Community Calendar

Join us for the Ellwood House Museum’s free youth program series!

Whether going nose-to-nose with local creatures and critters, sipping “tea” and learning historic games, or creating one-of-a-kind artwork, each Saturday is a new adventure!

Registration is required. On-site parking and restrooms are available. The Ellwood House Museum is located at 420 Linden Place in DeKalb.

(815) 756-4609

Ellwood Explorers is generously supported by the Cy Miller Foundation.

Vernon Hills Park District’s 11th Annual Little Bear Ribfest

Little Bear Ribfest will be held Friday, August 19 from 6-11 pm and Saturday, August 20 from 4-11 pm in the Century Park Arboretum, 1002 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills.

There is a $5 entry fee payable at the gate. Children 5 years and under are free.

Proceeds from Little Bear Ribfest support the Park District’s Family Scholarship Fund.

Numerous restaurants will be selling their delicious ribs and side dishes at a nominal cost. The Mundelein/Vernon Hills Rotary Club will be roasting corn and Bo-Bo's restaurant will be offering ice cream and other desserts.

Beverages will be plenty including a variety of beer, bourbon, wine and soda.

All of the entertainment showcases award winning blues artists!
Friday night's entertainment begins with The Chicago Experience at 7 pm, and Jake & Elwood take the stage at 9 pm.
Funky Mojo Daddy perform at 5 pm on Saturday night. Laura Rain & The Caesars follow at 7 pm and at 9 pm, Shawn Holt & The Teardrops take the stage.

Bring your lawn chairs and relax by the lake as you listen to the best blues music while enjoying delicious ribs and cold beverages!
Be sure to visit http://www.vhparkdistrict.org/little-bear-ribfest/ for more festival details.

Vernon Hills Park District’s 11th Annual Little Bear Ribfest

Little Bear Ribfest will be held Friday, August 19 from 6-11 pm and Saturday, August 20 from 4-11 pm in the Century Park Arboretum, 1002 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills.

There is a $5 entry fee payable at the gate. Children 5 years and under are free.

Proceeds from Little Bear Ribfest support the Park District’s Family Scholarship Fund.

Numerous restaurants will be selling their delicious ribs and side dishes at a nominal cost. The Mundelein/Vernon Hills Rotary Club will be roasting corn and Bo-Bo's restaurant will be offering ice cream and other desserts.

Beverages will be plenty including a variety of beer, bourbon, wine and soda.

All of the entertainment showcases award winning blues artists!
Friday night's entertainment begins with The Chicago Experience at 7 pm, and Jake & Elwood take the stage at 9 pm.
Funky Mojo Daddy perform at 5 pm on Saturday night. Laura Rain & The Caesars follow at 7 pm and at 9 pm, Shawn Holt & The Teardrops take the stage.

Bring your lawn chairs and relax by the lake as you listen to the best blues music while enjoying delicious ribs and cold beverages!
Be sure to visit http://www.vhparkdistrict.org/little-bear-ribfest/ for more festival details.

The 7th Annual BBQ-n-Blues! On September 9 2022, we’ll be celebrating with Bands, BBQ & a Rib Cook-Off Contest. Held on First Street between Marquette & Gooding in historic downtown La Salle, bands will begin at 4:00 pm with the Rib Cook-Off turn in at 6:00 pm and the winner announced at 8:00 pm. Enjoy some of area’s best blues bands and don’t forget to grab some legendary BBQ!

Free admission and free parking! Head down to First Street for the 2nd night of this great two-day event! Wine tasting, craft beer, and cocktails in the beverage tent with delicious food vendors as well. Fireworks close out this 2-night event at 10:00 pm. Both events are family-friendly but please, no pets. This event is rain or shine.

Join us for the 4th Annual Pet Event! Expanded this year to offer Fall Festival activities as well. Meet & greet with 11+ local rescue organizations – saving all manner of fabulous creatures from dogs to lizards. Visit 17+ pet-related vendors. Enjoy in a horse-drawn hayride. Be amazed by Mr. D's Magic & Illusion. Plus, special appearances by The Naturalist, Disc Dogs, local comfort dogs and more!
Attendance is FREE for pets & their well-behaved humans!

The 7th Annual BBQ-n-Blues! On September 9 2022, we’ll be celebrating with Bands, BBQ & a Rib Cook-Off Contest. Held on First Street between Marquette & Gooding in historic downtown La Salle, bands will begin at 4:00 pm with the Rib Cook-Off turn in at 6:00 pm and the winner announced at 8:00 pm. Enjoy some of area’s best blues bands and don’t forget to grab some legendary BBQ!

Free admission and free parking! Head down to First Street for the 2nd night of this great two-day event! Wine tasting, craft beer, and cocktails in the beverage tent with delicious food vendors as well. Fireworks close out this 2-night event at 10:00 pm. Both events are family-friendly but please, no pets. This event is rain or shine.

This juried art show with 40-50 artists includes music and food vendors and is held on the picturesque grounds and gardens of the John Deere Historic site. With free admission blacksmith demonstrations and house and museum tours are included.

The 74th Greenwich Village Art Fair returns for a full weekend in 2022. GVAF is an outdoor event that benefits Rockford Art Museum and features juried artists, live music by local musicians, children’s art activities, a local marketplace, food trucks, champagne bar, and much more.

Established in 1948, GVAF is the longest-running art fair of its kind in the Midwest. All artwork on display at Greenwich Village Art Fair is original and produced entirely by the hands of the exhibiting artist.

For the most up-to-date information, visit us at greenwichvillageartfair.com and follow Greenwich on social media @greenwichvillageartfair.

The 74th Greenwich Village Art Fair returns for a full weekend in 2022. GVAF is an outdoor event that benefits Rockford Art Museum and features juried artists, live music by local musicians, children’s art activities, a local marketplace, food trucks, champagne bar, and much more.

Established in 1948, GVAF is the longest-running art fair of its kind in the Midwest. All artwork on display at Greenwich Village Art Fair is original and produced entirely by the hands of the exhibiting artist.

For the most up-to-date information, visit us at greenwichvillageartfair.com and follow Greenwich on social media @greenwichvillageartfair.

Join BCCD for this family-friendly event at Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area! Learn about plants and animals, enjoy a guided nature walk in the prairie or woods, and find out more about the history of this conservation area.
This fun event will have special adventure hikes for children to go creek-stompin' and sasquatchin' with BCCD Education staff!

Free registration for 1/2 day or full day options. Parking for the event is $10.00.
***Add on a special overnight camping option for just $25 for a family of 4! Night hikes and stargazing activities will be included for overnight campers. The evening activities include treats around the campfire and a morning breakfast treat from Edwards Apple Orchard!