DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Yes, And...The History of Improv in the American Experience
2026-04-11 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Improv didn’t just change comedy—it reflected how Americans learn to collaborate, adapt, and create. Drawing on the history uncovered in Improv Nation by Sam Wasson, this talk explores the overlooked history of improvisation, from Chicago classrooms and counterculture stages to television and film, revealing how “yes, and” became a distinctly American way of thinking about art, community, and possibility.
This event is intended for adults and is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. Registration is not required.
For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

2026 Food Truck Wednesdays
2026-04-15 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-22 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-29 11:00 - 14:00 | 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.

Retro Trivia Night
2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Old School Pizza, 507 N 3rd Street Unit 2, Malta, Illinois, 60150, United States
Test your knowledge of retro music, movies and TV! Free to play. Win prizes.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
6:30 – 8 PM
Old School Pizza in Malta, 507 N. 3rd Street

Garden Gate to Spring Antique Show
2026-04-17 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-18 09:00 - 15:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Step into spring at one of the most loved markets of the season.

Garden Gate to Spring Antique Show returns to Blumen Gardens for a two-day event filled with beautifully curated antiques, architectural salvage, garden pieces, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Wander through historic buildings and gardens while discovering timeless pieces you will not find anywhere else.

Friday, April 17th 9AM to 5PM

Saturday, April 18th 9AM to 3PM

$5 admission at the door

Free parking | Rain or shine

After-hours Concert: NIU Steelband
2026-04-17 18:30 - 19:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Step into the DeKalb Public Library’s main lobby for an after-hours concert performed by the Northern Illinois University’s renowned Steelband. The concert will be an eclectic program of musical styles highlighting the versatility and profundity of the steelpan.
The NIU Steelband is dedicated to demonstrating the versatility and profundity of the steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.
Created in 1973 by G. Allan O’Connor, the NIU Steelband is the first active steel orchestra formed at an American university and celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Sunday, April 16th, 2023.NIU is also one of the few institutions in the world at which students may pursue undergraduate and graduate music degrees with a steelpan emphasis.
The ensemble has performed throughout the United States and across the globe. Some of the band’s most notable appearances include a performance for 18,000 soccer fans at Yankee Stadium, tours of Taiwan in 1992 and 1998, concerts with symphony orchestras (including the St. Louis Symphony and the Chicago Sinfonietta), and several performances at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). In 2000, the NIU Steelband had the distinction of placing 2nd at the World Steelband Festival in Trinidad and represented the USA at the 2002 Seoul Drum Festival in South Korea.
The NIU Steelband regularly appears in concert at public schools, universities, conventions, and arts series, and has many recordings to its credit, including Dangerous, which features an eclectic blend of musical styles.
After many years under the leadership of G. Allan O’Connor and steelband legend Clifford Alexis, the ensemble is now directed by head of steelpan studies and professor of music, Liam Teague. The band’s instruments are maintained by Yuko Asada, music instrument technician, and she also significantly contributes to the daily operations of the NIU Steelband.
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.
Jah Love Jamaica Food Truck will have food available for purchase outside the library, including curry chicken, jerk chicken and pork chops, and fried plantains with red beans and rice.
For more information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Sycamore Community Expo & Job Fair
2026-04-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Sycamore Park District Community Center, 480 Airport Rd, Sycamore, IL, 60178
The Sycamore Chamber and the Sycamore Park District are proud to again host the 2026 Sycamore Community Expo & Job Fair! Free admission and parking! This is a family event! Come out and see all the community has to offer. Meet local business owners, enter to win raffle drawings, prizes, kid’s games, and more!

Goat Yoga with Blue Sky Farm
2026-04-18 13:00 - 13:45, 2026-04-18 14:15 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Blue Sky Farm Goat Yoga is looking forward to providing a “bucket list” event at the DeKalb Public Library! Their baby goats love to snuggle, run, and jump on you as you enjoy some soul-stretching yoga with their certified yoga instructor. It may seem silly to some, but we can assure you the experience is unlike any other. Interacting with any animal is therapeutic, but combining the beautiful practice of yoga with animal therapy is a joy you will feel deep in your heart.
Each session will include 30 minutes of yoga, followed by 15 minutes to snuggle and pet the goats, as well as take photos.
This event is open for ages 12 and up. Attendees must bring a yoga mat or towel (please remember that this item may get dirty). Participation is first come, first served, as there is a limit of 25 participants per class.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
For more information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
Here are some details to help you know what to expect:
What time should I arrive for class? Because the class is first-come, first-served, we cannot be certain how early the spaces in the class will fill up.
What do I bring?Everyone is required to bring their own (it may get dirty) yoga mat or towel.
What if I don’t normally do yoga?This is a gentle flow yoga class that focuses on many poses that the goats seem to enjoy. You might be surprised how much you enjoy doing yoga, but you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the day.
Are there age requirements to attend an open goat yoga class?Participants should be at least 12 years old for open yoga classes. Participants aged 12-17 must attend with a parent or other adult guardian.
What should I wear?Dress comfortably, but we suggest you leave the adorable yoga tank tops at home or under a T-Shirt. Sometimes tiny goat hooves are a little scratchy!
Will goats try to eat my shoelaces and hair?A little bit! Goats like to nibble just about everything. You won’t get a major haircut, but bring a hair tie if you have longer hair, and take off your shoes.
Will the goats pee or poop on me?Goats are not potty trained. It happens!
Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?Please bring your own yoga mat or beach towel. Remember that this item may get dirty.
Will I need to sign a waiver for myself and/or my child between 12-17?All adults 18 and over are required to sign a waiver. All minors need a parent or legal guardian to sign a waiver. Participants aged 12-17 must attend with a parent or other adult guardian.

Free Breakfasts for Veterans
2026-04-19 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.

Past Times at Glidden: Knitting the Nation
2026-04-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center will host a program on the history and operation of circular knitting machines at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, as part of its “Past Times at Glidden” series.

Presenter Dona Walzer will demonstrate a working circular knitting machine while sharing the story of how this remarkable invention helped transform textile production during the Industrial Age. The demonstration will be held at the Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway. The demonstration and program are included with the museum’s $5 admission fee. Children under 14 years of age are free. Tours of the Homestead and blacksmithing demonstrations will also be available that day.

The circular knitting machine allowed factories to quickly produce knitted items such as hats, mittens, socks, and scarves—goods that were in high demand and far more time-consuming to make by hand. As home knitters adopted these machines, they played a significant role in wartime production and small home businesses, bringing industrial innovation into everyday life.

Visitors will be able to watch the machine in action during a continuous demonstration by Walzer and view samples of knitted items created using the device. Walzer is experienced in early 1800s interpretation and demonstrations of various trades for historic sites including quilting, knitting, shoemaking, spinning and weaving.

The presentation is part of the Homestead’s “Past Times at Glidden” series, the museum’s America250 programming, which celebrates the time-honored trades and crafts that helped build America. The series connects with the site’s own history as the home of Joseph F. Glidden, who invented and first manufactured “The Winner” barbed wire on the property in the 1870s.

Arbor Day Week Community Tree Planting - America 250
2026-04-21 09:00 - 12:00 | IL
DeKalb Township is celebrating Arbor Day week by launching our “250 Trees for Tomorrow” initiative with a community tree planting event at Elder Care Services. Volunteers are needed to plant, mulch, & water roughly a dozen trees. Volunteers are needed!

Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome. Coffee and donuts will be provided to volunteers.
For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact DeKalb Township at 815-758-8282.

To learn more about the Township’s 250 Trees for Tomorrow (free tree and shrub) initiative, visit: https://dekalbtownship.org/residental-services/

Free Legal Consultations
2026-04-21 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.

Earth Day Park Clean-Up
2026-04-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Free for all ages! Help staff clean up trash and debris from one of our most beloved parks this Earth Day! Meet at the Hopkins Park Shelter at 9:00 AM sharp and staff will show you the rest! No registration is required!

Local Showcase
2026-04-23 15:30 - 19:00 | NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Get ready for a fun-filled evening celebrating all things local at the Local Showcase! This exciting community event brings together 80+ local businesses and organizations for a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages.

Highlights include:

Live demos and interactive displays

Concessions available — grab a snack while you explore

Giveaways, prizes, and tons of family-friendly fun

Opportunities to meet local employers and learn who’s hiring

Whether you’re looking to shop, explore, connect, or just enjoy a spring evening out, this event has something for everyone! Learn more at dekalb.org.

Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
2026-04-24 09:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-25 09:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-26 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 Spring Book Sale! Visit the library’s lower level for an astonishing selection of great quality hardcovers and paperbacks at bargain prices. You’ll find children’s and teen books, graphic novels, 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 brown 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.

DeKalb County History Center Day of Service
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
The DeKalb County History Center is inviting individuals, families, community groups, and local organizations to participate in a Day of Service during National Volunteer Week on Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will help prepare the History Center campus for the busy spring and summer season.

This hands-on volunteer opportunity will focus on sprucing up the grounds and pathways throughout the campus. Tasks will include spreading mulch, general spring clean-up, placing and filling raised garden beds, clearing rocks, and, weather permitting, planting flowers and greenery to keep the campus welcoming for visitors and programs.

No special experience is needed to participate. Volunteers are asked to bring a pair of gloves, and History Center staff along with Master Gardener Cathy Anderson will provide guidance and instructions for each task. The work is designed to be approachable, family-friendly, and rewarding, making it a great opportunity for groups and individuals alike.

Downtown DeKalb Flower Walk
2026-04-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
🌸 Downtown DeKalb Flower Walk 🌸Saturday, April 25 | 10 AM – 3 PMJoin Willrett Flower Company for a one-of-a-kind spring experience in downtown DeKalb— part shopping stroll, part build-your-own bouquet, and all-around a fun day out 🌷Hosted by Willrett Flower Company, the Downtown DeKalb Flower Walk invites you to explore your favorite local shops while creating a beautiful, hand-picked floral arrangement along the way.Here’s how it works:🌼 Purchase your ticket in advance *Tickets Are ONLY Available on the Willrett Flower Company website*🌼 Start at Willrett Flower Company to pick up your mason jar vase + event map🌼 Visit each participating downtown business to collect a flower stem🌼 Build your bouquet as you go—one stop at a timeBy the end of the walk, you’ll have a full, fresh arrangement and a new appreciation for all the amazing small businesses in downtown DeKalb 💐What’s included:✨ Mason jar vase✨ A flower stem at each stop✨ A fun, self-guided downtown experienceMany participating businesses will also be offering special promotions, treats, or surprises just for Flower Walk guests—so be sure to take your time and enjoy each stop!Grab your friends, plan a girls day, or make it a solo spring outing—you won’t want to miss this 🌸🎟️ Tickets: $20🎟️ Limited spots availableStay tuned for a list of participating businesses!

DeKalb Vintage Fest
2026-04-25 11:00 - 17:00 | NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Illinois Vintage Fest is back in DeKalb at the NIU Convocation Center on April 25! Hosting 80+ vendors selling vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, and more! They are so excited to be back at one of their favorite venues!– – –Parking at this location will be $9 prepaid for the day or $12 the day of. Entry into the event is free as always!

Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser - Hinckley Festival Association
2026-04-25 17:00 - 21:00 | Midwest Sportsplex, 212 W Woodlawn Street, Hinckley, IL, 60520, United States
Back by Popular Demand!
Hinckley Festival Association presents: Muuurder in Maaaybury
A murder at a garden party brings together your favorite characters from Maybury in this Andy Griffith spoofed murder murder mystery.
Welcome to the 1st Annual Maybury Garden Party.
Aunt Dee is throwing a garden party to raise money to buy fertilizer for the Flower and Garden Club. Unfortunately, someone has tried to sabotage the garden spot! Who could it be? Aunt Dee? Otis? Earnest D. Sass? Andy? Or any one of numerous other characters that the audience members will play!
Whoever “did it,” expect lots of mayhem at “Muuurder in Maaaybury!”
When: April 25, 2026 – 5 PM – 9 PM (ish)Where: Midwest Sportsplex, HinckleyWhat: Cash bar, dinner buffet catered by Good Times Grill, and a great show!How Much: $60 per person
Tickets are available in person at:
Resource Bank – HinckleyJack & Jina’s BPThe Brown Pub
Or pay via Venmo
Call Barry with any questions: 630-337-7720

Sycamore Rotary Club presents: Mardi Gras Mind Games
2026-04-25 19:00 - 22:00 | St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Activity Center, 322 Waterman St., Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Please join the Sycamore Rotary Club for a fun-filled evening of trivia, Cajun-inspired bites, and a raffle, all in support of Rotary’s community service initiatives.April 25, 20267 – 10 pmSt. Mary’s PAC312 Waterman St. Sycamore, IL
Guests will enjoy:• Three rounds of lively trivia• Cajun-inspired appetizers and desserts by Chef Rudy• Green Raffle with prizes up to $1000• Bottle pulls
This exciting event will bring together local businesses, community partners, and residents for an unforgettable evening while raising funds for programs that strengthen our community.Sponsorship opportunities that will help support:• Youth leadership and scholarship programs• Local service projects and community initiatives• Rotary’s international humanitarian efforts• Global polio eradication efforts• Volunteer programs serving our region
Supporting Mardi Gras Mind Games allows you to invest in programs that create meaningful and lasting impact.
Tickets can be purchased at this site: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mardi-gras-mind-games

Past Times at Glidden: Barn Quilt Workshop
2026-04-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center will host a hands-on artistic experience with its upcoming Past Times at Glidden: Dutch Tulip Barn Quilt Workshop on Sunday, April 26, from 1–4 PM at the Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.

Participants in this engaging three-hour workshop will receive a pre-drafted 17″ x 17″ wooden shiplap board, already primed and ready to paint. Guided by instructor Courtney Sliga, attendees will learn a brief history of barn quilts, explore painting techniques, and receive expert advice on selecting a balanced and visually striking color palette. By the end of the session, each participant will leave with a completed barn quilt ready for display.

The workshop is designed for both beginners and experienced painters. Registration is $75 per student, and space is limited. Advance registration is required and available at GliddenHomestead.org. A portion of all proceeds directly supports the museum’s operations.

Nellie Bly: Around the World in 72 Days
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran (1864-1922), this pioneer of investigative journalism is better known by her nom de plume, “Nellie Bly”. She became famous for her exposé of the New York City Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island.
On November 14, 1889, Cochrane began a solo trip around the world in emulation of the fictional character Phileas Fogg from the 1873 Jules Verne novel “Around the World in Eighty Days” – completing her trip on January 25, 1890, in the record-breaking time of 72 days, six hours, 11 minutes, & 14 seconds.
During this presentation, you’ll meet Nellie Bly in the US Embassy in Paris in February of 1919. The Great War has ended, and Nellie recounts her adventures as a reporter, in the US, Mexico and as a war correspondent, as she awaits permission to return to the US.
The presentation is followed by a Q&A and photo opportunities.
This event is sponsored by The Friends of the Library and is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. Registration is not required. All ages are welcome.
For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

Cortland Annual Garage Sales and Craft Show
2026-04-30 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Cortland, Cortland, Illinois, 60112, United States
🏡🛍️ Cortland Townwide Garage Sales!
📅 April 30 – May 2 (Thurs-Sat)
⏰ 8 AM – 5 PM
Get ready to shop all around Cortland for amazing deals!
✨ Furniture • Clothes • Toys • Home goods • Collectibles & more
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Something for everyone!
📍 Don’t miss it—plan your route & bring your friends!
100+ sales
Craft show at the Cortland Lion’s Club, 70 S Llanos St Cortland also! 9-6 Thurs and Fri and 9-4 Sat

Dessert & Dialogue
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Sycamore Park District, 480 S. Airport Road, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
The DeKalb County History Center, Ellwood House Museum, and Sycamore Park District will host Dessert & Dialogue on Thursday, April 30. This session’s theme, “Exploring How Place, Identity, and Shared Stories Shape Us,” invites participants to engage in meaningful dialogue about the experiences that define DeKalb County.

Sycamore Park District Executive Director Jonelle Bailey will facilitate the discussion, creating space for thoughtful conversation and a stronger sense of belonging.

The event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on April 30 at the Sycamore Park District, 480 Airport Rd. in Sycamore. Childcare will be available.

While the event is free, advance registration is recommended at dekalbcountyhistory.org. For more information, call (815) 895-5762.
