July 17, 2025
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McHenry Fiesta Days schedule of events

Tony Caruso, of McHenry, pushes his son Colin, then 3, around a track before the start of a previous Fiesta Days Big Wheels Race in McHenry. (Northwest Herald)

McHenry's Fiesta Days takes place July 10-19 throughout McHenry and includes a variety of family entertainment, live music, a carnival, Big Wheels Race, track meet, McHenry River Run, arts & crafts and more. Information: www.mchenryfiestadays.com or 815-385-4300.

[ MORE: McHenry's Fiesta Days to feature KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, slew of entertainment ]

July 10

Music Fest Friday

5 to 11 p.m. at Petersen Park, 4300 Petersen Park Road. Admission: $5 at gate; those ages 10 and younger are free. Includes food, beer, amusement rides, a designated driver booth (wristband, free soft drinks and water) and ReMax hot air balloon rides from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

6 p.m. – Makena Hartlin, country artist

8:30 p.m. – Bella Cain, high-energy Top 40 country group

PHOTOS: Fiesta Days in McHenry

July 11

Music Fest & Rock N’ Rev

4 to 11 p.m. at Petersen Park. Admission: $15 pre-sale; $20 at gate; those ages 10 and younger are free. Includes food, beer, designated driver booth, amusement rides with a $20 a person unlimited ride special from 2 to 5 p.m.

6:30 a.m. – McHenry River Run, East Campus High School, 1012 N. Green St. Sponsored by the McHenry Parks & Recreation Department. Check-in from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. 10K Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. 5K run begins at 8:15 a.m. Registration available at 815-363-2160, www.co.mchenry.il.us, http://itsracetime.com or the Parks Department, McHenry Municipal Center, 333 S. Green St.

4 to 6 p.m. – “Meet the Brewery” beer tasting with Dick Leinenkugel

5 to 7 p.m. – “Rock N’ Rev” motorcycle show sponsored by McHenry Harley-Davidson

5 p.m. – The Last Vegas, hard rock

7 p.m. – Stephen Pearcy, founder and former lead singer of the band Ratt

9:15 p.m. – Ace Frehley, formerly of KISS

July 12

Music Fest & Family Fun Day

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Petersen Park. Admission: $5 at the gate; 10 years and younger are free; $10 VIP seating. Includes food, beer, designated driver booth and amusement rides with a $20 a person unlimited ride special from noon to 3 p.m.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 31st annual car show at Petersen Park. Information: www.nilsra.com

10 to 11:15 a.m. – Outdoor worship gathering

1 to 5 p.m. – Family Fun Day activities, including bags tournament from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and BMX stunt bike shows at 2:15 and 4:30 p.m.

1:15 p.m. – Jim & Justin, two members of the popular Modern Day Romeos

2 to 4 p.m. – Craft beer station by Chain O’ Lakes Brewing

4 p.m. – Sam Llanas, one of the founding members of the BoDeans and an acoustic guitarist, singer and sought-after songwriter

July 13

5 to 10 p.m. at Petersen Park. Includes food and amusement rides with a $20 a person unlimited ride special all night

5:30 p.m. check-in, 6:30 p.m. start – Big Wheels Race sponsored by McHenry Parks & Recreation. Information: 815-363-2160

7 to 10 p.m. – Teen Night, sponsored by the Kiwanis Noon Club. Information: 815-271-5418

July 15

5 p.m. – Open track meet at McCracken Field, 3712 Kane Ave. Sponsored by McHenry Parks & Recreation. Check-in at 5 p.m., with the event beginning at 5:15 p.m. Registration available at 815-363-2160 or the Parks Department at the McHenry Municipal Center, 333 S. Green St.

July 16

5 to 9:30 p.m. – Parade Marshal Concert in the Park at Veterans Memorial Park, 3400 Pearl St., McHenry. Includes food and beer.

7 to 7:30 p.m. – Parade marshal ceremony honoring Ron Bykowski

7:30 to 9 p.m. – Centerfold, rock band

July 17

3 to 8 p.m. – Kids’ Ice Cream Social at Veterans Memorial Park. Cost: $5 for a hand stamp and ice cream from Riverside Chocolate Factory.

Includes food service, inside sidewalk sales from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout McHenry and entertainment, including MarRay Dance Studio, Animal Act, 4 Strings Attached Martin Lopez Academy, The Crystal Lake Strikers, face-painting, moon walks, games, fingerprinting, a Fire Safety House, a Child Identification Program (ILCHIP) provided by the McHenry Masonic Lodge No. 158 and more.

July 18

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Arts & Crafts in the Park at Veterans Memorial Park. Includes food service, more than 100 crafters featuring handmade items and outside sidewalk sales throughout McHenry.

July 19

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parade activities at Veterans Memorial Park. Parade theme is “All That Jazz.” Includes food service and post-parade entertainment, including a Drum & Bugle Corps Show, on the gazebo.

1:30 p.m. Parade, starting off on Main Street to Green Street to Pearl Street to Riverside Drive to Washington Street and ending at Veterans Memorial Park