August already? How can that be? Is it just me or did this summer seem to go faster than others in the past? Maybe it’s because we were all so excited to get back to our summer traditions and spend time with family and friends. Or maybe you were finally able to do some traveling and take a vacation.
Somehow, August has snuck up on us and soon fall will be here. But don’t hang up your flip flops yet, there is still plenty of time and opportunities to make great memories in DeKalb County this summer.
DeKalb County is home to many unique festivals and celebrations that draw crowds from across Illinois and neighboring states, and August is packed with them. In fact, there are far too many to list them all so I’ll just highlight a few of the big ones. For a full list of countywide events, visit https://dekalbcountycvb.com/dccvb-events/.
Please be sure to check event websites for any last-minute changes or regulations due to COVID-19.
• Aug. 6 – Don’t miss the opportunity to see Drum Corps International at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. For nearly a half century, Drum Corps International has been the leader in producing events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles for student musicians and performers. “The Drum and Bugle Corps show is one of the most unique forms of pageantry entertainment you can experience,” said Michael Embrey, local music show producer. “The power of brass and percussion music, colorful costumes, and precision visual movements are like Broadway on grass.” This event is something the entire family will enjoy. https://dekalbcountycvb.com/dccvb-event/drum-corps-international/
• Aug 12-15 – Join us at the Taylor Marshall Farm for the 2021 Sycamore Steam Show. Watch the Aultman Taylor sawmill, the flour mill, the Flink fan and old-fashioned threshing being demonstrated each day at the show. Be sure to check out the flea market to find some treasures, and the kids are sure to enjoy the small-scale railroad. Find out more information at www.sycamoresteamshow.com.
• Aug. 13-15 – Head to Cortland for a weekend packed with entertainment at Summer Fest. The weekend will include live performances, fireworks and much more. https://www.facebook.com/festivalandparade/
• Aug. 14 – Check out DeKalb County’s Barn Tour for a day in the country. The event is a relaxing, self-guided tour full of history and unique stories of what life is like away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Spend time with history experts and learn about the families who lived and worked the farms on our tour. Many local barn owners will be on-site to share personal experiences, family lore and fun facts about their barns and homes. https://www.dekalbcountybarntour.com
• Aug. 20 – Head to the Egyptian Theatre for the Happy Together Tour. Now in its 12th year, the touring sensation that has criss-crossed the nation returns this summer with a show full of chart-topping hits from the ′60s and ‘70s. The tour is once again headlined by The Turtles, who also act as musical hosts for the evening. Supporting them will be Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Association, Classics IV, The Vogues and The Cowsills. https://egyptiantheatre.org
• Aug. 20 – Get your motor running to Genoa for the 7th annual Cruisin’ to Genoa Car Show. Check out hundreds of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. More than 30 trophies will be handed out at the “Winner Circle” at 4 p.m. To register your vehicle or for more information, visit https://genoaareachamber.com/chamber-event/cruisin-to-genoa/.
• Aug. 27-29 – Don’t miss DeKalb Corn Fest, one of the last remaining free music festivals in Illinois. Corn Fest is held in historic downtown DeKalb on Lincoln Highway between First and Fourth streets. Enjoy three days of live music, a community stage, free corn boil on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., carnival rides, a car show and more. https://www.cornfest.com
• Aug. 28 – Bigger and better than ever, it’s Ribs, Rhythm & Blues Fest in Sycamore. The fest will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. in downtown Sycamore on Elm Street and city lots 1 and 2. The event consists of award-winning rib vendors from across the region, craft beer and crowd-pleasing musical entertainment from headliner Back Country Roads. https://discoversycamore.com
We hope you get out there, make summer memories and enjoy DeKalb County. Leave no stone unturned, no festival unattended. It’s an adventure if you make it. The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau is here to help with any planning or accommodations that you might need. Give us a all at 815-756-1336 or email us at office@dekalbcountycvb.com.
• Cortney Strohacker is executive director of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau.