Events in McHenry County today

Story time unfolds beneath the shop’s tree at Read Between The Lynes, featuring a playful selection of fantastic stories in a cozy setting.

Thursdays at Kishwaukee Brewing Co. feature $5 pints available through last call. Bring a friend to enjoy a few pints together... cheers.

Chow & Meow with Texas Roadhouse is a donation night supporting Purrfect Cat Rescue at the Crystal Lake, IL location. Present the event flyer when ordering and Texas Roadhouse will contribute ten percent of your total food purchase to Purrfect Cat Rescue.

Internationally recognized trainer and clinician Julie Goodnight leads an evening seminar focused on classical horsemanship, the partnership between horses and people, and humane, effective training. The program welcomes horse lovers at every experience level. Attendees can expect insights into the science of equine behavior, practical methods for addressing unwanted behaviors, approaches to help a horse recover from a meltdown, and guidance on interpreting emotional and communicative signals. The importance of clear, consistent cues from the horse’s point of view is explored, along with how to recognize early signs of refusal before reacting. The presentation includes a Q&A. The event takes place in the Luecht Auditorium at McHenry County College, with parking available in Lot B near the auditorium entrance. A limited Meet & Greet with Julie Goodnight is offered after the seminar for up to 20 participants, providing private time for conversation and photos. This add-on experience benefits the Hooved Animal Humane Society and its rescue and rehabilitation work, and a seminar ticket is required to participate. Seminar admission is $40, and the Meet & Greet add-on is $20. Vending machines will be available for beverages.

Foxhole Pizza & Pub turns every Chicago Bears game into a watch party with an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet priced at $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Raffles take place each quarter, and fans who wear Bears gear receive extra raffle tickets. Game day beer specials are announced before each game. Wear navy and orange, enjoy the buffet, and cheer on the Bears at Foxhole.

An exclusive small-group riding clinic with Julie Goodnight at Diamond Acres offers personalized, hands-on coaching designed to deepen communication, confidence, and partnership between horse and rider. Each day is limited to 10 riders, divided into two groups of five, with morning and afternoon riding blocks separated by a lunch break. Riders may participate in one or both clinic days. Learning is rooted in a classical, compassionate approach to horsemanship. A limited number of auditor spots, capped at 20 per day, are available for those who prefer to observe in a close-up setting. Trailer parking with tie options and day stabling will be coordinated directly with participants. Pricing is $450 per day for riders and $25 per day for auditors.

No cost health screenings are available in the school gym, with evaluations for diabetes, blood pressure, lipid profiles, mental health, and food insecurity. Appointments can be requested by email or through the Cultivating Health Ministries website. Se ofrecen exámenes de salud gratuitos en el gimnasio de la escuela, con evaluaciones para diabetes, presión arterial, perfil lipídico, salud mental e inseguridad alimentaria. Puede solicitar una cita por correo electrónico o en el sitio web de Cultivating Health Ministries.

An Auxiliary-supported bingo evening at the V features doors opening before play, a period for purchasing cards, and games to follow. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, and attendees must be 18 or older to participate and to remain in the room.

Middle schoolers are invited to celebrate Halloween at a dance filled with music, costumes, and spooky fun. A DJ will keep the energy high throughout the event, with costume contests, surprises, pizza, refreshments, and sweet treats available. Costumes are welcome, provided they are appropriate for both age and school. Parents or guardians must come inside to sign participants in and out. This is a drop-off event, and adults do not remain during the dance. The fee is $25 for residents and $33 for non-residents, and advance registration is required using code 140221-01.

This fall Cars & Coffee at BMW of Crystal Lake serves as the car show season closer. Additional details will be announced.

Settle in for story time. From May through October, the gathering takes place near the gazebo on the Historic Woodstock Square, moving under the tree inside the shop if the weather turns. From November through April, it happens under the tree in the shop.

Enjoy a customized therapeutic massage with Julie, a board certified and state licensed massage therapist and Reiki Master Teacher. Each one hour session weaves classic massage with Compassionate Touch and complementary bodywork, tailored to your needs. Appointments are available every other Saturday following the meditation practice, and sessions take place in the healing room downstairs. To schedule, text or call Julie at 847-409-1355 to arrange your time. She offers a brief phone consultation to personalize your experience and requests that you connect with her before purchasing a ticket. With more than 30 years of experience and long-standing involvement in the Blue Lotus Temple Sangha, Julie brings extensive skill and a gentle, integrative approach that supports physical comfort and a calm mind.

St. Mary Catholic School hosts its seventh annual trivia night, a lively evening filled with friendly competition, vibrant table themes, and playful costumes. Tables seat up to ten participants for $250, and many teams choose a creative theme for their décor and outfits, though this is optional. The event is BYOB, so guests may bring their own food and beverages, with time set aside before the games begin for table decorating and food setup. Attendees can boost their score by purchasing Mulligans and can also take part in a 50/50 raffle. All participants must be 21 or older. Proceeds benefit MOSAIC inclusion services at the school, helping fund speech therapy, academic intervention, and behavior support that are not covered by tuition. A discount code, CHECKPAYMENT, is available at checkout for those paying by check.

This event pairs live music with a food and coffee bar menu at The Other Side.

Guided by Bhante Rahula at the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple, this in-person session brings together sound healing, meditation, and chanting to encourage calm and clarity. Through sound vibrations, mindfulness, and the cultivation of metta, or loving kindness, participants are invited to release stress, welcome change, and find steadiness amid life’s transitions. Bhante Rahula is a resident monk at the Blue Lotus Temple, ordained in Sri Lanka over 30 years ago, certified in sound healing, and integrates loving kindness meditation, ancient Buddhist chanting, and the use of quartz crystal singing bowls. Each gathering features a unique theme, and some include a gift blessed through traditional Buddhist chanting. Reported benefits of sound therapy include reduced chronic pain, improved sleep, fewer negative emotions, improved respiratory rate, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it may help with some symptoms of conditions such as fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s disease. Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, or blanket to stay comfortable. Chairs are available.

James Garner presents a live tribute to Johnny Cash at Raue Center For The Arts, featuring signature songs such as Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire, and I Walk the Line. The performance combines music with storytelling that highlights the Man in Black’s legacy. This fundraiser supports the Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers and Raue Center For The Arts.

At Farmers Market at The Dole, shoppers can find small batch dog food, wholesome treats and chews, and spaw care items. Every option is made without corn, soy, wheat, or sugar, making it easy to choose a healthy reward for your pet.

A community trunk or treat open to everyone. A simple way for the community to celebrate together.

This annual Halloween skating event features $1 admission for anyone in costume, with a $12 admission price for those without a costume. Skate rentals are available for $5 and skate mates can be added for $6. A costume contest will award prizes, so creative outfits are encouraged. Walk-in birthday parties are not permitted because this is a holiday special. For questions, please contact the organizer.

A monthly history book club meets on the final Monday each month for a group discussion. This session will focus on Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by Tamin Ansary. Newcomers are welcome, and book club selections can be purchased in-store.

At Squire on the Square, the mic is open to all and the spotlight is shared. Local talent takes the stage with live music, stand up comedy, poetry, and acoustic jams. Friends can enjoy a drink, cheer on the performers, or step up for a turn at the mic.