DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Self-Defense Seminar
2025-11-08 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

How to Train Your Dragon Event
2025-11-08 13:00 - 16:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Is your dragon unruly? Has it “accidently” burned down the out-house one too many times? Or maybe it “snacks” on the family livestock between meals? Well then, this program is for you! Visit the Youth Services department at 1:00 p.m. for Jr. Viking crafts and activities, followed by dragon training with Ms. Stormy and her dragon friend, Daydream.
Then at 2:15 p.m., get cozy with the family and watch the new, live action movie, How to Train Your Dragon. Fresh, theater style popcorn will be served at the movie. Drinks will not be provided, so please make sure all beverages are covered to reduce spilling.
Please arrive early as seating is limited. Chair seating will be limited due to space restrictions. Patrons may feel free to bring small blankets and pillows for floor seating.
This program is intended for ages 4-12, but all ages are welcome. Younger children will need an adult to assist.
For additional information please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico
2025-11-08 19:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The historic tradition of mariachi music has its roots of origin in cities such as Guadalajara and Mexico City. As the ever-evolving genre’s influence spread, it reached Chicago and birthed Mariachi Herencia de México. The 2x Latin GRAMMY®-nominated band has issued five chart-topping albums and has performed all across the North American continent paving the way for a new generation of mariachi musicians. Nuestra Herencia, their 2017 debut album, topped the Latin streaming charts and earned the band their first Latin GRAMMY®-nomination for Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album. 2018’s Herencia de la Tierra Mía and the two-volume series, Esencia and Esencia, Vol. 2 issued in 2019 and 2020, respectively, charted atop all major streaming platforms and industry charts. In 2022, Herederos appeared as the band were performing a wildly successful North American tour. Herederos received a 2023 Latin GRAMMY® nomination for Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album. The young, virtuosic band is composed of 14 musicians, ages 18-32, representing a new bicultural generation in the U.S.

Angelina Victoria - A Selena Tribute
2025-11-08 19:30 | Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548
The iconic singer, fashion designer and entrepreneur is often hailed as the “Queen of Tejano Music” and recognized by Billboard as one of the “Greatest Latino Artists of All Time.”

Nearly 30 years after her passing, this Selena Tribute Concert showcases Selena’s classics and covers, all while presenting choreography keeping the energy high for a fantastic show.

The Haunting of Hill House
2025-11-08 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-09 14:00 - 15:00 | 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.

Holiday Craft Mart
2025-11-09 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.

Holiday Open House at Blumen gardens
2025-11-09 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

Turkey Bowling Fundraiser for Tails Humane Society
2025-11-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Fatty’s Pub and Grille, 1312 W Lincoln Hwy,, DeKalb, IL, 60115
More information to come- including prize announcements!
Grab your friends and get ready to roll… frozen turkeys! Join Tails Humane Society for this one-of-a-kind fundraiser where you’ll bowl with turkeys instead of balls- all to help homeless pets in need.
Fatty’s Pub & Grille1312 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115Sunday, November 91–3 PM
How It Works

Teams – $80 (up to 4 players)Teams bowl 12 turkeys. Additional tosses are $5 each, and your best 4 scores will count toward your total!
Individuals – $20Individuals bowl 3 turkeys. Additional tosses are $5 each, and your best 2 scores will count toward your total!

Awards and Prizes

Top Team Score
Top Individual Score
Gobble Gobble Glory (most spirited team!)
Plus fun surprise categories!

Can’t forget about a paw-some 50/50 raffle!
All proceeds benefit the pets of Tails Humane Society. Come for the game, stay for the cause- and maybe a few laughs!
Don’t worry, no food will be wasted! After the fun, all turkeys will be repurposed into tasty dog treats for the pets at Tails!

Romance Book Club
2025-11-10 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.

2025 Veterans Day Events
2025-11-11 00:00 - 23:59 | illinois
DeKalb County offers several events to honor and support the veterans in our community and in your life. See 2025 Veterans Day Events below:

6-10AM: Free Veterans Breakfast at Hy-Vee, 2700 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore

11AM: Kirkland Veterans Day Ceremony at the Northern Illinois Veteran’s Memorial in the Franklin Township Park.

11AM: DeKalb Veterans Day Ceremony in front of the World War I Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Clock in Memorial Park at the corner of First Street and Lincoln Highway. Includes the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” and remarks by local veterans.

11AM: Sycamore Veterans Day Program in front of the Veterans Club, 121 S. California Street, Sycamore

11AM-1PM: Veterans Day Luncheon to celebrate veterans at NIU and the community at Altgeld Hall, 595 College Ave., DeKalb.

4-6PM: DeKalb and Sycamore Elks Lodges Veterans Day Dinner Drive Thru at Lincoln Inn at Faranda’s, 302 Grove St., DeKalb. Dinners include a comforting meal consisting of Roast Pork, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Apple Sauce, Dinner Roll, and Sweet Corn. Proceeds from your dinner purchase will be used to provide complimentary meals for local Veterans.

Veterans Day Breakfast
2025-11-11 06:00 - 10:00 | Hy-Vee, 2700 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
In honor of Veterans Day, Hy-Vee will host a free dine-in breakfast on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 6 to 10 a.m. for all retired and active-duty military personnel. Plus, veterans and active-duty military personnel get 15% off their groceries on Nov. 11 in store or online using code VETS2025.

This event is in support of the Hy-Vee Homefront initiative. Hy-Vee Homefront honors the service of our nation’s veterans through employment, special events, and ongoing giving to support our military members, veterans, and their families.

Learn more here: https://www.hy-vee.com/corporate/our-company/homefront/

Veterans Day Drive Thru Dinner
2025-11-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Lincoln Inn at Farandas, 302 Grove St., DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
On Tuesday, November 11th, the DeKalb and Sycamore Elks Clubs and The Lincoln Inn will be hosting a Drive Through Dinner and providing complimentary meals to Veterans. Dinners can be purchased for $20 and include a comforting meal consisting of Roast Pork, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Apple Sauce, Dinner Roll, and Sweet Corn. Proceeds from your dinner purchase will be used to provide complimentary meals for local Veterans.

Are you a Veteran or do you know a Veteran who would enjoy this meal? Call (815) 756-2345 or visit farandas.com to reserve a complimentary dinner. Please reserve veteran’s meals by November 7th.

Reserve a complimentary Veterans Meal: Farandas.com

Gallery Talk on Rebuilding after Wars
2025-11-12 11:00 - 11:45 | Pick Museum of Anthropology, Cole Hall 114, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
In this gallery talk, Professor Laura Heideman will share insights from her research looking at the long-term process of rebuilding communities after the end of wars, including the role nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play in peacebuilding.
Professor Heideman is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology and the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies. Her interests include development, globalization, gender studies, human rights, social movements, organizations and civil society.
This gallery talk is held 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.

ElliePresents: 1950's Tasting History
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Step into the kitchen of the past. On Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 pm, the DeKalb County History Center will partner with ElliePresents to host a special program, 1950s Tasting History, at 1730 North Main Street in Sycamore.

The 1950s were a decade of innovation and tradition in American kitchens. From the rise of convenience foods and iconic casseroles to neighborhood potlucks and family dinners around the television, food reflected the changing culture of the era. This program highlights the recipes, ingredients, and stories that defined mid-century cooking, and guests will be able to sample flavors that bring this history to life.

Whether you remember these dishes fondly or are curious to discover the meals that shaped a generation, this evening promises to be both delicious and eye-opening. Tickets are $15 per person and include admission and tastings. Seating is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.

Mom-Son Night: Do you Believe in Magic
2025-11-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Haish Gym, 303 S. 9th Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Mom – Son “Do You Believe in Magic?” Night
Get ready for a night of magical fun! Moms and sons are invited to a magical night of illusions, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Enjoy an interactive magic show with Magic Matt, try your hand at simple magic tricks, and enjoy a night of enchanting activities. Whether you’re a budding magician or just love a little wonder, this night will have you believing in magic! Pizza and light refreshments will be served.
🎩 All young magicians will go home with a small keepsake at the end of the night.📅 November 14 (Register by November 11)📍 Haish Gymnasium, DeKalb IL⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 PM🪄 Ages 3 – 14💸 Residents: $35 | Non-residents: $42 (per couple)

An Evening of Encores with Kara Eubanks
2025-11-14 18:30 - 19:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
As a classical performer, Kara has performed solo and chamber music across North America and Europe. Her orchestral career includes membership in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Paris’s Fontainebleau Chamber Orchestra, and NYC’s DiCapo Opera. She is a member of the Sycamore Music Hall of Fame in her hometown of Sycamore, Illinois.
This hour-long performance, with an intermission, will feature popular and crowd-pleasing classical and romantic pieces for the violin and piano.
Kara has been featured on MTV, NPR, and Daytrotter, and has recorded on Eenie Meenie and Lookout! Records. Her discography includes collaborations with Troubled Hubble, The Gunshy, Inspector Owl, Future Monarchs, Minova, and Andrew Jackson Jihad. In 2023, she released her solo debut, an EP called “Something Might Otherwise Have Profitably Happened.”
Kara has been on the violin faculty at Northern Illinois University, CUNY Brooklyn Conservatory, and has taught music theory at the University of Oregon. Her greatest passion is mentoring young artists at Japan-Seattle Suzuki Institute, Oregon Suzuki Institute, and the Willamette Violin Academy.
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.
For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

The Hair Band Experience
2025-11-14 19:30 - 20:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Bring on the Aqua Net & tight pants, it’s time for an exciting night to relive the era that ROCKED! Rock out with three fantastic tribute acts bringing you the music of Poison, Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi. Wear your best 80s attire and join The Hair Band Experience!

2025 Dark Art and Oddities Con
2025-11-15 11:00 - 2025-11-16 18:00 | NIU Altgeld Hall, 116 Altgeld Hall, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join a weekend celebrating all things dark, spooky, and strange at the Dark Art and Oddities Con, held on November 15th and 16th at Northern Illinois University’s Altgeld Hall in DeKalb, Illinois. Whether you’re a fan of horror, paranormal mysteries, true crime, or the macabre arts, this event is designed for those who love the eerie and unusual.

Tickets, Vendor Space, and Information:www.darkartandodditiescon.com

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the strange and unusual with fellow fans of the dark arts! They will also feature the Indie Horror Film Festival, Special Presentations, Workshops and more!

Breaking Fate Entertainment is excited to bring this extraordinary event to DeKalb! Spread the word, bring your fellow enthusiasts of the strange and unusual, and let’s make this a weekend to remember!

A Sound Healing Experience with the Poetry of Walt Whitman
2025-11-15 14:00 - 15:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Experience a session of restorative Sound Healing interspersed with the transformative words of Walt Whitman.
You will experience many tones and frequencies that pull us to a peaceful place within. The poetry inspires and deepens the experience.
Sven is a certified sound healer who incorporates a variety of instruments and poetry. He has performed this program of words and sound throughout the United States and in Europe.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

After-hours Concert: Jazz in Progress
2025-11-15 18:30 - 19:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Jazz in Progress presents an after-hours concert that will feature different styles of big band and modern jazz music in the DeKalb Public Library’s main lobby!
Jazz in Progress (JIP) organized in 2012 to encourage local musicians to play jazz in support of its mission of musical, charitable, and educational purposes to advance the appreciation, performance, and history of jazz music and its related genres. Its membership includes a variety of talented musicians from the DeKalb County area. The ensemble also honors the practice of inviting local high school and college jazz musicians to sit in with the band, giving young musicians an opportunity to gain more experience in playing jazz music.
JIP is an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that puts funds raised back into local community music programs. Past recipients of JIP donations include the DeKalb, Genoa-Kingston, Hinckley-Big Rock, Indian Creek and Sycamore music booster organizations, as well as St. Mary’s-DeKalb and the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
JIP has performed at benefit and fund raising events and venues around the area including the St. Mary’s Lancer Legacy Ball, Sycamore Natural History Museum’s Rockin’ for the Reptiles, Stage Coach Theatre, Sycamore Farmers Market, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Artigras, The House Café, and Oak Crest Senior Proms. The band also has performed with the Celebration Chorale and at many other community and charity events.
This concert is free and open to all. No registration is required. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and music will begin at 6:30 p.m.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Dueling Pianos
2025-11-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Genoa Vets Club, 311 S Washington St, Genoa, IL, 60135, United States
Enjoy a Dueling Pianos show at Genoa Vets on Saturday, November 15! Doors open at 7pm, music begins at 8pm.

The Underground Railroad in the Midwest
2025-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The Underground Railroad has a rich history in Illinois, and in the Midwest in general. Join students from Northern Illinois University as they discuss their research about the regional aspects of the Underground Railroad.
This program is free and does not require registration. It is intended for teens and adults.
For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.

Christmas in The Crib
2025-11-21 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-22 11:00 - 16:00 | The Crib, Studio of Valerie Weberpal, 16521 Swanson Road, Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Check out vintage goods, art, and Christmas items in The Crib in Sycamore, IL!

Moonlight Magic
2025-11-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Sycamore, Sycamore, Illlinois, 60178
Join this Holiday Kickoff in Downtown Sycamore!

Watch downtown storefronts “come alive” as local arts, theater, and dance groups perform from 6–8 PM. Talented artisans, musicians, and performers from across the county will create holiday magic throughout the evening.

Shops will stay open late for Moonlight Sales & Holiday Magic on Friday, November 21, from 6–8 PM. Enjoy exclusive sales, the best deals of the season, and a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in historic downtown Sycamore.

This cherished tradition marks the official kickoff to the holiday season in Sycamore. Get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting the local businesses that make our community thrive.

Don’t forget to dine, shop, and enjoy local this holiday season!

Parent's Escape for Errands
2025-11-21 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

The Drummer Boy of Shiloh
2025-11-22 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Award-winning singer/songwriter Barry Cloyd portrays Joseph Henry Monroe, one of the only drummer boys who actually survived the Civil War. Monroe was the first one to enlist in the war from his small town in Iowa (he was 12 years old) and went on to fight in more than 27 major battles including Shiloh, Corinth, Sherman’s “March to the Sea” and others. As there were more than 2,000 songs written about the war during that period, the arc of the war is presented through the music, most of it penned by the soldiers themselves.
Barry has performed this piece many times at a variety of venues including many libraries, several Chatauquas, and The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield. Also included are two original songs that tell the story of The Drummer Boy as a set up to the rest of the story.
This event 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.

Authentic Unlimited Band
2025-11-22 19:30 | Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548
﻿Authentic Unlimited is a dynamic bluegrass band that blends rich harmonies with skillful instrumentation to create a timeless and innovative sound.

Comprised of seasoned musicians, including former members of the legendary Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the band brings a deep-rooted passion for traditional bluegrass, infused with fresh energy.

Drafts & Laughs: A Comedy Night at Fatty's
2025-11-22 21:00 - 22:30 | Fatty’s Pub and Grille, 1312 W Lincoln Hwy,, DeKalb, IL, 60115
Stand-Up Comedy Night is coming to Fatty’s Pub and Grille. Come on by for a fantastic night of laughs with no cover charge.

Lineup:

Host: Ray FischerOpening Act: Alydar SkyyFeature Act: Marcos LaraHeadliner: Mike Stricker

Bring your friends, and come early for amazing food, drinks, and the best seats right here at Fatty’s Pub and Grille!
