What to Do in DeKalb
One of the best parts of college can be discovering exciting things to do in a new town. DeKalb and its surrounding communities have a lot to offer, including hidden gems known only by locals. Whether you’re venturing out for the afternoon or a night on the town, there’s something close by to keep you entertained. Visit our interactive map for a comprehensive listing of local businesses.
Fun and Games
- Star Worlds Arcade in DeKalb is a game lover’s dream. They keep the games in great condition, and there’s always something new to play.
- Fargo Indoor Skatepark and Skate Shop, located in a historic downtown DeKalb building, is the place to ride and shop for gear.
- The Huskie Den offers bowling and billiards on campus. Or head over to DeKalb’s Mardi Gras Lanes or Sycamore’s Four Seasons Sports.
Local Flavors
- Barb City Bagels in downtown DeKalb and The Junction Eating Place on Lincoln Highway are family-owned establishments that offer a small-town atmosphere with great food and service.
- Old School Pizza, located in an old school building in nearby Malta, is a one-of-a-kind pizzeria with tasty eats and iconic pop culture décor.
- Insomnia Cookies in downtown DeKalb has the sugary treats you crave, even when it’s late. They’re open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
- The DeKalb Farmers’ Market brings locally grown produce, bread, baked goods, olive oil, honey, coffee, flowers, food trucks and live music to downtown DeKalb every Thursday from June to September. The Sycamore Farmers’ Market provides locally grown produce every Tuesday afternoon from June through September.
The DeKalb Foodie Guide (PDF) and the DeKalb Foodie Map provide an overview of all the tasty places to visit in town. You can browse for ethnic options, places that provide delivery, restaurants that are open late, and places that are found exclusively in DeKalb.
Concerts and Shows
- The historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb hosts music performances, comedy shows, theater productions and more.
- Stagecoach Players, DeKalb’s community theater company, brings stories to life on stage. Their performances typically take place Thursday through Sunday.
- College of Visual and Performing Arts events, such as concerts and theater productions, are free for students. See a show and support your fellow Huskies.
Annual Festivals
- CornFest– DeKalb's annual end-of-summer festival includes many games, performances, educational demonstrations, and of course, corn.
- KiteFest– Enjoy a picnic and watch the kites fly or fly one yourself at this yearly fall festival.
- Sycamore Pumpkin Festival – Sycamore's annual Pumpkin Festival celebrates fall with a parade, carnival and pumpkin carving contest.
- Reality Bytes Film Festival – Short fiction films and documentaries are accepted for submission into the festival from high school, undergraduate and graduate students from across the United States and around the world. Local residents are invited to watch the films during the three-night celebration each April.
- STEMFest – The Midwest's premier festival celebrating science, technology, engineering and math, NIU's STEMFest features hundreds of hands-on exhibits, contests and activities. STEMfest is free and held on NIU's campus.
Parks and Nature
- Outdoor Adventures plans fun opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, from bike rides in local parks to trips to national parks.
- The DeKalb Park District has something for everyone, including biking and walking trails, special events and concerts, and plenty of places to relax with a book.
- Katz Dog Park, is a off-leash dog park with adjacent playground, skate park and softball field. There's something for everyone, including your furry friends.
Looking to Get Out of DeKalb for a Day or Weekend?
Our Huskie Bus Line provides daily shuttle service to the Elburn Metra Station, providing you with quick and easy train access to Chicago and the western suburbs. Tickets are $1 for NIU students with an NIU OneCard. The shuttle picks up and drops off passengers at the DuSable turnaround, with additional stops in downtown DeKalb and Cortland.
Have a Question?
Take a look at frequently asked questions about getting involved.