Opened in 1929, the Egyptian Theatre is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is named one of the Top 20 Architectural Treasures in the State of Illinois. Once one of over one hundred Egyptian Theatres in the country, today it is one of only seven remaining in the US and is the only one east of the Rocky Mountains. Visit our history page to learn more. Check out the upcoming events or more information here: https://egyptiantheatre.org/
The Ellwood House Museum is a historic site situated on ten acres of parkland in the heart of DeKalb, Illinois. The museum campus consists of seven historic structures, including the 1879 Ellwood Mansion and 1900 Ellcourt House, four gardens, and 6,000 square feet of exhibit space in the Patience Ellwood Towle Visitor Center, a converted and expanded 1912 multi-car garage. Originally built for barbed wire entrepreneur Isaac Ellwood, the Mansion was home to three generations of the Ellwood family from 1879 to 1965. In 1965, the Ellwood Mansion was given to the DeKalb Park District by Mrs. May Ellwood and her three children. In 2011, Mrs. Shirley Nehring donated the Ellcourt House to the non-profit Ellwood House Association, Inc. Today the Ellwood House Association and the DeKalb Park District operate the entire site as a museum.
Music at the Mansion Free concerts at 7pm on select Wednesdays at the Ellwood House! Summer nights in DeKalb just got a whole lot better! Join DeKalb Park District for FREE music, good vibes, and great company on select Wednesday evenings this summer with Music at the Mansion. Bring your blankets, chairs, and dancing shoes – it’s going to be a blast! Plus, don’t miss out on the Bags Tournament on June 12 and 19.
DeKalb Municipal Band Concerts Concerts begin at 7:30 pm at the Dee Palmer Bandshell in Hopkins Park • FREE! Join the DeKalb Park District for the 170th season of DeKalb Municipal Band Concerts on select Tuesday nights this summer!Visit dekalbparkdistrict.com/calendar for featured vocalists and more concert details. No concert on Tuesday, July 2, but join them for the Star-Spangled Spectacular on July 4 in Hopkins Park as part of the annual Fourth of July Celebration! June 11 – Opening Night! Vocalist: Gavin Wilson June 18 – Vocalist: Jill McCormick June 25 – A Trip to the Theater – Vocalist: Maureen Christine July 4 – The Star Spangled Spectacular – Vocalist: Christine Monteiro July 9 – Vocalist: Mark Robinson July 16 – Vocalist: Jordan Pedigo July 23 – Cinemagic – Vocalist: Terri Goodman July 30 – Vocalist: Bethany Brewer August 6 – A Musical Journey – Vocalist: Gregor King August 13 – Vocalist: Deanna Tausch August 20 – Closing night – Vocalist: Zachary Harris
Historic McCabe’s Set to Reopen in May After 26 Years! If you live in DeKalb or even if you are just visiting you most likely have seen the beautiful and historic McCabe’s building in the heart of downtown. It’s four story intricate façade is an eye-catching element of the downtown area.  The building was first built in 1884 the building has been through many different owners and stages in its history. It was a bank, an Ace Hardware, but most notably it was McCabe’s Nightclub. McCabe’s opened in 1933 (not at the current location) and quickly became a beloved gathering spot for the community. After its closure, McCabe’s remained a cherished memory for many, with many still talking about its legendary nights of years past. But now, the wait is finally over! After being for sale for more than two decades the building was purchased on 12/28/2023 $618,500 and is now under Galindo management  From our sources we are not sure if McCabe’s will be used the same as it used to be. We know that it will be used as a venue space hosting music, receptions, and private events. We don’t however know if it will be open to the public as a bar and nightclub like it once was. The reopening of McCabe’s is not just a celebration for the locals; it’s a testament of the enduring spirit of community. The return of this iconic venue will undoubtedly create new memories in DeKalb.  So come back here soon and we will keep you up to date on future news of McCabe’s.
#DeKalbLife Anniversary Giveaway Celebrate #DeKalbLife‘s anniversary with us and enter to win one of two amazing prize baskets filled with goodies from local businesses. It’s totally free and super simple to enter! Don’t miss out! Each basket has a total value of $165. How to enter Simply post a picture on your profile of a place, event, or anything that you love about DeKalb, tag @dekalblife, use #dekalblife, and comment on this post. You are also able to enter on Instagram, Threads, and X. Rules!! * You must be following @dekalblife * You can’t enter more than once * Businesses aren’t allowed to enter this giveaway * If using Facebook you must post to your profile publicly and not in this group. * You must enter from your personal account. * Giveaway ends 9/22/23 at 8:00pm
Take what you need garden at NIU The free garden behind Founders Memorial Library at NIU’s campus is a treasure trove of veggies and herbs. You can find tasty treats like tomatoes, peppers, sunflowers, basil, thyme, sage, and so much more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to grab what you need for your culinary adventures! 🌱🍅🌶️ As a busy college student, it can be challenging to find the time and money to buy fresh vegetables. That’s what makes the free garden behind Founders Library at NIU’s campus so perfect. It provides a convenient and cost-effective way for students to access fresh and nutritious produce. It’s a win-win situation! The Garden is located across from the visitor parking lot in the back yard area of the Founders Memorial Library.
Week of Welcome 2023! Hey there! Week of Welcome at NIU is just around the corner, and we’re super excited to share all the amazing events happening during this fun-filled week. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of the fantastic activities and festivities that you won’t want to miss. Get ready for an unforgettable week of connecting, exploring, and making lifelong memories at NIU’s Week of Welcome! Campfire Connections Jewel Jamboree Block Party More Info More Info More Info Late Night Movie Welcome Holmes Welcome Back Picnic More Info More Info More Info Lighting Ceremony First Day Photo Op More Info More Info Campfire Connections More Info Jewel Jamboree More Info Block Party More Info Late Night Movie More Info Welcome Holmes More Info Welcome Back Picnic More Info Lighting Ceremony More Info First Day Photo Op More Info
Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in DeKalb (In our opinion)#DeKalbLife 8/19/23 DeKalb, Illinois is home to many scenic places that showcase the beauty of the area.From picturesque parks to stunning natural landscapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 most beautiful places in DeKalb, where you can immerse yourself in the charm and tranquility of our lovely city. Let’s dive in and discover the hidden gems that DeKalb has to offer! #10 DeKalb Square Park 110 N. 4th St. DeKalb, IL DeKalb Square Park is a charming oasis in the heart of downtown. With its large, beautiful gazebo and a soothing fountain, it’s the perfect spot to spend an hour or two. The park also has a stunning flower garden, adding a burst of color and fragrance to the surroundings. It’s a picturesque location that invites you to enjoy the peaceful ambiance and maybe get a pic for Instagram as well. #9 Lions Park 700 W. Taylor St. DeKalb, IL Lion’s Park is a serene and picturesque destination that offers a delightful escape. As you walk along the winding path through old pine trees, you’ll be surrounded by a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. The park also offers stunning views of the nearby Kishwaukee River, allowing you to appreciate the peacefulness of the water. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy a leisurely stroll. #8 Hopkins Park 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL Hopkins Park is a serene haven with peaceful pathways that wind through the lush forest. As you stroll along these pathways, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature and the soothing sounds of the Kishwaukee River. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the outdoors. #7 Huntley Park 200 Prospect St. DeKalb, IL Huntley Park is a hidden gem nestled among tall trees. With its stone brick labyrinth, it offers a unique and meditative experience for visitors. The park also features stone benches where you can sit and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with nature. #6 Prairie Park 401 Clifford Dr. DeKalb, IL Prairie Park is a nature lover’s paradise! The 1.4-mile path that winds along the Kishwaukee River offers stunning views of both the prairie and the forest. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this park home. From turtles and deer to hawks and many more animals, you’re sure to have some incredible encounters with nature. Don’t forget your camera! #5 Ellwood House 420 Linden Place. DeKalb, IL The Ellwood House is a captivating historic site that offers a glimpse into the past. The centerpiece is the magnificent Ellwood House Mansion, a stunning architectural gem. Explore the museum to learn more about the rich history of the Ellwood family and their contributions to the community. Don’t miss the charming Doll’s House. Additionally, the Ellwood-Nehring House provides further insight into the family’s history. It’s a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking to appreciate the beauty of the past. #4 Zulauf Hall Rock Garden 250 University Circle. DeKalb, IL The rock garden outside of Zulauf Hall is a serene and less traveled area of campus where you can find peace and relaxation. With its carefully arranged rocks, it creates a peaceful atmosphere. The garden also features benches and picnic tables, providing the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Take a moment to unwind and enjoy a peaceful break in this serene outdoor space. #3 East Lagoon Castle Dr. DeKalb, IL The East lagoon is a picturesque greenspace that offers a delightful escape into nature right on NIU’s campus! The path that winds around the water allows you to fully immerse yourself in the serene surroundings. As you stroll along, you’ll come across charming islands, inviting bridges, and even a cozy fire pit where you can gather with friends or family. Keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife that calls this lagoon home. It’s the perfect place to unwind and connect with the beauty of the outdoors. #2 P.A. Nehring 380 Bethany Rd. Dekalb, IL P.A. Nehring Forest Preserve is a nature lover’s paradise! With its extensive network of trails, you can explore the lush forested area and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature right here in DeKalb! The shelter with a grill is perfect for picnics and cookouts, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a meal surrounded by the serene surroundings. Plus, it’s a great place to take your furry friend for a walk and let them enjoy the fresh air. Don’t miss the chance to experience the tranquility and natural beauty of P.A. Nehring Forest Preserve. #1 Afton Forest Preserve 13600 Crego Rd. Dekalb, IL Located just outside the city, Afton Forest Preserve is a nature lover’s dream come true! This stunning preserve offers a diverse range of landscapes, from enchanting forests to picturesque prairies, serene lakes, and meandering creeks. With its extensive trail system, you can explore every corner of this amazing preserve. Don’t forget to visit the lookout platform for great views of the surrounding beauty. The preserve also provides numerous shelters and picnic tables, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst nature’s splendor. Keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife, including deer, cranes, pheasants, and even beavers! A visit to Afton Forest Preserve is a must do experience that will leave you feeling connected to the wonders of the natural world. All photos used in this post are owned by #DeKalbLife.
