The Dole

Fireworks for The Fest at The Dole will take place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, as the closing event of the weekend-long Lakeside Festival. The fireworks are scheduled for dusk following the day’s entertainment lineup. The display will be launched from the grounds at The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake. Festival activities on Sunday run throughout the day, including live music, carnival rides, and food and drink vendors leading up to the show. Guests are encouraged to arrive earlier in the day to secure viewing spots around the festival grounds and lakeside areas. The fireworks are expected to begin at dusk, weather permitting, and conclude the Lakeside Festival celebration.

Local Event: Fireworks at Lakeside Festival in Crystal Lake

McHenry County

Crystal Lake-Cary

Illinois

Fireworks at Lakeside Festival in Crystal Lake

Fireworks for The Fest at The Dole will take place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, as the closing event of the weekend-long Lakeside...

Veteran Acres Park

Leonardo Music for Kids FREE, just drop-in&nbsp; Grab a blanket and join the Crystal Lake Park District and Crystal Lake Public Library as we team up to bring you free concerts for kids this summer. Free juice and fruit snacks while supplies last Julie Ann's Frozen Custard available for purchase

Local Event: Summer Sing-a-Long: Leonardo Music for Kids

Summer Sing-a-Long: Leonardo Music for Kids

Leonardo Music for Kids FREE, just drop-in  Grab a blanket and join the Crystal Lake Park District and Crystal Lake Public...

Raue Center For The Arts

<h1>Hadestown: Teen Edition</h1>
<h1>Book, Music &amp; Lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell</h1>
Directed by Rob Scharlow
July 10 @ 7 PM July 11 @ 1PM &amp; 7PM July 12 @ 1PM July 17 @ 7PM&nbsp; July 18 @ 1PM &amp; 7PM
Adult Tickets are $34,Student (17 and under) are $19. Members save 30%(All-in pricing includes $4 Box Office Fee. An $8 Order fee will be applied at checkout to the entire order)&nbsp;A Timeless Myth Reimagined: Hadestown: Teen Edition&nbsp;Comes to the RCSA Stage
Step into the underworld where love defies fate, music fuels rebellion, and ancient myths feel strikingly modern.&nbsp;Hadestown: Teen Edition&nbsp;invites audiences on a hauntingly beautiful journey to the underworld and back, told through a vibrant blend of folk, jazz, and blues-inspired music. Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation, this specially adapted Teen Edition retains the heart and soul of the original while being thoughtfully tailored for young performers. It’s a powerful story that has captivated audiences around the world.
At its core,&nbsp;Hadestown:Teen Edition&nbsp;intertwines two mythic love stories: the young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and the complicated bond between King Hades and Persephone. As the lines between hope and hardship blur, the show explores timeless themes of love, sacrifice, resilience, and the courage to hold onto light in even the darkest of places.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or discovering this story for the first time, this production promises to stir the soul and linger long after the final note!
HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION
By: Anais Mitchell
HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Corp.
<a href="https://www.concordtheatricals.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.concordtheatricals.com</a>
<h1>Recommended: All Ages</h1>
—— Don’t forget to become a RaueNOW Member to save&nbsp; 30%!
*Prices vary according to zone. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Box Office Fee – A $4 per ticket charge to support the&nbsp; ticketing software.
Order Fee – A $8 per order charge that helps operate and invest back in our historic venue.
Premium Seat Fee - $6 Premium seat fee is based on location/additional leg room and indicated with a light blue color on the seating chart.&nbsp;
Patron Code of Conduct: Be courteous. Inform staff if you feel or observe any harassment. We reserve the right to remove any guest at any time. For more information, please visit <a href="https://rauecenter.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">rauecenter.org</a>.
Questions? Contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212; boxoffice@rauecenter.org
Raue Center For The Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts.

Local Event: RCSA presents Hadestown: Teen Edition

RCSA presents Hadestown: Teen Edition

Hadestown: Teen Edition
Book, Music & Lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell
Directed by Rob Scharlow
July 10 @ 7 PM July 11 @ 1PM & 7PM July...

Picnic Grove Park

Fireworks at Picnic Grove Park in Fox River Grove. The event will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on June 11.&nbsp;

Local Event: Fireworks at Picnic Grove Park in Fox River Grove

Fireworks at Picnic Grove Park in Fox River Grove

Fireworks at Picnic Grove Park in Fox River Grove. The event will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on June 11. 

Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center, 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake

Free, Family Fun Step away from screens and reconnect with the outdoors. Unplug Illinois invites us all to explore nature, and create memories together. Guided hikes: on the hour, 10 am-4 pm Extended Nature Center Hours: 10 am-9 pm Illuminated Hike: 5-9 pm Stargazing: 8-9 pm Parking lots include Nature Center, Oakwoods Lodge and Veteran Acres in the event of inclement weather, check rainoutline.com

Local Event: Unplug After Dark plus Extended Nature Center Evening Hours

Unplug After Dark plus Extended Nature Center...

Free, Family Fun Step away from screens and reconnect with the outdoors. Unplug Illinois invites us all to explore nature, and...

Unplug After Dark plus Extended Nature Center Evening Hours

The McHenry Fiesta Days Music Fest Weekend will take place July 10–12, 2026, at Petersen Park, with festivities culminating in a fireworks display on Sunday night. The fireworks show is scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, following the final live music performances of the weekend. The display will be launched from the Petersen Park grounds and will be visible throughout the park and surrounding lakefront areas.
Fiesta Days is a free admission event, with no gate or parking fee, though parking is limited and attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the best viewing spots. The fireworks are presented as the grand finale of a full day of activities, including Beach Bash family programming, live entertainment, carnival rides, and yard games.
Earlier in the day on Sunday, families can enjoy Beach Bash activities from noon to 4 p.m., along with RC racing, food vendors, and children’s entertainment. The fireworks follow a full evening of music on the main stage, closing out the festival weekend.

Local Event: The McHenry Fiesta Days Music Fest Weekend Fireworks 

The McHenry Fiesta Days Music Fest Weekend...

The McHenry Fiesta Days Music Fest Weekend will take place July 10–12, 2026, at Petersen Park, with festivities culminating in...

The McHenry Fiesta Days Music Fest Weekend Fireworks 

Online Only

You've got your favorite firearms, now you can stock up on ammo and get those accessories you've been wanting!&nbsp;
At the center of this extensive auction is an impressive inventory of ammunition, ranging from thousands of rounds of modern range and sporting caliber ammo—including .22 Long Rifle, 9mm Luger, .223 Remington, and 12-gauge shells—to highly sought-after vintage and collector boxes like .32ACP and US Military surplus .45ACP. Beyond the ammunition cans, bidders will find an expansive selection of firearm accessories, including AR-15 builders kits, high-capacity and vintage rifle and pistol magazines for everything from Colt and Glock to AK-47s and M1 Carbines, and premium optics featuring Leupold scopes and Sig Sauer Romeo 5 red dot sights. The event also showcases a remarkable collection of hand-crafted knives from a local artisan along with vintage switchblade, butterfly, and lockback knives. Professional-grade leather gun belts and holsters, and magnificent taxidermy mounts—including a majestic full strut wild turkey and an upright ring-necked pheasant—culminating in a spectacular centerpiece: a non-firing, demilled M60 Machine Gun display gun.
Preview is Friday before the auction - noon-7pm.&nbsp;Pickup is by appointment. Please call 815-923-7000 to schedule.&nbsp;

Local Event: Ammo & Accessories Auction

Huntley

Ammo & Accessories Auction

You've got your favorite firearms, now you can stock up on ammo and get those accessories you've been wanting! 
At the center...

Crystal Lake Main Beach

Race your cardboard boat on July 18! Will your boat sink… or cross the finish line?&nbsp; Grab your crew and join us for a family-fun day at the beach!

Local Event: Crystal Lake Cardbboard Regatta

Crystal Lake Cardbboard Regatta

Race your cardboard boat on July 18! Will your boat sink… or cross the finish line?  Grab your crew and join us for a...

Woodstock Square Historic District

Part Shakespeare's greatest hits and part modern sketch comedy, no one ties together pop culture and William Shakespeare quite like Woodstock Shakespeare Players. Performed FREE for the public in the Woodstock Square, this family friendly event is appropriate for first time Shakespeare fans or Shakespeare veterans and includes pre-show fun for kids like face-painting!
Featuring scenes from Midsummer Night's Dream, King John, As You Like It, Hamlet, Macbeth, and much more, you'll enjoy sword fights, rhythmic quarterstaffs, and belly-shaking laughter in this approximately 90 minute show. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, a friend or two and snacks!
Shows are Saturdays July 18, July 25 and August 1 at 5:00pm in the Woodstock Square.
There will be a show on August 8 at 5:00pm if one of the previous shows is cancelled due to weather.

Local Event: Woodstock Shakespeare Players Presents A Bit O’ The Bard: Fair And Foul

Woodstock Shakespeare Players Presents A Bit O’...

Part Shakespeare's greatest hits and part modern sketch comedy, no one ties together pop culture and William Shakespeare quite...

Woodstock Shakespeare Players Presents A Bit O’ The Bard: Fair And Foul

Three Oaks Recreation Area

Registration is now open for the <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113712/crystal-lake-aquathon-2026" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">9th Annual Crystal Lake Aquathon</a>, taking place Sunday, July 19 at Three Oaks Recreation Area. Hosted by <a href="https://smithptplus.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Smith Physical Therapy+</a>, this unique event is one of the only Aquathon in Illinois and offers a challenging yet accessible race experience for athletes of all levels. All proceeds from the event benefit <a href="https://www.gotrnwil.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois</a>, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young girls through mentorship, physical activity, and confidence-building programs.
Participants will swim a scenic quarry loop around three islands before transitioning to a run course featuring a mix of trails, sand, and pavement, all set within the beautiful Three Oaks Recreation Area.
<h3>2025 Race Options</h3>
<ul><li>Sprint Distance: 500m swim + 5K run</li><li>Olympic Distance: 1-mile swim + 10K run</li><li>Swim Only: 2-mile</li><li>Swim Only: 1-mile (timed; not eligible for awards)</li><li>Kids Aquathon: 250m swim + 1-mile run</li><li>Adaptive 1-Mile Swim: available for participants needing additional support</li></ul>
<h3>Event Details</h3>
<ul><li>What: 9th Annual Crystal Lake Aquathon</li><li>Who: Hosted by Smith Physical Therapy+</li><li>Benefiting: Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois</li><li>When: Sunday, July 19 2026 | 7:00 AM start</li><li>Where: Three Oaks Recreation Area ~ 5517 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL 60014</li></ul>
Pricing for the event is determined by the specific event selected and the date of registration. Please refer to the registration link for current and accurate pricing details.
<a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113712/crystal-lake-aquathon-2026" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Registe</a>r soon for the best pricing and to be part of this one-of-a-kind event!&nbsp;If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Melissa Nickle at melissa.nickle@smithptplus.com.

Local Event: 9th Annual Crystal Lake Aquathon

9th Annual Crystal Lake Aquathon

Registration is now open for the 9th Annual Crystal Lake Aquathon, taking place Sunday, July 19 at Three Oaks Recreation Area....

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

Indulge in your favorite frozen treats while supporting a great cause! Menchie's Frozen Yogurt is donating 20% of all sales to Purrfect Cat Rescue when you show this graphic, featuring cat toys for purchase and special appearances by Purrcy and Menchie.

Local Event: Purrfect Cat Rescue Fundraiser at Menchie’s

Purrfect Cat Rescue Fundraiser at Menchie’s

Indulge in your favorite frozen treats while supporting a great cause! Menchie's Frozen Yogurt is donating 20% of all sales to...

<h1>Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr</h1>
Music by ALAN MENKEN Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN and GLENN SLATER Book by DOUG WRIGHT
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film Music Adapted and Arranged by David Weinstein
Directed by Christina Giorgi
July 24 @ 7 PM July 25 @ 1 PM &amp; 7 PM July 26 @ 1 PM - Sensory-Friendly Performance July 31 @ 7 PM August 1 @ 1 PM &amp; 7 PM August 2 @ 1 PM
Adult Tickets are $29,Student Tickets are $14, Members save 30%(All-in pricing includes $4 Box Office Fee. An $8 Order fee will be applied at checkout to the entire order)
Dive Under the Sea: Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Makes a Splash on the RCSA Stage
Get ready to journey beneath the waves in a dazzling, family-friendly adventure as Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. swims onto the RCSA stage! Bursting with color, heart, and unforgettable music, this beloved tale comes to life through the talents of a vibrant cast of young performers.
This classic Disney title contains all of the songs from the Academy Award winning animated feature film as well as three new songs from the Broadway show. The Little Mermaid Jr. takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, the king of the sea, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch and convince a charming prince that she’s the girl with the perfect voice.
Featuring crowd-favorite songs like “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” and “Kiss the Girl,” this production is a joyful celebration of self-discovery, courage, and finding your voice. The 70 -minute Jr. edition is specially designed for young performers, offering a fast-paced, high-energy version of the story that keeps audiences of all ages engaged from start to finish.
Disney The Little Mermaid Jr.
Script, music and all other material © 2011 Disney Broadway Junior and MTI’s Broadway Junior Collection are trademarks of Music Theatre International. All rights reserved.
Recommended: ALL AGES
—— Don’t forget to become a RaueNOW Member to save 30%! RCSANOW members also save 25% on classes!
*Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Box Office Fee – A $4 per ticket charge to support the ticketing software.
Order Fee – A $8 per order charge that helps operate and invest back in our historic venue.
Premium Seat Fee - $6 Premium seat fee is based on location/additional leg room and indicated with a light blue color on the seating chart. 
Patron Code of Conduct: Be courteous. Inform staff if you feel or observe any harassment. We reserve the right to remove any guest at any time. For more information, please visit <a href="https://rauecenter.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">rauecenter.org</a>.
Questions? Contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212; boxoffice@rauecenter.org
Raue Center For The Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts.

Local Event: RCSA presents Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr

RCSA presents Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr

Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr
Music by ALAN MENKEN Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN and GLENN SLATER Book by DOUG WRIGHT
Based on the...

<h1>Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr</h1>
Music by ALAN MENKEN Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN and GLENN SLATER Book by DOUG WRIGHT
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film Music Adapted and Arranged by David Weinstein
Directed by Christina Giorgi
July 24 @ 7 PM July 25 @ 1 PM &amp; 7 PM July 26 @ 1 PM - Sensory-Friendly Performance July 31 @ 7 PM August 1 @ 1 PM &amp; 7 PM August 2 @ 1 PM
Adult Tickets are $29,Student Tickets are $14, Members save 30%(All-in pricing includes $4 Box Office Fee. An $8 Order fee will be applied at checkout to the entire order)
Dive Under the Sea: Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Makes a Splash on the RCSA Stage
Get ready to journey beneath the waves in a dazzling, family-friendly adventure as Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. swims onto the RCSA stage! Bursting with color, heart, and unforgettable music, this beloved tale comes to life through the talents of a vibrant cast of young performers.
This classic Disney title contains all of the songs from the Academy Award winning animated feature film as well as three new songs from the Broadway show. The Little Mermaid Jr. takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, the king of the sea, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch and convince a charming prince that she’s the girl with the perfect voice.
Featuring crowd-favorite songs like “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” and “Kiss the Girl,” this production is a joyful celebration of self-discovery, courage, and finding your voice. The 70 -minute Jr. edition is specially designed for young performers, offering a fast-paced, high-energy version of the story that keeps audiences of all ages engaged from start to finish.
Disney The Little Mermaid Jr.
Script, music and all other material © 2011 Disney Broadway Junior and MTI’s Broadway Junior Collection are trademarks of Music Theatre International. All rights reserved.
Recommended: ALL AGES
—— Don’t forget to become a RaueNOW Member to save 30%! RCSANOW members also save 25% on classes!
*Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Box Office Fee – A $4 per ticket charge to support the ticketing software.
Order Fee – A $8 per order charge that helps operate and invest back in our historic venue.
Premium Seat Fee - $6 Premium seat fee is based on location/additional leg room and indicated with a light blue color on the seating chart. 
Patron Code of Conduct: Be courteous. Inform staff if you feel or observe any harassment. We reserve the right to remove any guest at any time. For more information, please visit <a href="https://rauecenter.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">rauecenter.org</a>.
Questions? Contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212; boxoffice@rauecenter.org
Raue Center For The Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts.

Barnes & Noble

Set in Illinois and Wisconsin in the 1950s, learn about the coming-of-age story GO PICK PEAS: A Childhood Out of Touch by author Melanie Verbout. Like THE GLASS CASTLE, this book contrasts parental neglect and emotional abandonment with the small moments that shape a life. &nbsp;In a compelling, haunting search through her past, does she find the touch and belonging she craves?

Local Event: Author Book Signing

Algonquin-Lake In The Hills

Author Book Signing

Set in Illinois and Wisconsin in the 1950s, learn about the coming-of-age story GO PICK PEAS: A Childhood Out of Touch by...

Amie Schaenzer

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Lake County

Barrington

Lake Zurich

Kane County

Elgin

Grayslake

Cook County

Palatine

Libertyville

Vernon Hills

Eric DeGrechie

Buffalo Grove

Faithfully preaching the good news that is Jesus Christ

Crystal Lake Christian Church

Crystal Lake Christian Church is a church family that loves God and shows that love with reverence and awe; we are all sinners saved by His grace and we love one another through bearing one another’s burdens in prayer and fellowship. We praise the Lord with a mixture of contemporary and traditional music without the circus; it’s not a concert; it’s worship of the living God. We emphasize the fact that it is not the quality of our singing but instead the quality of our heart condition before God that matters most; He is worthy of our praise. We partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. We do so in remembrance of what Jesus, the Lamb of God, achieved at Calvary for a fallen world in need of salvation and a Savior; in need of atonement. We baptize by immersion upon request and view this as the first step of obedience by an individual who has already made a faith commitment and cried out to God for salvation. The words spoken from God’s pulpit are anchored exclusively in the scriptures and, while occasionally topical, we do not view the gospel as a self-improvement program. The gospel message communicates the truth about God’s love, righteousness, holiness and judgement while emphasizing our need to repent of our transgressions before Him.

Crystal Lake Christian Church is a church family that loves God and shows that love with reverence and awe; we are all sinners saved by His grace...

Springbrook Community Church

Springbrook is a vibrant church in our community that exists to glorify God, as we help others meet, know, and follow Jesus. Be our guest Sunday at 9am or 11am, or text GUEST to 1-844-238-7507 if you have any questions.

Springbrook is a vibrant church in our community that exists to glorify God, as we help others meet, know, and follow Jesus. Be our guest Sunday at...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Events and Things to Do in Crystal Lake-Cary, IL

Saturday, July 11

Fireworks at Picnic Grove Park in Fox River Grove

JUL

11

5:00 PM

Picnic Grove Park, 598 Birch Ln, Fox River Grove, IL

Sunday, July 12

The McHenry Fiesta Days Music Fest Weekend Fireworks

JUL

12

9:30 PM

Crystal Lake-Cary, IL

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Sunday, July 5

Friday, July 10

Saturday, July 11

Sunday, July 12

Friday, July 17

Saturday, July 18

Sunday, July 19

Thursday, July 23

Friday, July 24

Saturday, July 25

Fireworks at Picnic Grove Park in Fox River Grove

The McHenry Fiesta Days Music Fest Weekend Fireworks

Crystal Lake Christian Church

Springbrook Community Church