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Looking for something to do? We have 10 suggestions.
1.) McHENRY COUNTY FAIR
WHEN: Through Aug. 7
WHERE: Route 47 and Country Club Road, Woodstock
COST & INFO: A 68-year tradition with 4-H livestock and non-livestock shows, educational displays, vendors, a carnival and grandstand entertainment. A Family Concert Night Aug. 4 will feature Caroline Kole and the Willis Clan. Grandstands open at 6 p.m. Other grandstand entertainment includes KTM Motorcross, Truck N Tractor Pull and a Demolition Derby. Rides and games in the midway area will be open from 1 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are wristband days. Wristbands cost $20 and can be used for unlimited rides from 1 to 5 p.m. those days. Admission to the fair costs $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, seniors and veterans. Children ages 5 and younger are free. Season and family passes are available. New this year is “Skip the Lines,” with tickets available at www.mchenrycountyfair.com. Public parking is free. Reserve parking is $35. Information and tickets: www.mchenrycountyfair.com or 815-338-5315.
2.) McHENRY ROTARY BLUES, BREWS & BBQ
WHEN: Aug. 5-8
WHERE: Petersen Park, McHenry
COST & INFO: Outdoor festival featuring live music, BBQ Cook-Off, home brew competition and more. Among the bands are John Todd, Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners, Mike Wheeler Band, Nu Blu Band, Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames, Fernando Jones Kids, Anthony Gomes and Vino Louden. For more on the festival, see page 12. Information: www.mchenryrotarybluesbrewsandbbqs.com.
3.) BLAST ON THE BEACH
WHEN: 3 to 9 p.m. Aug. 6
WHERE: Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake
COST & INFO: Hosted by the Crystal Lake Park District and Crystal Lake Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Free admission for Fun with Mr. Bubble (3 to 7 p.m.), a fun fair (3 to 7 p.m.), craft fair (3 to 7 p.m.), BMO Harris Bank Treasure Hunt (4 p.m.), beer and wine garden (3 to 8:30 p.m.), food vendors (3 to 9 p.m.) and live music with Soda (6:30 p.m.). Entrance gate performance by Potts & Pans Steelpan Band. Rain date is Aug. 7. Information: 815-459-0680 or www.crystallakeparks.org.
4.) VENETIAN NIGHT
WHEN: 6 p.m. to midnight Aug. 6
WHERE: Starting at Pistakee Lake in front of Famous Freddie’s Roadhouse, 510 S. Park Ave., to Dockers Restaurant & Lounge, 33 W. Grand Ave., Fox Lake
COST & INFO: Ninth annual event sponsored by the village of Fox Lake. This year’s theme is “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere On The Chain,” inspired by Jimmy Buffet complete with Parrotheads, Hawaiian shirts and island vibes. There will be a Venetian-style boat parade, dancing in the street to live music, food and a fireworks finale over Pistakee Lake. Free shuttle service from various parking lot locations. Information: 847-587-3944 or www.foxlake.org.
5.) MIDWEST MOZART FESTIVAL
WHEN: 3 p.m. Aug. 7 & Aug. 14
WHERE: Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock
COST & INFO: The Midwest Mozart Festival continues the tradition of memorable chamber orchestra performances featuring the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Led by Maestro Brian Groner, Midwest Mozart musicians breathe new life into the greatest music ever written. Tickets: $28, $43 adults, $10 students. Tickets and information: 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
6.) LONESOME HIGHWAY: A TRIBUTE TO BOB DYLAN
WHEN: 7 p.m. Aug. 6
WHERE: Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock
COST & INFO: You’ll hear classic songs such as “Blowing in the Wind” and “Like a Rolling Stone,” as well as some Dylan-inspired songs by the Byrds and The Traveling Wilburys. No detail is overlook to recreate the golden age of rock music featuring its vocal pioneer. The show also will feature 14 violin students of Katie Chivari of Harvard. Tickets: $28 all seats. Tickets and information: 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
7.) SUMMER STOMP
WHEN: Aug. 5-6
WHERE: McHenry Extreme Sports and Event Park, 1911 W. Fernview Lane, Holiday Hills
COST & INFO: Featuring music on two stages with camping, food, drink and more. Bands include Horsehoes & Hand Grenades with bluegrass, The Schwag carrying on the music of the Grateful Dead, Family Groove Company jam band, Thinner Teed, Miles Over Mountains, Useful Jenkins, Under the Willow, The Leadfoot Band and more. Attendees younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 12 and younger free. Presale tickets sold out. No Friday only passes available. Two-day general admission is $80 at the gate; Saturday only passes $50 at the gate. Ticket prices include parking and camping. Information: www.mackeyshideout.com.
8.) 1ST FRIDAY ART SHOW
WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5
WHERE: Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake
COST & INFO: An opportunity to view the art of local artists, meet and mingle with the artists and buy original works. In the Sage Gallery: Xiong Xuan Rite of Spring. In the Dole Gallery: The Art Cloth Network. Cash bar. Admission: $5 suggested donation. Information: 815-455-8000 or www.lakesideartspark.org.
9.) CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 6-7
WHERE: Carpenter Park, Carpenter Boulevard and Maple Avenue, Carpentersville
COST & INFO: Hosted by Sanford’s Battery. Featuring a soldier’s parade, Civil War blacksmithing, skits, music, children’s activities and more. Free admission. Information: 847-770-2562 or or www.stanfordsbattery.org.
10.) CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO
WHEN: 8 p.m. Aug. 8
WHERE: Stage Left Café, 125 Van Buren St., Woodstock
COST & INFO: A mix of rock, jazz, classical and world music. Comprised of Bert Lams, Hideyo Moriya and Paul Richards, the group has established a personal connection with audiences. Tickets: $25 at www.brownpapertickets.com/events/2580701. Information: 815-337-1395.