Festival Guide | McHenry County, IL
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!
July 2021 -
July 1 - 4 | The Dole, Crystal Lake

July 3 | Milky Way Park, Harvard

July 8 - 11 | Sunset Park, Lake in the Hills

July 11 | McHenry County Historical Society, Union

July 8 - 17 | Petersen Park, McHenry

July 14 - 18 | Emricson Park, Woodstock

July 18 | Woodstock Square, Woodstock
August 2021 -
August 3 - 8 | McHenry County Fairgrounds, Woodstock

August 20 - 22 | Petersen Park, McHenry
September 2021 -

September 3 - 5 | Sunset Park, Lake in the Hills

September 25 | Fel-Pro RRR, Cary
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After the year that was 2020, it’s time to get out and experience it all! That is why we have put together the ultimate Summer 2021 Bucket List so you can get the most out of your summer adventures. This list is packed with outdoor adventures, fun for the family, delicious detours and so much more! So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into summer!
Wonder Lake Water Ski Show – 
After a summer off, the Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team is ready to wow you once again. This 140-plus-member team, consisting of members ranging in ages 5-65, is a five-time National Show Ski Champion and has placed in the top five in the nation every year since 1996. Grab a lawn chair or your favorite blanket and head out to Wonder Center Beach in Wonder Lake almost every Friday at 7 PM Memorial Day through Labor Day to see this one-hour show full of jumping, barefoot skiing, pyramids, and all the other fantastic stunts you’d expect at the big name shows.  
Grab a beer at a Craft Brewery – 
Good times are on tap this summer, and if you’re a craft brew connoisseur, you’ve come to the right place! McHenry County has a thriving craft brewing culture and you can experience the best of it. The variety of local beer makes having a drink in McHenry County an experience you don’t want to miss. Looking for an epic outdoor space in the heart of Downtown Crystal Lake? Check out Crystal Lake Brewing. Maybe you’re more of a fan of sour beers crafted from local ingredients. Then Scorched Earth Brewing is more your style. Looking for a craft beer and some outstanding local grub? Then head to Cary Ale House & Brewing. Still undecided? Explore our craft brewery trail and visit them all. 
Upcoming Events
Crystal Lake
July 4 @ 1:00 PM

Presented by the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce and brought to you by the City of Crystal Lake, and the Crystal Lake Lions Club we are inviting the community to the Annual Independence Day Parade
Shadowview Brewing
July 7 @ 5:00 PM

Cruise Nights are back at ShadowView Brewing! Each Wednesday night they will be hosting the area's coolest vehicles for Cruise Night. All makes & models are welcome!
The Quarry Cable Park
July 10 @ 7:00 PM

The acoustic duo Wait, What? is swingin' on over to The Quarry Cable Park for an evening of acoustic covers from 7-10pm! Catch a wave and catch a tune!
Illinois Railway Museum
July 10, 11, 17 & 18

Day Out With Thomas™ tickets include one train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine for the trip specified on the Day Out With Thomas ticket, unlimited rides on streetcars. 
Miller Point
July 17 @ 7:00 AM

Welcome to the DamYak Challenge. Enjoy a fun morning on the water. This 4.8-mile kayak event will be held July 17th, 2021 in the heart of downtown McHenry and hosted by MC5. 
The Dole
July 25 @ 10:00 AM

The market connects area farmers, growers, artisans, and food purveyors to Crystal Lake and neighboring communities; from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every Sunday beginning June 6th through September 26th
Tips are always better when you can rely on a friend telling you all about a destination's must-sees. Here in McHenry County, we want you to feel like you're one of our old friends. And since we are old friends, we want you to know everything we know about our little slice of Chicagoland.

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