Things 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.
- 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.
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
- Corn Fest: DeKalb's annual end-of-summer festival includes many games, performances, educational demonstrations and of course, corn.
- Kite Fest: Enjoy a picnic and watch the kites fly or fly one yourself at this yearly festival. Visit the DeKalb Park District for more information.
- Sycamore Pumpkin Festival: Sycamore's annual Pumpkin Festival celebrates fall with a parade, carnival and pumpkin carving contest.
- STEM Fest: The Midwest's premier festival celebrating science, technology, engineering and math, STEM Fest features hundreds of hands-on exhibits, contests and activities. The event is free and held on NIU's campus.
Parks and Nature
- NIU Adventures plans fun opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, from bike rides in local parks to trips to national parks.
- The DeKalb Park District offers a range of facilities and amenities, including biking and walking trails, special events and concerts, and plenty of places to relax with a book.
- Katz Dog Park is an off-leash dog park with an 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. The shuttle picks up and drops off passengers at Locust Street and Normal Road, with additional stops in downtown DeKalb and Cortland.
Explore More Food Options
The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau provides an overview of local restaurants, coffee shops, food trucks and more. You’ll find a variety of flavors in DeKalb and nearby communities.
Huskie Spotlight
“Cast Iron Coffee has become one of my favorite places near campus to get a coffee and work on homework or meet a friend.”Katie Wargowsky,
meteorology major
Keep Exploring
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