The Scene - DeKalb County

From the northern suburbs to the Illinois Valley, the farm-to-table movement continues to grow, with restaurants partnering with local vendors for the freshest ingredients.

The yearly schedule of outdoor festivals in DeKalb County will ramp up over the coming weeks. Here is your guide to every large festival and event planned in DeKalb County through September:

Honoring jazz legend Duke Ellington and NIU’s own Ron Modell, the weekend features three live bands and plenty of dancing.

The Arcada Theatre's summer lineup features classic rock bands, 80s hard rock bands and plenty of exciting tribute shows.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon picnicking with family, a challenging hike on a scenic trail, or a fun-filled day playing games with the kids, here are some municipal parks in communities across northern Illinois that have something for everyone.

Summer is filled with beer festivals, from Joliet to Princeton, Galena to McHenry and more.

The 2025 farmers market season kicks off soon in communities across northern Illinois. Here's a list of some of the best markets in the area.

Enjoy a quick weekend getaway in the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook's serene setting, spend the afternoon swimming in the pool or relaxing in the spa.

Visit Skydive Chicago in Ottawa or Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle this spring or summer for a thrilling adventure.

Starved Rock Lodge offers canyon tours, cruises, guided hikes and more to explore the natural beauty of one of the state's most-visited state parks.

DeKalb County has several festivals in July and around the Fourth of July holiday to view fireworks and enjoy other family-friendly activities.

The Minnesota-based Americana band will perform at Roberts Family Farm on Thursday, July 10.

Looking for something to do this weekend in DeKalb County? Check out Malta Days which kicks off Thursday, DeKalb Pride and march downtown on Saturday, Juneteenth Community Celebration on Sunday and more.

Looking for something fun to do in DeKalb County this summer? Check out this list of family-friendly events.

Celebrate International Sushi Day on Wednesday at one of these favorite sushi restaurants in DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties.

You don't have to fight city traffic to enjoy a day at the beach in northern Illinois.

Northwest Illinois is full of many gorgeous state parks, perfect for family-friendly outdoor adventures.

Saturday, June 21 is World Martini Day. Check out these top-rated bars and restaurants for the best martini in Kane, McHenry and DeKalb counties and the Illinois Valley area.

Father's Day is Sunday, June 15.

The next event is Thursday, June 19 and continue monthly.

Looking for something to do in DeKalb County this weekend? Check out the Flag Day Car Show at Hy-Vee in Sycamore on Saturday, a youth fishing derby in DeKalb, a performance of "Legally Blonde the Musical" and more Pride Month events.

Piano Men Generations will perform Aug. 1, while Yacht Rock Gold Experience will take the stage Aug. 9.

The play is an adaptation of the hit movie of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon.

The Angry Pickle Pub, 215 W. State St., held its grand opening ribbon cutting with the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce June 3.

Check out these candy shops in northern Illinois that are worth visiting... this month, or any time of the year!

Your guide to some of the hottest festivals happening in communities across northern Illinois in 2025, from Joliet to Crystal Lake and Dixon to Geneva.

Sycamore Park District's free summer concert series begins June 5 in the Good Tymes Shelter at the Citizens Memorial Sports Complex, 435 Airport Road.

The DeKalb Park District will hold its annual free Music at the Mansion concert series for the summer. Shows kick off on June 11.

The Midwest is full of beautiful national parks, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Check out these niche stays in St. Charles, Ottawa, Algonquin and more.

The Abbey Resort has everything for a family or couples getaway this summer – golf, spa, swimming, boating and more.

The free concert will be held Saturday, June 7 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, in DeKalb.

5 things to do in DeKalb County: Northern Illinois Art Show, Pride Palooza, farmers markets and more

The 89th annual event will have live music, food, Bingo, parade and carnival rides.

KVAL’s 54th annual Northern Illinois Art Show is set from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 31 and June 1 on the front lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St. in Sycamore.

Summer is here, and it's time to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of northern Illinois.

Northern Illinois offers a vibrant international food scene ready to tantalize your taste buds.

Here's a list of some of the most beautiful road trip ideas in the U.S.

May is National Burger Month, and National Burger Day is May 28. Here's a list of award-winning burgers in the suburbs, DeKalb and Illinois Valley.

The Beth Fowler Dance Company and School of Dance will hold performances of “Fame & More” in June to conclude its 2024-2025 season.

More than 30 dinos will be at the farm May 24 - June 15.

The Warehouse on Park in Genoa welcomes The Blooze Brothers on May 24 and will host Superfly Symphony for a Disco Night May 31.

Northern Illinois is home to many unique distilleries that use farm fresh-to-bottle ingredients.

Kayak, sky dive, ride an ATV, rides bikes on a guided tour or take a cruise along the Illinois River during your summer adventure in Starved Rock Country.

Here's where you can find award-winning BBQ in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties and the Illinois Valley. National Barbecue Day is Friday, May 16.

The show will include The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik, The Buckinghams, Cryan' Shames and New Colony Six.

The May 17 event will have music, food, beer and cocktails.

An Ottawa-based pizzeria is opening a second location in downtown DeKalb, expected to open in June, owner Tim Cottingim said. “It’s a different type of pizza than American-style pizza,” he said.

Looking for something to do this weekend in DeKalb County? There's Stage Coach Players' drama "Radium Girls," Sycamore High School's FFA Plant Sale. Later this month features the 89th annual Genoa Days and KVAL's Northern Illinois Art Show.

Harbor Inn vacation rentals at Heritage Harbor, located near Ottawa on the Illinois River, give guests a relaxing getaway.