Looking for the place to be this summer? Keep reading.

When it comes to the upcoming season, McHenry County's all about celebrating its roots in style.

Festivals and events reflect a mix of the area's country charm, with some style and flair thrown in. Carnivals. Food. Music. Parades. Sporting events. Historical celebrations. A cardboard cup regatta or two. It's all here in an area boasting one of the longest running festivals – Harvard Milk Days, running June 2-4 – and largest – McHenry's Fiesta Days, running July 13-23. Those are only two of numerous McHenry County summer attractions.

So, feel free to browse and hang onto this roundup as it's bound to come in handy.

The following festivals and events are taking place in McHenry County and beyond this summer. To have your event listed, visit PlanitNorthwest.com.

JUNE

HARVARD MILK DAYS, 76th annual, June 2-4 Milky Way Park, on Lawrence Road, Harvard. "Believe in the Future" is the theme for one of the longest-running festivals in Illinois. A weekend of fun for people of all ages. Friday events will feature an antique tractor display, market place, food court, cow chip lotto, carnival, concessions, petting zoo, chainsaw carving, entertainment and fireworks display. Saturday events include a Milk Run/Walk and kids dash, antique tractor display, Milk Days brunch, parade, cow chip lotto, carnival, concessions, marketplace, petting zoo, chainsaw carving, milk drinking contest, talent show and fireworks display. Sunday events include a community church service, carnival, concessions, petting zoo, junior dairy cattle show, antique tractor show, entertainment and grand finale fireworks display. Grounds hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Free admission to park grounds. Parking: $5 daily or $10 three-day pass (advance sale only). Information: 815-943-4614 or www.milkdays.com.

GILBERTS COMMUNITY DAYS, 5 to 10 p.m. June 2; noon to 10 p.m. June 3; noon to 6 p.m. June 4, Towne Square Park, 195 Jackson St., Gilberts. Family festival with rides, children's crafts, petting zoo, car show, live bands, food and more. Band headliners including American English on Friday, Goin South on Saturday, and The Belvederes and Hip Pocket on Sunday. Free admission. Information: 847-428-2861 or www.gilbertscommunitydays.com.

CITY OF McHENRY CONCERT SERIES, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 1 through Sept. 28, Veterans Memorial Park, 3400 Pearl St., McHenry. Before each concert, visit the new expanded Farmers Market open from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Schedule: June 1, 8 & 15, City Jazz Band; June 22, TBA; July 6, City Jazz Band; July 13, Hans & the Hormones; July 20 & 27, City Jazz Band; Aug. 3, Larry Breidenbach; Aug. 10, TBA; Aug. 1, New Odyssey; Aug. 24, Miles Over Mountains; Aug. 31, Saturday June Band; Sept. 7, Kevin Purcell & the Root Doctors; Sept. 14, TBA; Sept. 21, Mississippi Stranglers; Sept. 28, Miles Over Mountains. Free. Information: 815-363-2160.

FIRST FRIDAYS CONCERT SERIES, 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 2, July 7, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1, Lost Valley Visitor Center patio at Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. McHenry County Conservation District hosts an evening of music and nature. Bring a picnic dinner and listen to regional musicians. Schedule: June 2, Trillium; July 7, Mackenzie O'Brien; Aug. 4, Woodstock Community Choir; Sept. 1, Charlie Parr. Free. Information: 815-479-5779 or www.mccdistrict.org.

TASTE OF SUMMER, 1 to 4:30 p.m. June 3, downtown McHenry. Taste a variety of food from participating downtown food and beverage establishments. Cost: $1 to $3 a taste. Information: www.mchenrydowntown.biz or visit the McHenry Area Downtown Business Association on Facebook.

WILLIAMS STREET FESTIVAL, 4 to 11 p.m. June 3, in the Brink Street parking lot at 45 Brink St., Crystal Lake. Outdoor festival for all ages featuring Modern Day Romeos' "6th Annual 10th Anniversary Fan Fest," LAVA Rock, Jimmy Nick & Don't Tell Mama, street performers, local food vendors and Crystal Lake Brewery beer. Proceeds support the Raue Center's mission to bring arts to the community. Free admission. VIP fundraiser tickets: $25 includes access to Raue Center, beer lines, indoor restrooms, free snacks and more. Information: 815-356-9212 or www.rauecenter.ticketforce.com.

PEDAL, PADDLE, SADDLE THROUGH THE PRAIRIE, June 4, Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. A 15th annual outdoor event hosted by the McHenry County Conservation Foundation. Paddlers can enjoy a two-hour boat trip (6 miles). Bicyclists have the option of a 12K, 20K or 30K trail ride. The third event is a 5.5-mile horseback trail ride. Cost: $25 a person, $50 a family. Registration and information: 815-759-9390 or www.mhenryconservation.org/pedal-paddle.htm.

McHENRY COUNTY BICYCLE CLUB UDDER CENTURY RIDE, 35th annual, 6 to 10 a.m. June 4, McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Bicycle enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels are invited to this bike invitational to pedal along flat to rolling rural routes of 31, 50, 63, 76 or 100 miles through the dairy lands of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Rain or shine. Cost: $45 adults, $10 children ages 6-12, free for children 5 and younger. Information: www.mchenrybicycleclub.org or udder@charter.net.

FREE SUMMER SUNDAYS AT COLONEL PALMER HOUSE, 1 to 4 p.m. June 4, July 16 & Aug. 13, on the lawn of the Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Road, Crystal Lake. Travel back in time. Costumed staff present displays and hands-on experiences. Entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, the house will be open for tours at each event. Themes include "Over There: U.S. Enters the Great War" on June 4, "CPH Presents: A County Fair" on July 16 and "Game On: 160 Years of Vintage Games and Toys" on Aug. 13. Free admission. Information: 815-477-5873 or www.crystallakeparks.org.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK, 7 p.m. Tuesdays beginning June 6 through August, Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake. Hosted by the Crystal Lake Park District. Schedule: June 6, Crystal Lake Community Band; June 13, Cadillac Groove (classic rock, blues and R&B); June 20, Mr. Myers (Caribbean); June 27, Voices in Harmony; July 11, Wild Daisy (country); July 18, Ear Candy (pop and top '40s); July 25, Shindig ('60s cover band); Aug. 1, Diva (women of pop cover band); Aug. 8, Rhythm Rockets (jazz, rhythm and blues). Information: 815-459-0680 or www.crystallakeparks.org.

WOODSTOCK CITY BAND CONCERTS, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 7 through July 26, Woodstock Square. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy one of Woodstock's longest summertime traditions. Free. Information: 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockil.gov.

CARY–GROVE JAYCEES FAMILY DAYS, June 8-11, corner of Kaper Drive and Georgetown Road, Cary. Featuring live music by Stone Rollin Devils, Stateline, Gener8r and Uncle Will. There also will be carnival rides, a beer and food tent. Schedule: 5 to 10 p.m. June 8-9; noon to 11 p.m. June 10; noon to 6 p.m. June 11. Free admission. Information: Jennie Heicht at jennie.hecht@iljaycees.org.

SUMMER FESTIVAL VENDOR FAIR, 5 to 10 p.m. June 9, Mixin Mingle, 1118 N. Green St., McHenry. An indoor fair for local vendors to show the public what they do for a living. Free admission. Information: www.facebook.com/events/443891222622949/.

TAKE ME FISHING, 8 to 9:30 a.m. June 10, Larsen Park, 1211 Pyott Road, lake in the Hills. Grab your tackle box and a parent and come to the park for a morning of fishing. Pictures of the day's catches will be taken and prize awarded for the biggest catch. Snacks provided. Hosted by the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department. Rain or shine. Registration fee: $5 residents, $6 nonresidents. Information: 847-960-7460 or www.lith.org.

MCC SCOTS FEST, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 10, McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. A free family event in celebration of the college's 50th anniversary. Features demonstrations in ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, horticulture and more for art lovers, as well as an auto show, food trucks, a Kids Corner and live entertainment. Among the performers are Charlie Three Valves and the Weird Seven, storyteller Jim May, Potts & Pans Steelband and Crystal Lake Strikers. A STEAM Zone will include hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math. Information: www.mchenry.edu.

ROCK THE ROUTES, noon to 9 p.m. June 10, Stone Hill Center parking lot, Routes 14 and 22, Fox River Grove. Featuring live music, children's events, food from local restaurants, craft beer from local breweries and a cruise night. Rain or shine. Free admission. Information: find FRG Living on Facebook, call 847-639-3171 or visit www.foxrivergrove.org

SCORCHED EARTH DAY FESTIVAL, 3 to 10 p.m. June 10, Scorched Earth Brewing Co., 203 Berg St., Algonquin. A day of activities, craft beer, original music and food. Admission: $15 adults, free for age 18 and younger. information: 224-209-8472 or www.scorchedearthbrewing.com/events.

FAIRFIELD MARKET, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 11, Auto Villa, 3017 W. Route 120, McHenry. A one-day pop-up event featuring vintage, antique, shabby chic, farmhouse, reclaimed, repurposed or handmade goods, music and food. Vendors will be represented from McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Will, Cook and Winnebago Counties. Information: 224-993-0525 or info@fairfieldmarket.co.

CELEBRATE LAKEWOOD, noon to 4 p.m. June 11, Redtail Golf Club, 7900 Redtail Drive, Lakewood. Community and family gathering with food, drinks, music, games, moonwalk, face painting, golf lessons, child safety seat inspections and more. Information: 815-459-3025 or www.village.lakewood.il.us.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL OF 1858, noon to 4 p.m. June 11, Powers-Walker House in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. All ages are invited to join the McHenry County Conservation District volunteers in period attire as they recreate the feel of an old-fashioned ice cream social. Registration not required. Information: 815-479-5779 or www.mccdistrict.org.

HISTORIC TROLLEY TOURS OF CRYSTAL LAKE, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 11, departing from the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Historic trolley city tours sponsored by the Crystal Lake Historic Preservation Commission. Tours will highlight the historic details of buildings, as well as personal stories about their owners, builders and the community. Tickets: $12 in advance available at Heisler's Bootery, 50 N. Williams St.; $15 day of tour. Tickets and information: 815-479-0835 or www.crystallake.org/residents/historic-preservation-commission/heritage-tour.

PAWS IN THE PARK WALK & PET FEST, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 11, Emricson Park, 900 W. South St., Woodstock. Hosted by Helping Paws Animal Shelter to benefit homeless animals. A walk with family, friends and canines. Registration fee: $35 in advance, $40 at the fest. Registration and information: 815-338-4400 or www.helpingpaws.net/event/paws-in-the-park-walk-pet-fest.

OLD-FASHIONED 1860 BASEBALL GAME, 2 p.m. June 11, Village Hall Park, Barreville and Ames roads, Prairie Grove. Civil War-era baseball game pits the McHenry County "Independants" against the Grayslake Athletics. Grayslake Heritage Center Executive Director Dave Oberg will umpire and emcee, explaining the rules and teaching the audience to cheer and jeer in proper 19th-century fashion. Information: www.gothistory.org.

BARNSTORMER'S DAY FLY-IN & DRIVE-IN, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 17, Galt Airport, 5112 Greenwood Road, Wonder Lake. An old style fly-in with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m., display of vintage aircraft, cars, motorcycles, local crafters and entertainment. Free admission. Information: 815-648-2433 or www.barnstormerdays.com.

WOODSTOCK CHALLENGE RUN & POOL PARTY, 40th annual, 8 a.m. June 17, Woodstock Water Works Aquatic Center in Emricson Park, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock. Featuring a 10K run, 5K run/walk and 1-mile and half-mile kids/family run. A pool party is scheduled after the event. Cost: $15, $25. Registration and information: 815-338-4363 or www.woodstockrecreationdepartment.com.

HOOKED ON FISHING, 9 a.m. to noon June 17, The Hollows, 3804 Route 14, Cary; and 9 a.m. to noon June 18, The Hollows - Lake Atwood, 3804 Route 14, Cary. Family fishing fun hosted by McHenry County Conservation District. Learn fishing techniques and safety tips. Fishing license not required. Free. Registration and information: 815-479-5779 or www.mccdistrict.org.

AMERICA'S CARDBOARD CUP REGATTA, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 17, Crystal Lake's Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Considered the championship of cardboard boat racing with entrants building and racing boats along a 200-yard course for a variety of awards. In the event of inclement weather, water conditions or other, the reschedule date is July 29. Admission: $3. Information: 815-459-0680 or https://www.crystallakeparks.org.

ART ON THE FOX, 10th annual, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 17-18, Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St., Algonquin. Fine art festival hosted by the village of Algonquin and Algonquin Public Arts Commission featuring art booths, hands-on demonstrations, musical entertainment and free children's art projects. Information: 847-658-2700 or www.artonthefox.com.

LAKE IN THE HILLS TRIATHLON, 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. June 18, Ken Carpenter Park, Miller and Randall roads, Lake in the Hills. Event includes biking, running and swimming for beginners and elite athletes. Sponsored by the village of Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department. Cost: $70. Registration and information: 847-960-7460, www.lith.org or www.raceentry.com/race-reviews/lake-in-the-hills-triathlon.

PERKINS HALL PLAYERS: "BANKING ON CLAMS," 7 p.m. June 21, Perkins Hall, 3600 Franklinville Road, Woodstock. A historic drama about a get-rich-quick scheme in the 1920s by a local banking family to grow artificial pearls in the Fox River. Come and join in the civil melodrama. Period clothing encouraged. Light refreshments. Free admission. Information: www.gothistory.org.

ALGONQUIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, beginning June 22, Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St., Algonquin. Outdoor concerts hosted by the village of Algonquin. All weekly concerts 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverfront Park unless otherwise noted. Schedule: June 22, Tony Ocean (jazz/blues); June 29, Ear Candy (dance hits); July 6, Dr. Feelgood ('80s); July 13, Dixie Crush (country); July 20, Soul 2 the Bone (Motown), July 27, Pirates Over 40 (at Founders' Days Festival); Aug. 3, Fool House ('90s); Aug. 10, Voyage (classic rock); Aug. 17, Libido Funk Circus ('60s to current). Free. Information: 847-658-2716 or www.algonquin.org/recreation.

BLACK DIAMOND'S KIDS PARTY IN THE PARK, 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 23, Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake. Ben Tatar and the Tator Tots will perform tunes for tots at 7 p.m. There will be a Baskin-Robbins ice cream eating contest at 8 p.m. followed by the movie "Sing," rated PG, shown at dusk. Free admission. Information: 815-459-0680 or www.crystallakeparks.org.

KIDS OBSTACLE CHALLENGE, 8:30 a.m. June 24, Lippold Park, 851 Route 176, Crystal Lake. An adventure and obstacle course event series for kids ages 5 to 16, with 10 to 15 challenging obstacles and mud designed for kids to push their limits and reach new heights. Free event photos, goodie bag. Finish line snacks. Parents can run with their kids for free. Cost: $46 a child; unlimited re-runs are $5. Registration and information: 888-655-1127 or www.kidsobstaclechallenge.com/chicago.

2ND ANNUAL VETERANS VET FEST, 3:30 to 11 p.m. June 24, 11712 Coral St., Huntley.
Hosted by the Huntley American Legion Post 673. A 5K veterans fun run and a farmers market will begin in the morning. The afternoon includes live entertainment from Serendipity, Vertical Jam and Tongue-N-Groove. Raffle prizes. Food and beverages available for purchase. Proceeds support local veterans. Information: 847-669-8485 or vetfest@huntleylegion.org.

LAKE IN THE HILLS DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT, 7:30 p.m. June 24, Sunset Park. Experience a nostalgic drive-in movie event with a dusk showing of "Sing." Parking opens at 7:30 p.m. If you live nearby and walk or bike, the cost is $2 a family for lawn seating. If you drive, the cost is $5 a car (first-come, first-served). Blankets, chairs and non-alcoholic refreshments welcome. Information: www.lith.org.

A DAY AT PETERSEN FARM, 10th annual, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 25, Petersen Farm, 4112 McCullom Lake Road, McHenry. Activities include hayrides, petting zoo, farm equipment displays, children's activities, tours, live music, craft demonstrations, food vendors and more. Visitors will enjoy American roots music by Cheryl Niemo and the Down Home Boys. Information: 815-385-0191 or www.mchenrychamber.com.

McHENRY COUNTY PATRIOT RUN, 7:30 a.m. June 25, McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Fourth annual event featuring a 5K run and a 1-mile walk to benefit TLS Veterans and Veterans Assistance Commission. Cost: $15 for the 1-mile, $38 for the 5K. Registration and information: 815-459-1773, ext. 300 or www.mchenrycountypatriotrun.org.

ILLINOIS RAILWAY MUSEUM STEAM DEPARTMENT BENEFIT, 2:30 p.m. June 25, Sanfilippo Estate, 789 Plumtree Road, Barrington. Seventh annual event will feature a concert with live accompaniment. Guests will be able to tour the residence and its collections prior to the 2:30 p.m. Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ concert. Raffle drawings and door prizes. Tickets: $69.99 a person in advance. No tickets at the door. Doors open at 1 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Illinois Railway Museum Steam Department. Tickets and information: 815-923-4391 or www.irm.org.

DISCOVERY CENTER FAMILY FUN NIGHT, 6 to 7 p.m. June 28, Harvard Diggins Library, 900 E. McKinley St., Harvard. Featuring five stations of hands-on fun. Families are encouraged to participate together. All ages welcome. Registration required. Free. Registration and information: 815-923-4671 or www.harvard-diggins.org.

LAKESIDE FESTIVAL, 38th annual, June 29 through July 2, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Presented by The Lakeside Legacy Foundation with live music on two stages, Taste by the Lake, carnival rides, midway games, fireworks, historic tours and more. Schedule: 4 to 11 p.m. June 29; noon to 11 p.m. June 30 and July 1; noon to 10 p.m. July 2. Bands include Pirates Over 40 (5 p.m.) and Catsfight Band (8:30 p.m.) June 29; 7th Heaven (4 p.m.) and Hi Infidelity (7:30 p.m.) June 30; Dangerous Joes (noon), Lava Rock (5 p.m.), What About This (7 p.m.) and Modern Day Romeos (8:30 p.m.) July 1; and Mason Rivers (noon), American English (3:30 p.m.) and Bella Cain (7 p.m.) July 2. Admission: $5 adults at the gate, $2 seniors, free for military with ID and children 12 and younger as well as free admission to the carnival midway. Information: 815-455-8000 or www.lakesideartspark.org.

SALUTE TO THE TROOPS PICNIC & CONCERT, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 30, Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills. The Veterans Memorial Committee and Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department have teamed up to feature a petting zoo, oversized lawn game competitions, cash concessions stand and live music at 6:30 p.m. by The Banjo Buddies Dixieland Quartet. Free admission. Information: 847-960-7460 or www.lith.org.

CARY PARK DISTRICT'S SUMMER CELEBRATION, 6:30 to 10 p.m. June 30, Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary. Celebrate summer with music, food and fireworks. Performance by Dick Diamond & The Dusters from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks to follow at dusk. Food and drink sold onsite. Parking costs $10 on pavement, $5 on grass. Information: www.carypark.com.

JULY

WONDER LAKE'S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION, July 1, downtown Wonder Lake. Kid games and vendor booths from noon to 4:30 p.m., parade at 1:30 p.m., Wonder Lake Ski Team Show at 4:30 p.m, fireworks over the lake at 9 p.m. Information: www.wonderlake.org.

SPRING GROVE'S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION, noon to 11 p.m. July 4, Horse Fair Park, 8105 Blivin St., Spring Grove. A downtown parade followed by family activities, such as a petting zoo, kids games and more, and fireworks at the park. Information: www.sg4thofjuly.com.

ROCKIN' ROTARY RIBFEST, July 6-9, Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Barbecue and family entertainment. Acts include Lava Rock, Libido Funk Circus, Hillbilly Rockstars, Molly Hatchet, Jimmy Nick & Don't Tell Mama, Friction, Hello Weekend, 28 Days and 7th Heaven. Information: www.lithribfest.com.

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS, July 8-9 & July 15-16, Illinois Railway Museum, Union. Parking lot opens at 7:30 a.m. Gate opens at 9 a.m. each day. Take a 20-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and meet with Sir Topham Hatt. Includes clowns, puppet shows, magic shows, Thomas & Friends Playtable, music, storytelling, balloon animals, unlimited rides on street cars, access to museum exhibits and more. Cost: $21 a person for those ages 2 and older. For an additional $10 a person for those ages 2 and older, visitors can ride the Percy train. Information: www.irm.org.

HERITAGE FAIR, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9, McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. A 32nd annual event with a theme of "Unwind Like Its 1899." Antique car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free show features trophies for the top 20 cars, as well
as best of show and a one-of-a-kind "people's choice" trophy. DJ Jose Ramos will be spinning "oldies." Vintage cars are being sought. For information call Tony at TJ's Klassics at 847-515-8110. White Elephant Sale at 9 a.m. Pie-baking contest at 9:30 a.m. Antique auction with auctioneer Russ Davis at 10:30 a.m. Special focus on children's activities with Pioneer Play from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dave Herzog's Marionettes at 1 p.m. and Freddy Fredericks and other magicians strolling the grounds throughout the day, performing at 2:30 p.m. on the auditorium stage. Exhibition tours at noon and 3 p.m. Baked goods, books, antique clothing, garden plants and music by the Clef Hangers barbershop quartet throughout the day. "The James" mobile museum will be open and food available. Admission is free. Village-wide garage sale also scheduled. Information: www.gothistory.org.

SUMMER IN THE PARK, July 12-16, Emricson Park, Woodstock. Community festival with music, children's entertainment, food court, beer garden, a pool party, bags tournament, movie in the park and more. Information: 815-338-4300 or www.woodstockil.gov.

FIESTA DAYS, July 13-23, (Music Fest, July 13-16, Family Fun Day July 16, Parade Marshal Concert in the Park July 20, Kid's Ice Cream Social July 21, Arts & Crafts in the Park July 22, parade 1:30 p.m. July 23), Petersen and Veterans Memorial parks, McHenry. Parade theme this year is "Paris: The City of Lights." Among the live music will be Modern Day Romeos at 9 p.m. July 15. Information: www.mchenryfiestadays.com or 815-385-4300.

GAVERS COMMUNITY BARNDANCE, 5 p.m. to midnight July 15, Emricson Park, Woodstock. A fundraiser for the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation with a barbecue dinner, live auction and music. Information: www.gavers.org.

WOODSTOCK FOLK FESTIVAL, noon to 6 p.m. July 16, Woodstock Square, Stage Left Café and the Woodstock Opera House. Featuring the finest in folk entertainment and family fun with a Lifetime Achievement Award given to Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso of Small Potatoes. Among the performers are Bettman & Halpin, Mari Black, Pat Donohue, David Hawkins, Joan and Joni, Michael Johnathon and The Malvinas. Hosted by Chuck VanderVennet and Rich Warren. Includes an open mic stage, with featured performer Briar Road, a children's area and a ukulele workshop. Information: www.woodstockfolkfestival.org.

COMMUNITY BAND SHOWCASE, 2 to 8 p.m. July 23, Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake. Rain date is July 30. Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Park District. Free. Information: 815-459-0680 or www.crystallakeparks.org.

ALGONQUIN FOUNDERS' DAYS, July 27-30, Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Features carnival, Cardboard Boat Regatta, Taste of Founders', Social Garden, music, Illinois Battle of the Bands, a petting zoo, walks and runs and fireworks. Bands include Pirates Over 40, Boy Band Review, Lynch Mob and Rockstar Rodeo. Information: www.algonquinfoundersdays.com or 847-658-5340.

MIDWEST MOZART FESTIVAL 2017 CONCERTS, July 30 through Aug. 13, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, and the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills. Schedule: Concert I, 3 p.m. July 30 at The Sanfilippo Estate; Concert II, 3 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Opera House; Concert III, 3 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Opera House. Opera House tickets are $10 for students, $28 for B seating and $43 for A seating. The Sanfilippo Estate tickets are $50 a person. Tickets and information: www.midwestmozart.org, www.woodstockoperahouse.com, www.sanfilippofoundation.org or www.ticketreturn.com.

AUGUST

McHENRY COUNTY FAIR, Aug. 1-6, Route 47 and Country Club Road, Woodstock. A 69-year tradition with 4-H livestock and non-livestock shows, educational displays, vendors, a carnival and grandstand entertainment. The country band Sawyer Brown will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 4 in the grand stand. Information: www.mchenrycountyfair.com or 815-338-5315.

BLAST ON THE BEACH, 3 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5, Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Hosted by the Crystal Lake Park District and Crystal Lake Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Free admission for a fun fair, craft fair, BMO Harris Bank Treasure Hunt, food, beer, wine and live music. Information: www.crystallakeparks.org.

MCHENRY ROTARY BLUES, BREWS & BBQ, Aug. 18-20, Petersen Park, McHenry. Outdoor blues and BBQ festival BBQ Cook-Off, home brew competition and more. Among the bands are John Todd, Rosehill Revival, Wall of Denial, The BluesNiks, Mississippi Heat, Fernando Jones Kids, Johnny Iguana & the Claudettes and Alabaster. Information: www.mchenryrotarybluesbrewsandbbqs.com.

PRINGLE SCHOOL SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 20, Pringle School, 21596 River Road, just west of Route 23, in Marengo. Mark this one-room, limestone school's 150th birthday with an open house, exhibits, school desk display, pictures, period costumes, box lunch social auction, walnut sale and live music. Admission is free. Information: www.gothistory.org.

WOODSTOCK JAZZ FESTIVAL, Aug 25-26, Stage Left Café, 125 W. Van Buren, and on the Woodstock Square. Promotion of jazz music in all its diverse forms and colorful history. Information: www.jazzonthesquare.com.

September

HARVARD BALLOON FESTIVAL, Sept. 1-3, Milky Way Park, 300 Lawrence Road, Harvard. A second annual event featuring hot air balloon rides, food vendors, helicopter rides, inflatables, live entertainment, games and more. Information: www.harvardballoonfest.com.

LAKE IN THE HILLS SUMMER SUNSET FESTIVAL, Sept. 1-3, Sunset Park, Lake in the Hills. Features parade, carnival rides, craft show, Battle of the Bands, Classic & Custom Car Show, horseshoe and bags tournaments, Sunset 5K, arts, Got Talent competition, wine tasting and fireworks. Among the bands on the Main Stage are Second Hand Soul Band, Infinity, Classical Blast, DIVA, Modern Day Romeos, Semple and Libido Funk Circus. Information: www.summersunsetfest.com.

SOUL JAM 2017, 1 to 8 p.m. Sept. 9, Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Road, Woodstock. Enjoy an afternoon outdoors at a farm. Featuring local bands, local artists and food available from food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket. Rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the Family Health Partnership Clinic serving McHenry County. Admission: $55 adults, $45 younger than age 21. Information: 847-366-6743 or http://soulfulprairies/soul-jam.com.

PISTAKEE BAY BOAT TOUR, 1 p.m. Sept. 10, leaving from Famous Freddie's, 510 Park Ave., Fox Lake. A two-hour, guided tour pointing out many of the historic landmarks that captivated tourists at the turn of the century, as well as now. Learn about the geography, famed lotus beds and once thriving resort scene – all of which are chronicled in a new, two-year exhibit at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum. Limited seating. For tickets, visit www.gothistory.org or call 815-923-2267.

CARY MAIN STREET FESTIVAL, noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 16 and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 17, downtown Cary. Featuring live entertainment, a family area, the Cary-Grove Rotary Club Steak Fry, a 5K, food and drink vendors and more. Admission is $5 a person, with proceeds going to area schools and nonprofit organizations. Information: www.carygrovechamber.com.