Friday, August 5

5to11 p.m. Cost: $5/advance & $10/gate

Blues, Brews & BBQ’s

Location: Petersen Park, 4311 Lakewood Road, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: 815-482-8805 Website: www.mchenryrotarybluesbrewsandbbqs.com

There will be a variety of vendors including: Full Slab, Coyote Roadhouse BBQ, Uncle Bub’s BBQ, Richmond-Spring Grove Rotary Corn Roast and Riverside Chocolate Factory. Bands that will be playing are: John Todd, Kevin Purcell & the Nightburners, Mike Wheeler Band, Nu Blu Band, Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames, Fernando Jones Kids, Anthony Gomes and Vino Louden.

Friday, August 5

3 – 6:30 p.m.

LUREC Farm Stand Phone: 815-338-1032

Loyola University Retreat & Ecology Campus, 2710 S. Country Club Road,

Woodstock, IL 60098

They have tables full of organically grown fruit and vegetables from right there on their property. Colorful heirloom tomatoes, super-hot peppers, squash, beets, lettuce, cut herbs, eggplant, potatoes; whatever is ready to harvest will be available to you.  Freshly baked bread from their kitchen will also be available.

Friday, August 5

Gates open at 7 a.m. & close at 12 a.m.

McHenry County Fair Phone: 815-338-5315

McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock, IL 60098

Cost: $8/Adult 13 & up, $5/Seniors over 60, $5/Veterans with ID, $5/Children 6 – 12,  free/children 5 and under, a Season Pass good for all 5 days/$25

There is a Lip Sync Battle at the Entertainment Stage in the 4-H Food Tent at 5 p.m.  At 6 p.m. KTM Motocross will be held in the Grandstand. Grandstand tickets are $5 and Pit Passes are $10. After KTM Motocross is finished (around 9 p.m.), the band 7th Heavan will play at the Entertainment Stage. Admission is free.

Friday, August 5

6:30 – 8 p.m.

Hey Gorgeous! Take back your power! Cost: $25 includes refreshments & drinks

Sacred Mindscapes, 5435 Bull Valley Road, Suite 304, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: Tammy – 847-456-7695 or Carla – 423-313-4144 Website: http://sacredmindscapes.com

This workshop is for Self-Empowerment. Break the chains and take back your power. Presented by Marla E. Goldberg of Insightful Energy Therapy and Sacred Mindscapes. They will open with a grounding meditation and then empowerment strategies followed by questions and answers. They will close with a releasing and letting go meditation to take back your power.

Friday, August 5

7 – 8:30 p.m. FREE

First Friday Concerts at the Lost Valley Visitor Center

Glacial Park, the Lost Valley Visitor’s Center Patio, Route 31 & Harts Road,

Ringwood, IL

Phone: 815-338-6223 Website: www.mccdistrict.org

Bring a picnic dinner and lawn chairs or blanket. Then sit back and relax and enjoy the music of the Iris Isle String Ensemble. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be moved indoors. NO GLASS CONTAINERS! The site closes at 9 p.m.

Friday, August 5

8 – 11 p.m.

“[title of show] – Music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen, Book by Hunter Bell, Directed by Regina Bell-Daniels and Produced by the Williams Street Repertory

Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Cost: Starts at $32.50 Phone: 815-356-9212 Website: www.rauecenter.org

Jeff and Hunter, two struggling writers, hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the deadline for submissions is a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new with the help of their friends Susan, Heidi and Larry on the eighty-eights. With the cast in place, Jeff and Hunter begin a conversation about what to write about. Eventually, Jeff suggests they write about what to write about. They make a pact to write up until the festival’s deadline and dream about the show changing their lives. [title of show]—taken from the space on the festival’s application form, which asks for the [title of show]—follows Hunter and Jeff and their friends on their journey through the gauntlet of creative self-expression. In the span of 90 minutes they write and perform their show at the festival and learn lessons about themselves as people, friends and artists. [title of show] is, above all, a love letter to the musical theatre—a uniquely American art form—and to the joy of collaboration. The musical received a Tony Award®.

Saturday, August 6

4 – 11 p.m. Cost: $5/advance & $10/gate

Blues, Brews & BBQ’s

Petersen Park, 4311 Lakewood Road, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: 815-482-8805 Website: www.mchenryrotarybluesbrewsandbbqs.com

There will be a variety of vendors including: Full Slab, Coyote Roadhouse BBQ, Uncle Bub’s BBQ, Richmond-Spring Grove Rotary Corn Roast and Riverside Chocolate Factory. Bands that will be playing are: John Todd, Kevin Purcell & the Nightburners, Mike Wheeler Band, Nu Blu Band, Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames, Fernando Jones Kids, Anthony Gomes and Vino Louden.

Saturday, August 6

Gates open at 7 a.m. & close at 12 a.m.

McHenry County Fair Phone: 815-338-5315

McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock, IL 60098

Cost: $8/Adult 13 & up, $5/Seniors over 60, $5/Veterans with ID, $5/Children 6 – 12 free/children 5 and under, a Season Pass good for all 5 days/$25.

From 10 a.m. to noon a Blood Drive will be held thru the Heartland Blood Center. At 4:30 p.m. a Watermelon Eating Contest will be held at the Agline Stage. There is a $2 entry fee, cash only. Participants cannot use their hands. There will be two shows for the Ilini State Pullers in the Grandstand. The first one is at 10:30 a.m. and the second one is at 5 p.m. Entry to the Grandstand is $5 with a Pit Pass costing $15.  After the pulls, Caroline Kole will perform at the Entertainment Tent.

Saturday, August 6

 9 – 10:30 a.m. Ages 14 and up

Butterfly Garden Tour Cost: $5/resident & $10/non-resident

The Hollows Conservation Area, 3804 Route 14, Cary, IL 60013

Phone: 815-338-6223 Website: www.mccdistrict.org

You are invited to tour the property of H.M. Hepperlen of Crystal Lake The Hepperlens have been adding native plants to their yard since 2006 as part of the mentoring program offered by the Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee. They started with a small prairie garden on a dry, sandy south-facing hill. The garden was expanded over the next few years to encompass the entire hill. The yard also includes a wooded section which was overgrown with invasive buckthorn, honeysuckle shrubs and garlic mustard. Over several years they have removed invasives one section at a time, and replaced them with native woodland species. The yard now includes dozens of species of native herbaceous plants as well as native large trees, understory trees and shrubs. Meet at the nearest Conservation Area and ride in Conservation District vans to the property. Refreshments are provided.

Saturday, August 6

Saturday 3 p.m. – Sunday 10 a.m.

Family Campout Cost: $10/resident & $13/non-resident

The Hollows Conservation Area, 3804 Route 14, Cary, IL 60013

Phone: 815-338-6223 Website: www.mccdistrict.org

Create long lasting memories on a camping trip full of fun. Campers of all experience levels are welcome. Camping staff can assist you with setting up your tent. You will prepare dinner together, cooking right over the campfire. Following dinner, you then take a hike to Lake Atwood for a sunset canoe. Canoe instruction is provided. Children ages 5 and 6 may attend but must sit in the middle of the canoe. After exploring the lake enjoy a sweet treat around the campfire and some stargazing.  Lay out your blankets underneath the stars and look at summer constellations and watch for meteors lighting up the sky. A light continental breakfast is provided in the morning and staff will assist with taking down tents. No pets please. NOTE: There are a limited number of tents available to rent for this program. Call the Prairieview Education Center at (815) 479-5779 to reserve one for your family. The cost is $20.

Saturday, August 6

 9 – 10 a.m.

Ryder’s Woods Hike FREE

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

Ryder’s Woods, 750 E. Kimball Ave., Woodstock, IL

Phone: 815-337-9502 Website: www.conservemc.org

Come and learn about the natural wonders found at this 23-acre woodland in the heart of Woodstock.        Whether you have never been to the park or have not been in a while, this hike will introduce you to Ryder’s Woods and it’s ecology in a fun way. Bring the whole family along to see what is happening at the park. Trails are unpaved, but level. You may park in the Kimball Avenue parking lot.

Saturday, August 6

Saturday11 p.m. – Sunday 2 a.m.

CL Night Owl Bike Ride Costs: $16/advance & $20/night of

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County Website: www.clnightowlride.org

The ride starts and ends at the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock,

Crystal Lake, IL

The purpose of this late evening ride is to benefit The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and promote bicycling as an alternate means of transportation and exercise within the City of Crystal Lake. The idea is to have a unique, fun and healthy activity for area residents to experience the streets, landmarks and people of Crystal Lake and to further make Crystal Lake a bike friendly community. Since the first Night Owl Ride back in 2012, they have raised approximately $8,700 for The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC). Since 1991, TLC has helped protect over 2,000 acres of McHenry County’s prairies, wetlands and woodlands by working with private landowners, communities and other partners. Lifelong residents, as well as new residents, are attracted to McHenry County’s special combination of small towns, natural areas, rural character and rural agricultural fields and farmsteads.

Saturday, August 6

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

A Taste of ‘Urban Street Foods’ from Around the World Cost: $55

Loyola University Retreat & Ecology Campus, 2710 S. Country Club Road,

Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone: 815-338-1032 Website: www.luc.edu

Trying street food is an integral component of traveling to new places and it’s a delicious window into new cultures, a taste of human history. In many countries around the world, if you’re skipping what’s being served on the street, then you’re missing out on more than just a quick, cheap lunch.  In this class you will prepare classics like Bahn Mi, Durum, Suppli, Roh Jia Mo, Pork Satay, Tacos Al Pastor, Choripan, Crepes, Falafel, Jerk Chicken and Ceviche. Authentic libations will be served.

Saturday, August 6

3 – 9 p.m.

Blast on the Beach  FREE

Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

Fun Fair & Craft Fair at 4 p. m. BMO -Treasure Hunt at 6 p.m. SODA (one of Chicago’s Top 5 Cover Bands-Nitelife Magazine) is the featured band. Food, Beer, & Wine will be for sale. No grills, no glass, no hard alcohol, no smoking and no bikes allowed in event area. Rain date is August 7th, 3 to7 p.m.

Saturday, August 6

2 – 7 p.m.

4th Annual St. Paul’s-A-Palooza Cost: $10/adult (includes meal, music)

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 485 Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-5096 Website: www.stpaulsucccl.org

Join everyone for this fun family event, sponsored by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ’s Men’s Christian Fellowship group. Ticket price includes meal, music (5 area bands), free carnival games, a Bounce House and a classic car show. The meal consists of a pulled pork BBQ sandwich, slaw, baked beans, dessert and beverage. Ala carte items are also available: pulled pork nachos and hot dogs. The event will take place rain or shine. Proceeds will benefit the Pioneer Center, Home of The Sparrow, the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and the Salvation Army.

Saturday, August 6

3 – 9 p.m.

Blast on the Beach FREE

Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake, IL

Phone: 815-459-0680 ext. 1217 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

Fun Fair & Craft Fair at 4 p m. BMO -Treasure Hunt at 6 p.m. SODA (one of Chicago’s Top 5 Cover Bands-Nitelife Magazine) is the featured band. Food, Beer, & Wine will be for sale. No grills, no glass, no hard alcohol, no smoking and no bikes allowed in event area. Rain date is August 7th, 3 to7 p.m.

Saturday, August 6

7 p.m.

Lonesome Highway a Tribute to Bob Dylan Cost: $28

Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren Street, Woodstock, IL 60078

Phone: 815-338-5300 Website: www.woodstockoperahouse.com

No one does Bob Dylan better than this band, and no detail is overlooked. You’ll hear classic songs like “Blowing in the Wind” and “Like a Rolling Stone,” as well as some Dylan inspired songs by The Byrds and The Traveling Wilburys. The show is guaranteed to take the audience back to the golden age of rock music and to the greatest song-writing and vocal pioneer of our time.

Saturday, August 6

7:30 -10 p.m.

LIVE! Pro Wrestling

Premier Studios, 1230 Davis Road, Woodstock, IL 60098

Cost: Ringside/$12, General/$10, Kids 12 & under/$5

Phone: 800-542-4850 Website: www.premierprowrestling.com                                 

Live PRO WRESTLING returns to McHenry County this and every Saturday! See the products of the Premier Studio’s training school! If you’ve ever dreamed of being a wrestler, the only wrestling school with direct WWE ties in the Chicago area is right here in WOODSTOCK, IL!

Saturday, August 6

8 – 11 p.m.

“[title of show] – Music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen, Book by Hunter Bell, Directed by Regina Bell-Daniels and Produced by the Williams Street Repertory

Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Cost: Starts at $32.50   Phone: 815-356-9212 Website: www.rauecenter.org

Sunday, August 7

7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Rosecrance Recovery 5K Walk/Run ‘Every Step Counts’

Rosecrance Berry Campus, 8616 Northern Avenue, Rockford, IL 61107

Contact Carlene Cardosi at [email protected]

Cost: Advance/$25 & Day of/$30 & Under 18/$10

Rosecrance for the first time ever will host a 5K walk/run this summer. The walk/run will be open to the public as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary and works to promote healthy living in the community. The event celebrates recovery and Rosecrance’s 100 years of changing lives. Proceeds will support Rosecrance programs and the families who seek treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders. The course is a certified course. Every participant will receive a medal, T-shirt, goodie bag, and refreshments at the end of the race. Award Ceremony starts at 8a.m.

Sunday, August 7

Gates open at 7 a.m. & close at 10 p.m.

McHenry County Fair Phone: 815-338-5315

McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock, IL 60098

Cost: $8/Adult 13 & up, $5/Seniors over 60, $5/Veterans with ID, $5/Children 6 – 12

and free/children 5 and under, a Season Pass good for all 5 days/$25

Derby Icon presents two Demolition Derby Shows at 1p.m. and 5p.m. in the Grandstand. This is a family fun show that is a McHenry County Fair tradition that everyone loves! Join in on one of the Demolition Derbies that will take place this year. Be sure to buy tickets early to save your seats! At the beginning of each show there is a Kid’s Power Wheel Derby that anyone with a Power Wheel can enter. If you are interested in participating in the Derby please visit www.derbyicons.com.

Sunday, August 7

9 a.m. – 12 noon FREE

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, Gateway Workday, Volunteer Opportunities

Harvard, IL

Phone: 815-337-9502 Website: www.conservemc.org

Help plant native plants, maintain the trails, cut re-sprouting brush, and remove weeds like garlic mustard. Bring the whole family to help.

Sunday, August 7

4 – 11 p.m. Cost: $5/advance & $10/gate

Blues, Brews & BBQ’s

Petersen Park, 4311 Lakewood Road, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: 815-482-8805 Website: www.mchenryrotarybluesbrewsandbbqs.com

There will be a variety of vendors including: Full Slab, Coyote Roadhouse BBQ, Uncle Bub’s BBQ, Richmond-Spring Grove Rotary Corn Roast and Riverside Chocolate Factory. Bands that will be playing are: John Todd, Kevin Purcell & the Nightburners, Mike Wheeler Band, Nu Blu Band, Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames, Fernando Jones Kids, Anthony Gomes and Vino Louden.

Sunday, August 7

1 – 4 p.m.

Free Summer Sunday’s, Lawn of the Colonel Palmer House

660 E. Terra Cotta Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-477-5873 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

Travel back in time with each Free Summer Sunday special event where the costumed staff has plenty of displays and hands-on experiences. “Wash on Monday, iron on Tuesday, mend on Wednesday”… so the saying goes. Roll up your sleeves and join in for Pioneer Days based on this early rhyme. Chores were part of daily life in the 1860s and the Palmer’s had plenty to do around the farm and farmhouse. Each chore station will feature hands-on demonstrations for all ages to try. When your chores are done, enjoy a wagon ride around Palmer’s Corner.

Sunday, August 7

3 p.m. Cost: Adult/$28 & $43, Students/$10

Midwest Mozart Festival

Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren Street, Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone: 815-338-5300 Website: www.woodstockoperahouse.com

Mozart returns to Woodstock as the Midwest Mozart Festival continues the tradition of memorable chamber orchestra performances featuring the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Led by Maestro Brian Goner, the superb Midwest Mozart Musicians that you have come to know over the years breathe new life into the greatest music ever written. Come see why these performances are considered a must-see summertime event for classical music fans!

Monday, August 8

10 a.m. – 12 noon Cost: $25

Kid’s Art Attack!

Crystal Lake’s Park District Administrative Building Art Room,

1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680 ext: 1220 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

It’s never too early to nurture the love of art! Simple to follow, stroke-by-stroke age appropriate directions make creating your art work easy. They supply the 11” x 14” canvas and the acrylic paint. You bring your friends, snack, and beverage. Together you will explore your inner talent!

Monday, August 8

7 – 10 p.m. Cost: $35

Art Attack! Sip & Paint, BYOB Night Ages 18 & up

Grand Oak’s Recreation Center, 1401 Illinois 176, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680 ext 1220 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

Grab a friend or family member and join this class. No talent necessary. Julie Kukreja will give stroke-by-stroke instruction on making an 11” X 14” canvas acrylic painting. Bring your favorite beverage and snacks to nibble on while you relax and create your masterpiece. All materials are provided.

Monday, August 8

5 – 9 p.m. FREE

Green Street Cruise Night

Corner of Green Street and Route 120,

Green Street Municipal lot in downtown McHenry, IL

Phone: 815-728-0404 Website: www.anpac.com

Green Street Cruise Night is the largest and longest cruise night in McHenry County! Hundreds of classic and show-quality vehicles cruise into downtown McHenry on Monday Nights. FREE vehicle registration and for spectators. Food vendors on site include Family Affair, MJ’s Coffee Bar and Tropical Chill ice cream truck. Green Street businesses including BuddyZ and Gambler offer Monday Night specials for Cruise Night attendees. PleasFrFree vehicle registration and admission for spectators. Food vendors on site include Family Affair, MJ’s Coffee Bar and the Tropical Chill Ice Cream truck.

Tuesday, August 9

7 – 9 p.m. FREE

Concert in the Park

Main Beach Band Shell, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680 ext 1213 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

Please park in the following areas on the night of the concert: Main Beach Parking Lot, Grass Triangle across the street from Lakeside Legacy property and South Elementary. Please do not park at the Boat gate, Lakeside Legacy property or Seminary Park. In the event of inclement weather, some concerts will be moved to Park Place Banquets, 406 W. Woodstock Street. Decision will be made at 4 pm. Outside food and beverage not permitted at Park Place. The concert will be cancelled due to space restrictions.

Tuesday, August 9

8:15 a.m. – 9 p.m. Cost: $72

Six Flags over Great America Trip   Gurnee, IL

Transportation to and from Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680 ext 1220 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

Get your scream on because you’re going to Great America! Bring extra money for snacks, meals, souvenirs and a swimsuit/towel for the water park. Sign up with your friends now so you won’t miss this memorable day!

Wednesday, August 10

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE

Elderwerks Senior Fair

McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Phone: 847-462-0885 Website: www.elderwerks.com

Join in for a day of Education, Resource booths, a free lunch and Wellness Screenings.

Wednesday, August 10

11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. FREE

Bring Your Lunch and Learn

Chamber Office, 1257 N. Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: 815-385-4300 Website: www.mchenrychamber.com

“DOUBLE YOUR INCOME AND HAVE YOUR BEST YEAR EVER!”  Presented by Chuck Douglas, Sales and Business Trainer.  Learn how to improve in the following:

Leveraging social media and networking to drive lead generation. Goal setting and time management tools to help get an extra two hours a day. Prospecting strategies to triple your lead generation. Systematize your business; work on your business instead of in it. Needs analysis to weed out non-serious buyers. Presentation skills that create urgency in the buying/selling process. The close and overcoming objections. Social media strategies that actually make money. Time management and negotiation. Plus may more ideas to explode your business this year!

Wednesday, August 10

4:30 – 8:30 p.m.  FREE

Late Night at Prairieview Education Center – Open House

Prairieview Education Center in Silver Creek Conservation Area

2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, IL

Phone: 815-479-5779 Website: www.mccdistrict.org

Enjoy an evening view of the summer prairie from the patio and exhibit room, free Wi-Fi, and the Exploration Station – a children’s activity room. Light refreshment provided.

Wednesday, August 10

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. FREE

Young Professionals

McHenry Country Club, 820 N. John Street, McHenry, IL

Phone: 815-385-4300 Website: www.ypmchenry.com

The Young Professionals Meeting is the second Wednesday of the month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be a short business meeting then networking.

Wednesday, August 10

7 – 8:30 p.m. Cost: $18/week

Love and Compassion Meditation Series Ages 18 and up

Sacred Mindscapes, 5435 Bull Valley Road, Suite 304, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: Tammy 847-456-7695 & Carla 423-313-4144

Website: www.sacredmindscapes.com

In a world filled with hate and fear they are offering a way to concentrate on love and compassion. This is a four week series on how to love yourself more and love others. How to have compassion for yourself and for the world around you. You will meditate and journal in each session. Journals will be provided.

 

 
 
 
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