DeKalb County is the home of many unique festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Whether you want some Family Fun, to Celebrate 4th of July, Cruise with Classic Cars, or Fly a Kite, we have you covered. Visit the Festivals Listings for a complete list of fests in the county and our Calendar of Events page to plan your next trip.

Bring the Whole Family

Many of our festivals and celebrations have something for the whole family. With carnivals and rides, parades, special presentations, and food, events like DeKalb Corn Fest, Kite Fest, Sycamore’s Pumpkin Fest, Genoa Days, Malta Days, Cortland’s Summer Fest and Fall Parade & Festival, and Sycamore’s and Cinco de Mayo are not to be missed.

Many of our communities and attractions also host movie nights, family friendly block parties and mini events throughout the year. The DeKalb County History Center hosts walking tours of historic districts, the Ellwood House hosts educational programs for all ages, and many of the county’s historic structures are open for tours.

Celebrate 4th of July

The City of DeKalb features a concert at Hopkins Park along with food vendors to enjoy during the fireworks. Sandwich Freedom Days,  Kirkland 4th of July, Lee 4th of July Parade,  Fireworks Over Lake Shabbona are hometown festivals that go all weekend long. The fests highlight the fun hometown atmosphere with parades, live music, and more. Visit our Calendar of Events to plan your July 4^th trip to DeKalb County.

Cruise to DeKalb County

Many of our communities and local businesses have Classic Car Cruise nights throughout the summer. Sycamore’s Turning Back Time Weekend and Cruisin’ to Genoa showcase spectacular cars. The annual Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee brings history to life through amazing steam-powered machines.

Come Fly a Kite

DeKalb Kite Fest is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Always held the 2^nd Sunday in September, this annual event has grown from one family’s desire to spread their love of kiting to their home town, to one of the largest Kite Fests in Illinois. The kites really shine with stunt kites, signature kites that are over 100 feet in length and a kite candy drop. This is truly an event that is not to be missed.