Community Calendar

Whether you’re a Swiftie, or new to Taylor’s music, you will love Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience.

Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience recreates the magic of the Eras Tour in a spectacular, unforgettable show starring Traci Marie as Taylor, who has opened for national artists like Tony Orlando and the Righteous Brothers. Traci’s attention to detail will not go unnoticed by Swifties. Her authentic costumes, mannerisms, and voice embody the essence of Taylor Swift.

This theatrical style show is filled with everything you’d expect to see from the Eras Tour; a great band, exciting choreography, stunning multimedia visuals, costume changes, and audience participation.

We can't wait to see you there!

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Select members of the Plein Air Painters Of Rockford (PAPOR) are exhibiting their interpretations of "The Thankful Path" to coincide with Klehm Arboretum's event by the same name. A selection of 24 original artworks is on display December 2 through mid-January 2026.

PAPOR posts their activities and Art results on their Facebook fan page - Plein Air Painters of Rockford

Chicago-based artist Michael x. Ryan gathers the quiet imprints we leave behind — from sidewalk stains and river paths to shower puddles and fallen tree limbs — and gives them form, weight, and voice. Through drawing, mapping, wood relief, and 3D printed objects, Ryan captures traces of human presence — the edge of a river, the imprint of a wet body, the marks on a street — and renders them as physical forms that evoke movement, memory, and place.

This exhibition brings together key installations spanning over four decades, from early works shaped by the Ox-Bow landscape to large-scale reliefs inspired by the streets of Chicago to one tree of interest on the family property in Woodstock, Illinois. By drawing attention to overlooked details, Ryan invites us to consider how our everyday movements shape the spaces we inhabit — and how those spaces, in turn, record and reflect our presence and passage through time.

Homecoming: In Color celebrates the reopening of Rockford Art Museum after a year-long renovation closure. This exhibition features a selection of popular pieces and hidden gems, showcasing the rich diversity of our revered collection. Come witness the power of art and community as we welcome you back to a vibrant space of creativity!

Interested in the JFK assassination records? What about federal records about UFOs? The National Archives needs help transcribing original documents to make them easier for the public to access. Learn how to decipher cursive and create keyword tags in a short presentation before getting hands-on experience in contributing to the transcription process.

Creating a login using two-factor authentication for the National Archives will be required to contribute.

This program is limited in spaces and is first come, first served. Laptops will be provided. All ages are welcome.

For questions and more information, contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815)756-9568 ext. 6106.

Take a musical journey through time as New Vintage Strings explores the evolution of popular styles from the 1920s to today. Formed in 2018 by husband & wife team Jeremy (bass) & Emily Beyer (violin), alongside Maura Brown (violin), and Allison Zabelin (viola), hear some songs you know and love and others you are bound to fall in love with, all performed like you’ve never heard before by a string quartet, making music history come alive! New Vintage Strings is a contemporary string ensemble known for its distinctive blend of classic rock, pop, alternative, and jazz, with a classical touch.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra and point2pointproductions are bringing a concert-style performance of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” to The Hemmens Cultural Center on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.

This lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero showcases music from Disney’s Academy Award nominated 1996 animated film and incorporates new songs by the legendary creative team of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.

This production will include dramatic lighting, exquisite costumes, the musicians of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, point2pointproduction actors, and a large chorus. The performance, underwritten in part by The Palmer Foundation, lasts approximately two-and-a-half hours, including one intermission, and is appropriate for ages 12 and older.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at www.ElginSymphony.org. Tickets range from $25 - $65. Student tickets are $15.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra and its Music Director, Chad Goodman, received Orchestra of the Year and Conductor of the Year Awards in 2025 from the Illinois Council of Orchestras.

DeKalb Township is making it easy to start the new you off on the right foot!

We are hosting 1-hour Advance Directive Workshops every Monday & Friday in January featuring Northwestern Medicine's Doctor of Nursing, Annette Meares. Come learn about Living Wills, Powers of Attorney for Healthcare, & POLST Forms. Workshops will start at 9 AM, 10 AM & 11 AM on January 12th!
Additional dates and times available.

Overview: Complete your forms and walk out of the workshop with your executed documents in-hand, and a smile on your face. This FREE offer makes it easy to complete your advance directives without the need to hire an attorney.

Anyone over the age of 18 can participate. Simply give us a call at 815-758-8282 to sign-up.

Select members of the Plein Air Painters Of Rockford (PAPOR) are exhibiting their interpretations of "The Thankful Path" to coincide with Klehm Arboretum's event by the same name. A selection of 24 original artworks is on display December 2 through mid-January 2026.

PAPOR posts their activities and Art results on their Facebook fan page - Plein Air Painters of Rockford

Chicago-based artist Michael x. Ryan gathers the quiet imprints we leave behind — from sidewalk stains and river paths to shower puddles and fallen tree limbs — and gives them form, weight, and voice. Through drawing, mapping, wood relief, and 3D printed objects, Ryan captures traces of human presence — the edge of a river, the imprint of a wet body, the marks on a street — and renders them as physical forms that evoke movement, memory, and place.

This exhibition brings together key installations spanning over four decades, from early works shaped by the Ox-Bow landscape to large-scale reliefs inspired by the streets of Chicago to one tree of interest on the family property in Woodstock, Illinois. By drawing attention to overlooked details, Ryan invites us to consider how our everyday movements shape the spaces we inhabit — and how those spaces, in turn, record and reflect our presence and passage through time.