Come One, Come All!
Books on First once again is sponsoring "Find Waldo Local" in Dixon, all the month of July. Based on the children's Where's Waldo books in which we seek and find Waldo and friends in various locations around town and the world within the pages, children from anywhere can seek and find Waldo in 25 locations around Dixon, IL, including the Parks District building, the Next Picture Show art gallery, Discover Dixon Main Street Chamber of Commerce HQ and other fun places including of course, Books on First.
We have lots of prizes for those participating, those seeing Waldo in at least 10 spots and those becoming eligible for entry into drawings for Where's Waldo books as well as contributed prizes from There's Fun Inside and more. Get involved in a Dixon-wide search for Waldo and experience the Local Small Businesses all around town. The hunt ends in a "Bye, Waldo" party on Saturday, 1 August!

Almost two dozen original paintings of flowers and trees by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford. This exhibit is in cooperation with Klehm Arboretums event - Garden Fair.

The Absolutely Abstract Art Exhibition returns to The Next Picture Show June 3–July 11, 2026, celebrating the bold, expressive, and imaginative world of abstract art. A longtime favorite on the TNPS calendar, this annual exhibition transforms the gallery into an exploration of creativity with no boundaries.

This dynamic show features artwork built around the essential elements of art — form, color, line, tone, and texture — rather than recognizable subject matter. From paintings and detailed drawings to inventive sculpture, mixed media, fiber arts, hand-pulled prints, and photography, the exhibition highlights both 2D and 3D works that challenge perception and spark conversation.

Abstract art invites viewers to slow down and respond with instinct and emotion. Without a defined narrative, each piece becomes a personal experience—open to interpretation and rich with possibility. Some visitors are drawn to bold movement and rhythm, while others are drawn to subtle layering and unexpected color relationships. There’s no single way to experience abstract work—only curiosity and imagination.

The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., or by appointment.

The story of America then, told by America now. This filmed production of the original Broadway cast brings Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical to the screen in all its energy and brilliance. Follow the meteoric rise and tragic fall of Alexander Hamilton, immigrant, soldier, writer, and founding father, as he fights to leave his mark on a young nation still finding its footing. Bold, inventive, and endlessly compelling, Hamilton blends hip-hop, jazz, and classic show tunes to tell one of history's most fascinating stories in a way you have never quite seen before. Whether you are a first-time viewer or a longtime fan, this is not a show to miss.
The film runs 2 hours and 40 minutes and rated PG-13. The program is free and open to the public, presented through public performance rights by SWANK.

Drop in to learn how you can contribute to science and document wildlife in our prairie! Open to all ages, participants may monitor our monarch population, check the snake boards, learn to identify plants, and get inspired by the majestic midwest prairie ecosystem.

RSVP online to receive a reminder email and updates on what’s blooming in our prairie.

Mark the nation's 250th anniversary by creating a small but meaningful work of art inspired by America — past, present, or future. Select a creative prompt to guide your piece: Then, Now, Next (a reflection on where America has been and where it is headed), What Freedom Looks Like (your own personal interpretation), My America (what this country means to you today), or A Moment in American Life (an everyday or imagined scene from American experience).

Using a 3 x 3-inch canvas, participants may work in paint, oil pastels, markers, or bring their own materials to create a mixed-media piece that is uniquely their own. Completed artwork may be left on display as part of a community gallery running throughout the month of July. This free program is open to the public and recommended for ages 10 and older.