Events in McHenry today

Story and Craft Time brings a read-aloud and hands-on craft to Ethereal Confections on the Woodstock Square in collaboration with Marvin's Toy Store. The craft is free and tailored for children ages 1 to 5. Children can enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate with the purchase of a coffee or tea. No registration is required.

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.

Plates for Patriots is an easy access food pantry supporting local veterans and their families, offered in partnership with Veterans Path to Hope. The process is simple, dignified, and accessible. Veterans remain in their vehicles while volunteers place groceries and other essentials directly in the trunk, creating a hassle free and judgment free experience. The aim is to ensure those who have served can obtain essential resources within the community and to strengthen connections among neighbors.

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.

The Community Care Connection Coach from Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinics provides free heart health screenings. Services include checks for blood pressure, blood sugar and diabetes, cholesterol, and BMI. COVID vaccinations are offered when available. The last patient is accepted 15 minutes before closing if space is still available. El Community Care Connection (Coach) de las Clínicas de Salud de la Universidad Rosalind Franklin ofrece exámenes gratuitos de salud del corazón. Los exámenes incluyen presión arterial, azúcar en la sangre y diabetes, colesterol e IMC. También se ofrecerán vacunas COVID cuando estén disponibles. Se atenderá al último paciente 15 minutos antes del cierre si aún hay espacio disponible.

Enjoy story time beneath the shop’s tree at Read Between The Lynes, featuring a selection of fantastic tales. Gather in this in-store spot to listen together and celebrate storytelling.

A collaborative book club from Round Lake Park District and Round Lake Area Public Library meets at the Round Lake Park District to discuss a new selection each month. Copies are available from the library one month in advance. Upcoming picks include What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty, None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell, The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick, and Funny Story by Emily Henry. For questions or to request accessibility accommodations, contact Karan at kstorlie@rlalibrary.org.

Every Thursday at Kishwaukee Brewing Co., pints are $5. Bring a friend to sip and savor a couple of pints, with the brewery open until last call. Cheers.

A community drum circle at Blue Lotus Temple welcomes all experience levels. It is free to attend, with a suggested $5 donation. Participants share rhythms and create songs entirely through improvisation, with nothing pre-rehearsed or pre-planned. There is no designated leader. A facilitator typically starts a simple, easy-to-follow beat, then the music grows naturally as everyone adds their voice. Drums commonly played include frame or hoop drums, djembes, congas, bongos, doumbeks, darbukas, and ashikos, often joined by percussion such as maracas, claves, tambourine, gongs, tongue drums, bells, singing bowls, and rainsticks. Drumming together can support stress reduction, boost memory and attention, lift mood, encourage self expression, strengthen social connection, enhance mindfulness, and provide space for emotional release within a positive, supportive circle.

Experience a lively open-air market in Downtown Wauconda with seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, meats, baked goods, and a wide variety of other finds. Food vendors and sidewalk specials from nearby shops add to the mix, and a weekly list of participating vendors is shared on the market’s Facebook page. The season features rotating themes including Food Truck Frenzy, Pirates and Princess, Back To Drool Pet Parade, Latin Heritage Day, and Pumpkin Painting. Free parking is available in a nearby municipal lot.

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.

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.

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.

Kona Ice will be at Wauconda High School. Twenty-five percent of sales will be donated to Wauconda HS Athletics. Menu options include the 12 ounce Klassic for $5, the 16 ounce King for $6, and a 16 ounce Kolor-Change souvenir cup for $7 with $4 refills.

A bingo event at the V presented by the Auxiliary. Doors open first, with card sales available before games begin, and the games continue into the evening. Attendees must be 18 or older to play and to remain in the room, and outside food or beverages are not permitted.

Tim Laskowski brings music to The Grove Pub & Grill. Food and drinks are available, and there is no admission fee.

A community celebration marks one year of Grove, featuring a coffee truck, bagels, bounce houses and bubble games for kids, and a mimosa bar for adults. Rumors point to a special merch drop, along with 20 percent off all retail products and free new patient vouchers available to everyone. The event welcomes all, whether already a patient or not.

Story time features seasonal meeting spots. From May through October, the group gathers near the gazebo on the Historic Woodstock Square, moving under the tree inside the shop if the weather is poor. From November through April, it takes place under the tree inside the shop.

Step onto the stage and sing your favorite songs at Palace Bowl’s karaoke night, then keep the music going with a DJ until close. Food and drinks are available from Dark Horse Saloon & Grill, and the venue also features bowling, pool, darts, and gaming. Participate with the mic or relax at the bar while music fills the space. To reserve a bowling lane, call 815.385.8400.

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.

Palace Bowl hosts a summer car show presented by Carshowsillinois, welcoming every type of vehicle, from cars and trucks to vans and SUVs, from any make or model. Enjoy music from a live DJ, trivia games, raffles, and a 50/50 drawing, plus food and drinks with favorites like burgers, hot dogs, fries, appetizers, and pizza. Onsite registration is $20 cash. Trophies will honor standout entries, including awards for best stock, best modified, best truck, and the overall best of show. There is no pre-registration, and vendor participation is by invitation only.

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.

This event features music performed live at Miller Point Park and is sponsored by Colonial Funeral Home.

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.

Monday brings Steak Day at Lindy’s with two specials served all day. The Ribeye Special is $19.95 and features an 8 oz ribeye finished with compound butter, a chef-selected vegetable, and a baked potato, with the option to add a second ribeye for $9.95. The Filet Trio is $24.95 and includes three 3 oz filet medallions with the same sides. Turn it into surf and turf by adding a grilled shrimp skewer for $10. Enjoy these offerings at lunch or dinner. Reservations are recommended.

This promotion offers 25 percent off mix and match cases, making it easy to stock up for the week. Choose your favorites to assemble a custom case and save on the total.

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.

Lara Bell brings a hometown performance to DC Cobbs.

There is no meeting this month. The club typically meets on the first Monday of each month, and new members are welcome. Throughout the year, the reading list includes Mort by Terry Pratchett, The Last Vigilant by Mark A Latham, Daughters of the Storm by Kim Wilkins, Old Man's War by John Scalzi, The Traitor of Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson, Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson, Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by SA Chakraborty, The Water Outlaws by SL Huang, Blood Over Bright Haven by ML Wang, and Redwall by Brian Jacques. For questions or to join any of the clubs, email rbtlstaff@gmail.com. Book club selections are available for purchase in-store.