Events in Lake in the Hills today

At Prince of Peace Church, widows and widowers meet for a supportive group led by Maggie Moore, The Widow Coach and a Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist. Guided conversations and practical, brain-based tools are shared to help calm anxiety, understand grief with compassion, and nurture the resilience needed to rebuild life after loss. Participants connect with others who truly understand, gaining simple practices that can restore purpose, strength, and moments of peace. Dates or location may occasionally change to align with local happenings, so reserving a spot helps attendees stay informed about updates and special sessions.

Green Drinks brings together people who care about the environment for a relaxed meetup at Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen. Everyone is welcome, whether you are deeply involved in sustainability or just curious to learn more. The topic and speaker for this edition will be announced. Expect time to mingle, a featured presentation, and an opportunity for community announcements. Admission is free, and food and drinks are available for purchase. Guests may enjoy a meal during the talk, and those who bring a reusable take-out container from home can receive a discount on food orders. A virtual participation option will also be offered. The venue is located upstairs with one flight of stairs and no elevator. Free parking is available nearby. Newcomers can count on a friendly, no-judgment space to share and learn, and the organizers welcome proposals from prospective presenters on environmental subjects.

Free Poker Network presents a poker night at D.C. Cobb’s Huntley with free entry and no buy-in required. Over each six-month stretch, $25,000 in prizes are awarded. Check it out at no cost.

Challenge your knowledge at a trivia competition hosted by Pub Trivia USA. D.C. Cobb’s gift cards go to the top three finishers.

Rookies All-American Pub & Grill hosts a laid-back car meet where classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, and custom builds roll in for an evening of chrome and conversation. There is no entry fee, and cruisers enjoy half-priced pizzas. Expect a family-friendly setting with an outdoor patio, good food, and music in the background. Now in its 14th year, this weekly gathering brings enthusiasts together to showcase rides and connect with fellow fans. Presented by Double K Productions.

This weekly community bike ride, known as Thursdays are for Riding, rolls through Elgin and sometimes nearby areas. The pace is quicker than many social rides, including the full moon ride, and the outing is more adult-focused since a stop at a bar or beer garden may be included. Everyone is welcome. Participants are asked to complete a waiver, which only needs to be submitted once each year. Please ride safely.

The final night of outdoor live music at Crystal Lake Brewing features Ironwood, the duo of Donna Brooks and Nick Horcher. The evening offers a heartfelt blend of contemporary and classic folk, rock, and Americana, with soulful songs that reach across genres and generations. Their original music is available on streaming platforms.

Build good habits with your pup in a six-week training program at Project Hope Animal Rescue Foundation. Separate sessions are available for beginner and intermediate levels. The full course fee is $150.

Enjoy a free live trivia night at The Chick and the Pig. This weekly event has no entry fee, and the top scoring teams take home fun prizes. There is also an option to sign up ahead of time to receive three trivia clues before the game.

Swing Dance 2B builds on Level 2A fundamentals with a focus on confidence, partner connection, and musicality. This is a four-session series designed to deepen skills developed in the previous level. Registration is required, and an Algonquin Recreation Portal account is needed to complete checkout.

This three day Working Equitation camp offers personalized coaching for every horse and rider, making it a good fit for all experience levels. With two instructors, participants can expect plenty of individual attention and should come ready to spend time in the saddle. Instruction is led by Karen, a Judge and Technical Delegate for the sport with multiple National and Regional Championship titles, and Mike, a multiple National and Regional Champion who holds a USAWE Silver Medal. The first day focuses on the Dressage phase, working through the appropriate tests and movements, along with exercises to strengthen key skills. Saturday centers on obstacle work, with hands-on practice for each element followed by a few short practice courses in the afternoon. The weekend wraps up Sunday with a low pressure schooling show that lets riders put everything together, with coaching available as needed. Karen and Mike will walk the Ease of Handling course with participants to share strategy and guidance. The schooling show is limited to eight riders. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Pricing options include $450 for all three days with a dry stall, $200 per day with a stall, or $150 for the schooling show only.

A car show takes place on the grassy festival grounds of Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Fest at Sunset Park, set beside the carnival and family activities. Vehicles of every year and make are welcome, and judging centers on overall show quality. On-site registration is ten dollars with no advance sign up, and arriving early is important since late entry may be declined. Awards include 25 judged honors plus two top overall selections. Disregard unauthorized third party listings that circulate random dates, as they are not authentic.

Labor Day weekend marks the closing celebration of the 2026 season at The Quarry, with free live music and a final chance to enjoy the Aqua Park, Cable Park, and the Bar & Grille. Performances include a lakeside set from Jimmy Marquis along with shows by Jack Byron and Dangerous Joes. The weekend concludes on Monday without live music. Aqua Park and wakeboarding operate until dusk on the days they are open, and the Grille and Bar are available throughout the weekend. All activities and entertainment are weather pending.

Wait, What? performs as a full band trio at Bandito Barneys Beach Club, delivering a set packed with popular hits from the 90s and 00s. A lively night of throwback tunes and upbeat live music.

Head out on the Fox River for an intermediate-level kayaking trip covering about 7 miles. The outing begins at Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve, where participants park at the take-out and ride a shuttle to the launch point. Before getting on the water, an experienced instructor provides on-land guidance in core paddling techniques. Once afloat, a naturalist leads the group while interpreting the river’s ecology. This paddle is part of a broader series that opens with a basic lake class for beginners and progresses to longer, more technical river sessions, and participants may attend any number of them. Ages 16 and up. Participants must be able to hold their breath underwater while wearing a properly fitted life jacket, rotate from face down to face up while keeping the head above water, communicate effectively with the instructor and others, and manage mobility and personal care independently or with the help of a companion. Registration is required at least one week in advance. The fee is $89 per person with kayak, personal flotation device, and paddle provided, or $45 per person when supplying your own kayak.

Now in its fifth year, Love on the Lawn Day brings together music, food, and a welcoming atmosphere for families, all centered on love. More than 10,000 attendees are expected, resulting in a large community gathering.

GreenRoom Improv delivers clean, interactive comedy that is family-friendly and high energy. For more than 20 years the troupe has performed across the country with a multi-faceted style of improv suitable for all ages. The ensemble features Dave Hunter, Matthew Aldis, Kerry Cox, Sam Barbaro, Christian Zierke, Miriam Naponelli, and Jess Smith, with piano by Paul Gunsul and Erik Scheele. Ticket options are available for adults and students, with RaueNOW member pricing that offers a 30 percent discount and no per-ticket fee. All-in pricing includes a $4 box office fee, and an $8 processing fee applies to the entire order.

A car show with a swap meet and crafters at Eagle’s Club supports the Almost Home Foundation. Vehicles of every year, make, and model are welcome. The show area is primarily grass with some paved sections, and canopies are welcome if they are securely tied down. There is no preregistration, so beware of scams. On-site registration is $20. Judging will be conducted by selected Pokey members along with guest judges from Schwartz Performance. A total of 63 judged awards will be presented, including Top 60 honors, a club award for the most registrations, Best in Show Stock, and Best in Show Modified. Music will be provided by Rudy K. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Gilberts Eagle Club, and the indoor bar will be open with several TVs showing sports. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Almost Home Foundation. Attendees are encouraged to bring high-need donations such as Purina One Chicken & Rice dog food, Purina healthy puppy food, Fancy Feast canned cat food, extra large potty pads, and Martingale collars in any size. Car, swap, and craft vendors can contact April at 630-234-9017. For more details, call 630-234-9017.

Take a gentle-paced hike with Elgin Pride’s Queer Mountaineers at Camp Tomo ChiChi Knolls. Open to people of all ages and supportive allies, this community outing focuses on enjoying the outdoors without rushing. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Bring water, insect repellent, and sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes.

Pearlsnap performs at the Crystal Lake Half Marathon after-party at the recently opened Depot Park in downtown Crystal Lake. The celebration offers live music in the park and a chance to congratulate the racers. All are welcome.

Spend a late summer afternoon quenching your thirst and listening to music on the patio. Enjoy a relaxed outdoor setting with entertainment provided for an easy, breezy break.

Celebrate the close of summer at the Summer Sunset Festival in Lake in the Hills, with rides, food, music, dancing, and plenty of festive playfulness. CADILLAC GROOVE appears at Sunset Park as part of the festivities.

Brewing Connections is a caffeinated networking experience at Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters that blends the world of business with a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Attendees have the chance to spark conversations, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections while taking in the inviting aroma of a freshly brewed beverage.

The Quarry closes out the 2026 season with a lakeside sendoff featuring free live music. The lineup includes Jimmy Marquis on Friday, Jack Byron on Saturday, and Dangerous Joes on Sunday. Monday concludes the event without live music. It is also the final chance to experience the Aqua Park, Cable Park, and Bar & Grille, with hours varying by day. All activities are weather dependent.

Mr. Myers brings its annual Labor Day Bash to Bandito Barneys Beach Club, keeping the summer spirit alive with a live performance. This returning tradition features music from the band, and the venue offers a food and drink menu. A festive way to celebrate Labor Day and savor the end of the season.

Practice Working Equitation obstacles in a group session that runs for three hours. The fee is $50, with a discounted rate of $30 for Team KarMik Members. Coaching is included from a judge, a TD, and multiple national champions in the sport. Space is limited, so email Info@KarMikAcres.com to register and secure a spot. Team KarMik Members can email the same address to reserve their place.