2026 Food Truck Wednesdays
2026-05-13 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-20 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-27 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-03 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | 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 through 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.

The History of The Beach Boys
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The soundtrack for an American summer wouldn’t be complete without The Beach Boys…surf, sun and California dreaming. This presentation will focus on The Beach Boys “sunniest” years from 1962-1967. With the use of performance and interview clips, we’ll trace the arc of the Beach Boys’ early career from “Surfin’ U.S.A”., “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “California Girls” to the more mature Pet Sounds, “Good Vibrations” and the abandoned Smile project. Surf’s Up!
After a rewarding career in advertising sales, Gary Wenstrup retired and developed courses on the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Motown Records for the Continuing Education Departments of College of DuPage and Oakton Community College. He has lectured at over 80 Chicago area libraries.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. This event is free and open to all. No registration is required.
This program is open to all ages, but please note that the presentation may include discussion of mature subjects.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Micheal W. Smith
2026-05-15 19:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Artist and worship leader, Michael W. Smith, is coming to DeKalb, IL for his KINGDOM COME, Worship Nights tour on May 15, 2026. Smith is one of the biggest names in all of Christian and Worship music and is excited to bring this all new night of worship and hits as only he can. Whether you are a long-time fan of his music or brand new you will be moved by the intentionality and beauty of this night of music and worship.

Malta Town-wide Garage Sales
2026-05-16 08:00 - 16:00 | Malta Lions Park, 409 N 4th Street, Malta, IL, 60150, United States
Malta’s Garage Sale Weekend is May 16th, starting at 8 AM.
Some sales open on Thursday and Friday.
Also, stop by the annual plant sale at Malta Lions Park.

Shabbona Farmers Market 2026
2026-05-16 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-30 09:00 - 13:00 | Purdy Park, 205 E Navaho Ave, Shabbona, IL, 60550, United States
Shabbona Farmers Market begins Saturday, May 2 running every other weekend through October 10, 2026! New in 2026 – Family Outing Days will be held with the Farmers Market. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, games, crafts, and a sweet treat offered sponsored by Big Time Rentals. This market features 12+ vendor and craft bar!

NatureFest 2026
2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 IL-72, Genoa, 60135, United States
The annual NatureFest is hosted by Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the DeKalb County Health Department. It occurs at the only nature center in DeKalb County, Genoa’s Natural Resource Education Center.

This family-friendly, free event is perfect for families with elementary-aged children and up. There will be nature-themed hands-on learning activities. The event is outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Learning topics include turtles, camouflage, insects, the river research, and more. Check in at the registration table and pick up a passport and a map of the area.

Explore Russell Woods Forest Preserve and the NREC from 10 AM to 1 PM. Families can take part in multiple hands-on learning activities. Come see T.J. the tortoise (the resident 75-pound African Sulcata tortoise), the other live animal displays, and hike the trails.

Try Archery
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00 | Kishwaukee Archers, 28278 Lukens Rd., Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Have you ever wanted to try archery but were unsure how to get started? Join the Kishwaukee Archers for a free archery lesson at a local club, with instructors, equipment and facility to get you started; it’s a great sport for the entire family! Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served (while supplies last.)

Sound Healing: Rest & Renewal
2026-05-16 11:00 - 12:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Noelle of Bare Soul Healing leads this free sound healing session designed to ease the nervous system and quiet the mind. Soothing vibrations from therapeutic instruments such as crystal singing bowls, Koshi chimes, drums and more create a peaceful space for grounding, relaxation, and renewal.
A gentle & peaceful sound bath offered in honor of Mother’s Day. An invitation to slow down, soften, be held & simply receive.
Please bring a yoga mat or towel if you wish. A limited number of chairs will also be available. You may also wish to bring a small blanket, as the temperature of the room can vary.
Due to the nature of this event, we will be closing the doors when the program begins at 11:00 a.m., so please arrive on time if you wish to be admitted.
This event does not require registration. It is first come, first served, and is limited to ages 12 and up.
Noelle is a healing practitioner in Sycamore and has a passion for sharing the benefits of sound healing with the public. Bare Soul Healing is a nature-rooted practice integrating sound healing, yoga, meditation, astrology, and other methods dedicated to supporting emotional well-being and inner peace.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Remembering Port Chicago & Cyril O. Sheppard
2026-05-16 13:00 - 14:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The explosion at Port Chicago in July 1944 killed 320 people and injured around 400 others, most of them young African American sailors who had been assigned dangerous munitions-loading work with little training. When survivors refused to return to the same unsafe conditions, 50 of them, including, Cyril O. Sheppard, were charged with mutiny in what became one of the most consequential civil rights cases of the WWII era. Their resistance helped expose systemic racism in the Navy and contributed to the eventual desegregation of the U.S. military.
Carol Cherry, daughter of Cyril O. Sheppard, presents a tale of great significance to American history that occurred long before the civil rights movement. The history of Port Chicago is not only significant; it’s foundational to understanding the racial inequities Black servicemen faced during WWII and the courage it took for the Port Chicago 50 to stand up against unsafe, discriminatory conditions.
On July 17, 2024—the 80th anniversary of the Port Chicago explosion—the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro issued a full exoneration to all 256 men charged with mutiny for refusing an illegal and unsafe order, highlighting how profoundly overdue this acknowledgment truly was.
This program is free and open to teens and adults. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

After-hours Concert: Jazz in Progress May 2026
2026-05-16 18:30 - 19:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Jazz in Progress joins the DeKalb Public Library for an after-hours concert that will feature different styles of big band and modern jazz music in the 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.

Free Breakfasts for Veterans
2026-05-17 07:30 - 11:30 | DeKalb Moose Lodge, 1231 E Lincoln Hwy.,, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Continuing through 2026, the DeKalb Moose Lodge will be offering all veterans a free breakfast on the third Sunday of each month.

2026 Genoa Market in the Park
2026-05-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Chamberlain Park, 400 East 2nd Street, Genoa, IL, 60135, United States
Join the 3rd Annual Genoa’s Market in the Park on May 17th, 2026 from 10 AM–3 PM at Chamberlain Park, Genoa IL. Shop 100+ vendors, enjoy food trucks, and explore art, handmade goods, and vintage finds. Free entry!

Free Legal Consultations
2026-05-19 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.

HEART Tribute Band Heartless
2026-05-23 17:30 - 22:00 | Warehouse on Park, 662 Park Ave, Genoa, IL, 60135, United States
Memorial day weekend Warehouse on Park kicks off their Summer of 2026 music with the music of Heart!

Heart tribute band, Heartless will be performing all your favorite Heart songs from 8-10pm

DJ Dave will be opening from 6-7:30pm this is your opportunity to sing on an outdoor stage or just enjoy the starting of the outdoor season!

Slow Smoke BBQ will be here for this epic kick off party!

Kishwaukee brewing will be on hand offering up a taste of amazing craft beers!

$15 per person at the gateVIP TIX $25 per person at the gate

Gate & bar opens at 5:30pm

16 & over eventNo outside food or drinks allowedNo pets allowed

Beeswax Candles Workshop
2026-05-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Step back in time and experience the warm glow of history at the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center. As part of the Past Times at Glidden series, this hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the art and function of beeswax candle making in the 19th century.

Begin with a brief look at how candlelight shaped daily life in early American homes—long before the flip of a switch. Then, guided by instructor Courtney Sliga, create your own set of beautiful, functional candles. Each participant will make and take home four handcrafted beeswax candles.

This workshop takes place on Sunday, May 24 from 1-4 pm at the Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. The cost is $55 per person, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Homestead’s mission. Pre-registration is required and tickets can be purchased at GliddenHomestead.org.

The Past Times at Glidden series is part of the site’s America250 programming, celebrating traditional trades and crafts that helped shape the nation. These programs connect historic practices to the site’s own story as the home of Joseph F. Glidden, who invented and first manufactured “The Winner” barbed wire on this property in the 1870s.

Motorcycle Parade Escorts
2026-05-25 06:15 | IL
On Memorial Day, the Genoa American Legion Riders are coordinating motorcycle escorts for the DeKalb, Sycamore and Genoa Memorial Day Parades.

Anyone with a motorcycle may participate and ride at their own risk. Staging starts at the DeKalb Elks Lodge 765, 321 South Annie Glidden Road.

If you wish to attend the Mayors’ Memorial Day Breakfast, staging is from 6:15 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Breakfast is $10.00 RSVP prepaid and $15.00 pay at the door. For more information contact Frank Beierlotzer at ffb66@juno.com or 815-901-3834. If you do not attend the breakfast, staging is 7:30 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. with KSU at 8:05 a.m.

There will be an escorted ride to downtown DeKalb and staging again to attend the Clock Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. There will be KSU at 8:58 a.m. and then escort the DeKalb parade to the Ellwood House. Sycamore American Legion Riders will lead to Sycamore to stage for their parade. From there, the escort will go to Genoa and stage for their parade. KSU at 11:28 a.m. to escort the Genoa parade to the cemetery for their Memorial Day Ceremony. After the ceremony, riders will be treated to free hamburgers at the Genoa Veterans Home about 1:20 p.m.

2026 Mayors' Memorial Day Breakfast
2026-05-25 06:30 - 08:00 | DeKalb ELKS Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, 209 South Annie Glidden, Dekalb, IL, 60115, United States
This will be the 34th breakfast on Memorial Day and the 10th breakfast at the Elks Lodge. DeKalb County Forty et Eight Voiture 207 asks everyone to join the breakfast and then attend one or more of the Memorial Day events.

There will be a United Prayer at 7:15 a.m., a short program at 7:30 a.m. and we will be done by 8 a.m.

Memorial Day Celebration
2026-05-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The parade will be held in downtown DeKalb on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 9 a.m., with lineup beginning at 8:30 a.m. The parade will travel west down Locust Street, DeKalb’s honorary Veterans Way, and past the DeKalb Veterans Memorial Mural. It will then proceed north on Linden Place to the Ellwood House. Join this enhanced Memorial Day parade as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the nation’s founding and salute America’s greatest heroes.

Objects in the History of Illinois
2026-05-26 18:30 - 19:30 | Hinckley Community Building, 120 N Maple St.,, Hinckley, Illinois, 60520, United States
Share details of your important objects at the Objects in the History of Illinois with State Museum Curator Erika Holst in the Hinckley Community Building.

90th Annual Genoa Days
2026-05-27 00:00 - 2026-05-30 23:59 | Downtown Genoa, Genoa, IL
Check out the 90th Annual Genoa Days featuring rides, vendors, live music, food, bingo, and more in the heart of Genoa!

Family Fun Science: Making Musical Instruments
2026-05-30 10:00 - 11:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
You can make music! In this month’s Family Fun Science, use science knowledge and basic recycled materials to make musical instruments. You’ll see that musical instruments don’t have to be fancy or expensive. All it takes is basic knowledge of what makes sound and materials to make those vibrations happen.
After a time of building, we’ll have a jam session where we can all play together.
The program is limited to the first 30 children to arrive.
For additional information, please email Laura at lauraw@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

Music the Native Way
2026-05-30 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
In this program, Kim Sigafus McIver will present on the history of Native instruments and their use. The drum, rain stick, and flute will be introduced, and attendees will be invited to play an instrument and learn a song. Everyone will also receive a handout of music to take home. A brief Q&A will follow the presentation.
Kim Sigafus McIver is an award-winning Ojibwe author and speaker.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative, celebrating our nation throughout the year.
This program is for all ages. No registration is required. It is sponsored by the Kishwaukee-DeKalb Kiwanis Club.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Evening at Ellcourt
2026-05-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Dearest Museum Patron,
The Ellwood House Museum is pleased to announce the 4th annual Evening at Ellcourt celebration. This year, they look forward to hosting a regency-era masquerade at the beautiful Tudor-Revival Ellcourt Home on Saturday, May 30, from 6pm-9pm.
Guests are welcome to attend in their finest masquerade attire. Attendees can expect to enjoy handcrafted cocktails, live music, exploring the gardens, Regency parlor games, and light refreshments. Evening at Ellcourt will have catered food and drink from Fatty’s Pub.
Evening at Ellcourt tickets include one free drink ticket. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase during the event. Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone, or in-person at the Ellwood Visitor Center, located at 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL 60115. Parking is on-site and the Ellcourt home is accessible.
Guests must be 21 or older to purchase tickets and attend Evening at Ellcourt.
Tickets:$30 General Public$25 Ellwood House Museum Members$20 Student (21+)$15 Designated Driver*
*Designated driver tickets do not include a drink ticket

The British invasion at The Warehouse on Park
2026-05-30 18:30 - 22:00 | Warehouse on Park, 662 Park Ave, Genoa, IL, 60135, United States
The British Invasion was a musical movement of the mid-1960s composed of British rock & roll groups whose popularity spread rapidly to the United States. The Beatles’ triumphant arrival in New York City on February 7, 1964, opened America’s doors to a wealth of British musical talent.

The Warehouse on Park is reliving that moment in musical history with special guests the Class of ’68! The Class of ’68 will bring the music of The Beatles and much more for this very special evening of Rock & Roll! Class of ’68 will be performing from 7-10pm.

Specialty cocktails will be available for this event!

Slow Smoke BBQ will be on hand for this event as well!

Gate & bar opens at 6:30pm$15 per person at the gateVIP TIX $25 per person at the gate

No outside food or drinks allowedNo pets allowed

2026 Sycamore Farmers Market
2026-06-02 15:00 - 18:00 | DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
he DeKalb County History Center is proud to announce that it will serve as the new host of the Sycamore Farmers Market, beginning with the 2026 season. A vibrant, producer-focused community market celebrating local food, agriculture, and handmade goods.

The Sycamore Farmers Market will take place Tuesdays from 3:00–6:00 pm, June 2 through September 1, on the front lawn of the DeKalb County History Center, located at 1730 N. Main Street in Sycamore. The weekly market will feature locally grown produce, flowers, plants, meat, eggs, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, beverages, art, crafts, and more.

Recent improvements through the Campus Expansion Project have transformed the on‑site corn crib into an outdoor music venue and classroom space. This setting will allow for live music, pop‑up educational programming, and seasonal entertainment for visitors. Guests will also be able to enjoy beverages available through the on‑site bar operated by MVPs, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the History Center.

2026 DeKalb Farmers Market
2026-06-04 10:00 - 14:00 | Van Buer Plaza, 148-198 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Nestled in the heart of downtown DeKalb, Illinois, the DeKalb Farmers Market features a vibrant selection of over 30 local vendors. Enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, colorful flowers, baked goods, olive oil, coffee, and delicious offerings from food trucks. With live music and a variety of unique finds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Grab a bite to eat from one of our food trucks and enjoy local bands and musicians during your lunch hour from 12-1:30PM! The Live Lunch Music Series is presented by the Egyptian Theatre.

New this season! Enjoy later hours on June 18, July 16, and August 13

There will not be a market on August 27, 2026 due to Corn Fest street closures.
