Burning Cicada Arts and Music Picnic Festival 2027

Burning Cicada Arts & Music Picnic Festival 2027

The Burning Cicada Arts & Music Picnic Festival returns to Hopkins Park in DeKalb, Illinois, on Saturday, September 18, 2027 for another free day of music, art, stories, participation, and community.

Burning Cicada is a little different from a traditional music festival. It is designed as a place to spend time together—to hear regional musicians and songwriters, encounter artists and makers, discover community organizations and resources, participate in creative experiences, hear the stories behind people’s work, or simply sit beneath the trees and enjoy an afternoon in the park.

Bring a picnic, blanket or lawn chair, family, friends, and curiosity. Come for a performance or stay for the day.

Throughout the festival, musicians, artists, community organizations, and guests share the same space. Some things are performed. Some are made in front of you. Some invite you to participate. And some of the most important moments may simply begin with meeting someone you did not know before you arrived.

Admission is free and no ticket is required.

Performers, artists, community partners, participatory activities, Live Stories, schedule information, and additional 2027 programming will be announced as the festival approaches.

Saturday, September 18, 2027

Hopkins Park • DeKalb, Illinois

FREE • Family Friendly • Open to All

Come listen. Come make something. Come meet somebody.

Or just bring a picnic. We’ll be glad you came.