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Things to do July 18-24: Kane, Lake and DuPage County Fairs, Sugar Grove Corn Boil, Canine Carnival and more

Posted in Entertainment, Politics on July 18, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Kane County Fair

By Luke Zurawski

Friday, July 18

Kane County Fair: 3-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 18-19; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. 4-H show, kids’ events, music, magic show, petting zoo, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, carnival rides, a car show Saturday and Sunday, a livestock auction at 1 p.m. Sunday and more. Grandstand shows: Professional Championship Bullriders and Cowgirls at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Demolition Derby ($10) at 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Miller Lite Sound Stage: Eric Chesser at 7 p.m. Thursday; Tripping Billies at 7:30 p.m. Friday; Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and How Rude Band at 6 p.m. Sunday. Cash admission at the gate: $5 Wednesday and Thursday; $10 adults, $5 for kids 3-12 Friday through Sunday; and free for kids younger than 3. Seniors older than 62 and military with ID admitted for free after 5 p.m. Thursday. Season pass $25. Free parking. kanecountyfair.com.

Vernon Hills Days: 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 18; 1-10 p.m. Saturday, July 19; and 1-7 p.m. Sunday, July 20, in Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Carnival, bags tournament, kids’ events and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Lineup: Thursday: Too Hype Crew at 7 p.m.; Friday: Starlight City at 7 p.m. and Switchfoot at 9 p.m.; Saturday: Heart to Heartbreaker at 7 p.m. and Tommy DeCarlo at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Modern Day Romeos at 6 p.m. vhdays.com.

McHenry Fiesta Days: Various times Thursday through Sunday, July 18-20, in McHenry. Food, live music and entertainment. Events are in Veterans Memorial Park and downtown McHenry. Concert in the park, Art & Street Fair and Art in the Park. Fiesta Days Parade is at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Most events are free. mchenryfiestadays.com

Chicago Grit: Various times Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 27. Formerly known as Intelligentsia Cup, the 10-day criterium race series takes place across the suburbs. July 18: West Dundee River Challenge; July 19: Tour of Lake Ellyn; July 20: Winfield Criterium and Summerfest; July 21: Mundelein Grand Prix; July 22: Lombard Cycling Classic; July 23: Cycle Brookfield Criterium; July 24: Northbrook Grand Prix; July 25: Elgin Classic; July 26: Lake Bluff Criterium; and July 27: Fulton Market Grand Prix. chicago-grit.com

National Gathering of American Indian Veterans: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 18, and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Trickster Cultural Center, 190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Honors veterans and military personnel of all cultures, eras and branches in a Native way. Free. Register: tricksterculturalcenter.org

West Dundee French Market: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 18, at The Pump House, 98 Oregon Ave., West Dundee. A mixed market offering fresh produce, honey, greens, soaps, breads, cheeses, flowers, artwork, wearables and other products. wdundee.org.

Fridays Rock! & Roll in Meadows Concert Series: 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Kimball Hill Park, 3266 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Electric Dawn and Wedding Banned will perform. Free. cityrm.org

Huntley Movie in the Park: 6 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Parisek Park, 10881 Allegheny Pass, Huntley. “Inside Out 2” begins at dusk. Food trucks at 6 p.m. Bring blankets and chairs. Free. huntley.il.us.

Roaring Nights: 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Third Eye Blind will perform. $85, $75 for members, $15 for kids 11 and younger. Parking fee applies. brookfieldzoo.org.

Lake Zurich Alpine Fest: 6-11 p.m. Friday, July 18; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 19; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 20. Food, rides, games, live music and more. Music lineup: Deja Vu at 6 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 9 p.m. Friday; EVO at 6 p.m. and ARRA at 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and Hillbilly Rockstarz at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Parade at 11 a.m. Sunday. Free admission. lzlions.com.

First Friday Summer Dances: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Schaumburg’s Towne Square, 200 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Dance lessons by Schaumburg Arthur Murray Dance Studio from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; live music and dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. parkfun.com

Hawthorn Woods Concerts in the Park: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Hawthorn Woods Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Grey Matter will perform. Free. vhw.org.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series — Main Stage Concerts: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. The Simple Remedy will perform. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer

Elgin Summer Movie in the Park: Dusk Friday, July 18, at Century Oaks Park, 1300 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin. Craft memory necklaces and face painting before “Inside Out 2” at dusk. Concessions from local nonprofits. Free. elginil.gov.

Saturday, July 19

Day Out With Thomas: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, at the Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. A 20-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and, for an additional fee, a ride with Percy, live entertainment, pop-up gift shop, family play zones and more. $24.85-$28.85. ticketwebdowt.com.

A Walk in The Shire: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive, Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire Garden Club’s third annual garden walk will showcase five gardens. In addition, each location will have its own featured artist. Start at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive, Lincolnshire, to pick up a brochure with addresses and descriptions. For those 12 and older. Tickets prior to July 19 are $20. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. July 19. For advance tickets, visit lincolnshiregardenclub.com/garden-walk.

Cactus & Succulent Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, in the Burnstein Hall at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. A show and sale featuring exotic and unusual plants. Society members will be on-hand to answer questions and offer advice on proper plant care. Cash is preferred. Included in general admission. facebook.com/cssgc.

Mariachi concert: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Lords Park Zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive, Elgin. All-ages concert featuring the Felipe Mendoza Band. elginil.gov

Bluesmobile Cruise Nights: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the East Metra parking lot, near the intersection of Maple and Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect. Classic cars, entertainment and more. mplions.org/cruise-nights.

Live Music at Bridges Beer Garden: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Bridges Beer Garden, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. LakeSide City will perform. Food and beverages for purchase. Free. heparks.org/events/list.

Bags, Brew and BBQ: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Game night featuring bags and yard games for 21 and older. Food trucks: Aunt Tina’s Sound Bites, Dave’s Holy Smokes BBQ, Flyin’ Hawaiian and Serna’s Grill. Free. epd.org.

Elgin Movie on the Lawn: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19, on the Hemmens south lawn, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. “Ghostbusters” and “Ghostbusters II.” Photo ops with movie props and characters before the show, plus a food truck and cash bar. Bring chairs and blankets. Movies include Spanish subtitles. elginil.gov/2620/Movies-on-the-Lawn.

Morton Arboretum walking play “Pride and Prejudice”: 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, starting at Thornhill Shelter at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. A walk leader guides the audience to each scene, which takes place at several natural backdrop locations along a one- to two-mile hiking route. Bring water and portable chairs or blankets for seating. mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/walking-plays.

Summer Breeze Concert Series: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. SWAK, Sealed With A Kiss, will perform. Free. parkfun.com.

Rotaryfest Fireworks: 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. elkgroverotaryfest.com.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, July 19, and 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks display set to popular and special occasion soundtracks. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, July 20

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 20, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Fiesta Days Parade: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20, in McHenry. The parade will be traveling east on Main Street to Green Street (left on Green) to Pearl Street (right on Pearl) to Riverside Drive (left on Riverside) to Washington Street. mchenrychamber.com.

Wheeling’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Hokulea Academy of Polynesian Arts will perform. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Coolers are allowed; no outside alcohol permitted. Soft drinks, water, beer and seltzer for purchase. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Monday, July 21

Museum Maker Monday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, July 21, at the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Drop in on a day typically closed to the public. Elementary-age kids and caregivers can explore exhibits, play games and complete a craft (while supplies last). No registration required. Free. elmhursthistory.org.

Side Street Studio Arts “Art for Children”: Noon to 1 p.m. Monday, July 21, at Lords Park Zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive, Elgin. Kids 4-7 can make art inspired by the animals and plants in Tefft Farm. elginil.gov

Motor Monday Cruise Nights: 5 p.m. to dusk Monday, July 21, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. In partnership with the Midwest Racing Preservation Association, open to cars and trucks from all makes and models. Also, food, drink and music. eastdundee.net.

Dive-In Movie: 7:30-10 p.m. Monday, July 21, at Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center, 1201 N. First St., Cary. Float in the pool while watching “Moana 2.” Preregistration recommended. $20. Register: carypark.com

Tuesday, July 22

Sounds of Summer Family Picnic Series: Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Entertainment by Todd Downing: Tall Tales and Silly Songs. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer

Concerts in the Plaza: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Independence Grove, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville. Peach Jam will perform. $10 vehicle entrance fee starting at 4:30 p.m. lcfpd.org/things-to-do/concerts.

Crystal Lake Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. The Jolly Ringwalds will perform, with openers NISRA Kingpins at 6 p.m. Free. For parking locations, see crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Dundee Township Concerts in the Park: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Carpenter Park in Carpentersville. Illinois Brass Band will perform. Free. dtpd.org/concerts-in-the-park

Huntley Concerts on the Square: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Huntley Town Square on Coral Street, Huntley. American English will perform. Bring personal care products or paper goods to benefit Grafton Food Pantry. Free. huntley.il.us

Mid-Summer Classics Concert Series: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Village Green, 901 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. Scotty McCreery will perform. Free. elkgrove.org

Wednesday, July 23

Elmhurst’s Party in the Park: 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Butterfield Park, Elmhurst. Kids can have old-fashioned fun with bubbles, hula hoops, jump ropes and more. Free. epd.org.

Algonquin Lunchapalooza Concert Series: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, July 23, at Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Entertainment by Todd Downing: Tall Tales & Silly Songs. Free. algonquin.org

Hi Infidelity will perform Friday, July 25, during the Lake County Fair at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. | Courtesy of Hi Infidelity

Lake County Fair: Noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 23-24; noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 25-26; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Rides, food, live music, motocross, monster trucks, demolition derby, bull riding and more. Music lineup: Wednesday: Operation Glow: Taylor Swift at 8 p.m.; Thursday: The Dixon Bandits at 5 p.m. and Brass From The Past at 8 p.m.; Friday: Second Hand Soul at 6 p.m. and Hi Infidelity at 9 p.m.; Saturday: GooRoos at 9 p.m. and No Limit at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Chicago Latin Groove at 5 p.m. and Classical Blast at 5:30 p.m. $15, $5 for kids 6-12 and 65 and older for one day, $55/$20 for a season pass, free for kids 5 and younger and active military, veterans and dependents with ID. lcfair.com/2025.

UnPlug at the Park: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Chamber Park, Wheeling. Istvan & His Imaginary Band will perform. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Arbor Evenings: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Morton Arboretum’s Frost Hill, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Music, lawn games, food and drinks. Strung Out will perform. $15 for ages 13 and older, $5 for kids 4-12. Advance tickets required: mortonarb.org

Wickstrom Lincoln Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Pino Farina Band will perform. Food for purchase. Free. shopthearb.com.

Arbortheater Concerts: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the Memorial Arbortheater, 50 S. Fairway Drive, Vernon Hills. Wild Daisy will perform. Free. vernonhills.org.

Thursday, July 24

Daley Plaza Farmers Markets: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago. Dozens of local merchants offering fresh produce and prepared food, flowers and garden plants, handcrafted merchandise and locally sourced goods. chicago.gov

The DuPage County Fair returns Thursday through Sunday, July 24-27, to the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. | Daily Herald file photo

DuPage County Fair: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 24; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, July 25; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 26; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Entertainment, animals, food, exhibits, carnival rides and more. Drone light shows at 9:30 p.m. Thursday and 10:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Music lineup: Sammy and The Knights at 7 p.m. Thursday; Two Beer Tommy at 8 p.m. Friday; Michael Lynch Music at 8 p.m. Saturday; and Thankful Dead at 5 p.m. Sunday. $12 for 13 and older; $8 for 62 and older and kids 6-12; and free for kids 5 and younger and active military with ID. Enter at County Farm Road and the main entrance. dupagecountyfair.org.

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Cook and Station streets, Barrington. Barrington Farmers Market, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out

Geneva Classic Car Show: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at the Kane County Courthouse, off Fourth and James streets, Geneva. Music, food and vote for your favorite make and model. To display your vehicle: Show up after 4:30 p.m. and find a spot in the lot behind the courthouse. Free. genevachamber.com/events/classic-car-show.

Pearl Street Market + Concert in the Park: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Veterans Park, 3400 Pearl St., McHenry. Music from McHenry City Band, local vendors and food trucks. Free. facebook.com/pearlstreetmarketmchenry.

The Sugar Grove Corn Boil features sweet corn, music, fireworks, a carnival and more Thursday through Sunday, July 24-27. | Daily Herald file photo

Sugar Grove Corn Boil: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, July 24; 5-11 p.m. Friday, July 25; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 26; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at Volunteer Park, Sugar Grove. Opening parade at 5 p.m. Friday down Bastian Drive into the park. Carnival, live music, corn hole tournament, food, drinks, bingo and more. Bob Bohler Memorial Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Saturday and car show ($10 per entry) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Free shuttle service at the library and municipal center. sugargrovecornboil.org

Music in the Park: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, in Covered Bridge Park, next to 445 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove. Big Sky Acoustic Duo will perform. Free. longgrove.org/event/music-in-the-park.

Thirsty Thursdays: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at the Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Sparks Fly — The Taylor Swift Experience will perform. Food and craft beverages. Bring a lawn chair. Free. eastdundee.net.

Buffalo Grove Park District Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Mike Rylko Community Park Amphitheater, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. ARRA will perform. Food, beer, wine and soft drinks for purchase. No outside alcohol allowed. Bring blankets and chairs. Free. bgparks.org/summer-concert-series

Dogs and their owners can take part in the Canine Carnival Thursday, July 24, at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater in Palatine. | Courtesy of the Palatine Park District

Canine Carnival: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Activities for dogs and their owners including games and a vendor area. $10 for one person and one dog, $1 for each additional person (or those without dogs). Registration required. palatineparks.org.

Elmhurst Music at the Gazebo: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Wild Meadows Trace, Prairie Path and Spring Road, Elmhurst. Livestream will perform. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. springroad.com/our-events.

Sounds of Summer — Thursday Night Acoustic Series: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Towne Square, 150 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. Colte Julian will perform. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer.

Thursday Nights Live: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Hurricane Reggae Band will perform in the plaza. Food and beverage options. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Algonquin Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Semple Band will perform. Food trucks at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair. Algonquin.org/summerconcerts.

Elgin’s Concerts in the Park: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Wing Park, 1010 Wing St., Elgin. Libido Funk Circus will perform. Food truck. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. In case of bad weather, the event will be canceled. Free. elginil.gov or facebook.com/cityofelgin.

Rockin’ in the Park Summer Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 24-25, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. New World Men will perform Thursday culminating with a musical fireworks display; Boy Band Night & Semple Band will perform Friday. Free. rosemont.com/thepark/calendar.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. The Throwbacks will perform. Free. vah.com/explore/sounds_of_summer_concerts.php.

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Tennessee Whiskey will perform. Food and beverages for sale. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series

Ongoing

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 1, off I-94 at the Illinois/Wisconsin border, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha. Travel back in time for 30 acres of jousting, arts and crafts, food, music, dance, rides, games, entertainers and more. $40, $15 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/bristol.

Find more here.

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Kane County Fair returns with live music, rodeos and demolition derby

Posted in County, Entertainment, Goat Rodeo, Kane, Politics, Topics Of Interest on July 14, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Mary Kelley of Elburn gives her Scottish Highland heifer a kiss on top of the head while they practice in the show arena during the 2024 Kane County Fair in St. Charles. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, 2024

By Kane County Fair

The 156th Kane County Fair is a big funfair with a small town feel, filled with grandstand events, popular live bands like the Hillbilly Rockstarz, unlimited carnival rides, 4-H contests, outdoor kids events, and the popular Classic Car Show.

It kicks off early with the carnival rides on Wednesday, July 16, and then opening on Thursday with live music, grandstand events like bull riding and demolition derby, and 4-H animals and competitions.

There’s always something new at the Kane County Fair. The cute racing pigs are back. Watch the Balsters Game Show. Get up close with 4-H animals or check out the petting zoo. See the classic cars on display on Saturday and Sunday.

Midway hours are: 3 to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday at the fairgrounds, located at Randall Road and Oak Street in St. Charles. Parking is free. The 4-H exhibit halls close two hours before the fair each day.

Main stage

Take in the sights and sounds of the Kane County Fair while listening to live music on the Miller Lite Sound Stage. It’s free with paid admission to the fair.

Eric Chesser, a country artist from Nashville, returns to the fairgrounds with a show at 7 p.m. Thursday. Trippin Billies, a national touring tribute to the Dave Matthews Band, will take the stage at 8 p.m. Friday and Mark Atkins at 5 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, How Rude! will play all the best 1990s hits from pop to grunge from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by the headliners Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8:30 p.m.

Action-packed thrills return to the grandstand starting on Thursday with the women barrel racing at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Professional Championship Bullriders and Cowgirls at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Grandstand tickets are $22.24 or $11.75 for age 10 and under; there’s a $40 Family Four Pack for the matinee. Purchase tickets for Friday and Saturday shows via rodeoticket.com. It is held rain or shine; no refunds. The Gold Buckle seats at the evening shows are already sold out.

The Demolition Derby will be running at 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday for $10 grandstand admission.

Makayla Ramer competes in the demolition derby during the 155th Kane County Fair in St. Charles. This year’s demolition derbies will be at 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday. | Sandy Bressner/Shaw Local News Network, 2024

4-H shows and exhibits

The 4-H judging begins on Thursday with the categories of horse and pony, dairy, poultry and rabbit. The 4-H General Projects will be on exhibit every day in Robinson Hall. The horse and pony judging continues on Friday, as well as the shows for swine, sheep and goats, ending with the “Barnyard Games” in the show ring.

On Saturday, it’s the popular Horse & Pony Dressage Show, the Showmanship Classes, and the Milking Derby, as well as the beef judging show. The day ends with the 4-H awards ceremony.

On Sunday, you can support the Kane County 4-H youth by bidding on livestock in the Blue Ribbon Auction at 1 p.m. in the Livestock Arena.

Carnival rides

The Fantasy Amusements carnival will be opening on Wednesday. There will be unlimited rides for $32 on Wednesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to close. It will also be $32 from noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. On Sunday, there’s the “Last Blast” discount with $27 unlimited rides from 5 p.m. to close. Individual tickets will also be available for purchase.

The 156th Kane County Fair opens on Wednesday, July 16, with carnival rides only. The fair runs through Sunday, July 20. Sandy Bressner/Shaw Local News Network, 2024

Admission

You can get a season pass for $25. Daily admission is $5 on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday to Sunday, it is $10 or $5 for kids, age 3-12.

There is free daily admission for children under 3, and it’s free for seniors over age 62 and veterans with military ID before 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Tickets to the fair can be purchased upon entry with cash only or in advance by clicking on the “Buy Tickets” in the upper right corner of kanecountyfair.com/Fair-Information. There is a 4% surcharge for credit card purchases.

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Indiana Jones’ whip, Kane’s Rosebud sled and Culkin’s ‘Home Alone’ snow cap are going up for auction

Posted in Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on July 12, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Movie Prop Auction © Uncredited

Story by AP

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Many of movies’ most sought-after props are going up for auction, including the Rosebud sled from “Citizen Kane,” Macaulay Culkin’s knit snow cap from “Home Alone” and a whip wielded by Harrison Ford during the Holy Grail trials of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”

The Summer Entertainment Auction being held July 15-19 by Heritage Auctions also includes sci-fi gems from the “Star Wars” galaxy, like a filming miniature of Luke Skywalker’s X-wing starfighter used in Industrial Light & Magic’s effects work for “The Empire Strikes Back,” and the lightsabers brandished by Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker in “Revenge of the Sith.”

Movie Prop Auction © Uncredited

The Rosebud sled from the title character’s childhood sits at the center of Orson Welles’ 1941 “Citizen Kane.” It’s the last word tycoon Charles Foster Kane speaks before his death at the opening of the film that is regarded by many critics groups as the greatest ever made. Long thought lost, the sled is one of three of the prop known to have survived. It’s owned by “Gremlins” director Joe Dante, who stumbled on it when he was filming on the former RKO Pictures lot in 1984. Dante wasn’t a collector, but knew the value of the sled and quietly preserved it for decades, putting it as an Easter egg into four of his own films.

Movie Prop Auction © Uncredited

Ford gave the Indiana Jones whip going up for auction to then-Prince Charles at the 1989 U.K. premiere of “The Last Crusade.” It was given as a gift to Princess Diana, who gave it to the current owner.

“These aren’t just props. They’re mythic objects,” Joe Maddalena, Heritage’s executive vice president, said in a statement. “They tell the story of Hollywood’s greatest moments, one piece at a time.”

Also going up for sale are a blue velvet suit that Mike Myers wore as Austin Powers in “Goldmember,” and a Citroën 2CV driven by Roger Moore as James Bond in “For Your Eyes Only,” one of the films Myers was parodying.

The auction also includes essential artifacts from the collection of legendary director Cecil B. DeMille, including a promotional pair of the titular tablets from DeMille’s “The Ten Commandments,” which the director had cut from stone from Mount Sinai.

Movie Prop Auction © Uncredited

Source

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19th annual Rockin’ Rib Fest features award-winning BBQ, dozen bands, carnival starts today

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers on July 10, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Mojo’s Rib Shack from New Franklin, Ohio, is one of the returning vendors at the annual Lake in the Hills Rotary Rockin’ Rib Fest at Sunset Park. | Daily Herald File Photo, 2022

By Lake in the Hills Rotary Club

Rockin’ Rib Fest, the signature fundraising event for the Lake in the Hills Rotary Club, returns from Thursday, July 10 through Sunday, July 13, with a dozen bands, a full-size carnival, and business expo, as well as a variety of award-winning barbecue and rib vendors. All proceeds go to support the LITH Rotary Charities and all of its charitable projects both locally and internationally.

Hours for the 19th annual event are 4:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road in Lake in the Hills.

Admission is $5; children, age 12 or under, are free when accompanied by an adult. All active military are admitted free with a military ID verifying active status. Backpacks will not be permitted into the event. Only clear bags will be allowed. All bags are subject to a search.

Alt 101, a 1990s alternative rock tribute band, will open the 19th annual Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Rotary Rib Fest on Thursday, July 10. | Courtesy of Alt 101

Music stage

The festival stage opens at 6:45 p.m. Thursday with Alt 101, a 1990s alternative rock tribute band, then experience a 1970s Led Zeppelin show utilizing authentic vintage stage gear, costumes, and special effects with Kashmir at 9 p.m.

On Friday, Starlight City will mix pop, dance and rock music at 6:45 p.m., followed by Too Hype Crew performing the hip-hop and party anthems of the 1980s, ’90s, and early 2000s, at 9 p.m.

Once again, the music stage opens early at noon Saturday with Everett Dean and the Lonesome Hearts, performing early rock ‘n roll from the 1950s and ’60s.

One of the Boyzz, a six-piece “Rock N’ Soul” band, will perform at 2 p.m. At 4:15 p.m., HiFi Superstar will bring their medleys which includes your favorite dance & party rock songs, spanning from the 1970s through today. The classic rock band Anthem will perform at 6:30 p.m. Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, will take the stage at 9 p.m.

On Sunday, Head Honchos, the American blues, rock, soul, and funk band, will open the final day of music at noon, followed by iPop at 2 p.m. and Disco Circus at 4:30 p.m.

Rib vendors

There will be rib vendors from around the country, including Pigfoot BBQ Co. from Mentor, Ohio; Texas Outlaw BBQ from Elizabethtown, Kentucky; Cowboy BBQ & Rib Co. from Fort Worth, Texas; After Hours BBQ from Orville, Ohio; Texas Lightning Band from Austin, Texas; and Mojo’s Rib Shack from New Franklin, Ohio.

Other food vendors include: Barones, By the Dozen Bakery, Bubble Gum Concessions, Dr. Vegetable, Dairy Queen, El Chido Street Tacos, Happy Dawg, Happy’s Badazz Barvarian, and Smash’d Burgers.

Vendor Blender

While enjoying the music and food, you can check out all types of handcrafted goods and local services at the Vendor Blender. There will be raffles, swag bags, and goodies galore as you wander the park to shop and mingle. Vendor Blender hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For schedule of the festival events, go to rockinrotaryribfest.com.

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Commercial development planned off Ridge Road in unincorporated McHenry County 

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Bicyclists, Citizens for Conservation, County, Education, Entertainment, Hill ‘n Dale Farm, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, McHenry, Plan Commission, Privacy, Real Estate, Riding Club Commission, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Village Board, Zoning Board on July 4, 2025| 7 Comments »

The June Board of Trustees meeting agenda included an item titled, “Proposed Special Use Request in Unincorporated McHenry County.” Recordings from the June meeting have been released, and here is what President Cecola had to say in the item:

“So, um, we got an email and was brought to my attention and I felt it was extremely important to get this out as soon as possible. If you haven’t had a chance to read the packet it’s regarding the property on, on Ridge Road there, right next to the CFC conservation, and they have come to us it says…, people who don’t know, this property is unincorporated McHenry County so we basically have no say in what they do on the property.

Um, but they have come to us for road access, and we are looking in to, and Sean, maybe you can elaborate, uh, the road access, but this is going to be huge, ‘cuz this is, again, a commercial entity if you look at the drawings it’s a pretty big space. It’s massive, and they’re, um, if you haven’t read the…, three hundred, a hundred guests per day, two events per month up to three hundred people twice a month, um, farm store, breakfast lunch dining, ticketed dinners, education classes… . There’s a whole bunch…, yoga…, I know Riff will be there.

But there’s, I mean, it’s a, it’s a…, this is not a small lttle operation, so, uh. For sure going down Ridge Road on a single lane, or you know, twenty-five miles an hour, um they have to have access and they have to get our permission.”

The recordings can be found here, and begin at the 42:41-minute mark for this topic.

A contributor to The Observer obtained documents regarding the development Cecola referred to. They show that a 13.49-acre parcel at 11719 Ridge Road is being planned for development by, “The Gentlemen Farmer LLC,” or “The Farmstead at Hill ‘n Dale.”

According to the plans, the proposed development would include hog sheds (2), a farm store, barns, cottages, barn house etc…

Planned uses include:

  • TICKETED MEALS (BOTH INDOORS AND OUT), AND BREAKFAST AND LUNCH WALK-UP MEALS
  • FARM STORE SALES, READY MADE AND PREPARED FOODSTUFFS
  • AGRITOURISM FOOD CONCESSION STAND: 3RD PARTY VENDORS OF COFFEE/NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS, READY MADE AND PREPARED
  • FARM TOURS, COOKING, AND GARDENING CLASSES, FIELD TRIPS, AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
  • COMMUNITY EVENTS AS PERMITTED UNDER LIMITED AGRITOURISM

Plans state, “At peak programming, we anticipate the following maximum attendance levels:

  • Farm Store: Up to 100 shoppers per day during peak season weekends
  • Breakfast & lunch dining: Up to 100 guests per day during peak service days
  • Ticketed Farm-to-Table Meals: Up to 50 guests per seating, with a maximum of four meals per week
  • Ticketed and Timed Casual Community Dinners: Not to exceed 100 guests per event, with a maximum of two events per week
  • Educational Classes (e.g., gardening, cooking, arts, yoga): Maximum of 25 participants per class, with up to five (5) classes per day and 22 classes per week
  • Ticketed Community Events (e.g., lectures, field days): Up to 300 guests per event, with a maximum of three events per month

These numbers represent estimated maximums; most activities will be smaller in scale and vary seasonally.”

A copy of the documentation obtained thus far can be found here.

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Happy Independence Day!

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights, Traffic on July 4, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Barrington Hills Observer wishes its readers a happy Fourth of July!

Local festivities today include:

Advocate Good Shepherd Family Fitness Run – 7 to 9 AM
Location: Downtown Barrington
Start the day with a healthy and fun family fitness run through downtown. Registration required.

Barrington All-Star Brass Quintet Performance – 8:30 to 9:45 AM
Location: Porch of Barrington’s White House
Arrive early for patriotic tunes performed by the Barrington All-Star Brass Quintet. This local ensemble of accomplished musicians will play American classics to set the perfect tone ahead of the parade. Bring folding chairs and enjoy the concert on the front lawn, weather permitting.

Barrington Fourth of July Parade – 10 to 11:30 AM
Route: Main Street
Join neighbors and visitors as Barrington’s beloved parade brings together marching bands, community groups and festive floats.

Lions Club Brat Tent – Opens at 10:30 AM
Location: Wool Street Parking Lot 

Fourth of July Fireworks – 9:30 to 10 PM
Location: Barrington High School
The festivities continue with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Barrington sky.

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Things to do July 3-10: Fourth of July events, Frontier Days, Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest and more

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights on July 3, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Carnival rides await the crowds before last year’s Frontier Days in Arlington Heights’ Recreation Park. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, 2024

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Thursday, July 3

Frontier Days Festival: 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday, July 3; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 4-5; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Carnival, Fourth of July parade at 10 a.m. Friday, entertainment, food, soccer 3v3, Stampede Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, July 6, marketplace, family activities and more. Music headliners: 7th heaven at 8 p.m. Wednesday; Dishwalla at 8 p.m. Thursday; BoDeans at 8 p.m. Friday, July 4; Bruce In The USA at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 5; and American English at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6. Free. frontierdays.org

Carnival ride enthusiasts fly high on the swing ride during last year’s Northwest Fourth-Fest near the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates. | Samantha Winkelman for the Daily Herald

Northwest Fourth-Fest: Thursday through Saturday, July 3-5; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Carnival, live entertainment, parade at 9 a.m. Friday, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Kids’ Zone, bingo, food vendors and more. Main stage entertainment includes Run Forrest Run at 5:30 p.m. and Modern Day Romeos at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Friday, and David’s House at 5:30 p.m. and 7th heaven at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday. Free. northwestfourthfest.com

Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest: Thursday, July 3; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 4-5; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at Palatine Community Park, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Fireworks at dusk Thursday, carnival, music, food vendors, parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, craft and business expo Saturday and Sunday and more. Music lineup: Thursday: Bucket Number Six at 7 p.m. and Too Much Molly at 10 p.m.; Friday: Marina City at 7:30 p.m. and Boy Band Review at 10 p.m.; Saturday: Whiskey Road at 7:30 p.m. and iPop at 10 p.m. Free. hometown-fest.com

Mount Prospect Lions Club Fourth of July Festival: Thursday, July 3; 6-11 p.m. Friday, July 4; and 1-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6, at Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. Food, beer, live entertainment, carnival and more. Fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday and 9 p.m. Friday. Music lineup: Wednesday: Sealed with a Kiss at 7:30 p.m. and Hairbangers Ball at 9:15 and 9:45 p.m.; Thursday: Petty Union at 7:30 p.m. and One of These Nights at 9:15 p.m.; Friday: The Mix at 8:30 and 10 p.m.; Saturday: One of the Boyzz at 7:30 p.m. and Infinity at 9 p.m.; Sunday: Rico! at 9:45 p.m. and more. Free admission; ride wristbands available for purchase. mplions.org

Lakeside Festival: Noon to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, July 3-5, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Carnival rides, food, beer garden, superhero characters, kids’ decorated bike parade, kids’ ice-cream eating contest, cornhole tournament and more. Note: Cashless payment. $10, $5 for ages 65 and older, free for active military with ID and kids 12 and younger. thedole.org/the-fest.

Mundelein Community Days runs Thursday through Sunday, July 3-6, in Courtland Commons Park. | Daily Herald file photo

Mundelein Community Days: Noon to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, July 3-6, in Courtland Commons Park, at the corner of Seymour and Courtland, Mundelein. Carnival, Freedom Classic 5K at 8 a.m. Friday, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Friday, parade at 1 p.m. Sunday, food, music, games, contests, demonstrations, displays and more. Music lineup: Thursday: 7th heaven at 8:30 p.m.; Friday: Mackenzie O’Brien at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: The Disco Circus at 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday: Blooze Brothers at 6:30 p.m. Free. mundelein.org/200/Mundelein-Community-Days-2025

Bartlett Fourth of July Festival: 3-11 p.m. Thursday, July 3; noon to 11 p.m. Friday, July 4; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 5; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Live entertainment, fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Friday, parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, food vendors, carnival and more. Carnival hours for those with special needs from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday. Music: Thursday: Anthem at 9 p.m.; Friday: Libido Funk Circus at 8 p.m. and Disco Circus at 9:45 p.m.; Saturday: Smokin’ Gunz at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Modern Day Romeos at 4:30 p.m. and 7th heaven at 7 p.m. Free. bartlett4thofjuly.com.

Red, White and BOOM!: 4-9 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at North Park, 1025 Riverwoods Road, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive, Lincolnshire. Rides and attractions, community activities, live DJ and more Thursday. On Friday: 5K at 8 a.m., parade at 10 a.m., DJ performance, activities and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free. lincolnshireil.gov

Friday, July 4

Barrington All-Star Brass Quintet: 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 4, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Patriotic concert before the Barrington parade at 10 a.m. Weather permitting, it will take place on the front lawn. Bring folding chairs. Free. BarringtonsWhiteHouse.com/events.

Barrington Fourth of July Parade: 10 a.m. Friday, July 4, on Main Street in Barrington. Steps off from Barrington High School. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Barrington Fourth of July Fireworks: 9:30-10 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., Barrington. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/4th-of-july-fireworks.

Elmhurst Running Club’s 4 On the 4th: 7:15 a.m. Friday, July 4, at Wilder Park in Elmhurst. Elmhurst Running Club’s 20th annual run features a 4-mile run at 7:15 a.m. and a Kids’ 1K for kids 5-12 at 8:20 a.m. Eighty percent of proceeds will be donated to local charities. $38, $10 for the kids 1K. Register at 4on4th.run.

Sleepy Hollow Fourth of July Festival: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Sabatino Park, Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. One-mile fun run at 8 a.m.; fishing derby from 9-11 a.m. at Lake Sharon; car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a $15 exhibitor donation for Illinois Special Olympics; food and drinks from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Bill Ritchie Memorial Parade at 11:30 a.m.; and live music from The Lennys. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Sunday with $20 per car donation; parking opens at 7 p.m. sleepyhollowil.org

The Elgin Fourth of July Parade starts at Slade and Douglas at 9 a.m. Friday, July 4. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Elgin Fourth of July Parade: 9 a.m. Friday, July 4. The route runs on Douglas Avenue from Slade Avenue to city hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin. The second annual Pet Parade at 9 a.m. starts at the NENA Butterfly Garden at Douglas Avenue and Ann Street, and continues along the parade route to Douglas and Highland. Free. elginil.gov.

Northwest Fourth-Fest Parade: 9 a.m. Friday, July 4, along Illinois Boulevard, from Paris Lane to Evanston Street, Hoffman Estates. Free. northwestfourthfest.com.

Vernon Hills July Fourth parade: 9 a.m. Friday, July 4. Parade steps off from Deerpath and Atrium drives, then south to Sullivan Drive and west to Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Free. vernonhills.org.

Hawthorn Woods Fourth of July Parade: 10 a.m. Friday, July 4, on Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods, and continues to the village hall. Followed by a flag-raising ceremony. Free. vhw.org/524/Parade.

Frontier Days Fourth of July Parade: 10 a.m. Friday, July 4, steps off from Dunton and Oakton streets, Arlington Heights. Parade travels south on Dunton to Miner and then east to Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St. Theme: “Celebrating 100 years — Arlington Heights Park District.” Kids 4-12, accompanied by an adult, can check in at Olive and Highland streets for the decorated bike parade; no Big Wheels allowed. Free. FrontierDays.org.

Lake Zurich Independence Day Celebration: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Music, bands, BYOB open carry wristbands (no alcohol sales on the grounds; $5 per wristband to bring your adult beverages of choice but no glass bottles), and food vendors/trucks serving hot dogs, burgers, pizza, tacos and more. Giant Bubble Show at 3 p.m., Miss Jamie’s Farm at 5 p.m., and Blackberry Jam at 7:15 p.m. Fireworks over the lake at around 9:15 p.m. Free admission. Beach open from noon to 7 p.m. with $9-$11 daily fee required for ages 4 and older. lakezurich.org

Island Lake Independence Day Parade and Community Picnic: 11 a.m. Friday, July 4. 75th anniversary parade will be followed by a picnic with hot dogs, an ice cream truck, music and games at Converse Park. Free. villageofislandlake.com/events.

Rolling Meadows Fourth of July Parade: 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 4, on Meadow Drive, Rolling Meadows. Free. cityrm.org

West Dundee French Market: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 4, at The Pump House, 98 Oregon Ave., West Dundee. A mixed market offering fresh produce, honey, greens, soaps, breads, cheeses, flowers, artwork, wearables and more. wdundee.org.

Elgin Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks: 5-10 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. Live music, food trucks and drinks, kids’ activities, tabletop games and a pie-eating contest. Music lineup: The Moods at 5 p.m., The LaBamba Show at 6:30 p.m., and The Ultimate Elvis Experience starring Shawn Klush at 8 p.m. Fireworks at 9:20 p.m. Free. elginil.gov.

Buffalo Grove Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebration: 7 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band performs a patriotic-themed concert before the fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring a picnic basket and blankets or chairs. Free. For parking details, see vbg.org.

Vernon Hills July Fourth celebration: 7 p.m. Friday, July 4, in Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Music from DJ Top Dog. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Free. vernonhills.org.

Libertyville Fourth of July fireworks: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 4, at the Butler Lake Park band shell, 810 W. Lake St., Libertyville. The Village Band performs patriotic music with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Lake Street will close to pedestrians and vehicle traffic at 9 p.m. before the show. Parking available at Butler Lake Park (residents only), the main commuter lot, both parking garages and Butterfield School. Free. libertyville.com.

Cheap Trick performs at 8 PM in the Mid-Summer Classics Concert Series in Elk Grove Village | Courtesy Cheap Trick

Mid-Summer Classics Concert Series: 8 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. Cheap Trick will perform, followed by the Lions Club fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free. elkgrove.org.

Rolling Meadows Fourth of July Fireworks: Dusk Friday, July 4, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Free. cityrm.org.

Bartlett Fourth of July Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 5. Stepping off from Oak Avenue, south to Railroad Avenue, and continuing south on Main Street/South Bartlett Road to Stearns Road, west on Stearns to Apple Orchard Park.​ Free. bartlett4thofjuly.com

Lincolnshire Art Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6, at Village Green North, 100 Village Green, Lincolnshire. More than 80 juried artists will be selling artwork. Free. amdurproductions.com/event/lincolnshire-art-festival.

Hometown Fest Parade: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, in Palatine. The parade proceeds south on Cedar Street to Slade Street, east on Slade to Brockway, north on Brockway to Wood Street and east on Wood to Community Park. Free. palatinejaycees.org/hometown-fest.

Uncaged in the Zoo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at Lords Park Zoo, off Grand Boulevard, Elgin. Featuring Wings & Talons Raptors. Free. elginil.gov

BeachFest: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. Live music, food and beverage vendors, bounce house, foam party and more. Fireworks around 9:15 p.m. Jesus Ramos Band at 5:30 p.m. and Six Speed Tranny at 8 and 10 p.m. Free. rlbciviccenter.com.

Summer Breeze Concert Series: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Billy Elton will perform. Free. parkfun.com.

Northwest Fourth-Fest Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Free. northwestfourthfest.com

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, July 5, and 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks display set to popular music. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, July 6

Frontier Days Stampede: 7:30 a.m. Sunday, July 6, at Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. 5K and 10K run at 7:30 p.m.; 5K walk at 7:35 a.m. and quarter-mile Kids Dash at 9 a.m. Strollers and baby joggers are welcome at the back of each race group. $15-$40. FrontierDays.org/stampede.

Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade: 1 p.m. Sunday, July 6, stepping off from 100 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, heading southeast on Dole Avenue and Country Club Road, and east on Golf Road to Nash Road. clchamber.com

Mundelein Community Days Parade: 1 p.m. Sunday, July 6. The 1.1-mile parade will begin at Mundelein High School and proceed east on Hawley Street, south on Seymour Avenue, east on Hammond Street, and conclude at the village hall. mundelein.org

Lakeside Festival fireworks: Dusk Sunday, July 6, at The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Fireworks over the lake. thedole.org/the-fest.

Sleepy Hollow Fourth of July fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at Sabatino Park, Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Hosted by Sleepy Hollow Service Club. $20 per car donation; parking opens at 7 p.m. sleepyhollowil.org

Monday, July 7

Sounds of Summer Family Picnic Series: Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Jason Kollum will perform. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer

Concerts in the Plaza: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Independence Grove, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville. Gizzae will perform. $10 vehicle entrance fee starting at 4:30 p.m. lcfpd.org/things-to-do/concerts.

Wednesday, July 9

Elmhurst’s Party in the Park: 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Plunkett Park, Elmhurst. Kids can have old-fashioned fun with bubbles, hula hoops, jump ropes and more. Free. epd.org.

Algonquin Lunchapalooza Concert Series: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, July 9, at Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Ben Tator and the Tator Tots will perform. Free. algonquin.org

“You Butter Believe It!: Elgin’s Dairy History”: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Lords Park Zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive, Elgin. Kids 3-8 can visit the Tefft Farm inside Lords Park to learn about Elgin’s dairy history and try their hand at butter making. Free. elginil.gov

UnPlug at the Park: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Childerley Park, Wheeling. Mr. Scott’s Giant Bubble Show will perform. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Wine Down Wednesdays: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. The Ron Burgundys will perform. Food and drinks for purchase. Bring lawn chairs. Free. eastdundee.net

South Elgin Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Jeff’s Invention will perform. Food Truck Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. Free. southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.

Wickstrom Lincoln Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Hi Infidelity will perform. Food for purchase. Free. shopthearb.com.

Arlington Heights Community Concert Band: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights. Free. arlingtonheightsband.org.

Thursday, July 10

“Stories Under the Hickory Tree”: 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, July 10, at Lords Park Zoo, 210 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Gail Borden Public Library program for kids 3-6. Bring blankets or chairs. Free. elginil.gov.

The Windy City Smokeout will feature barbecue and country music July 10-13 at the United Center in Chicago. | Daily Herald file photo

Windy City Smokeout: 2-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 10-11, and 1-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13, outside the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Headliners: Bailey Zimmerman and Koe Wetzel on Thursday, Old Dominion and Dylan Gossett on Friday, Kane Brown and Megan Moroney on Saturday, and Jon Pardi and Riley Green on Sunday. Tickets start at $70.02 for Thursday and $99.50 for Friday; Saturday and Sunday are sold out. windycitysmokeout.com.

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Cook and Station streets, Barrington. Barrington Farmers Market, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out

The Lake in the Hills Rotary Rockin’ Ribfest runs Thursday through Sunday, July 10-13, at Sunset Park. | Daily Herald file photo

Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest: 4:30-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 10-11; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 12; and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Annual fest featuring professional pitmasters and vendors, carnival and more. Music: July 10: Alt 101 at 6:45 p.m. and Kashmir at 9 p.m.; July 11: Starlight City Band at 6:45 p.m. and Too Hype Crew at 9 p.m.; July 12: Everett Dean and the Lonesome Hearts at noon, One of the Boyzz at 2 p.m., HiFi Superstar at 4:15 p.m., Anthem at 6:30 p.m. and Bruce in the USA at 9 p.m.; and July 13: Head Honchos at noon, iPop at 2 p.m., and The Disco Circus at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Vendor Blender, featuring local crafters and entrepreneurs, from 4-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. $5, free for kids 12 and younger accompanied by an adult or active military with ID. rockinrotaryribfest.com.

Cruisin’ Kildeer Car Show: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at 20771 N. Rand Road, Kildeer. Free. lzacc.com

Music in the Park: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, in Covered Bridge Park, next to 445 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove. Music from Bill Uhler. Free. longgrove.org/event/music-in-the-park.

Buffalo Grove Park District Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Mike Rylko Community Park Amphitheater, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Industrial Drive will perform. Food, beer, wine and soft drinks for purchase. No outside alcohol allowed. Bring blankets and chairs. Free. bgparks.org/summer-concert-series

Elmhurst Music at the Gazebo: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Wild Meadows Trace, Prairie Path and Spring Road, Elmhurst. Lake Effect will perform. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. springroad.com/our-events.

Thursday Nights Live: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Smoking Fish Band will perform. Food and drinks for purchase. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Algonquin Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Second Hand Soul Band will perform. Food trucks at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair. Algonquin.org/summerconcerts.

Cary Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Lions Park, Silver Lake Road, north of Three Oaks Road, Cary. Feel Good Party Band will perform. Bring a lawn chair. Free. carypark.com.

Elgin’s Concerts in the Park: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at the Wing Park Bandshell, 1010 Wing St., Elgin. Banda La Super Ranchera will perform. Food truck. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. In case of bad weather, the event will be canceled. Free. elginil.gov or facebook.com/cityofelgin.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Y2K will perform. Free. vah.com/explore/sounds_of_summer_concerts.php.

Summer Concerts at Phil’s Beach: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Phil’s Beach, 328 N. Main St., Wauconda. Jan Rand Band will perform. Free. waucondaparks.com.

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Trippin’ Billies will perform. Food and beverages for sale. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series

McHenry Fiesta Days: Thursday through Sunday, July 10-20, in McHenry. Food, live music and entertainment. The first week at Petersen Park starts with the annual Cask & Barrel Night from 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 10, and then Music Fest weekend. Sunday is free admission day, which includes the car show, Beach Bash, Big Wheel Race and fireworks. The carnival runs July 11-13. The second week of events are in Veterans Memorial Park and downtown McHenry. It includes the concert in the park, Art & Street Fair and Art in the Park. The Fiesta Days Parade is at 1:30 p.m. July 20. mchenryfiestadays.com

Find more here.

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East Dundee to host weekly Depot Market through October

Posted in Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on July 2, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Daily Herald report

East Dundee will host The Depot Market every Saturday through Oct. 25, including the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

The market will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Dundee Visitors Center, 319 N. River St.

Items will be available for purchase from various vendors, including artisan arts & crafts, collectibles, antiques, plants & flowers, produce and food items.

For additional information, call (847) 426-2255 or click here.

More here.

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Barrington High School Alumni day tomorrow

Posted in Barrington High School, Entertainment, Fundraisers, Nostalgia on July 2, 2025| Leave a Comment »

BHS Alumni Day at the Brat Tent – All Classes Welcome!

  • Wool Street Parking Lot (near Moretti’s), Barrington, IL
  • Thursday, July 3, 2025

Live Music Lineup:

  • David Mazzie (BHS ’80) – 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  • Pat McKillen (BHS ’06) – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Between the Lines – 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM

Make this Fourth of July weekend unforgettable – join your BHS family for a day of fun, nostalgia, and great music!

Source

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Barrington 4th of July schedule of events

Posted in Clown Car, Entertainment, Fundraisers, Topics Of Interest on June 30, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Barrington July 4th parade is Friday beginning at 10 AM.

Wednesday, July 2

Barrington Lions Club Brat Tent – Opens at 4:30 PM
Location: Wool Street Parking Lot
Kick off the holiday with brats, beverages and community camaraderie.

Concert in the Park: Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Patriotic Brass & Percussion Concert – 6:30 PM
Location: Robert G. Soule Amphitheater at Citizens Park
Celebrate the holiday with a free, family-friendly outdoor concert featuring the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Patriotic Brass and Percussion ensemble. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs for a relaxing summer evening in the park. This event is generously sponsored by the Barrington Area Community Foundation.

Thursday, July 3 

Lions Club Brat Tent – Opens at 11 AM
Location: Wool Street Parking Lot 

Barrington’s White House 10th Anniversary Open House – 10 AM to 1 PM
Location: Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St.
Originally built in 1898 as a home for John and Julia Robertson Jr., Barrington’s White House has become a cultural cornerstone of the Village since its restoration and opening as a community center in 2015.

Guests will enjoy lemonade and cake, historic games and crafts, face painting, juggling, magic and an appearance by Barrington’s historic fire truck “The Pirsch.” Docents in period attire will lead guided tours of the house, sharing its rich history and architectural charm. This is a summer gathering not to be missed.

Friday, July 4 – Independence Day

Advocate Good Shepherd Family Fitness Run – 7 to 9 AM
Location: Downtown Barrington
Start the day with a healthy and fun family fitness run through downtown. Registration required.

Barrington All-Star Brass Quintet Performance – 8:30 to 9:45 AM
Location: Porch of Barrington’s White House
Arrive early for patriotic tunes performed by the Barrington All-Star Brass Quintet. This local ensemble of accomplished musicians will play American classics to set the perfect tone ahead of the parade. Bring folding chairs and enjoy the concert on the front lawn, weather permitting.

Barrington Fourth of July Parade – 10 to 11:30 AM
Route: Main Street
Join neighbors and visitors as Barrington’s beloved parade brings together marching bands, community groups and festive floats.

Lions Club Brat Tent – Opens at 10:30 AM
Location: Wool Street Parking Lot 

Fourth of July Fireworks – 9:30 to 10 PM
Location: Barrington High School
The festivities continue with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Barrington sky.

Saturday, July 5

Lions Club Brat Tent – Opens at 10:30 AM
Location: Wool Street Parking Lot

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