The Scene - DeKalb County

Bring the family to Hopkins Park for a free screening of "Despicable Me," or check out a Taylor Swift tribute band on Sunday in Genoa this weekend.

Big O’s Barbecue, a food truck turned walk-up storefront known for its rib tips, links and chicken, opened this month at a new spot in DeKalb.

Enjoy samples of beer, wine and spirits at the July 26 event.

The curtain will rise on a bit of Shakespearean mischief with a silver screen twist when Stage Coach Players opens their summer production of “Shakespeare in Hollywood” on July 17.

National Dive Bar Day is Monday, July 7. If you're looking for a local pub to check out, these neighborhood dive bars in northern Illinois are worth visiting.

July is National Ice Cream Month! Check out this list of 9 places to visit this summer.

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

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

The University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County Master Gardeners will host its 16th annual Garden Walk July 12 in DeKalb, Genoa and Sycamore.

The Angry Pickle Pub is the second venture from Josh and Abby Smith, owners of The Dirty Bird restaurant.

Several farms in northern Illinois offer fresh produce, along with animals, activities and family fun.

Standing on the edge of a 300-foot limestone bluff in southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest, Machaela Sweeney could thank the perfect words she typed into ChatGPT for bringing her to the unexpected spot.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.