CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, July 17
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
For children 3 and older. No registration required.
First Grade & Up Story and Craft
Time: 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Thursdays
Date: Every Tuesday and Thursday; next, July 18
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Registration required.
Movie Matinee
Time: 1 p.m.
Date: Every Friday; next, July 19
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Lunch & Listen
Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, July 23
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, July 17
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services department
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Infants, toddlers and caregivers are invited to a morning of stories, songs and crafts.
Victim Advocacy Services On the Move
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday through Aug. 14; next, July 17
Place: MLK Commons, Northern Illinois University
More information: 815-753-0320
Victim Advocacy Services advocates go outside to educate the community about sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Advocates debunk stereotypes and myths and lead advocacy projects.
E-Book Help Lab
Time: 1 – 9 p.m.
Date: July 17 and 19
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services department
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 220
Get help downloading e-books to e-readers or mobile devices. DeKalb Public Library cardholders can check out Kindles or Nooks.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday; next, July 17
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433. July 17 menu is pork chops. Diners pay what they can; those who cannot pay can eat for free.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, July 17
Place: DeKalb Community Center, 330 Grove St.
July 17 menu is pork chops with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, herbed green beans, fruit, a dinner roll and dessert. For transportation, call 815-758-6641. To volunteer, call 815-758-1678. To donate, call 815-758-3932. Dinner sponsors are especially needed.
Illinois Jones: Raiders of the Lost Books
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, July 17
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services department
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org
Travel the mysteries of Illinois: talk to Abe Lincoln, see lead turned into gold, discover the mysterious thunderbird, meet a Big Muddy Mud Monster and more. Family show with audience participation.
Bilingual Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Thursday, July 18
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services department
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Story time for children 5 and younger. Stories, songs and puppet play in both Spanish and English; children can learn and appreciate stories and songs in a different language. Translations available.
Farmers Market
Time: Noon – 6 p.m.
Dates: Thursdays through Sept. 26; next, July 18
Place: Van Buer Plaza, North Second and Locust streets
KishHealth Laboratories Open House
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, July 18
Place: KishHealth Laboratories Patient Service Center, 2111 Midlands Court, Suite 202 (Midwest Orthopaedic building)
More information: www.kishhospital.org/laboratory
An open house of the new patient service center will include tours and refreshments.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Dates: July 18 – 21
Place: Stage Coach Players Theater, 126 S. Fifth St.
Tickets: Adults $12, children $9
More information: www.stagecoachers.com
Three love stories, a murder mystery, and a nuclear espionage plot converge in this noir comedy about marriage and other explosive devices.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, July 18
Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.
Tickets: $15
More information: www.brothersunmusic.com or 815-793-0950
Male folk trio will perform a blend of folk, Americana, blues, pop and jazz.
Salsa Night
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, July 18
Place: The House Cafe
Cost: $5
Lesson begins at 8 p.m., then social dancing.
Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra Golf Outing
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, July 19
Place: Sycamore Golf Club
Cost: $25 to $550
More information: 815-756-3728, contact@kishorchestra.org or www.kishorchestra.org
Registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner and silent auction begin at 5:45 p.m. There will be raffles and awards. There are six levels of participation, ranging from $25 for an individual dinner only to $550 for a foursome with cart, tee signs, cart signs, balls, mulligans, lunch and dinner.
Summer Under the Stars: Calling All Comets
Time: 7 – 10 p.m.
Date: Friday, July 19
Place: Latourette Hall Room 200, Northern Illinois University
More information: 815-753-1201 or www.niu.edu/stem
STEM Outreach and the Davis Hall Observatory will talk about the two bright comets that will pass Earth this year and give a discussion on the history and properties of comets. After the presentation, all are invited to visit the observatory.
Dates: July 19 – 21
Place: Duke Ellington Ballroom, Holmes Student Center, Northern Illinois University
More information: justmakeithappen-dekalb.com or 815-758-1093
Dances from 8-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. All dances feature live orchestras. Dance lessons are available for $6 per person/per lesson. Cost is $25 per person/per dance to dance; $40 per person/per dance for dance and food; or $115 per person for all three dances with food. Listening-only balcony tickets are available for $5. Registration forms are available online.
Local Flavors Dinner
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, July 19
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
Tickets: $12
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
All of the food served at the dinner is sourced within 50 miles of DeKalb. Ingredients will be provided by Montalbano Farms of Sandwich, DeKalb County Community Gardens and Scott Hassellman Farms of Marengo. Proceeds will be divided between Feed'em Soup and DeKalb County Community Gardens.
Larry and His Flask
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, July 19
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
Tickets: $10
Lineup includes Larry and His Flask, a high-energy bluegrass-punk band, and Jadam James and the Multi Felons, a country-punk band. All-ages show.
Kishwaukee Fest Flea Market
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Place: Peace Road and Pleasant Street
More information: 815-756-1263
Family Picnic
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Place: DeKalb Harley-Davidson, 969 Peace Road
More information: 815-756-4558
Bounce houses, food and refreshments.
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Place: Duke Ellington Ballroom, Holmes Student Center, Northern Illinois University
Cost: $15 per family in advance or $20 per family at the door
More information: 815-758-1093 or www.justmakeithappen-dekalb.com
Live music at family-friendly volumes, easy dance lessons, free babysitting and free parking.
Country Music School Supply Drive
Time: 1:30 – 5 p.m.
Date: Sunday, July 21
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
More information: 815-762-5589
Live bands will perform country, bluegrass and gospel music. Cost of admission is the donation of school supplies, which will be distributed by the Salvation Army to disadvantaged children in DeKalb County. Bands and singers who would like to perform are welcome.
Kishwaukee Fest Country Tails Night
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Sunday, July 21
Place: Hopkins Park
More information: 815-756-1263
A free concert by Stroker Red. Several pet adoption agencies will also be on hand.
World War II B-17 Bomber Tours and Rides
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dates: July 22 – 28
Place: DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport
Cost: Free to view; cockpit tours $5; flights $425
More information: 602-448-9415 or b17rc@azcaf.org
Call or email to make flight reservations. Cockpit tours and ground viewing are available daily.
Open Mic Night
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Every Monday; next, July 22
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
More information: 815-787-9547
Sets are about 12 minutes.
Kishwaukee Fest Jazz at the Mansion
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Monday, July 22
Place: Ellwood House, 509 N. First St.
More information: 815-756-1263
A free jazz performance by The Jodi Beach Trio.
Fourth Street Family Fun Fest
Time: 4 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, July 23
Place: Parking lot at 905 S. Fourth St.
More information: 815-756-6306
See what businesses along South Fourth Street have to offer. The event includes free food, free haircuts for children and adults, face painting, children's activities and a fire truck for children to explore.
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, July 23
Place: DeKalb Public Library
A physical therapist talks about how our bodies keep up balanced, factors that cause us to lose balance and strategies to strengthen balance.
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, July 23
Place: Hopkins Park band shell
Bleacher and lawn seating are available for free weekly concerts.
Kishwaukee Fest Youth Challenge and Skateboard Event
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, July 24
Place: Downtown DeKalb
More information: 815-756-1263
A skateboard challenge with multiple age brackets, plus demonstrations by professional skateboarders.
Rummage Sale
Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday
Dates: July 25 – 27
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
Donated items for the sale will be collected Wednesdays fro 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 p.m. until 3 a.m. Fridays. Donations must be clean and in saleable condition. Hangers, grocery bags and wrapping materials are also appreciated.
Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
Date: Thursday, July 25
Place: Barb Food Mart, at Huntley Middle School, 1515 S. Fourth St., Door 28
The Barb Food Mart is a food assistance program for families with children enrolled in DeKalb School District 428. Half of the students in the district qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The open house includes tours, a cooking demonstration and refreshments.
Kishwaukee Fest Parade and Street Dance
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Friday, July 26
Place: Downtown DeKalb
More information: 815-756-1263
At 5 p.m., Miss Illinois and other regional beauty queens will visit downtown shops and sign autographs. At 6 p.m., classic cars and motorcycles will drive in a pre-parade, then will park along Lincoln Highway so spectators can look at them while waiting for the parade. Parade steps off at 7 p.m. At 8:30 p.m., rock and country bands from the parade will play in a street dance on Second and Third streets.
Kishwaukee Fest BaconPalooza
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 27
Place: Downtown DeKalb
More information: 815-756-1263
A festival of bacon and wine, plus shopping at local merchants and craft vendors. Classic Corvettes will be displayed in Van Buer Plaza, at Second and Locust streets.
Railroading in DeKalb
Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Dates: Sunday, July 28
Place: Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway
Cost: Adults $4, children younger than 14 with family, free
Commemorating Joseph Glidden's part in bringing the railroad through DeKalb, activities will include a display of an early 1900s HO model steam train and showings of the video "Song of the Pioneer," a history of the founding and early development of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. There will also be blacksmith demonstrations and tours of the homestead.
Author Visit: Mike Mullin
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, July 30
Place: Latourette Hall Room 200, Northern Illinois University
More information: 815-753-6784 or teenread.niu.edu
Mike Mullin, author of "Ashfall," will talk about his book, his writing process, and the science behind his fiction. After his presentation, NIU experts will talk about volcanology, video game design, food science and more.
Safe Sitter Basic
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, July 31
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
Cost: $40
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
This internationally-recognized babysitting program teaches children 11 to 13 the skills to provide children in their care a safe, nurturing environment. Includes backpack, manual, supplies and refreshments. Registration is required and closes five days before the program date.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, July 17
Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care
A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.
Line Dancing
Time: 7 – 11:30 p.m.
Date: Third Friday of every month; next, July 19
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Cost: $5
Line dancing by dancers' request. Split floor for couple dances and line dances.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, July 23
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Hymn Sing
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Fourth Sunday of every month; next, July 28
Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.
HINCKLEY
Story Time
Time: 9:45 a.m.
Dates: Wednesdays in July; next, July 17
Place: Hinckley Public Library
For children 2-5 years old and a guardian. Registration requested.
French for Kids
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Friday, July 19
Place: Hinckley Public Library
More information: 815-286-3220
Kids learn some basic French. Registration required.
Concert Benefit for Mark Ready
Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Date: Sunday, July 28
Place: Pioneer Park
More information: 815-751-8096 or www.bethematchfoundation.org/goto/readytowin
Back Country Roads will play from 1 – 3 p.m. Donations will be accepted. Food and beverages will be available for purchase; no alcohol will be provided. Donations benefit Mark Ready, who is undergoing a second stem cell transplant.
KINGSTON
Kingston Fest
Time: Noon
Date: Saturday, July 20
Place: Kingston Township Park
More information: 815-784-5572 or villageofkingston.org
Sack races, egg toss, watermelon-seed spitting contest, craft and vendor fair, giant water slide and other activities noon to 4 p.m. At 4:15 p.m., crews will launch their cardboard boats into the Mighty Kish for the Kardboard Boat Regatta.
MALTA
Blood Drive
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Date: Thursday, July 25
Place: Kishwaukee College
Mental Health First Aid Training
Time: 8 a.m. – noon
Dates: Wednesday, July 31 and Friday, Aug. 2
Place: Kishwaukee College Conference Center, Room A-225
Cost: $25
More information: 815-757-3488 or bgcml@bengordoncenter.org
Certification course that teaches the public how to recognize symptoms of mental health problems, how to direct people to get help and how to approach people having a mental health crisis. Both sessions must be attended for certification.
SYCAMORE
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, July 17
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Garden Story Time: We Love Vegetables
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Thursday, July 18
Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.
More information: www.sycamorehistory.org
Two storytellers will lead children 3 to 6 in stories, crafts and songs. Older/younger siblings welcome.
Family Fun Day
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Thursday, July 18
Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.
Cost: $5 per family
More information: 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org
See a demonstration on well building, have fun with water-based experiments, take home a water-related craft and end the afternoon with a water balloon fight.
Concert in the Park: Dave Rudolf Beach Party
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, July 18
Place: Good Tymes Shelter, Sycamore Community Park
More information: 815-895-3202 or www.sycamoreparkdistrict.com
Beach music in the styles of Jimmy Buffett and Harry Belafonte.
Growing a Garden to Eat
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.
More information: 815-895-5762 or www.sycamorehistory.org
Children learn that producing their own healthy food can be fun.
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Place: Pay-It-Forward House, 719 Somonauk St.
More information: www.payitforwardhouse.org
Free admission, children's games, raffles, silent auction, stories, face painting, a moon bounce, live music and food are featured in this fundraiser for Pay-It-Forward House.
Gospel and Bluegrass Concert
Time: 5 – 10 p.m.
Date: Third Saturday of each month except June; next, July 20
Place: Sycamore Baptist Church, 302 Somonauk Street
More information: 815-895-2577
There will be an audience sing at 6 p.m. and acoustic bluegrass starting at 6:30 p.m. Musicians are invited to join throughout the evening. The concert is free; free-will donations are accepted.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Third Saturday of each month; next, July 20
Place: Public Works Building, 475 N. Cross St.
Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.
Science Saturday: Microscopes
Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.
Cost: Members, $3; nonmembers, free with museum admission
More information: 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org
Learn to use microscopes as you examine polar bear fur, a lion's mane, python skin and your own saliva. For ages 8 and older; children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is recommended.
Beautiful Butterflies Weekend
Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dates: July 20 and 21
Place: Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St.
Cost: Free general admission; kids workshop $8
More information: www.blumengardens.com, 815-895-3737 to register for kids workshop
Monarch butterfly populations are at their lowest levels in 20 years. Learn to protect and increase butterfly populations and create butterfly habitat in the garden. Butterfly plant kits and butterfly-attracting plants on sale all weekend. A children's butterfly workshop will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday. A gardening class for adults will be offered at 1 p.m. Sunday, focusing on how to attract butterflies to your garden.
Farmers Market
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dates: Sundays through Sept. 29; next, July 21
Place: Corner of Elm and Somonauk streets
Walking tours of the historic district are offered at 1 p.m. the first and third Sundays of each month for $5. Next, July 21.
Jan's Clan Puppets
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, July 23
Place: Sycamore Public Library
A musical variety puppet show with an assortment of puppet characters performing popular songs.
Summer Readers Talent Show
Time: 1 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, July 24
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Performers 18 and younger can compete for cash prizes in different age groups. Performers must register in advance.
Summer on State
Time: Dusk
Date: Friday, July 26
Place: Corner of Somonauk and Elm streets
A free showing of "Wreck-It Ralph" on an outdoor screen. Concessions will be available to purchase by donation; outside food and drinks are welcome. Bring your own seating.
Turning Back Time Cruise Night
Time: 3 – 11 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 27
Place: Downtown Sycamore
More information: www.discoversycamore.com
Music from the 1950s and '60s provided by a disc jockey and by band Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones for a street dance. Live music from 7 to 10 p.m. The event also includes a Classic Car parade, beer garden and food vendors.
Fizz Ehrler Memorial Car Show
Time: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, July 28
Place: Downtown Sycamore
More information: www.discoversycamore.com
Registration from 8 a.m. until noon, with awards presented at 3:30 p.m.
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, July 18
Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care
A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.
Summerfest
Time: 7 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Place: Waterman Lions Park
More information: www.watermanlionstractorshowandsummerfest.com
• French toast breakfast 7 – 9:30 a.m. Food concessions open at 11 a.m. Beer garden open at 3 p.m.
• Tractor and truck registration 7-9 a.m. Truck and Tractor Parade of Power, announced by Orion Samuelson, 11:30 a.m. Trophies presented at 4 p.m.
• Vintage base ball game at 10 a.m.
• Garden and mini tractor pull, children's activities, petting zoo, hay rides and rides on the Waterman & Western Railroad miniature train from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cowboy quick-draw from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Craft show and flea market from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Live music from 12:15-1:45 p.m., 3-5 p.m. and 5:45-11:30 p.m.
• Orion Samuelson book signing 12:30-2 p.m.
• Kids pedal pull 2-3 p.m., register at 1:30 p.m.
• Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
