Happy weekend, Crystal Lake! In today’s happening-today edition: Soap box derby, midsummer wine walk, and preserving rural landmarks + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Summer listening tour: State Sen. Craig Wilcox will kick off his summer Conversations Untapped tour in Cary on June 25, inviting residents to chat with their state senator at Cary Ale House -- get the event details.
Preserving rural landmarks: As Midwestern farm silos disappear, northern Illinois silo hunter Marianne May catalogs nearly 200 her grandfather Frank May built. Historians trace the region’s first to Spring Grove in McHenry County -- explore the silo history.
New priests take vows: Rockford Diocese will ordain three men on June 22, led by Bishop David Malloy, to serve parishes from Batavia to Crystal Lake, including one with roots at Saint Bridget -- see the ordination details.
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Handmade gift jackpot: When birthdays sneak up, Kismet has you covered with one-of-a-kind finds from over 160 local artists, from quirky home accents to wearable art. Pop in this week, browse with coffee-level focus, and leave feeling like the friend who always nails it.
Crack into something good: Little King Crab Operated By Kirin King does bold Cajun-style seafood boils you can tweak to your mood, from garlic butter or lemon pepper to a house special, with mild to spicy heat. Swing by this week for Asian-fusion sides and even veggie options if someone plays it cool.
Dial in your aim: NorthShore Sports Crystal Lake is the clean, well-run indoor range you’ve been meaning to try. Test-drive something from their rental lineup, book an Illinois Concealed Carry or beginner class, then wander the pro shop. Members score unlimited range time, so your practice habit finally sticks.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏁 McHenry Soap Box Derby 2026 @ Waukegan Road | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Our beloved Soap Box Derby is finally back after seven years, rolling through downtown McHenry with pint-sized speed demons and proud parents pretending not to coach. Kids 7 to 13 can race, the rest of us get curbside seats, coffee, and premium small-town bragging rights.
☕ Father's Day Mug Painting @ Ethereal Confections (Woodstock) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – If you're over novelty ties, make a gift he will actually use at a Father’s Day mug painting workshop for father figures and kids. Customize a ceramic mug, supplies included, no skills needed, snacks, coffee, and lemonade, one ticket covers one adult and one child.
🎉 The Mac Fest @ The MAC | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Round up the crew and head to The MAC Fest for a full day of do-something fun that actually lives up to the flyer. Kid energy gets an outlet, grown-ups get a breather, and nobody has to pretend the backyard counts as plans.
🥁 Gongtopia @ Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple & Meditation Center (Woodstock) | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Trade the to-do list noise for a sound bath where gongs, bowls, and bells do the heavy lifting. Milwaukee percussionist Michael Bettine brings waves of resonance, a little history, and a lot of exhale, leaving you tuned up, not checked out.
🍷 Midsummer Wine Walk @ Downtown Crystal Lake | Saturday (6/20) – Midsummer Wine Walk is sauntering back with leisurely sips, neighborhood charm, and prime people-watching. Wander past local shops with a glass in hand, pretending your step count cancels the cabernet. It is grown-up trick-or-treating, minus the plastic pumpkins, plus better stories.
🧺 Farmers Market @ The Dole | Sunday (6/21) at 10:00 AM – At The Dole, the farmers market is our unofficial town square, with better tomatoes and fewer meetings. Over 80 farmers and vendors bring peak produce, small-batch goodies, and flowers, and yes, it is that six-time award-winning, five-year-old overachiever. Groceries happen, catch-ups stretch, and nobody minds.
🎨 Pottery Barn Finish Furniture Painting Series @ America's Antique Mall (Algonquin) | Sunday (6/21) at 1:00 PM – Heather Padolina leads a workshop at America’s Antique Mall Algonquin to give your side table a Pottery Barn finish without the catalog markup. Bring a small piece, learn prep and paint in part one, water-based glaze in part two, $65, small group, sudden repainting urges. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Crystal Lake report Weather forecastToday — High: 78°F — Low: 56°F — Precip: 12%
Sunny, with a high near 78. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. North wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 71°F — Low: 55°F — Precip: 73%
A chance of rain showers between 7am and 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. East wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 70%. This house is wild7241 Foxfire Drive brings 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2,767 square feet of roomy living on a generous 1.37-acre Crystal Lake lot. Hardwood, tile, and carpet flooring add variety throughout, while a wood-burning fireplace, partially finished basement, and attached 2-car garage keep things practical. With space, privacy, and updates waiting, it offers plenty of room to make it shine.
Take a peek inside → |
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