Are You Ready for It? A Taylor Experience
2026-01-10 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548
Join Traci and her band as they recreate the Eras Tour – featuring all 11 eras and all the costume changes. Guaranteed to be a night of fun! More info and tickets at SandwichOperaHouse.org

2026 Soup-er Sundays
2026-01-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-25 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!

Be a Part of History: Become a Citizen Archivist
2026-01-11 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Interested in the JFK assassination records? What about federal records about UFOs? The National Archives needs help transcribing original documents to make them easier for the public to access. Learn how to decipher cursive and create keyword tags in a short presentation before getting hands-on experience in contributing to the transcription process.
Creating a login using two-factor authentication for the National Archives will be required to contribute.
This program is limited in spaces and is first come, first served. Laptops will be provided. All ages are welcome.
For questions and more information, contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815)756-9568 ext. 6106.

Countdown to the Oscars Film Series
2026-01-13 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join the Egyptian Theatre’s countdown to the Oscars with this film series celebrating Academy Award nominees and winners through the decades. Shown on the largest movie screen in DeKalb County, you don’t want to miss this exciting lineup.

Tuesdays at 7:00 PMJanuary 6 – Les Misérables (1935)January 13 – Spellbound (1945)January 20 – Mister Roberts (1955)January 27 – Thunderball (1965)February 3 – The Man Who Would Be King (1975)February 10 – Witness (1985)February 17 – Apollo 13 (1995)February 24 – Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)March 3 – Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)March 10 – Anora **2025 Best Picture Winner**

NIU STEM Café: Robotics
2026-01-15 17:00 - 18:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
In partnership with NIU STEAM, monthly Teen & Family STEM Cafés are back in the new year!
This session will feature a presentation by the NIU Robotics club followed by hands-on activities related to robotics.
This free presentation is for teens, but open to all ages. Free pizza is available to those who attend. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.

Advance Directive Workshops
2026-01-16 13:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
DeKalb Township is making it easy to start the new year off on the right foot!

They are hosting Advance Directive Workshops every Monday & Friday in January featuring Northwestern Medicine‘s Doctor of Nursing, Annette Meares. Come learn about Living Wills, Powers of Attorney for Healthcare, & POLST Forms. Complete your forms and walk out of the workshop with your executed documents in-hand, a and a smile on your face. Workshops begin at 1 PM, 2 PM, & 3 PM on January 16th!

This FREE offer makes it easy to complete your advance directives without the need to hire an attorney.
Anyone over the age of 18 can participate. Simply call 815-758-8282 to sign-up.

Dinosaur Dimensions Expedition Show
2026-01-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548
Imagine meeting dinosaurs up-close and personal? Well, wait no more! Dinosaur Dimensions’ Expedition Show is coming to the Sandwich Opera House! Family Packages available – SandwichOperaHouse.org

Step into a vibrant jungle laboratory with Professor Curt Courteous and his research team as they transport dinosaurs from the past right onto the stage in an imaginative experience like no other! Featuring seven different realistic-looking dinosaurs, this is an on-stage Jurassic encounter that will thrill audiences of all ages. Experience fast-paced antics, science experiments, clean humor, child participation, and see why Dinosaur Dimensions is a crowd favorite for entertainment, education, and straight-up Dino-fun!

A special after-show meet and greet offers all brave explorers the chance to get a picture with a new dinosaur friend. Don’t miss this entertaining and memorable adventure, live on stage.

Clash of the Tribute Bands - Journey vs. Foreigner
2026-01-16 19:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Band to Band combat! The suspense of the competition will keep fans on the edge of their seats and wanting more! These two legendary bands will engage in a musical “shoot out of the hits” featuring nationally recognized tribute bands, LP Vinyl’s Escape – Ultimate Journey Show, and Feels Like The First Time – America’s #1 Tribute To Foreigner. Alternating power sets with the two bands coming together on stage for an amazing encore makes this show a once-in-a-lifetime event.

A unique blend of arena rock, stadium rock, and balladry defines this live performance. Infectious, hooky tunes, wrapped in meticulously crafted sound – crunching riffs, melodic leads, stratospheric vocals, sly synthesizers, and a driving groove, will have you sing along and dance to your favorite rock hits from the ’70s and ’80s! You’ll hear all the classics such as “WHO’S CRYING NOW”, “COLD AS ICE”, “STONE IN LOVE”, “URGENT”, “DON’T STOP BELIEVING”, “HOT BLOODED”, “LIGHTS”, “I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS”, “LOVIN’, TOUCHIN’, SQUEEZIN”, “JUKE BOX HERO”, and so many more! The suspense of the competition will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and the results will leave them wanting more!

WinterFest 2026
2026-01-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 IL-72, Genoa, 60135, United States
Join staff and volunteers of the Natural Resource Education Center in Genoa for a full day of winter fun in the woods! Learn birding tips and tricks, explore the preserve with a guided forest hike, discover nature topics, test your knowledge during the nature trivia game, and enjoy crafts and facepainting. Also, can you complete the Un-natural Nature Trail or the Scavenger Hunt?
Festivities begin at 9 AM. Celebrate the season, connect with nature, and make lasting memories! See website for more details.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library Birthday Celebration
2026-01-17 10:00 - 11:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Dolly Parton will be 80 years old this month, and the library is celebrating in style! Bring your little ones for a fun-filled event featuring cookies, crafts, dancing, and storytelling. You can also take your picture with a Dolly Parton life-sized cardboard cutout!
Parents can register their children (ages 0-4) to receive free books every month through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, an incredible early literacy program.
Don’t miss this chance to encourage a lifelong love of reading and celebrate books together with friends and neighbors!
Thank you to the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library, Lehan’s, BASICS DeKalb County, Altrusa International DeKalb County IL, and the DeKalb County Community Foundation, for sponsoring The Dolly Parton Imagination Library in DeKalb County.
This event is intended for families with children. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

Sycamore Winter Farmers Market
2026-01-17 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.

Free Legal Consultations
2026-01-20 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.

Addressing Ageism and Promoting Inclusivity
2026-01-22 16:00 - 17:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Ageist attitudes influence how we think of others – and even ourselves. Applying a catch-all approach to adults aged 55 or over can subtly suggest that they are more alike than different, which is a stereotype. Learn about ageism, how it impacts society, and ways to promote inclusivity in our communities.
This program for adults is presented by University of Illinois Extension. Registration is required.
For more information, contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
University of Illinois, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Kara Schweitzer (815-632-3611). Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.

Advance Directive Workshops
2026-01-23 09:00 - 10:00 | DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
DeKalb Township is making it easy to start the new year off on the right foot!

They are hosting Advance Directive Workshops every Monday & Friday in January featuring Northwestern Medicine‘s Doctor of Nursing, Annette Meares. Come learn about Living Wills, Powers of Attorney for Healthcare, & POLST Forms. Complete your forms and walk out of the workshop with your executed documents in-hand, a and a smile on your face. Workshop begins at 9 AM on January 23rd!

This FREE offer makes it easy to complete your advance directives without the need to hire an attorney.
Anyone over the age of 18 can participate. Simply call 815-758-8282 to sign-up.

Fire and Ice Fest
2026-01-24 11:00 - 13:00 | Sycamore Park District Community Center, 480 Airport Rd, Sycamore, IL, 60178
Is cabin fever setting in yet? Spice things up at the Fire and Ice Fest!
FREE ACTIVITIES
11:30am-12:30pm Fire & Ice Science Show with Mad Science
Glassblowing Demonstrations with Conair Glass Co.
Ice cream sundaes and hot chocolate provided by the Sycamore Lions Club
Balloon art with New Life Church
Kids’ activities with the Sycamore Library and Rotary Club

ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF
$10 Tasting Ticket – Sample a variety of chili made by your friends and neighbors. Then, vote for your favorite for the People’s Choice Award

Sponsored by:
Orthodontic ExpertsTom & Jerry’sHy-VeeSycamore Parks Foundation

Dennis Warner Concert
2026-01-24 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Singer and Songwriter Dennis Warner draws on his wealth of stage experience in creating a warm, welcoming, and intimate concert. Accompanying his vocals on six or twelve-string guitar, this concert will blend serious, thought-provoking songs with lighter, up-tempo material. Dennis will bring the audience into the performance with laughter and sing-alongs.
Dennis has released eleven albums and authored the book Beads on One String, now in its Ninth Printing. Radio monitoring service FOLK DJ named him one of the top folk singers in 2012 based on the success of his Seeds album, which they also listed among the top albums that year based on folk radio play around the world. His 2020 release, Pilot Me, debuted at number eight on the FOLK DJ radio charts that August.
“Great songs, contagious energy and an engaging personality make Dennis Warner an outstanding entertainer. Add his smooth vocals and solid guitar work, and you’ve got a fantastic show!” Dave Humphreys – Two Way Street Concerts, Downers Grove, IL
For more information on Dennis Warner click here.
This concert is free and open to all. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Bad Momz of Comedy 2026
2026-01-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548
Join a night of laughter with Bad Momz of Comedy at the Sandwich Opera House.

Nationally touring Bad Momz of Comedy is bringing their unique brand of mom-edy to the stage. Founded by Chicago-based comic Orly KG in 2022, each Bad Momz of Comedy show utilizes a small showcase of hilarious comics from its growing roster of 90+ influential mom/female comics.

John Mueller's Winter Dance Party
2026-01-25 15:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party” ® is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates. Each live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50’s era: That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh, Boy, Rave on, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, and many, many more. John Mueller, the critically acclaimed former star of the U.S. touring version of the London/Broadway hit musical “Buddy..the Buddy Holly Story,” performs as Buddy Holly and Linwood Sasser fills the legendary footsteps of the Big Bopper. Ray Anthony performs as Ritchie Valens and was a renowned star of the “Legends of Rock and Roll” show at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. The very authentic and energetic four piece band (guitar, drums, stand up bass and sax) includes Craig Harbaugh on saxophone.

Advance Directive Workshops
2026-01-26 12:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
DeKalb Township is making it easy to start the new year off on the right foot!

They are hosting Advance Directive Workshops every Monday & Friday in January featuring Northwestern Medicine‘s Doctor of Nursing, Annette Meares. Come learn about Living Wills, Powers of Attorney for Healthcare, & POLST Forms. Complete your forms and walk out of the workshop with your executed documents in-hand, and a smile on your face. Workshops begin at 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, & 3 PM on January 26th!

This FREE offer makes it easy to complete your advance directives without the need to hire an attorney.
Anyone over the age of 18 can participate. Simply call 815-758-8282 to sign-up.

DIY Color Analysis
2026-01-26 18:30 - 19:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Have you ever wondered what colors look best on you? Join the DeKalb Public Library to learn how to find the seasonal palette that highlights your natural features!
They’ll begin with a presentation covering everything you need to know to complete your own analysis, then you’ll have the chance to try it out yourself. Come ready to experiment, have fun, and leave with a personalized color swatch ring and a refreshed perspective on your wardrobe.
This program is free to attend. Registration is not required. It is intended for adults and teens.
For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 6108.

Ask a Piercer: Community Q&A
2026-01-27 18:30 - 19:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Curious about piercings, aftercare, or what really happens behind the studio door? Join the DeKalb Public Library for an informative session with local artist, Cassie, of DeKalb Tattoo Company. Cassie will give a brief presentation covering piercing basics, safety, trends, and tips, then the floor is yours for an open Q&A.
Whether you’re considering your first piercing, planning your newest addition, thinking about joining the industry, or you’re simply looking to learn something new, this is your chance to “get to the point” with a local pro in a relaxed, judgment-free space. Come have all your questions answered– no needles involved!
This program is free to attend. Registration is not required. This program is intended for adults, but older teens are welcome to attend.
For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 6108.

Just Jane: A Visit with Jane Austen
2026-01-28 18:00 - 19:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Jane Austen visits you from the autumn of 1815. Her first three novels, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park are published, and Emma is complete. Jane visits with you at this, the most vibrant and hopeful time of her life. Drawing from her letters, juvenilia, and novels, this 45-minute performance delves into the personal life of one of the most beloved and intriguing novelists of the 19th century.
By the end of the presentation, the audience will know more about Miss Jane Austen the woman, as well as the author. The presentation is followed by a Q&A and photo opportunities.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration is not required. All ages are welcome.
For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

Opening Reception for "Collections Work" and "Celebrating 20 Years"
2026-01-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Pick Museum of Anthropology, Cole Hall 114, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Join the NIU Pick Museum of Anthropology for a reception to mark the opening of two new exhibitions at the Pick Museum of Anthropology — “Collections Work: Recent Student Projects at the Pick Museum of Anthropology” and “Celebrating 20 Years: The Asian American Resource Center’s Legacy in Motion.” Light refreshments will be provided.
“Collections Work” highlights how students’ engagements with museum collections, such as class assignments researching objects and internships focused on improving storage conditions, helps them build practical skills while also improving the museum’s care and understanding of these cultural heritage materials.
“Celebrating 20 Years” explores how the Asian American Resource Center was established and has transformed over the years. From its original location in Jacob House to its current home in Wirtz Hall, the AARC continuously strives to improve student experiences through its focus on programs that support academic success, promote cultural education, foster leadership and build community. This exhibit invites you to reflect on the role of cultural centers while imagining how the AARC will evolve to meet future needs.
Both exhibitions will remain on view at the museum through April 18, 2026.

Salsa Night
2026-01-29 20:00 | El Jimador Mexican Grill, 260 E Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Put on your dancing shoes and learn to dance Salsa!

Join El Jimador Mexican Grill and NIU Tumbao for a dance demonstration from 8-9pm and then practice your dance moves afterwards with DJ NRG.

This event is completely free!

Advance Directive Workshop
2026-01-30 09:00 - 12:00 | DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
DeKalb Township is making it easy to start the new year off on the right foot!

They are hosting Advance Directive Workshops every Monday & Friday in January featuring Northwestern Medicine‘s Doctor of Nursing, Annette Meares. Come learn about Living Wills, Powers of Attorney for Healthcare, & POLST Forms. Complete your forms and walk out of the workshop with your executed documents in-hand, a and a smile on your face. Workshops begin at 9 AM, 10 AM, & 11 AM on January 30th!

This FREE offer makes it easy to complete your advance directives without the need to hire an attorney.
Anyone over the age of 18 can participate. Simply call 815-758-8282 to sign-up.

8th Annual Vintage & Maker Market
2026-01-30 14:00 - 18:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Blumen Gardens is excited to host the 8th Annual Vintage & Maker Market! Join them as they showcase 25+ vendors on 1/30 and 1/31. Featuring antiques, vintage, farmhouse, architectural, clothes and jewelry.
