Events in Dixon, IL

A ten year milestone is being marked with a weekend community gathering at a cozy cabin setting, offering shared meals, wellness sessions, creative activities, and time outdoors. Participants can camp for $200 per person by bringing their own tent and gear, or opt for a sleeping space in the cabin for $250 per person. An option to attend for the day is available for $85. Everyone brings their own food and drinks to contribute to communal meals. Across the weekend, expect yoga, sound healing, crystals, ceremony, music, crafts, dancing, kayaking, a raffle, friendly connections, and a few surprises. The flow includes arrival and setup, shared breakfasts and dinners, evenings by the bonfire with an opening circle for intentions, and a closing meditation and circle. Featured offerings include Kundalini Yoga and the gong with Laura and Jenny, manifesting with oracle cards and Reiki healing with Jenny, an intention craft with Amy, a healing circle with Laura, and a triple sound healing with Becky, Monika, and Jenny. Children are welcome with supervision, and family rates are available. Attendees bring their own essentials for a restorative and festive cabin weekend.

Experience a festive faire at Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center filled with merriment and revelry. Enjoy live performances, food trucks, and artisan vendors offering handmade wares. Encounter Vikings and royalty, see horses and jesters, take in lively dancing, and explore the castle on tours, with more to discover. Admission is $10 per person, children under 12 are $5, and children under 5 are admitted free.

This concert spotlights two genre-bending acts. From Toledo, Ohio, Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder shape a family-rooted sound that unites gospel tradition with bluesy riffs, tight grooves, and soul. Nikki D’s steel guitar, drawing comparisons to Jimi Hendrix within the sacred steel world, sings with expressive, voice-like lines, while her raspy, sultry vocals blend with family harmonies to create music that is both spiritual and full of momentum. Classical Blast brings a different fusion, recasting works by Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and more through the power of rock and metal. Their arrangements sometimes fold in original lyrics and orchestral textures, flowing from classical masterpieces to classic rock favorites. With inventive mashups and standout musicianship, they give well-known pieces a fresh spark and an energetic new context.

At First Presbyterian Church of Dixon, Illinois, Certified Instructor for Quiltworx Patterns Shauna Heck leads a class on the Hopscotch pattern. Information about supplies and costs will be announced soon. She will also present a trunk show at the regular meeting.

First Presbyterian Church of Dixon, Illinois hosts the monthly meeting, where attendees are encouraged to bring Show and Tell. The program features a trunk show by Shauna Heck, Certified Quiltworx Instructor, and there will also be a workshop led by Shauna. Look for sewing-themed inspiration for this month’s Post Card Challenge, and continue making fidget quilts for the charity project.

This exhibit welcomes Sauk Valley area seniors and the caregivers who support them. Attendees can explore numerous displays offering guidance on healthcare providers, caregiver resources, retirement planning, insurance coverage, long term care, nutrition, and other topics of interest to older adults and their caregivers. Vendor opportunities are available, and registration information is provided.

Grass Attack delivers a lively mix of newgrass and traditional bluegrass, putting a bluegrass twist on familiar songs while also spotlighting time-honored standards. The band appears across Northern Illinois, Iowa, and Southern Wisconsin at regional festivals, fairs, community park shows, and at wineries and breweries. They have two albums available to stream or purchase. The lineup features Randy Tackett on guitar with lead vocals, Jeff Wagner on banjo with lead and harmony vocals, Liz Wagner on mandolin with lead and harmony vocals, Rick Nolting on upright and electric bass with harmony vocals, and Laura Lanza on fiddle and other instruments as needed along with lead and harmony vocals.

Atrophy brings decades of thrash pedigree to the stage. The band began in 1986 under the name Heresy and made an early impact with core members Chris Lykins, James Gulotta, and Brian Zimmerman, later adding Tim Kelly and Rick Skowron. They released Socialized Hate in 1988 and Violent by Nature in 1990 on Roadrunner Records and toured throughout the U.S. and Europe with Slayer, Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies, Testament, Sacred Reich, and Venom. After lineup changes and the departure of Lykins in 1990, momentum waned, and the group disbanded by 1993. A revival arrived in 2015 when Zimmerman, Gulotta, and Kelly regrouped with new guitarists Casper Garret and Rich Olsen, with Bobby Stein later taking over on guitar. Honoring their roots while progressing, they delivered a third album, Asylum, in 2024 and are already writing material for a fourth release. Live, the group is known for blistering riffs, tight percussion, and unrelenting intensity, offering a high-energy experience for longtime followers and new listeners alike.

A dual celebration honors Jay’s 50th and marks what would have been John Prine’s 80th birthday. Jay Vonn performs a full set of John Prine songs, followed by a performance from SunDawgs.

At The Dixon: Historic Theatre, Take It Easy, a tribute to the Eagles, appears alongside Ain't That America, a John Cougar Mellencamp tribute. This double bill shares one stage for a concert dedicated to the music of both artists.

A back-to-back tribute showcase salutes two pillars of American rock, pairing Take It Easy with Ain’t That America for a full evening of Eagles and John Mellencamp classics. Take It Easy recreates the band’s trademark harmonies, storytelling, and guitar interplay with favorites drawn from across the Eagles catalog, from early staples like Witchy Woman to anthems such as Hotel California, and it also includes solo material from members of the group. Ain’t That America traces John Mellencamp’s path from his Johnny Cougar beginnings to heartland mainstay, shaped by concerts that inspired creator Eric Reese in 1992. The set features career highlights including Jack and Diane, Hurts So Good, and Minutes to Memories, supported by dynamic sound, lighting, and visuals that bring the songs’ spirit to life. Together these tributes deliver a spirited tour of rock history that resonates with lifelong followers and first-time listeners alike.

An open air market at Woodhaven Lakes will feature vendors lining the path from the Rec Plex to the General Store, creating a continuous route of booths to explore. Shoppers can browse a wide mix of goods, including household items such as candles, handmade jewelry, and a variety of tasty treats, with plenty of chances to uncover something unexpected.

Explore Ogle County’s farming community at a self-paced tour of ten family farms where you choose your route. Visit one stop or see them all while you wander, taste, and learn about the people who grow your food. The event takes place rain or shine. Admission is free, and bringing cash is encouraged for picking up farm-fresh treats and other items. Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Start by grabbing a passport at your first stop, follow the instructions, then turn it in at your final stop for a chance to win a prize from a participating farm. You do not need to visit every location to enter, but be sure to include your contact information. New signs at host farms will list the address and include a QR code for Google Maps directions. For reasonable accommodations, call the Ogle County Extension office at 815-732-2191. Hosted by the Ogle County Master Gardeners with printing support from Compeer Financial and Stillman Bank.

Back for another year, this event features a Trunk or Treat for children, a concession stand, and free indoor games and activities. Kid friendly rides are offered for $5 per person. Later on, teens and adults can take Haunted Wagon Rides and participate in additional indoor activities, with a concession stand available. Those interested in setting up a trunk for the Trunk or Treat are welcome to get in touch. For questions, contact Paula at 815-631-7203.

Heavy metal roars into the Dixon Historic Theatre with a double tribute to the genre’s trailblazers. Sabbath, The Complete Black Sabbath Experience, journeys through the Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio years, delivering the brooding tone, theatrical presence, and signature riffs from albums like Paranoid, Sabotage, and Heaven & Hell. Reign in Blood amplifies the night with a salute to Slayer, bringing blistering speed, unrelenting intensity, and the raw energy that defines classic thrash. It is a single powerhouse evening devoted to Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, and Slayer inside the theatre’s historic 1922 setting. Tickets range from $20 to $72.

Almost Queen brings the spirit of Queen to the stage, capturing the feel of the original band with a high-voltage show. This four-piece delivers tight four-part harmonies, meticulous playing, and polished instrumental passages, paired with period-accurate costumes, confident stagecraft, and palpable live energy that nod to Freddie Mercury’s vocals and Brian May’s guitar work. The set reaches from blockbuster anthems to rarities, with sing-along favorites like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Somebody to Love, and Don’t Stop Me Now alongside deeper cuts such as Flash, Spread Your Wings, and Love of My Life. Celebrating 20 years together, the group also highlights its first original single, Almost, a tribute to the tribute tradition, issued on 7-inch vinyl and accompanied by a music video. Fans often praise the formidable musicianship, layered harmonies, and faithful recreation of Queen’s legendary live shows, with many traveling far and returning for more. The result is an immersive rock spectacle that celebrates Queen’s catalog in vivid detail.

Presented by Mosaic Theatre Troupe in collaboration with The Dixon Historic Theatre, this live shadow cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show brings the 1975 cult musical horror comedy to life on stage. Performers in screen-accurate costumes act in real time directly in front of the film, lip-syncing to the original audio, using props, and mirroring each scene beat for beat. Brad, Janet, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and their outrageous entourage appear both on screen and in front of it, turning the movie into a full theatrical experience. This interactive, immersive event spotlights the film’s satirical nods to classic B-movies, its unforgettable songs, and its larger-than-life characters. Whether you know every line or are brand new to the phenomenon, look forward to laughs, music, and the midnight-screening energy that has made Rocky Horror a cultural favorite for decades.

Relive the raw spirit of the early ’90s as Something in the Way brings an acoustic grunge set inspired by Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and Alice in Chains. Expect a throwback to 1993 in a space built for live performance, with the band traveling west to share this sound in the heart of Lee County. Casual attire works, and ’90s-themed outfits fit the mood for a night made for costumes and nostalgia. High energy and a focused tribute to the era’s defining songs set the tone throughout the show.

At First Presbyterian Church of Dixon, Illinois, the regular monthly meeting features Show and Tell, giving attendees a chance to share their latest creations. Georgianna and Roxanne will lead a program and workshop focused on bag making. A Harvest-themed Post Card Challenge invites seasonal inspiration, and the charity effort continues with the making of fidget quilts. More details will be shared soon.

Enjoy a multi day crop at Days Inn in Rock Falls, Illinois, with two registration options priced at $75 or $90. Capacity is limited to 50 participants, and spots are confirmed in the order payments are received. All payments are nonrefundable. Registration includes a 6 foot table and chair, a door gift, and access to games and prizes. Attendees are responsible for booking their own hotel rooms, and a room block under Sister's Scrapbooking will be available at block rates. Be ready for changing room temperatures and bring a jacket, as heaters are not permitted. Food is not provided. For safety and space, side tables and wagons are not allowed, and wagons cannot be left set up or in the crop rooms. Keep personal items beside you, not in front of or beside tables, and keep the floor area clear to prevent tripping. For questions, call 815-499-0113.

Andy Braun brings folk rock favorites and singer songwriter selections to Mullarkey's Bar & Grill, drawing from the 1950s through today. The set features well known songs associated with Johnny Cash, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Beatles, Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty, Elvis Presley, and Neil Young, along with original material from his albums Shameless Attempts and 22, which are available on major streaming platforms.

Duelist Guild offers practical combat and martial training for LARP enthusiasts, centered on boffer fighting, controlled sparring, weapon work, armor familiarity, group tactics, and other skill-building exercises. Sessions emphasize movement, experimentation, and fitness in a relaxed setting outside of formal events, whether you are just picking up a boffer or honing techniques you have used for years. Participants are encouraged to wear athletic clothing and shoes with non-marking soles, bring water, and bring their boffer gear. A streamlined tag-based ruleset will be used in place of the standard CER rules, and equipment or methods from other systems are welcome. Partners are expected to match intensity by mutual agreement to keep the experience safe and respectful for everyone.

Now in its fourth year, this book fair brings together authors and readers to explore titles in mystery, romance, children’s, history, young adult, and other genres. For details about the fair or to request an application to display a book, call 815-595-5810 or email info@cmaaa.org.

Train with CER's Duelist Guild in a low-pressure practice centered on the physical side of LARP. Activities include boffer sparring, weapon drills, armor work, group tactics, and other combat exercises to build skills and get some movement outside of regular events. New and experienced LARPers are welcome. Wear athletic clothing and non-marking shoes, and bring water and your boffer weapons. Simplified tag rules are used in place of the full CER rules. Gear and techniques from other systems are welcome, and partners should agree on and match intensity.

Experience a surge of holiday spirit as a powerhouse ensemble of classically trained musicians reshapes beloved seasonal songs with a rock opera edge. Stunning costumes, precision choreography, and a full visual package of lasers and fog turn the stage into a theatrical winter wonderland. The performance moves from soaring vocals to thunderous instrumentals, pairing technical mastery with show‑stopping flair for a high‑energy night of music and spectacle. Designed for families and friends alike, it offers a fresh take on Christmas favorites and blends musical excellence with a festive, feel‑good atmosphere. Expect to leave immersed in the sound and lights, humming along, and carrying a renewed sense of cheer.

Taking place alongside the Oregon Candlelight Walk, this sip and shop vendor fair brings together a variety of vendors offering gift ideas for the people you care about. Drinks will be available for purchase from River’s Edge Experience while you browse.

Mother of All Duos performs live at TIPSY HOG with a set of classic rock favorites. The show highlights well known songs from the genre, delivering a familiar soundtrack for fans of timeless rock music.

Train with the Duelist Guild at a boffer-focused practice that highlights the physical side of LARP. Sessions feature sparring, weapon drills, armor work, group tactics, and other combat-centered exercises. Newcomers and longtime participants are welcome. The aim is to learn, experiment, and get a solid workout in a relaxed setting outside of regular events. Come ready with athletic clothing, your boffer weapons, water, and shoes that will not leave marks. Simple tag-based rules will be used rather than the full CER rules, gear and techniques from other systems are fine, and partners should agree on a comfortable level of intensity.