Attend Earth Fest
Free, Fun, Festive, Family-Friendly!
April 11, 2026
NIU Founders Memorial Library (free parking)
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free & open to all
What to Expect
Schedule Snapshot
10–11 AM: Vendor Meet & Greet (vendors only)
11–12:15 PM: Welcome + Keynote
12:15–1 PM: Expo, food, Science on the Sphere
1–3 PM: Concurrent Sessions + Youth Activities
Featured Highlights
Keynote: Post Landfill Action Network
A national leader connecting waste, climate, and justice, PLAN will explore why waste is a climate issue — and what individuals and communities can do about it, from everyday choices to collective action.
Hands-On Learning: Edible Campus
Learn how to get started with food gardening and hydroponics through NIU’s Edible Campus initiative, bringing practical, accessible growing techniques to campus and community.Community Spotlight: Sag Moraine Native Plant Community
Locally loved educators and creators focused on restoring life-supporting habitat one native plant at a time, Sag Moraine is inspiring a grassroots movement toward healthier urban ecosystems across Northern Illinois.Meet the NIU Huskie Hail Hunter
See the real research truck used by NIU scientists to study extreme hailstorms. This modified Ford F-150 helps researchers collect data during severe weather events, giving our region better insight into changing storm patterns and climate impacts. Interactive. Up close. Very cool.Meet Mission Pup
Beloved NIU huskie Mission will be at the DeCarbon DeKalb selfie station 12:30-1:30pm!
NIU STEAM: Bringing Sustainability to Life
Learn how to incorporate hands-on sustainability programming into your classroom, organization, nonprofit, or business. NIU STEAM educators will share practical tools, lesson ideas, and real-world examples that make climate learning interactive, accessible, and action-oriented. If you work with youth, community groups, or teams, this session is not to be missed.
Youth Activities Room packed with free crafts and projects
Free Trees, Free Native Plants, & an Introduction to Microforests
City of DeKalb Citizens Environmental Commission STARR Awards
Environmental Art Installations
Community Resource Expo with 50+ community orgs
Food Trucks, Cash Bar, & Live DJ
Full Schedule
Let us know you’re coming!
The Earth Fest gallery will appear here when the event starts!
We’ll see you there!
Saturday, April 11, 2026
NIU Founders Memorial Library
217 Normal Road
DeKalb, IL
Free, accessible parking!
Earth Fest Gear (New This Year!)
For the first time, Earth Fest gear is here - a small, eco-friendly collection designed to be used long after the event. Pre-order now and pick up on April 11.
FAQ
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DeKalb County Earth Fest is a free, family-friendly community festival celebrating local climate action. Hosted by DeCarbon DeKalb and co-presented by NIU Sustainability, Earth Fest brings together neighbors, local experts, youth voices, food, art, and practical solutions for a healthier, more resilient DeKalb County.
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Saturday, April 11, 2026
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
NIU Founders Memorial Library, DeKalb, IL -
Yes. Earth Fest is completely free and open to the public. Sponsorships and donations help keep the event accessible to everyone.
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Everyone is welcome. Earth Fest is designed for all ages and backgrounds, whether you’re deeply engaged in climate work or just starting to get curious.
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No. Earth Fest is nonpartisan and community-focused. The event centers practical, locally relevant climate solutions.
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Registration is encouraged but not required. RSVPing helps us plan, but walk-ins are welcome.
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Absolutely. Earth Fest includes youth activities, family programming, and hands-on learning for all ages.
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You can expect:
Inspiring speakers and local experts
Hands-on sessions on energy, food systems, and land stewardship
A community expo with 50+ local vendors and partners
Youth activities and family programming
Food, art, science, and connection
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Yes. NIU Founders Memorial Library is an accessible venue. If you have specific access needs, please contact us at hello@decarbondekalb.com
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Vendors include nonprofits, businesses, educators, artists, and organizations connected to sustainability, energy, food systems, land stewardship, education, health, and community wellbeing.
If you’re unsure whether you’re a fit, we’re happy to talk.
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We expect 1,000+ attendees throughout the day.
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All vendors are invited to a dedicated Vendor Meet & Greet from 10–11 AM, before the event opens to the public.
This is a relaxed hour for vendors to connect, share ideas, and explore collaborations. This is new and we anticipate it will become one of the most valuable parts of Earth Fest.
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Vendor setup takes place during the Vendor Meet & Greet hour (10–11 AM). Vendors should be fully set up by 11:00 AM.
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Yes. Vendors may sell products, share information, collect sign-ups, and engage attendees, as long as activities align with Earth Fest’s respectful, community-centered atmosphere.
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There’s a suggested donation of $25/table for nonprofits and $50/table for businesses. If cost is a barrier, please reach out; we aim to be accessible.
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Sponsors help keep Earth Fest free and accessible while supporting youth programming, local education, and community resilience. Sponsors are recognized as partners in local climate adaptation.
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Sponsorship tiers include:
Bronze: $250–$499
Silver: $500–$999
Gold: $1,000–$1,499
Platinum: $5,000–$9,999
Lithium: $10,000+
Naming opportunities are available at higher levels.
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Depending on level, recognition may include:
Logo placement on the website and event materials
On-site signage
Mentions in emails and social media
Verbal acknowledgment during the event
We’re happy to tailor benefits to align with sponsor goals.
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Yes. Many sponsors choose to combine sponsorship with a vendor or information table. Options vary by level and space availability.
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Absolutely. Donations support Earth Fest and DeCarbon DeKalb’s year-round work, helping extend the event’s impact beyond a single day.
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Yes. DeCarbon DeKalb is a registered nonprofit, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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Yes. We offer one-time, monthly, and annual giving options. Monthly gifts help provide steady support for year-round community work.
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Yes. Photography and video coverage are welcome. Media should check in at the main entrance on the day of the event.
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You can:
Attend DeCarbon Dialogues
Volunteer
Partner through your organization
Stay connected through our newsletter
Reach out anytime at hello@decarbondekalb.com.
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Reach out to us at hello@decarbondekalb.com!