DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

KSO Free Halloween Concert
2025-10-30 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-30 19:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Music Building, Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, 550 Lucinda Ave, DeKalb, IL, 60115
Join the KSO and guest conductor Kirk Lundbeck in Boo-tell Hall for a performance of Halloween favorites and enjoy seeing your favorite orchestra musicians in costume. No tickets are required for these free, family-friendly concerts. This concert is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

Evil Intentions Haunted House
2025-10-30 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-10-31 19:00 - 23:59, 2025-11-01 19:00 - 23:59 | 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.

The Haunting of Hill House
2025-10-30 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-10-31 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-01 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-07 19:30 - 20:30 | Stage Coach Players, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Directed by Maria L. P. Boynton

Assistant Directed by Mandy Wescott

Join a chilling and mystifying study in mounting terror in which a small group of psychically receptive people are brought together in Hill House, a brooding, Victorian mansion known as a place of evil and ill will. Led by Dr Montague, who is conducting research into supernatural phenomena, the visitors have come to probe the secrets of the old house and draw forth the mysterious powers which it is alleged to possess – powers which have brought madness and death to those who have lived there in the past.

Show dates for The Haunting of Hill House are as follows:

Thursday, October 30, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Friday, October 31, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 1, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Sunday, November 2, 2025 • 2:00 PM

Friday, November 7, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 8, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Sunday, November 9, 2025 • 2:00 PM

Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 815-758-1940.

Denim and Diamonds Halloween Costume Party
2025-10-31 19:00 - 2025-11-01 01:00 | Denim & Diamonds Saloon, 425 W State St., Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Join Denim & Diamonds on Halloween for a boooo-t-scootin’ good time!They’ll be partying the night away from 7pm-1am with DJ Dave, drink specials, and a prize going out for best costume!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
2025-10-31 20:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Featuring the live shadow cast of “Irrational Masters”. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an outrageous assemblage of the most stereo-typed science fiction movies, Marvel comics, Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello outings and rock ‘n’ roll of every vintage. Running through the story is the sexual confusion of two middle American Ike Age kids confronted by the complications of the decadent morality of the 70’s, represented in the person of the mad ‘doctor’ Frank N Furter, a transvestite from the planet Transexual in the galaxy of Transylvania. Rated R – FOR MATURE AUDIENCES.

DeKalb Day of the Dead
2025-11-01 14:00 - 19:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Día de los Muertos Festival – Celebrate Life & Honor Tradition!

Join a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – a cherished tradition that honors the lives of our ancestors and brings our community together in remembrance, culture, and joy.

What to Expect:

Beautifully decorated ofrendas (altars) honoring loved ones

Traditional folklórico dancing

Face painting & sugar skull art

Authentic Mexican food & drinks

Family-friendly activities

Local vendors & artisans

A community candlelight and procession

Food trucks from Nina’s Tacos and Tako Sushi will have food and drink available for purchase outside the library.

Dress in your most colorful attire and feel free to wear traditional calavera (skull) makeup or clothing! Whether you’re honoring your own ancestors or simply embracing the beauty of this rich cultural tradition, all are welcome. Don’t forget to bring a photo or small item to add to a community altar located at El Jimador!

After-hours Concert: Mariachi Ensemble
2025-11-01 17:30 - 18:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
NIU Mariachi performs an after-hours concert to conclude the Day of the Dead Celebration!
NIU Mariachi is part of the World Music Ensembles at the NIU School of Music. The ensemble was founded during the1970’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 5:00 and music will begin at 5:30 p.m. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Barbed Wire Roller Derby - Ghouls vs Toys Mixer
2025-11-01 17:30 - 20:00 | Kishwaukee Family YMCA, 2500 Bethany Rd, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Come watch some roller derby!
Saturday 11/1 at Kishwaukee Family YMCA, Sycamore IL.
Doors open 5:30pm, first whistle 6:00pm.
Tickets $10 in advance or $12 at the door.Save $2.00 at the door if you bring a new toy for our Xmas toy drive.Kids 8 and under FREE
*Parking and entrance at the back of the YMCA
Hosted by Barbed Wire Roller Derby.
Interested in skating or officiating at this event & 18+, please contact Barbed Wire Roller Derby!

Think Floyd USA
2025-11-01 19:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Three full albums | One show! Think Floyd USA celebrates the music of Pink Floyd with a full-production tribute performance that showcases an energetic and phenomenally gifted cast alongside mesmerizing lights and video. Featuring nine passionate musicians and vocalists, Think Floyd USA includes several dedicated founding members who began the journey together in 2004.

Deemed “absolutely amazing…the best Pink Floyd tribute anywhere” by Full Throttle Magazine and Best Tribute Band by Chicago’s Metromix fans, Think Floyd USA has been featured in Singers & Musicians Magazine, which said, “You don’t have to close your eyes to believe TFUSA is the real thing!” All Ages Show.

Wonderful World of Christmas
2025-11-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Genoa-Kingston High School, 980 Park Ave, Genoa, IL, 60135, United States
Shop from rows of local and regional crafters, vendors, clubs, and organizations! Food will be available and door prizes will be drawn!

Senior Coffee Hour
2025-11-02 13:30 - 14:30 | Sycamore Public Library, 103 E State St, Sycamore, Illinois, 60178
Have you been wanting to meet new people? Drop by the Sycamore Public Library on the first Sunday of the month for free coffee, games, and conversation.

Hygge ‘HOO-gah’ Happiness
2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
“In Denmark, winters are especially long, yet Danish people are considered some of the happiest in the world. They embrace the dark winter months with the joyful practice of Hygge (pronounced ‘HOO-gah’) meaning coziness, candlelight, nature, and meeting with friends.” – Emma Mitchell from Making Winter: a Hygge-inspired Guide to Surviving the Winter Months.
Enjoy an immersive experience, lit by candlelight, focusing on intentional happiness and community with Scandinavian-inspired arts and crafts, meditative coloring, peaceful music, a crackling fireplace, and hot beverages (bring your own mug, if desired.) You’ll gain some tips to create “hygge,” and choose from a selection of library books to bring home which inspire joy and relaxation.
Hygge events are sponsored by the Friends of the Library. A special limited edition Hygge tea blend will be provided by downtown DeKalb’s Thyme ‘N Again Apothecary. Local honey for tea provided by Big Red’s Heavenly Honey.
For September, create watercolor postcards, gratitude magnets, and Zentangle-inspired patterns.
In October, paint papier-mâché masks, do folk art with stickers, and make a spooky candle decoration.
November’s event will feature three craft options: a stenciled tote bag, flannel lap warmer, and scented warmer discs.
This program is intended for adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required. First come, first served while supplies last.
For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Illinois
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

Holiday Open House Evening Soirée at Blumen Gardens
2025-11-06 16:00 - 20:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
📅 Thursday, November 6, 2025🕓 4 – 8 PM✨ Join Blumen Gardens for a magical evening as they kick off the holiday season in true Blumen style!Enjoy a night of:🎶 Live music🍸 Signature holiday cocktails🍽 Delicious hors d’oeuvres & desserts🛍 Exclusive holiday discounts in-store
Your ticket includes a welcome drink, food, dessert, live music, and exclusive promotions throughout the evening.A portion of proceeds from this event will benefit local charities.
🚫 Tickets are non-refundable✅ Limited availability—reserve early!
🎫 Purchase tickets:In-store, by phone at (815) 895-3737, or online
💌 For more info, contact us at eventrentals@blumengardens.com or (815) 895-3737

Meeting the Moment: Veteran Artists Creating After Conflict
2025-11-06 17:00 - 18:00 | NIU – Cole Hall 100, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Join Giselle Futrell, Marine Corps veteran and Executive Director of the National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM) along with Moki Tantoco, NVAM’s Director of Programs and Exhibitions, for an exploration of how military service shapes artistic vision and creative response. From the museum’s founding members who built community and processed the Vietnam War through their work to today’s veteran artists grappling with contemporary conflicts and social change, this conversation examines the unique perspective veterans bring to the creative process. Discover how these artists channel their experiences of service, transition, and witness into powerful works that speak to universal themes of resilience, transformation, and rebuilding—both personal and collective. This dialogue will illuminate the vital role military connected artists play in helping us understand not just where we’ve been, but how we move forward together.
Reception to follow at the Pick Museum of Anthropology.
Cosponsored by the School of Art and Design. In collaboration with NIU’s Military and Veteran Services.
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.

Holiday Open House at Blumen gardens
2025-11-07 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Experience the Magic of the Season

Join Blumen Gardens for a three-day celebration as they kick off the holiday season in true Blumen Gardens style! Their historic garden center will be transformed into a winter wonderland—featuring sparkling holiday décor, seasonal gifts, festive greenery, and more.

Each day brings something special—scroll below for the full schedule!

This is a free, family-friendly event. No tickets are required Friday through Sunday.

Friday, November 7

Holiday raffles — enter for a chance to win something merry and bright

Sweet treats available throughout the day

Saturday, November 8

Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch | 11 AM – 2 PMMeet the reindeer — no ticket required

Festive Cocktails | 10 AM – 3 PM

Vendor Pop-Up Market | 10 AM – 2 PMDiscover unique, handmade goods from local artisans, including:

Lil C’s Bite Size Cheesecakes

Keep it Poppin Popcorn

Ami Freeze Dried Delights

Cinnajax

Ken’s Kakes

Flourish

CakeyTown Marshmallows

Gracie James Permanent Jewelry

Sunday, November 9

Hoof Woof & Meow Animal Rescue: Pet Adoption | 10 AM – 2 PM

Festive Cocktails | 10 AM – 3 PM

Vendor Pop-Up Market | 10 AM – 2 PMFeaturing:

Lil C’s Bite Size Cheesecakes

Keep it Poppin Popcorn

Ami Freeze Dried Delights

CakeyTown Marshmallows

Gracie James Permanent Jewelry

Sarah Faith Photography Mini Sessions | 11 AM – 2 PM

All Weekend Long

Fresh greens, wreaths, and roping

Holiday home décor and gift ideas

One-of-a-kind items in our Factory Gift Shop

Free gift wrapping with purchases

Friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to help you create a season to remember

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale
2025-11-07 09:00 - 16:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The Friends of the DeKalb Public Library invite you to the Fall Book Sale! Visit the library’s lower level for an astonishing selection of great quality hardcovers and paperbacks — children’s and teen’s books, fiction, history, science, art, film, cookbooks, gardening, biographies, mysteries, science fiction, and more. There’s a wide selection of jigsaw puzzles, DVDs, audiobooks, and music CD’s. Come back on Sunday for the $5.00 a bag blowout sale.
All proceeds are used for library books, materials, and programs.
Donations of gently used books, puzzles, DVDs, and CDs are accepted year-round at the circulation desk; please, no textbooks, magazines, LPs, or videotapes.
The sale opens each day when the library does and ends at 4:30 p.m., half an hour before the library closes.
For additional information, contact the Friends at (815) 756-9568 ext.1030 or email friends@dkpl.org.

Barrelhouse Blend Live at Whiskey Acres
2025-11-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Whiskey Acres, 11504 Keslinger Rd, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Whiskey Acres Patio

Join Barrelhouse Blend to hear your favorite tunes while sipping on some of the finest cocktails made with the award-winning spirits from the Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.

The Barrelhouse Blend Trio is a request-driven combo that covers tunes from the 50’s to today and genres from classic rock-n-roll to the blues to yacht rock. Don’t miss out!

Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Tribute
2025-11-07 20:00 - 21:00 | Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548
The Midwest’s premier tribute to the music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, Stevie McVie, is making their Sandwich Opera House debut on Friday November 7, 2025.

Stevie McVie is the premier tribute to the music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, and they are performing live in Sandwich, IL at the historic Sandwich Opera House on Friday November 7, 2025. Come out for a night of beloved hits such as Dreams, Gypsy, The Chain, Rhiannon, Landslide, Little Lies and more, this is a must see show for any fan of Stevie Nicks or Fleetwood Mac.

Doors Open at 7:00pm – Show Begins at 8:00pm – This is an All-Ages Event

Holiday Craft Mart
2025-11-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Midwest Sportsplex, 212 W Woodlawn Street, Hinckley, IL, 60520, United States
Kick off the holiday shopping season with a stop at Midwest Sportsplex in Hinckley. Over 20 vendors/crafts for this 2-day indoor event.

Reindeer Visit at Blumen Gardens
2025-11-08 11:00 - 14:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Join Blumen Gardens on Saturday, November 8, from 11am-2pm for a magical Reindeer Visit from Whispering Acres Reindeer Farm, part of an enchanting Holiday Open House weekend at Blumen Gardens!

No ticket required.

Self-Defense Seminar
2025-11-08 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.
