FESTIVALS GUIDE Cousin Dud
McHENRY COUNTY AUGUST NORTHERN ILLINOIS QUILT FEST, through August, anchor sites across Northern Illinois’ six counties. Three months worth of quilt exhibits and activities with quilted barns, quilt gardens and art exhibits. Locations and Information: www.northernillinoisquiltfest.com. FIRST FRIDAYS CONCERT SERIES, through Sept. 6, Lost Valley Visitor Center at Glacial Park, Ringwood. McHenry County Conservation District hosts an evening of music and nature 7 to 8:30 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner and hear regional musicians: Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos, Sept. 6. Information: www.mccdistrict.org. BMO HARRIS BANK BLAST ON THE BEACH, Aug. 10, Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Kid’s Fun Fair, Craft Fair, Treasure Hunt in the Sand, food vendors, beer/wine, live music by The Lounge Puppets, children’s entertainment by Circus Boy. Free. Information: www.crystallakeparks.org. WOODSTOCK MOZART FESTIVAL, Aug. 10-11, Woodstock Opera House. In its 27th season and under the banner “Mozart ... and More!,” guest conductor format enabling patrons to enjoy music of Mozart in different performance styles. Features orchestra and world-class artists. Information: www.mozartfest.org. DAY OUT WITH THOMAS, Aug. 16-18, Aug. 24 & 25, Illinois Railway Museum, Union. Take a train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt. Includes clowns, puppet shows, magic shows, live music, storytelling and Thomas & Friends Playtable, balloon animals and more. Information: www.irm.org. SOUND BITES! LAKE IN THE HILLS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, Aug. 17, Village Hall Amphitheater, 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills. “Bringing a little ‘Ravinia’ to Lake in the Hills,” free concerts feature food, drinks and entertainment under the evening sky. Information: www.lith.org. HUNTLEY ARTFEST, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 18, Church and Main streets, downtown Huntley. A juried art fair featuring more than 45 Midwest artists representing a wide variety of mediums. Music and food. Free admission. Information: 224-828-1211 or www. huntleyartfest.org. WASTED PLAINS ROCK & ROLL REVIVAL, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Aug. 17 and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 18, VFW Post 5040, 240 N. Throop St., Woodstock.
Fundraiser for VFW Post 5040 and Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. Schedule: Aug. 17, revival with Indie bands; Aug. 18, block party with Indie bands, Honeycraft Market and craft sessions. Food available. Weekend admission: $18 adults online, $20 at the door; free for children 13 and younger. Information: 815-861-5628 or www.wastedplains.com. WOODSTOCK JAZZ FESTIVAL, Aug. 2224, Stage Left Cafe, 125 W. Van Buren, Woodstock Square. Promotion of jazz music in all its diverse forms and colorful history. Information: www.jazzonthesquare.com or 847-340-8319. DAY IN THE PARK, 2:30 to 10 p.m. Aug. 24, Indian Oaks Park, 825 Indian Oaks Trail, Marengo. Featuring family-friendly activities and contests, live bands, exotic animal show, food, ireworks and more. Sponsors: Marengo Park District and Marengo-Union Chambe of Commerce. Free admission. Parking: $5. Information: 815-568-5126 or www.marengoparkdistrict.org. LAKE IN THE HILLS SUMMER SUNSET FESTIVAL, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, Sunset Park, Lake in the Hills. A 13th annual event, features parade, carnival rides, craft show, Battle of the Bands, Classic & Custom Car Show, horshoe and bags tournaments, Sunset 5K and ireworks. On the Main Stage are Petty Cash, Libido Funk Circus, 28 Days, 7th Heaven, No Left Turn and Modern Day Romeos. Information: www.summersunsetfest.com.
REGIONAL BRISTOL RENAISSANCE FAIRE, 26th annual, through Sept. 2, off Interstate 94, Kenosha, Wis. An eclectic array of 16th century arts, games, food, music, comedy and dance. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day. Admission: $19.95 adults, $9.50 children ages 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. Information: 847-3957773 or www.renfair.com. ILLINOIS STATE FAIR, Aug. 8-18, 801 Sagamon Ave., Springield. Admission: $7 adults, $3 seniors and children ages 5-12, free for children younger than 5. Other admission options available. Information: 217-782-6661 or www. illinoisstatefair.info.
CHICAGO CHICAGO AIR & WATER SHOW, 55th annual, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17-18, North Avenue Beach, Chicago. Featuring several high-lying acts including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team and many more. Show also includes water-based performers including the Chicago Fire Department Air and Sea Rescue Team. Free admission. Information: 312-744-3316 or www. cityofchicago.org/dcase.
WASTED PLAINS ROCK & ROLL REVIVAL WHEN: 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Aug. 17 and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 18 WHERE: VFW Post 5040, 240 N. Throop St., Woodstock COST & INFO: Fundraiser for VFW Post 5040 and Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. Schedule: Aug. 17, revival with Indie bands; Aug. 18, block party with Indie bands, Honeycraft Market and craft sessions. Food available. Weekend admission: $18 adults online, $20 at the door; free for children 13 and younger. Information: 815-861-5628 or www.wastedplains.com.
| PlanIt Pl@y | Thursday, August 8, 2013 • PlanitNorthwest.com
The following festivals are taking place in McHenry County and the surrounding area this summer.
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