Beginner Line Dancing
2025-08-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Denim & Diamonds Saloon, 425 W State St., Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Beginner lessons from 6-8pm

Open dancing until 10pmEvery Wednesday, unless noted on their calendar.

2025 Music at the Mansion
2025-08-06 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Grab your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs, and don’t forget your dancing shoes for an amazing FREE music experience set against the backdrop of the Ellwood Mansion. Select Wednesday evenings this summer, the pre-show starts at 6:30 pm and the headline show is from 7:00-8:30 pm. A select menu of beer, wine, beverages, food, and snacks will be available for purchase on-site each week.

June 11 – The Flat Cats

Vintage swing meets modern flair! This Chicago-based band blends hot jazz, blues, and timeless standards with a high-energy performance guaranteed to get the crowd moving.

June 18 – The PriSSillas

Known for their “Classy Rock” style, this all-female powerhouse band bridges the gap between classic rock legends and modern alt-rock hits with dynamic medleys and tons of charisma.

June 25 – Latin Swing Factor

Dance the night away to sizzling salsa beats and reimagined Top 40 hits. Latin Swing Factor infuses every performance with Chicago soul and Puerto Rican swing for a truly unique experience.

July 9 – Prairie Station

A country music experience for the whole family! This band delivers everything from Johnny Cash classics to today’s hottest chart-toppers in a fun, interactive show.

July 16 – The Messengers – Rescheduled

Expect the unexpected with mashups and medleys that span decades. The Messengers keep audiences singing and dancing with a mix of old-school favorites and current hits.

July 23 – The Beaux Band

A Rock & Roll tribute to the greats! From Tom Petty to ZZ Top, this six-member band delivers classic rock hits with powerful vocals and unmatched energy.

August 6 – The Messengers

The band’s extensive set list features sing-along favorites and unexpected medleys that blend classic hits with today’s current chart-toppers. This mix of old and new ensures that every performance is fresh and exciting, offering something for everyone.

August 13 – The PriSSillas

Known for their Classy Rock style, they connect beloved classic artists like Led Zeppelin, CCR, and The Doobie Brothers with modern rock and alternative legends such as Green Day, Pearl Jam, and The White Stripes. Their setlist features a blend of these influences, showcasing their versatility and skill in creating unforgettable medleys.

DeKalb Farmers' Market
2025-08-07 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Van Buer Plaza, 148-198 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Vendors, food trucks, and live music! Soak up the summer at the DeKalb Farmers’ Market where over 25 local vendors bring you everything from fresh produce and flowers to baked goods, honey, olive oil, coffee, handmade crafts, and more! Browse the booths, enjoy live tunes from the Live Lunch Music Series presented by the Egyptian Theatre, and grab a bite from your favorite local food trucks.

Cash, credit, and Link are accepted. They offer Link Match, so Link card holders can purchase up to $50 worth of produce for just $25! Visit the Information Booth on market days for Link tokens and Link Match to use at qualifying vendors.

Learn more at dekalb.org/dekalb-farmers-market.

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
2025-08-07 12:00 - 13:00 | IL
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

Line & couples Dancing
2025-08-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Denim & Diamonds Saloon, 425 W State St., Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Join DJ Dave at Denim and Dimonds for Line Dancing and Couples Dancing beginning at 7pmEvery Friday unless noted on their calendar.

Cortland Summerfest 2025
2025-08-08 17:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-09 12:00 - 23:00 | Cortland Community Park, 70 S Llanos St, Cortland, IL
Get ready for a blast!

Join Cortland for a fun-filled weekend:$5 entry for adults 21+, FREE for 20 & under

Friday, August 8th, 5pm-11pm: Fireworks at dusk! – Lived Music with Bands TBA

Saturday, August 9th 12-11pm:– Local performances by Dimensions Dance Academy & more! – Live Music with Bands TBA – Bags Tournament– Kids Activities

Food Vendors both days!Don’t forget to check out the Drawings Table!

The Miscast Projection at Stage Coach Players
2025-08-08 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-08-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Stage Coach Players, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
What happens when performers throw out the casting rules and sing the roles they could never play? You get a hilariously entertaining, feel-everything cabaret where anyone can be the leading man, diva, villain, or comedic relief! Think of unexpected voices, clever twists, and fresh perspectives as your favorite show tunes are reimagined in new and exciting ways. From powerful solos to heartfelt duets and show-stopping group numbers, this two-act experience is full of surprises, storytelling, and unforgettable performances. Backed by Stage Coach Players’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, this night of musical rebellion raises funds for new projection equipment to support the theater’s future of creative and unique productions.
Directed by Jon Jaworowski
Music Direction by Kasey Pennington

Movies in the Park
2025-08-08 20:30 | Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Come out on the second Friday of each month this summer for a FREE outdoor movie experience! Family-friendly movies are shown on a giant inflatable movie screen near the Bandshell. The show starts when nature turns off the lights!

June 13: Moana 2 (PG)

Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

July 11: Despicable Me 4 (PG)

Gru and Lucy welcome a new family member, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad, while a new nemesis, Maxime Le Mal, and his girlfriend Valentina, force the family to go on the run.

August 8: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (PG-13)

In Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, four teenagers in detention discover an old video game console and are sucked into the Jumanji jungle world, becoming their chosen avatars, and must work together to complete the game and escape or be stuck forever.

DeKalb County Barn Tour 2025
2025-08-09 00:00 - 23:59 | IL
Every barn has a unique story to tell. It’s waiting to be discovered during the annual DeKalb County Barn Tour!

The DeKalb County Barn Tour is a one-day driving tour of barn sites within DeKalb County hosted by the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association, Inc. and the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center. The 11th Annual DeKalb County Barn Tour will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in Sycamore Township. This unique event allows visitors to take in the history, sights and sounds of the county’s historical farmland.

Summer Back Alley Market
2025-08-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Van Buer Plaza, 148-198 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
NEW DATE – Saturday, August 9Join a day filled with 50+ vendors, food trucks, live music, bakers, artists, and makers! Featuring whimsy, cheeky, farmhouse, vintage, antique, and more items! This one-day event is not to be missed!

Location: Palmer Ct. and Van Buer Plaza in Downtown DeKalb, IL

Admission is free. Bring your family and well-behaved pets!

Don’t miss out on this unique shopping experience!

Author Fair
2025-08-09 10:00 - 14:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Learn about the recent publications of area authors from the writers themselves. The library’s main lobby will be filled with local authors showcasing their works and answering questions throughout the day. Copies of the books will be available to purchase.
This event is free to attend and open to all. Drop by any time to visit with the authors!
For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Locations of booths are listed below:
Kasia Nowak (Booth #1)
Thomas Johnson (Booth #2)
C.D. White (Booth #3)
Virginia Ledesma (Booth #4)
CL Gibson (Booth #5)
Nicholas Keith (Booth #6)
Mary Lamphere (Booth #7)
Emily Lucek (Booth #8)
Kate Gingold (Booth #9)
Sam Lamb (Booth #10)
Larry Howlett (Booth #11) (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Noreen Cecola (Nonie Boyes) (Booth #11) (12:00 – 2:00 p.m.)
Rania Zeithar (Booth #12) (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Ric Amesquita (Booth #12) (12:00 – 2:00 p.m.)

Rock the Acres 2025
2025-08-09 13:30 - 20:30 | Whiskey Acres, 11504 Keslinger Rd, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join Rock the ACRES at Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. for an afternoon of live music, great drinks, and incredible food on the outdoor Whiskey Garden!

$10 early bird ($15 DAY OF) admission is required for all guests at our Visitors Center that day and includes an optional tour at 2, 4 or 6 PM and the following musical lineup:

2PM-4PM – WILSON RIVER BAND

The Wilson River Band is kicking off our event and you don’t want to miss them. This group of six passionate individuals has dedicated themselves to music throughout their lives. This band knows how to achieve a harmonious blend of instruments and vocals. They perform a wide range of music spanning from the late 1950s to the present including classic rock, pop, and a touch of country.

4PM-6PM – BUFORD T. JUDD + THE DUMPTRUCKS

Straight outta Southern Illinois, Buford T. Judd and The Dumptrucks are here to rock! This dynamic quartet has jammed together in all sorts of bands and now brings their energy to the stage. With a musical menu that includes classic rock, bluesy vibes, country twang, southern rock, and some alternative tunes, they’re ready to entertain fans of all ages and tastes. Don’t miss out on the fun!

6PM-8PM – PROJECT NOSTALGIA

This female-fronted, Midwest cover band will play all your favorite hits! Project Nostalgia covers everything from classic rock to contemporary favorites. This DeKalb based band has performed throughout the Chicagoland area and is ready to close out our event with an unforgettable show!

Fay’s Finest Food will be grilling all day. The Press Box food truck will also be on site all day.

This is an outdoor, SHINE only event. Refunds will be issued if event is cancelled due to weather.

General Admission. Lawn Seating (bring lawn chair or blanket).

All ages welcome.

No outside food or beverages allowed.

Mackenzie O'Brien & Band Live
2025-08-09 17:30 - 22:00 | Warehouse on Park, 662 Park Ave, Genoa, IL, 60135, United States
Join Warehouse on Park for a special night of Country music by Mackenzie O’Brien & Band! They are back to once again rock!

There will be a solo or duo artist performing from 6-7:30pm before Mackenzie & Band takes stage at 8pm.

Headons fine meats will be grilling out.

Bar & gate opens at 5:30pm

Music starts at 6pm

No outside food or drinks allowed16 & over eventNo PetsYou can bring chairs if you wishGolf carts can park in the grass alley located by the gateLimited parking, Carpooling suggested

50 Men Who Cook
2025-08-09 18:00 - 21:00 | BARSEMA ALUMNI AND VISITORS CENTER, NIU, 231 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
CASA’s signature fundraising event, 50 Men Who Cook, features 50+ men from the community who bring their best dish for guests to taste and vote for their favorite in each category. Enjoy good food, a cash bar, entertainment and raffle, all for a good cause. Tickets are $50 each or $45 each when you buy two or more by August 8. Tickets available in early June at casadekalb.org/50menwhocook/.

Yacht Rock Gold Experience
2025-08-09 19:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
One of the most commercially successful musical genres of all time, Yacht Rock has built a loyal and unwavering fan base. Yacht Rock Gold Experience brings all your favorite hits from the late 1970’s-early 1980’s to new generations of music fans. Celebrating the smooth sounds of the Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Little River Band, Ambrosia, Boz Skaggs and so many more, Yacht Rock Experience engages fans with amazing harmonies and musicianship that brings audiences back to a time when music made you feel good and soothed the soul. Yacht Rock Gold Experience features hit after hit, great visuals and a performance that sounds like “the record.” Yacht Rock Gold Experience, features four lead singers, delivering incredible harmonies, accompanied by a six piece rhythm section with dancing horns that bring audiences to their feet, show after show.

Yacht Rock Gold Experience will be joined by Yacht Rock Royalty, Elliot Lurie, lead singer of Looking Glass, singing his #1 hit, Brandy and other classics.

The Crafty Farmer's Open Air Market
2025-08-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Hy-Vee, 2700 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Check out The Crafty Farmers Open Air Market! The 2025 season starts Sunday, May 4th and occurs every other Sunday until October 5th.

Vision & Hearing Screening, and Blood Pressure and Glucose Checks
2025-08-12 10:00 - 14:00 | DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
This FREE event is open to all and features vision and hearing screenings for kids, hearing and retinol screenings for adults, and Blood Pressure and Glucose checks for adults. No appointments needed. Walk-ins only. All are welcome.

Sycamore Farmers' Market
2025-08-12 15:00 - 18:00 | Kar-Fre Flowers, 1126 E. State St. Sycamore, Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Shop fresh produce, meat, canned items, art, and more from locals at the Sycamore Farmers’ Market!

Blumen Gardens Food Truck Tuesdays
2025-08-12 16:00 - 20:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Mark your calendars for Food Truck Tuesday at Blumen Gardens! Join them for an evening of gastronomic delights. With a rotating lineup of food trucks, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Plus, enjoy the enchanting tunes of live music while you dine al fresco. Come hungry and leave happy!

DeKalb Municipal Band Concert 2025
2025-08-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join the DeKalb Park District for the 171st season of Municipal Band Concerts on Tuesday nights this summer! These FREE concerts begin at 7:30 pm in the Hopkins Park Bandshell.

Stories at Huntley Park
2025-08-13 10:00 - 10:30 | Huntley Park, 200 Prospect st, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
It’s summertime, so join John and Laura at the park for the DeKalb Public Library’s 5th summer of outdoor story times! They will be reading stories, singing songs, and having fun. After the stories, go play on the playground. Bringing a blanket is encouraged to make sitting on the grass a little more comfortable.
All of the story times are at Huntley Park at 2nd and Garden Street in DeKalb. Look for them in the southwestern corner.
It will be announce on the DeKalb Public Library Facebook page if the program is cancelled due to weather.
For questions or further information, please contact John at johna@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

Skerryvore
2025-08-13 19:30 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
From the remote island of Tiree to headlining festivals around the world, Skerryvore has skyrocketed to become one of Scotland’s finest musical exports. And it’s easy to see why. Their eclectic fusion of folk, rock, and Americana – with thundering drums and bagpipes, of course – is as rich as a single malt scotch. Since setting sail, Skerryvore has performed in over 25 countries and scooped up Scotland’s “Live Act of the Year” award – three times. With their distinctive mix of fiddle, accordions, pipes and whistles, alongside guitar and vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums and keys, Skerryvore fuses outstanding musicianship with pure joy.

Movie in the Park
2025-08-15 19:00 | Knights Park, Sandwich, Illinois, 1001 N Latham St, Sandwich, IL 60548, Sandwich, IL, 60548, United States
Movie in the Park is back this summer! These events are free to attend and open to all ages, so be sure to mark your calendars and bring the whole family out for a fun night at Knights Park! Concessions open at 7pm.

Movies start at dusk:

June 20th – Inside Out 2

July 18th – Barbie

August 15th – Back to the Future
