Discover Dixon

Guided Hiking Tours
2025-08-03 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-02 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Nachusa Grasslands Visitor Center, 2075 Lowden Road, Franklin Grove, IL, 61031, United States
Ready to explore wild Illinois? Join guided hiking tours, led by Nachusa Grasslands Interpreter, Heather Herakovich. From gentle strolls to challenging treks, explore diverse habitats, sandstone outcroppings, and the inspiring story of restoration in action. Discover the beauty and the wildlife that calls it home. For more information and to signup: www.nachusagrasslands.org/guidedhikes

Sweet Charity
2025-08-02 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-08-01 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-07-31 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-07-27 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-26 19:30 - 22:00 | The Dixon: Historic Theatre, 114 S Galena Ave., Dixon, IL, 61021, United States
Sweet Charity explores the turbulent love life of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopelessly romantic but comically unfortunate dance hall hostess in New York City. The musical features a score by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and a book by Neil Simon. With well-known songs like “Big Spender”, “If My Friends Could See Me Now”, “The Rhythm of Life”, and “Rich Man’s Frug”.

Find Waldo Local: Where's Waldo Party
2025-08-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Books on First, 202 W 1st Street, Dixon, IL, 61021, United States
Join us for the Where’s Waldo Celebration
25 opportunities to find Waldo in Dixon, find Waldo 20 times and have a chance to win grand prize.
Event is followed by celebration at Books on First on August 2nd!

CER LARP 2025 (Kingdom of Northbourne, North IL, USA)
2025-08-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Center, 613 River Ln, Dixon, IL, 61021, United States
You can RSVP here on Facebook or at CERLARP.com
Come participate in the 2025 CER LARP season.
The might of the North is Eternal.
CER is an local custom LARP system built from the ground up with emphasis on narrative, puzzle solving, and exciting combat. Normal campaign events (this one) is $5 paid in person before play; however as a new player your first session is FREE to participate in. (Planning on hitting the whole season? Ask about our season pass to prepay for the entirety of the year to save on dues.)
Come experience the thrill of live action role-playing in our monthly group. We are now actively recruiting for the 2024-25 season! CER provides a welcoming yet competitive entry to LARP. CER is a locally created and maintained game that is open to all new and seasoned role-players.
We request that players be ages 14+ unless accompanied by an adult. Loaner equipment will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Please bring LARP garb and equipment appropriate to the weather, plenty of water, and bug spray/sunblock!
First time players will need to be 18+ or have a legal guardian present to sign a waiver of liability with a valid photo ID.
The first portion of the session will be dedicated to new player registration and player shopping. The we will have announcement and a safety brief before our two-part roleplay/combat encounters.
NEW PLAYERS: YOUR FIRST SESSION IS FREE! And our free rulebook has all the information on how to start including what to expect from your first session and what you should wear. Please find the link below.
Our Rulebook and other links can be found at CERLARP.com

St. Anne Catholic School 3v3 Soccer Tournament
2025-08-02 | St Anne Catholic School, 1112 N Brinton Ave, Dixon, IL, 61021, United States
We are so excited for our 3rd annual 3v3 soccer tournament held on our St. Anne school campus. Save the date for August 2-3, 2025!
You can expect lots of soccer, fun and food for the whole family. Registration opens in May. Max 5 per team – $25 per player.
Follow along on our facebook event page! Email Cfiessinger@stanneschooldixon.org with any questions!

Lost Lake Community Blood Drive
2025-08-01 13:00 - 18:00 | Lost Lake Community’s Lake Court Center, 404 Lake Court, Dixon, I, 61021, United States
American red Cross Blood Drive held in Lost Lake Community at the Community Room: 404 Lake Ct, Dixon IL on August 1st from 1-6pm.
SEE ATTACHMENT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SIGN UP

Dixon Municipal Band Concert
2025-07-31 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-07-24 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-07-17 19:30 - 20:30 | Page Park Band Shell, Lincoln Statue Drive, Dixon, IL, 61021
The Dixon Municipal Band presents Summer Sounds 2025 on Thursday evening at the Page Park Band Shell at 7:30 PM.

Dixon Quartermania Fundraiser
2025-07-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Dixon Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Rd., Dixon, IL, 61021, United States
Quartermania is a cross between an auction and a raffle, where you “bid” a quarter to win a prize . When you check in, you will pick up a paddle which is used for bidding on the items you want to win. A chip with your paddle number is placed in the chip bucket. The vendor highlights their business and a product. If you would like to bid, you place one quarter per paddle in a basket,. THEN HOLD UP YOUR PADDLE(s) and wait for your number to be called! When your number is drawn and you have your paddle raised, you WIN that item! Vendors also have products for sale. Guests bring quarters & quarters are sold at the event. Organizations have many raffle items to win too. Come and join in this fun fundraiser! Funds are raised from the $5 donation per Paddle.

Country Line Dancing and Lessons
2025-07-28 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-07-21 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-07-14 17:30 - 20:30 | Mad Water Saloon, 321 W 1st St, Dixon, 61064, United States
Join us every Monday night at Mad Water Saloon for line dancing and lessons! Only $2 per dancer!
5:30pm-6pm is a more “intermediate” “advanced” class where we work on learning one challenging dance for 4-5 weeks
6:00-8:30pm is open dancing to all ages and levels. Children are welcome until 8pm with adults. Usually ages 8 and up do well with this class.
We have a lesson at 6:30 and another at 7:30 where you will be able to learn a full dance, step by step with instructor Rachel Young of Dixon Country Dancing. The rest of the open dance time you are welcome to hop in and try to catch on to any of the dances. We love having people come for parties, celebrations, or just get out of the house and meet new people!
Visit Dixon Country Dancing on Facebook or svdance.weebly.com

Rock River Riders Motorcycle Club Hillclimb
2025-07-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Rock River Riders Motorcycle Club, 6719 W Pines Rd, Oregon, I, 61061, United States
Donation at gate $15: 12 and under free.
Gates open at 9a.m.
Race starts at NOON
Enter into the bike show: Custom/Stock/ Vintage
Come Listen to the band 3 on the tree starts after hillclimb ends and runs until dusk.
Free tent camping the night before, concessions and vendors on site.
No pets, No kegs, No A.T.M.
To stay up to date on information follow us on facebook: Rock River Riders Motorcycle Club
website: https://rockriverridersmc.org/

Sweet Charity - RED CARPET OPENING
2025-07-25 19:30 - 22:00 | The Dixon: Historic Theatre, 114 S Galena Ave., Dixon, IL, 61021, United States

Shining Star Children's Advocacy Center Community Open House
2025-07-23 12:00 - 18:00 | 215 E 1st St. Suite 110 Dixon, IL 61021, 215 E 1st St. Suite 110, Dixon, 61021, United States
Join us on July 23rd from 12pm to 6pm for a community open house at Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center. Shining Star CAC serves children and families from Ogle and Lee counties who have been affected by child abuse. Attend our open house to learn more about the services we offer children and families, tour our center, and meet our staff.

Edible Art Workshop
2025-07-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Dixon Public Library, 221 S Hennepin Ave., Dixon, IL, 61021, United States
Get ready to turn your snacks into masterpieces. In this tasty session, youth ages 8-14, will explore their creativity with projects that are hands-on, imaginative and edible! Come ready to create, play, and enjoy some sweet treats along the way, including edible sand art, licorice perler beads, and gooey pudding slime. $10 per child covers all supplies. Register at go.illinois.edu/SummerEdibleArt

The 4 C Notes - Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Tribute
2025-07-19 19:30 - 22:00 | The Dixon: Historic Theatre, 114 S Galena Ave., Dixon, IL, 61021, United States
THE FOUR C NOTES are the Midwest’s ONLY tribute recreating the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons! THE FOUR C NOTES were created by John Michael Coppola best known for his appearance in Chicago’s long-running production of the Broadway smash hit JERSEY BOYS! The 90-minute show features everyone’s favorite hits: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You,” “Workin’ My way Back To You (Babe),” “Let’s Hang On,” “Oh, What A Night (December 1963)” and many, many more! Dressed in matching vintage outfits, with smart 50s/60s-guy-group-inspired moves and Mr. Coppola’s legitimate, in-depth knowledge of this music, THE FOUR C NOTES give an authenticity to their performance that similar tribute groups simply cannot match … ANYWHERE!

Guided Hiking Tours
2025-07-18 10:00 - 2025-07-27 19:00
Join Nachusa Grasslands summer interpreter, Heather Herakovich, on hikes exploring preserve areas outside the bison units. Learn about our flora and fauna, management practices, and ways you can become involved in our efforts.
The hikes are free of charge, but we do ask that you sign up. For more information and to signup: www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945AFA82BAAFB6-nachusa9#/

Branding and Social Media Marketing Workshop
2025-07-16 08:30 - 10:00 | Mad Water Saloon, 321 W 1st St, Dixon, 61064, United States
Looking to up your branding and social media game for your business? Not sure where to start? Haven’t even started yet?
No matter where you’re starting from, make sure you join Discover Dixon for a 2-part workshop led by Lucas Pauley, Discover Dixon’s Marketing Director, and Hannah Wilson, owner of Rack City Thrift Shoppe, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 at Mad Water Saloon, 321 W. First St.
Part 1: Lucas Pauley, Discover Dixon Marketing Director
Get started with unlocking the full potential of your brand as Lucas leads a presentation exploring the importance of branding, how to create a brand identity, and why consistency matters. Learn how a strong brand sets the tone for every customer interaction – whether online, in-store, or beyond.
Part 2: Hannah Wilson, Rack City Thrift Shoppe Owner
Next, you’ll take a deep dive into the power of brand voice with a local social media standout. As the owner of Rack City Thrift Shoppe in Dixon, Hannah has built a loyal following through bold, authentic storytelling and clever content. She’ll walk us through how to define what makes your business different, maintain consistency across platforms, and bring your brand to life through social media.

Growing Through Grief - Rock River Hospice & Home Support Group
2025-07-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Rock River Hospice & Home, 2706 Ave E. Sterling, IL 61081, Sterling, I, 61081, United States
This group meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at Rock River Hospice & Home from 5-6:30pm and is led by our compassionate Social Worker and Bereavement Coordinator.
Growing Through Grief provides a safe, supportive space for individuals coping with loss. Together, participants can:
💚 Share experiences
💚 Connect with others who understand
💚 Find healing through shared understanding and guidance
If you or someone you know could benefit from this group, we encourage you to join us. You don’t have to walk through grief alone—let’s grow together.
For more information, feel free to reach out to us!
Call or email to RSVP 815-625-3858 or hospicecares@hospicerockriver.org

Puppy Pals Live-The Action-Packed Comedic Stunt Dog Show as seen on America's Got Talent
2025-07-13 16:30 - 18:30 | The Dixon: Historic Theatre, 114 S Galena Ave., Dixon, IL, 61021, United States
Puppy Pals Live – The Action-Packed Comedic Stunt Dog Show is a hilarious presentation for the whole family and the dog lover in all of us, the spectacle stars mostly rescued dogs. From shelters to showbiz, these pooches perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. These su-PAW-stars will melt your heart and blow you away all at once. This is not only a show but a family FUN experience for children of all ages.
