You’ve survived the school week! If you’re looking for something to do in DeKalb before your spring break plans, here are some ideas on what to do this Friday. 

Visit the Ellwood Mansion

DeKalb is rich in history. If you’re interested in learning more about it or just want to walk around a beautiful historic home, you can book a tour of the Ellwood Mansion, 420 Linden Place.

Tours run from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday. You can call and book a tour at 815-756-4609 or book online. Tours usually last about 60 to 90 minutes, according to the Ellwood House Museum’s website. If you don’t want to stay that long, the visitor gallery is open from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. That way you can still check it out if you’re short on time. 

Get active or watch women’s basketball

The NIU Recreation center, 325 N Annie Glidden Road, offers free fitness classes for students every Friday at 4 p.m. All you have to do is show up and bring your OneCard. This Friday’s class is called “Glutes, Core & More.” The class will be held in Studio A, but students can also join virtually, according to the event page. 

Every Friday is a different class, so if this Friday’s class doesn’t sound appealing, you can check the list of future free fitness Friday classes on the NIU website.

If you like the idea of a fitness Friday afternoon but would rather watch someone else do it, tune into the women’s basketball semifinals. You can stream the game on ESPN+, find the link on the NIU website. 

Jerk Fusion Bar and Grill College Night 

Jerk Fusion, 930 Pappas Drive, hosts college nights every Friday for current students, said Brian Reynolds, owner and head security of 1st Choice Security. 

“We will be at each event, making sure everyone is safe and helping to make sure everyone has an enjoyable time,” Reynolds said. 

The event starts every Friday at 9 p.m. and ends at 2 a.m.  The restaurant is a quick walk from the Grant, Stevenson and New Hall dorms, but you can also take the 2L or 2R bus. 

This is a 21+ event so if you’re underage but still want to get out, check out Star Worlds Arcade, 1234 East Lincoln Highway. This arcade has a huge variety of both modern and vintage arcade games and has a bunch of cool decor and novelty items to look around at. The arcade rotates their games so you don’t get bored and can continue visiting to try out all the games. The arcade is open from 3 to 11 p.m. on Friday. 

No matter what you decide to do, enjoy your Friday and the rest of your weekend.