This weekend in Crystal Lake, IL

Amazing awards are up for grabs, with a total of $4,000 in prize money. Belt buckles will also be awarded.

This casual get-together at Cary Dog Park in Hoffman Park invites dogs and their humans to explore the grounds, meet fellow pet owners, and let pups play, which is especially helpful if you are considering a membership. All are welcome, whether you already belong or are visiting for the first time. Non-members will complete a simple on-site waiver confirming their dog’s vaccinations are current. The event is free and no registration is needed. Expect fresh air, playful energy, and an easygoing chance for people and dogs to socialize.

Disney fans from across Chicagoland gather for a day dedicated to pin trading at America’s Antique Mall Algonquin. Admission is free. Attendees can connect with fellow enthusiasts and trade with collectors from the local pin community. Outside traders present pins strictly for trading, with no selling at those tables. In the lounge, Disney vendors offer themed finds available for purchase. Whether building a collection or exploring the hobby, this friendly event makes it easy to trade, browse, and meet other fans.

Come test your creativity at the Fox Lake Cardboard Boat Race. Build a boat out of cardboard and race it against others, or cheer from the shoreline. It’s a fun, family-friendly event where all ages can get involved in the action at Lakefront Park.

This free community gathering welcomes volunteers, supporters, and community members to enjoy food, games, and creative crafts together. Registration is free.

Celebrate summer at Woodstock Harley-Davidson with tacos, tunes, and test rides. Put any new Harley-Davidson through its paces on a test ride, and receive a limited edition H-D flag at no cost while quantities remain. A food truck will be serving tacos, a DJ will provide live music, and outdoor lawn games will be available for friendly competition. Giveaways will pop up throughout the event, making it a good stop whether you are shopping for your next bike or simply out for a ride.

Enjoy Chicagoland Halal Fest 2026, a major halal festival with two days of halal food, shopping, family-friendly activities, entertainment, and community celebration. There is free parking and the event is all ages and in person. Please note this listing is for a donation request to help cover event expenses, not an admission ticket, and tickets must be purchased separately through the official event website. No refunds are offered.

Lara Bell makes a return appearance at Lake Roots Cafe.

At a new McHenry location, this charitable event provides quick nail trims for dogs, with services handled by Angie’s Dog Grooming. A suggested cash donation of $5 is appreciated, and all donations go to K9s4U Dog Rescue. It is a simple way to tidy up paws while supporting dogs in need.

The Huntley Area Chamber Bags Tournament brings a Hawaiian theme to Sew Hop'd Taproom & Brewery, with island-inspired outfits like Hawaiian shirts and leis encouraged. Teams compete for prize money, and the entry fee is $60 per team. Expect food trucks, raffles, music, and plenty of friendly matchups, whether chasing the championship or playing for fun.

Drivers push tractors and trucks to the limit in a contest that blends power and speed. Engines roar and the ground vibrates as competitors battle for the win, creating a high-energy scene families can share together.

Presented by Trademark Events Center, the eighth installment of SMBAs Monthly Trademark Metal features performances by Aether Aura, First Lyte, The Fiction We Create, and Children of Dismay. This is an all-ages show with a $10 cover.

The Diffused Blues Band returns to Rookies Huntley for another live set on the outdoor patio, bringing a full dose of blues in the open air.

SOiL wraps up its Chicago area appearances for 2026 with a final show featuring a full headlining set. The Outfit and ChainWax appear as special guests. A free meet and greet will be available at the merch booth after the performance.

Participants will explore three historic cemeteries in McHenry County during an evening investigation. The route includes Oakland Cemetery in Woodstock along with Mount Thabor and Lake Avenue cemeteries in Crystal Lake, with efforts to respectfully reach out to the spirits said to reside there. Since the locations are spread out, everyone will drive their own vehicles between stops. These grounds are known for their beauty and history, creating a thoughtful setting for the experience. The cost is $25 per person, payable via Zelle at 630-373-5912.

Experience a Lion’s Gate sound journey at The Rooted Ritual Apothecary that honors a powerful celestial alignment of the Sun in Leo, the Earth, Sirius, and Orion’s Belt. The theme highlights the number eight and its connection to infinity, growth, and possibility. The evening begins with an optional kava ceremony to enrich the experience, then moves into a soothing immersion of sound. A drum wash sets the tone, followed by layers of crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, chimes, flutes, and more. Some mats will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring personal props for comfort. A limited number of zero gravity chairs will be offered on a first come first served basis. Admission is $45 per person. Registration and payment information can be found in the event post, and space is limited on a first come first served basis for an intimate summer gathering focused on relaxation and rejuvenating vibration.

Chicago Mule performs a free, all-ages live set on the Quarry’s sunset deck, with sunset views plus food and drinks available to enjoy alongside the music. This event is weather dependent, and refunds are issued only if The Quarry cancels due to extreme or unsafe conditions.

Pedal into the evening with the Night Owl Bike Ride at Raue Center for the Arts. This after dark ride brings cyclists together for a fun, relaxed spin and a memorable night on two wheels.

Step up to the mic at Cantina 52 for a karaoke night hosted by Tiffany. Enjoy drink specials and a late night menu while favorite songs fill the room. Whether you plan to belt out hits or cheer from the crowd, it is a lively scene for music lovers.

The second annual car show returns to Ivy Hall Crystal Lake, presented by Raising The Bahr Events and Ivy Hall Crystal Lake, for a relaxed community gathering of cars and motorcycles. Enjoy music, food, and a range of vendors, with prizes on offer and motorcycles welcome. There is a suggested $20 donation to be eligible for prize entries and to help support the event, and donations can be made on site. Advance registration is available. Vendors and businesses, as well as car groups looking for dedicated booth space, may apply to participate.

Enjoy a lively outdoor Farmers Market+ at The Dole, with over 80 local farmers and vendors offering everything you need, plus plenty of reasons to linger. Grab lunch or brunch with the help of a great food truck lineup, sip from the Market+ Bar (including the popular “Market+ Mary” Bloody Mary bar with lots of hot sauce and garnish options), and catch live music on the lawn. Family and pet friendly activities include balloon creations, face painting, and roaming characters, with plenty of space to relax at the oversized picnic tables. Parking is free offsite, free handicap parking is available onsite, and there is also $5 VIP parking on the Dole grounds.

At Farmers Market at The Dole, explore small batch dog food, wholesome treats and chews, and spa-style pet care items. Every choice is free from corn, soy, wheat, and sugar, so you can shop confidently for your pet’s next favorite reward.

A relaxed, playful gathering for horse owners, with time to spend alongside their horses and to connect with other horse lovers. The spirit of the day is friendly fun and camaraderie among people and their equine companions.

Doors open ahead of the games, with card purchases available before play begins. The V Weekend Breakfast is offered beforehand for anyone who wants to eat before bingo.

Enjoy live music at the beautiful Miller Point Park, sponsored by Colonial Funeral Home.

At Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple & Meditation Center, this calming experience combines qigong practice with an immersive sound journey centered on gentle movement, conscious breathing, and mindful awareness. Qigong, a time honored art of moving meditation and energy cultivation, encourages sensitivity to the life force within and around the body. Participants explore slow, flowing sequences that relax the joints and lengthen muscles, steady rhythmic breathing that settles the nervous system, and focused attention on posture, sensation, and internal energy pathways. The aim is to nourish vitality and support smooth energy circulation for whole body well being. The session highlights potential benefits such as easing anxiety, depression, and chronic stress while improving balance, coordination, and mobility. It also supports cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune health, and can sharpen focus and mental clarity. No prior experience is required, and the program is suitable for ages 10 and up. Guidance is provided by Treya Jaholkowska, a Certified Yoga Instructor, Reiki Practitioner, Sound Healer, and Intuitive Coach whose approach blends music, artistry, and ancient practices. From 2006 to 2013 she lived in Hawaii, India, and Europe, spending time in monasteries, ashrams, and intentional communities, which deepened her connection to yoga, mantra chanting, and sacred music. Her qigong background includes three years of training in the United States and India with a range of teachers and styles. As a sound journey facilitator she weaves diverse instruments and vocals to shape transformative experiences, and she also offers meditation, mantra and kirtan, Sacred Feminine retreats, and other consciousness focused workshops.

This event honors those who served in World War II and the Korean War while keeping the Spirit of ’45 alive. Guests are encouraged to bring a photo of a loved one who served in WWII or Korea to be displayed in tribute and remembrance.

Enjoy an outdoor afternoon on select Sundays in Woodstock’s historic square, featuring artists selling their work while you listen to live music. This edition runs from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a focus on functional, sculptural pieces and more artist-made art to browse and buy.

Presented by 4WD Promotions, this demolition derby delivers a pulse-pounding showcase of crunching metal and high-impact collisions. The action builds with every hit, keeping the crowd riveted from start to finish.