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.

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.

It’s summertime, so join John and Laura at the park for our 5th summer of outdoor story times! We will be reading stories, singing songs, and having fun. After the stories, go play on the playground. We encourage you to bring a blanket to make sitting on the grass a little more comfortable.

All of the story times are at Huntley Park at 2nd and Garden Street in DeKalb. Look for us in the southwestern corner.

We will announce on the DeKalb Public Library Facebook page if the program is cancelled due to weather.

For questions or further information, please contact John at johna@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

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

This new juried show has works of art that explore the use of color to share different narratives. Reception and announcement of awards on June 20, 6-8 pm.

Parents, are you looking for fun ways to keep your kids engaged this summer? Bring them to Camp Creativity — a series of interactive activities designed for school-aged children and led by Northern Illinois University students. Fuel your child’s curiosity and watch their creativity come to life!

This program is limited to the first 20 children. Sign-up will begin at the children’s desk one hour before the event.

For additional information, please email Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

The Northwest District Elks Lodges in cooperation with the Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation will sponsor a free children’s orthopedic assessment clinic on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Rockford. The clinic is from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and is by appointment only. To make an appointment call the Illinois Elks Children’s Care office at 1-800-272-0074 between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. There are no charges for any services at this clinic.

The Elks will hold the clinic at the Ortho Illinois office of Dr. Scott Ferry. The office is located at 324 Roxbury Road, in Rockford. The hours for the clinic are 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

No medical referral is necessary for the clinic, but physicians are welcome to refer patients to the clinic for a specific reason or second opinion. School nurses are welcome to refer children and families to the clinic. The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for bone and joint development.

Get ready to tee off for a cause at RAMP’s Bad Pants Open, a wildly fun 9-hole golf scramble at Timber Pointe Golf Course in Poplar Grove! Mark your calendar for a day of golf, laughter, and impact—all while rocking your most outrageous pants.
Gather your team and compete for individual and team prizes (the bolder the pants, the better!). Enjoy contest holes, a delicious dinner, and an exciting silent auction, all in support of RAMP’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just in it for the fun, your participation helps create a more inclusive, accessible community where every story matters. So dust off those bad pants, bring your best game, and join us for an unforgettable day on the course!

Draw, craft, or make-and-take and display your creativity at Teen Art Club! We’ll have new projects and art materials to try at every meeting.

This program is intended for teens in grades 6-12. No registration is required but this program is first come, first served as supplies are limited.

For additional information, please contact Jesus at juanb@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3401.