5 things to do in McHenry County: Founders’ Days in Algonquin, Rockstock and sunflowers with wine

1. Founders’ Days kicks off Thursday in Algonquin with live music, a carnival, an outdoor business expo, inflatables for kids to bounce on and, of course, plenty of food.

The festival runs 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Spella Park, 2610 Harnish Drive.

The parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Eastgate Drive and Algonquin Road, continuing along Algonquin Road toward the Fox River. The route then will head south on Main Street before turning west on Washington Street.

The Founders’ Run and other races will take place Sunday morning at Algonquin Middle School, 520 Longwood Drive. Check-in for the run opens at 7 a.m. with the 1-mile run starting at 8 a.m. followed by the 10K at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K walk at 8:40 a.m.

A number of activities also will take place Sunday morning at Spella Park before the festival opens, including an outdoor business expo and a market and bazaar, both from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An animal rescue and children’s activities hosted by the Algonquin Public Library and local businesses will open at 10 a.m. A touch-a-truck event will run 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information, go to algonquinfoundersdays.com.

2. Tom’s Farm Market in Huntley will host one of its Sip ‘N Sunflower event Thursday evening.

The event, which will take place 5 to 8:15 p.m. Thursday at Tom’s Farm Market, 10214 Algonquin Road in Huntley, is open to those 21 and older and offers wine and beer from Sew Hop’d along with a light appetizer.

Tickets, which cost $25, include a walk through the farm’s four acres of sunflowers with photo opportunities along the way; a wineglass; two tickets to sample wine or beer; a fruit and cheese pairing box; and live music. For an additional charge, attendees can cut sunflowers to take home with them.

For information, go to tomsfarmmarket.com.

3. The Wonder Lake Water Ski Team will put on one of its Friday evening ski shows this week.

The free show runs 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and can be viewed from Wonder Center Beach, 4110 E. Lake Shore Drive. Attendees can bring a chair or blanket and soft drinks available to buy at the Booster tent.

For information, go to wonderlakeskiteam.org.

4. The historic Woodstock Square will host Tacos & Tequila, which in addition to the libations and fare implied by the event’s name, features live music.

Tickets, which cost $45, include 12 tasting samples of tequila, hard seltzers and premixed margaritas; three tacos from local restaurants; and a souvenir shot glass. Additional food and beverage tickets can be bought ahead of time online or during the event for $5 each. Designated driver tickets can be bought for $20.

The event runs 7 to 11 p.m. Friday and is presented by Rockstock, a series of free concerts rolled out in 2019.

Rockstock will host its first concert the following day – 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Square – featuring Rockstar Roadshow.

Outside coolers and drinks will not be allowed during this event. Wristbands are available for $2 so that those in the park can buy beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages.

For information, go to woodstockilchamber.com.

5. This Saturday, the Raue Center for the Arts rolls out Arts on the Green, its new outdoor series of music and Shakespeare at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave. in Crystal Lake.

First on the line-up is blues and jazz performer Lynne Jordan. Tickets start at $14 for RaueNOW members and $20 for nonmembers. Those 18 and under can buy tickets for $8.

The show runs 7 to 8:30 p.m. and attendees are welcome to bring a blanket and some refreshments to enjoy. No food or beverages will be available for sale at this time.

*Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Processing Fee – $3 per ticket charge for all purchasing to support the software that enables online ticket sales. Facility Fee – $6 per order charge that helps operate and invest back in our historical venue.

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