Community Calendar

Spring is here and NIAAA is having our 2nd photo contest. We hope to have all nine counties we serve represented. We are looking for an iconic photo to represent each county: it should be something easily recognizable, a hidden treasure or notable view.

Please remember, this contest is open to everyone so please feel free to submit your own entries.

Christ Community Outreach Center is proud to partner with Administer Justice to provide legal counsel to individuals in our community. This program takes place on the first Saturday of every month from 9 AM to 12 PM at our location: 316 N 6th St, DeKalb. To make an appointment, please call 855-818-4554 or visit AdministerJustice.org/GetHelp. Walk-ins are also welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

To coincide with the 10th anniversary of the historic Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, PFLAG Sauk Valley is sponsoring a photo exhibit titled Wedding Album. The exhibit honors a decade of marriage equality by featuring photos of couples with connections to the Sauk Valley area. Each photo offers a window into lives shaped by courage and love. More than just images, the exhibit weaves in text that recounts the journey toward equality and the legal triumph that changed countless lives. Running from June 4 - July 2, 2025 (Wednesdays - Saturdays) at The Next Picture Show in Dixon, Illinois, the exhibit is free and open to all, including Saturday, June 14, which coincides with Dixon’s Pride Festival–two great events in one location!

The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana presents Around the Farm, juried art show that celebrates farm life and farming and highlights the importance of agriculture in our area in original works in a wide variety of media, Jun. 6-Jul. 12.

Instructor: Val Butcher
Saturday, June 7, 10:00am
Registration: $35.00 (deadline May 30)

Create a glass bird for window display, yard art or other location
Choose your own colors.
The bird is approx. 3 1/2" x 4".
Includes a rod for yard display or a hole can be drilled for hanging.
All supplies included.
Please wear long pants and closed toe shoes. Must be 18 or older.

Find out how to survive the summer heat from the coolest plants and animals around! Experience their adaptations and learn how to keep you and your family cool this summer.

This annual competition is open to artists living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The Freeport Art Museum's annual Regional Juried Exhibition (RJE) mission is to offer established and emerging artists the opportunity to debut work created in the last two years. Opening on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the show runs through July 19, 2025. As FAM has gained a distinguished reputation for displaying a wide range of contemporary art, this exhibition has become a visitor's favorite.

Each year, FAM invites a new juror to select approximately 50 artworks for inclusion, and to give awards for first, second, third place, and honorable mention. This year's juror is Rodrick Whetstone, an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design teaching in the Department of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Award winners are announced at the opening reception.

The museum is open 10-5 Tuesday-Friday; 12-5 Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

The Spongebob Musical
June 4-7 & July 9-13
Suggested Audience: All Ages

Dive into a vibrant, all-singing & dancing extravaganza with The SpongeBob Musical! When a volcano threatens to destroy Bikini Bottom, it’s up to SpongeBob and his crew to unite and save their beloved undersea home. As tensions rise and hope seems lost, an unlikely hero emerges, proving that the power of optimism can truly change the world. Based on the iconic animated series, this sensational musical features a dazzling score by legendary artists like Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, and more. This deep-sea adventure is a joyride for all ages. The future is bright; the future is bold—join us under the sea this summer for an unforgettable adventure with The SpongeBob Musical!

Professional magician and autistic self-advocate Cody Clark combines his lived experiences as a magician, arts patron, and autistic adult to create a half-hour especially dedicated to the special needs community.

In Cody’s Sensory Friendly Spectacular, the magic looks gentle, there are no jarring images, no sudden sounds…but the magic is as impressive as ever! Even more impressive are the stories Cody weaves into his routines about what being autistic is like for him. You will be amazed and inspired in this show crafted just for the special needs community.

This magic show is intended specifically for patrons ages 8 and up and those with special sensory needs, though anyone is welcome to attend. No registration is required.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Join the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library for a celebration of spring! This event is a thank you to all who support the library and its programming and a way for the community to become more familiar with the Friends and what the group does. Enjoy raffles, refreshments, and music with the Friends. We’ll be set up to take new memberships, so invite others who might want to become a Friend of the DeKalb Public Library.

The Friends of the DeKalb Public Library is a non-profit, volunteer community service organization that raises funds to support library programs and to purchase library books and materials.

This gathering is free and open to all. No registration is required.

For additional information, please contact the Friends at friends@dkpl.org.