Upcoming Events

Conductor Cody: American Railways
Sat, Jun 27
DeKalb Public Library
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Independence Day Run/Walk 5k & 10k
Sat, Jul 04
Hopkins Park
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4th of July Festivities
Sat, Jul 04
Hopkins Park
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Past Times at Glidden: Heart of America Barn Quilt Workshop
Sun, Jul 05
J. F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Cen
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America the Beautiful
Tue, Jul 07
Jubilee Art Gallery
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Patriotic House Decoration Contest
Wed, Jul 08
Homes throughout the community
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One County, One Nation: America 250 Ceremony
Wed, Jul 08
DeKalb County Courthouse
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The Rhythm Rockets
Wed, Jul 08
Ellwood House Museum
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Patriotic Uncle Sam Gnome
Fri, Jul 10
Sports & Recreation Center
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Rascals, Roustabouts, and River Pirates: Riverboat Days on the Western Frontier
Fri, Jul 10
DeKalb Public Library
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Let's Dance Big Band Weekend
Fri, Jul 10
Holmes Student Center
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Captain America: The First Avenger (PG-13)
Fri, Jul 10
Hopkins Park
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Stars & Stripes Co-Ed Softball Tournament
Sat, Jul 11
Katz Park
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Community Heart Health Event
Sat, Jul 11
Aperion Care DeKalb
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Hidden Histories
Sat, Jul 11
DeKalb Public Library
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Biking with Beanzie
Sun, Jul 12
Sports & Recreation Center
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Multiple Dates
Pause for Patriotism
Mon, Jul 13
DeKalb Public Library
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DeKalb County Police & Firefighter Appreciation Dinner
Thu, Jul 16
Knights of Columbus
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Ongoing Events & Initiatives

A flyer for the Circle of Giving donation drive.

Circle of Giving: America250

In honor of America250, Century 21 Circle is partnering with ROOTED FOR GOOD to collect everyday essentials from their "wish list" that local families need most, items that aren't always available through traditional donation channels.

Please help us collect 250 of the following items: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, diapers, wipes.

Donations will be accepted 4/23/26-5/31/26 at Century 21 Circle, 901 N 1st Street, DeKalb IL (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).

Thank you for your support!

Paint-A-Plug

The City of DeKalb’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary continues with the Paint-A-Plug public arts program.

For the second-straight year, the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) is encouraging local artists to adopt America 250 DeKalb as their theme when submitting designs to paint the City’s fire hydrants.

Public art projects are a centerpiece of America 250 DeKalb, the communitywide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A new Lincoln Highway mural and downtown lighting installation will be completed as part of the initiative, and last month, the CCEC announced this year’s utility box mural program will highlight the commemoration. To continue this momentum, CCEC Chair Brad Hoey said artists once again can celebrate America through Paint-A-Plug.

“Paint-A-Plug remains one of DeKalb’s most popular public art projects” said CCEC Chair Brad Hoey. “2026 is the second year that we are encouraging participants to integrate a patriotic or historical theme into their Paint-A-Plug project, and I am looking forward to seeing more of this creative and colorful art on display throughout the community.”

Some theme ideas include patriotism, independence, historic figures and achievements and celebrations of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

As a proud supporter of the arts, a downtown business has once again donated gift cards to help artists obtain supplies for their Paint-A-Plug. Helen’s Hair Designs and Spa is providing a $50 gift card to Gordon Hardware to the first five approved artists for the purchase of painting supplies.

Applications are now being accepted for Paint-A-Plug, which is open to artists of all skill levels. While encouraged, incorporation of an America 250 theme is not a requirement to participate. As in previous year’s, community members are welcome to submit designs using any theme that helps beautify DeKalb. The application can be found at cityofdekalb.com/paintaplug. The deadline for completing Paint-A-Plug projects is Nov 1.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

Artist Christine Perkovich stands next to her utility bx mural.

Utility Box Murals

DeKalb-area artists are invited to submit their paintings to be showcased as part of the community’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The DeKalb Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) is seeking local art submissions for the fifth round of the City’s popular utility box mural program. This year’s theme is America 250 DeKalb, the communitywide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“Public art has been a large part of the City’s efforts to enhance the quality of life in the DeKalb community over the past five years, and that continues this year as part of America 250 DeKalb,” said Mayor Cohen Barnes. “A new mural and lighting installation have already been approved by the City Council as America 250 DeKalb legacy projects, and we know DeKalb’s arts community will add more vibrant artwork to the commemoration through our utility box murals.”

Now in its fifth round, the utility box mural program uses digital photos of paintings by local artists to fabricate vinyl wraps. The wraps are installed on mundane utility boxes throughout DeKalb, turning them into pop-up murals.

This year, special consideration will be given to submissions reflecting the spirit of America 250 DeKalb. The initiative aims to build unity as the community works together on activities to commemorate the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

“The utility box art program is among the city’s most visible and popular public art initiatives," said CCEC Chair Brad Hoey. “I am excited that this year’s project is aligned with our America 250 DeKalb celebration, giving artists an opportunity to apply their talents in creating vibrant, patriotic showpieces that will be a part of our community’s landscape for years to come.”

Examples of possible themes are included in the Call for Artists, which also includes the online submission form. The Call for Artist can be viewed at cityofdekalb.com/1589/Utility-Box-Murals. Submissions of digital photos or scans of paintings by local artists will be accepted through May 13, 2026. Original digital artwork will also be considered.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

An American flag with homes and a blight sun behind it.

250 American Flags

DeKalb AMVETS Post 90 is encouraging 250 or more DeKalb residents that do not currently display an American Flag to put up a flag by July 4, 2026.

After you display your flag, please contact AMVETS member Frank Beierlotzer at ffb66@juno.com. A list is being created with the new American Flags being displayed in honor of our 250 years as America. Please send the address where the flag is displayed and when it was first displayed.

Also, send us a photo of your new flag to post: onedekalb250@gmail.com

And remember, any honorably discharged veteran or current military member may join DeKalb AMVETS Post 90 free for the first year of membership.

250 Trees for Tomorow

As part of our Nation's 250th Anniversary Celebration, DeKalb Township has committed to planting 250 trees in our community. The "250 Trees for Tomorrow" initiative is a multi-year program, that provides trees and shrubs at no cost to residents, businesses, non-profit organizations and other government bodies.

Those interested in obtaining free trees and/or shrubs as a part of this initiative must complete the "250 Trees for Tomorrow Request Form" and return it to the DeKalb Township. This form can be picked up at DeKalb Township or accessed using the link below. Completed forms should be returned to admin@dekalbtownship.org or 2323 S. 4th St. DeKalb, IL 60115.

2026 SPRING REQUEST FORM DEADLINE: MARCH 31. 2026 SPRING PICK-UP: APRIL 23-MAY 15, during business hours by appointment.

This project is made possible with the support of the Chicago Region Trees Initiatives (CRTI) & Morton Arboretum. Requests will be fulfilled in accordance with CRTI grant priorities and on a first-come, first-serve basis. For questions, please contact Kimberly at 815-758-8282.

Note: Trees must be planted within DeKalb Township boundaries but may not be planted in City parkways.

Blood Donation Challenge

Be a local hero by joining forces with the DeKalb American Legion Post #66, DeKalb Elks Lodge No. 765 and the City of DeKalb, as we attempt to raise 250 gallons of blood donations through the Red Cross! We are eager to set the standard for saving lives. We working diligently with the Red Cross to schedule the ongoing events throughout the year.

The Red Cross is currently facing a severe blood shortage. Blood donors are needed now! It only takes about 10 minutes to save a life! You can donate what you want, including any of the following; plasma, platelets, power red donation, or whole blood donation. Our donations will help so many lives both locally and nationwide!

Help support a very noble cause and celebrate America's 250th birthday by saving lives!