemmingNovember: The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava
Books are available in Adult Services. No registration is required. This book club is intended for adults.
For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.

Unpacking War Ecologies in the Korean DMZ
2025-10-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Pick Museum of Anthropology, Cole Hall 114, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
In this talk, anthropologist Eleana Kim (University of California, Irvine) discusses her fieldwork in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which has often been referred to as the “most heavily militarized border in the world.” The unresolved war between the two Koreas has been ongoing since the formal end of the Korean War in 1953. For more than 70 years, the zone has been a de facto protected area, off limits to human habitation, and is now celebrated as a site of rare biodiversity. This talk complicates the conventional narrative about the DMZ that frequently frames its nature as an unexpected outcome of war and discusses what we can learn from a closer look at its actually existing ecologies and the people who study them. Rather than the symbolic narrative of an accidental sanctuary, Kim shows instead the importance of recognizing its “nature” as materially and ecologically vulnerable to the effects of militarization, capitalism, and climate change.
Lecture in Cole Hall 100. Reception to follow outside the Pick Museum of Anthropology. This event is in conjunction with the “How We Rebuild” exhibition on display through Dec. 19. This exhibit is a program of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance and The National Endowment for the Arts.
Eleana Kim is a sociocultural anthropologist and Professor of Anthropology and Asian American Studies at University of California, Irvine. She specializes in kinship, human/nonhuman ecologies, migration, and the senses, with a regional focus on contemporary South Korea. She is the author of two award-winning books, Adopted Territory: Transnational Korean Adoption and the Politics of Belonging (2010) and Making Peace with Nature: Ecological Encounters Along the Korean DMZ (2022), both of which were published by Duke University Press. She is also the co-editor, with environmental historians David Fedman and Albert Park, of Forces of Nature: New Perspectives on Korean Environments (Cornell University Press, 2023). She teaches courses on anthropological theory, kinship, migration, transnational Korea, and the senses.

DeCarbon Dialogues: Planning a Microforest for DeKalb
2025-10-14 18:30 - 20:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Microforests, also known as tiny forests or Miyawaki forests, are dense, native woodlands planted in small urban spaces. These fast-growing, biodiverse ecosystems have a significant impact on local climate. In addition to cooling, microforests sequester carbon at a higher rate than conventional forests due to their high planting density and rapid growth. This helps remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. They also improve air quality by filtering pollutants, and their dense root systems help manage stormwater runoff, reducing the strain on urban drainage systems during heavy rain.
Join the DeKalb Public Library to explore how these compact green spaces can make a huge difference in creating cooler, healthier, and more resilient communities. Don’t miss this chance to discover the power of planting small!
This program is intended for adults. It does not require registration.
For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.

Egyptian Theatre Horror Film Series
2025-10-14 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-21 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)

The Great Gatsby Ballet by World Ballet Company
2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Dance into the Roaring Twenties with this dazzling Broadway-style ballet.

Immerse yourself in the jazzy world of flappers and champagne with this new and entirely original production from World Ballet Company. Experience the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel LIVE on stage, featuring a multinational cast, lustrous hand-crafted costumes, and sweeping Art Deco-inspired sets, brought to life by WBC’s all-star creative team.

World Ballet Company’s “The Great Gatsby” is the must-see show of the season. Dress to impress, raise a glass, and get swept away in an unforgettable night of elegance, drama, and breathtaking artistry.

Duration: 2 hours (including 20-minute intermission)Audience: For ages 8 & over

Laugh, Love, and Connect: Improv Comedy Workshop for Couples
2025-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Deepen the joy of connection through laughter! This interactive workshop uses the magic of improvisational comedy to help couples strengthen communication, build trust, and embrace playfulness.
No comedy or acting experience needed – just bring your partner and an open mind. Through fun, lighthearted exercises, you’ll learn to navigate challenges together, spark creativity, and reinvigorate your bond while sharing plenty of laughs. Perfect for all couples looking to refresh their relationship in a unique and memorable way.
Instructor Cheryl Cox, a graduate of The Second City Improv Program in Chicago, has hosted workshops since 2017. She believes in the transformative power of improvisation to enhance life skills, including communication, collaboration, creativity, and confidence. After all, life is all about improvising!
Please register for this workshop, as space is limited. Only one member of the couple needs to register. Intended for adults.
For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Parent's Escape for Errands
2025-10-17 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

DeKalb Has Talent Show and Costume Contest
2025-10-17 18:30 - 20:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Are you in grades 3-8 and have a talent you want to share for a chance to win prizes? Sign up for DeKalb Has Talent! Your talent can be singing, rapping, comedy, dance, poetry or something else. Performers will compete for First, Second, and Third place prizes in grades 3-5 and 6-8 categories.
Not interested in performing? Join the Halloween costume contest for all participants. First and Second place in grades 3-5 and 6-8 categories will win a prize.
For more information or help with registration, please contact YooNek Shaw at yooneks@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1071.

Comedy Night
2025-10-17 19:00 | The Regale Center, 124 1/2 S. California St., Sycamore, IL, 60178
Elder Care Services is excited to announce their upcoming Comedy Night! This unique and engaging evening promises entertainment while raising essential funds for their programs.LOCATIONRegale Center124 1/2 South California Sycamore, IL 60178

WHENFriday, October 17th, 2025 | 6 pm Doors Open | Show Starts: 7 pm

COSTTickets: $50 (1 complimentary regular drink, appetizers, and entertainment)

Catering provided by MVP’s Sports BarONLINE TICKET SALES WILL END AT MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE THE EVENT. TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR FOR $55 EACH.

Ellwood After Dark
2025-10-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Experience the historic Ellwood House Museum like never before with nighttime flashlight tours! Since becoming a museum, rumors have swirled about hauntings and ghostly visitors. Step inside after dark and see, or hear, for yourself if any mysteries linger in the mansion’s historic halls. Guided by museum docents and West Suburban Paranormal Investigations, guests will explore the mansion in low light, uncovering the history of the Ellwood family while enjoying an atmospheric, after-hours adventure.

Before or after the tour, visitors can explore Ellcourt, their other historic building. Join in on Victorian parlor games, ask all your ghost hunting questions, and learn more about the home’s fascinating history. Light snacks and wine for purchase will be available to enjoy as you soak in the seasonal historical ambiance.

Self-Defense Seminar
2025-10-18 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.

2025 Cortland Trunk or Treat
2025-10-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Cortland Community Park, 70 S Llanos St, Cortland, IL
Join Cortland for a free Trunk or Treat event that’s fun for the whole family! In addition to trick-or-treating, there will be free crafts for everyone to enjoy. The event kicks off with a sensory-friendly Trunk or Treat from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m., providing a more comfortable environment for those with sensory sensitivities. From 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., the celebration continues with music and festive fun for all ages.

Family Movie: Monster House (PG)
2025-10-18 14:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Relax with the family and bring your friends for free family movies and popcorn at the library! Come early to grab a seat or bring pillows to get comfy on the floor.
This month’s feature: Monster House (2006) rated PG. 1h 31m. An exciting and hilarious thrill-ride about three kids who must battle with a mysterious home, which is really a living, breathing monster and is determined to eat every trick-or-treater in sight on Halloween.
This program is intended for families and children, but all ages are welcome.
Please arrive early as seating is limited.
For additional information please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.

2025 Fall Crawl
2025-10-18 15:00 - 20:00 | Genoa, IL, Genoa, Illinois
Explore Genoa by walking through town, sampling drinks, and checking out local businesses! You will receive a special glass, 10 drink sample tickets, one full drink ticket, a lanyard, and a great time!

All 8 participating establishments will be offering a specialty drink. You will have the opportunity to sample the drinks of your choice using your sample tickets. Once you decide which drink you love, get a full drink using your full drink ticket! You will get to keep your commemorative cup and have the opportunity to pre-order a t-shirt!

Stops Throughout Genoa at:Warehouse on ParkGenoa Veterans ClubLB Liquors 2 / Mad DogsHill’s TapCruisin’ GenoaMinnihan’s Irish PubRedwoods Sports Bar & GrillPrairie State WineryMust be 21+ to participate.

After-hours Concert: Mariachi Ensemble
2025-10-18 18:30 - 19:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
NIU Mariachi is part of the World Music Ensembles at the NIU School of Music. The ensemble was founded during the 1970’s with its first official concert in 1975 with Dr. Kuo-Huang Han as the first director of the program and Dr. Jui-Ching Wang from 2004. Last Spring of 2025, the NIU World Music Program celebrated its 50th year anniversary.
NIU Mariachi started as a student club under the guidance of the then trumpet Professor Christopher Scanlon and students Jair Nuñez and Axel Solorzano. On Fall 2024 they welcomed Mr. Antonio “Tony” Ozuna as the new musical director. Members are full-time students at the School of Music and from other schools. NIU Mariachi specializes in traditional and contemporary repertoire on the Mariachi tradition.
This concert is free and open to all. Doors will open at 6:00 and music will begin at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Three Times A Lady (with Woody James)
2025-10-18 19:00 - 22:00 | Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548
Three incredible female solo artists together called “Three Times A Lady” present the most timeless show in country music with unmatched three-part harmonies to boot. Initially starting out as a just-for-fun tribute to their all-time favorite “Trio” albums (Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris), the combo grew artistically as the girls started playing their own original songs and adding in their own trio-inspired covers. Between them they have toured nationwide with the best in the business such as Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lady A, Alabama and Blake Shelton as well as performing on the Opry 20+ times.

Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
2025-10-18 19:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute is the ultimate tribute to the music of ABBA – sure to capture the hearts of fans and audiences of all ages! This live show is full of musical prowess, fabulous flair and fashion, and promises a mesmerizing ABBA experience for every Chiquitita, Super Trouper, Fernando, and Dancing Queen around!

Sycamore Pumpkin Fest 2025
2025-10-22 00:00 - 2025-10-26 23:59 | Downtown Sycamore, Sycamore, Illlinois, 60178
The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival takes place in downtown Sycamore, Illinois, near the corners of Main & State Street, with many of the festivities happening on the courthouse lawn and surrounding town square. Voted among Chicago & Illinois’ Best Festivals and Fairs by Travel Mag., it is a community celebration, showcasing Sycamore not-for-profit organizations and providing a weekend of fall fun for all!

The festival has over 1000 entries in the Lions Club Decorated Pumpkin Display, two carnivals, many not-for-profit vendors, three indoor craft shows, Saturday entertainment, and various activities, and it concludes on Sunday with a 90-minute parade.

Carnival Friday through Sunday

Parade Sunday

Sycamore Downtown Trick-or-Treating
2025-10-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Sycamore, Sycamore, Illlinois, 60178
Local businesses and organizations invite you to Downtown Sycamore for Trick-or-Treating on Thursday, October 23rd! Stroll down State Street in your costume and fill your bags with candy as the community celebrates a fun-filled evening together.
