Looking for McHenry County's best summer events? Well you're in luck, we are home to some of the best festivals the summer has to offer. Many are family friendly and some are perfect for a night out with friends. No matter what you're looking for, let us help you plan the ultimate summer right here in McHenry County!
Lakeside Festival at the Dole is the ultimate 4th of July celebration. This four-day festival is filled with great local food and drink, live music and thrilling carnival rides. The weekend wraps up with an out of this world firework display on July 7th on the banks of Crystal Lake.
McHenry County is brimming with history, and there's no better way to experience that than with McHenry County Historical Society's annual Heritage Fair. Activities include an antique car show, white elephant sale, children's activities, magic show, live music and pie baking contenst. This is truly good old fashioned family fun!
Come join us for 4 days of unbelievably delicious, mouth watering barbecue, and entertainment on the beautiful grounds of Sunset Park. This family-oriented event will feature nationally renowned professional ribbers and great family entertainment. Not only will you experience some of the best grillers and BBQers in the country but other favorites like funnel cakes, homemade LemonAide, roasted corn and more! After you have had your fill of food, kick back and enjoy the rockin' sounds of some of the best bands in the Chicagoland area.
If you are looking for the ultimate music festival, carnival and family friendly fun you won't want to miss Fiesta Days! With headliners like the Dylan Scott you know that they are serious about a fun time! In addition to music and amusement rides, there is a kids ice cream social, arts and crafts in the park, a car show and of course the annual Fiesta Days parade! Brand new this year is Cask and Barrel Night on Thursday, July 11th. This high-end event will kick off the 71st Annual Fiesta Days with tastings of high quality whiskey, craft beers and bacon-based culinary samplings.
Photo by: K-Adams Foto
Food trucks, live music, beer, art fair, craft fair, and a classic car show will all encompass 3 blocks of downtown Ayer St. Come enjoy tasty bites from a variety of food trucks and enjoy live music! $5 entry fee and kids 12 and under are FREE!
Woodstock's signature event, Summer in the Park, will be held July 17 - 21 in beautiful Emricson Park. Sponsored by the City of Woodstock, this festival has something for everyone... music and concerts, children's entertainment, food court and beer garden, bouncies and other children's activities, pool party, bags tournament, Movie in the Park and much more! Come on out to Emricson Park this July and enjoy Summer in the park!
The 34th annual Woodstock Folk Festival will be held on Sunday, July 21st from noon to 6 PM on the historic WOodstock Square! The festival will present its Lifetime Achievement Ward and feature main stage performers like Scott Ainslie, Joe Crookston, Gathering Sparks, Zoe Mulford, Cari Ray & the Shaky Legs, and windborne. Scott Ainslie will also offer a Blues Wodkshop. Family fun will be all over the square with live music and hands-on childrens activities.
Concerts provide Northern Illinois with the highest caliber performances featuring music by Mozart and other great composers which offer the unique cultural experience of fine musice to a diverse public audience at an affordable price.
Photo by: K-Adams Foto
You'll find all your county fair favorites, from exhibits, vendors and livestock shows to all the fair delicacies (funnel cake, anyone?) Of course, there's a carnival and you don't want to miss the excitement of the Queen Pagent. Family-friendly musical entertainment is always popular.
McHenry Rotary proudly presents a fun-filled, three day Blues Festival at McHenry's Petersen Park located on scenic McCullom Lake. An array of quality barbecue foods, grilled to perfection by well-known restaurants, coupled with roasted corn on the cob and delicious desserts are sure to satisfy everyone's appetite. Sit back and enjoy some of the best Blues music the Chicago area has to offer while you sip on an ice cold brew.
If you love sampling good craft beer and spending time outdoors, this event is for you! Walk the one mile partially wooded trail while visiting various regional brewers along the trail. Listen to live music and grab some grub at one of the food trucks. Play pick-up games of bags, sand volleyball or basketball and visit outdoor recreation retailers. $45 Commemorative Glass & Tastes from each brewer. Ages 21+ $15 Designated Driver, Commemorative glass unlimited water/soda
Wrap up summer at this old-fashioned Labor Day weekend party, featuring lots of food, arts & craft show, battle of the bands, horseshoe tournament, 5K run, parade, classic and custom car show, carnival rides on the midway, melon propelling contest and a super fireworks show on Sunday evening.
Cary Main Street Fest features two days worth of live music, food from local restaurants, a marketplace, a steak fry and a family area with booths, games and entertainment.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Please check for specific openings/closings and cancellations before planning your trip. Please stay informed and healthy.
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