Looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors in McHenry County? Summer and fall offer more than just hiking and picnics – they’re prime time for concerts in the park! From laid-back solo performances to multi-day festivals, there’s something for everyone across McHenry County. Weekends and evenings are popular times for these concerts, but you might even find some weekday options to fit your busy schedule.
Imagine relaxing on a picnic blanket listening to music in the park or enjoying the tunes in one of our charming historic squares. McHenry County has a packed calendar for live music fans!
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McHenry County Parks Come Alive with Summer and Fall Concerts!
The challenge? Finding out where and when the bands are playing. Unlike some event listings, we focus solely on McHenry County, so you won’t get lost in a sea of Chicago and suburban events. Our Concerts in the Park Guide connects you directly to the music you love.
Our guide includes both standalone concerts and those that are part of larger events. Many concerts are free, and many have food trucks and vendors on hand for convenient meals. For larger festivals, be sure to check the specific event listing for any admission fees.
Summer and Fall in McHenry County are great times to head to the parks. Be sure to check our Concerts in the Park Guide before you head out…it may just be music to your ears!
All information is subject to change and we always recommend contacting the specific locations to verify conditions and availability, especially those that are weather-dependent.
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Algonquin
Summer Concert Series
Dates: *** Returns in 2025 ***
Head to Towne Park in Old Algonquin Town on Thursday evenings for the Summer Concert Series.
Address: Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-658-2716
Information: Details
Algonquin Founders’ Days
Dates: July 25 – 28, 2024
Head to Towne Park in Old Algonquin Town on Thursday evenings for the Summer Concert Series.
Address: Spella Park, 2610 Harnish Dr, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-242-1589
Information: Details
Cary
Concert in the Park
Dates: Thursdays, June 13, 20, & July 11, 18, 2024
Enjoy an evening of music in the park with the Cary Park District.
Address: Lions Park Rotary Bandshell, 1200 Silver Lake Rd, Cary IL 60013
Phone: 847-639-6100
Information: Details
Stars N’ Stripes Fest
Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Join the Cary Park District for music, food trucks, and fireworks! What more could you want?
Address: Cary-Grove Park, 3 Oaks Rd &, N 1st St, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: 847-639-6100
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Crystal Lake
Concerts in the Park
Dates: Tuesdays, May 28 – August 6, 2024
Pack dinner, grab a blanket, and head to Main Beach to enjoy music by the lakeside with the Crystal Lake Park District.
Address: Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-410-4475
Information: Details
Lakeside Festival at The Dole
Dates: July 4 – July 7, 2024
Head to The Dole for concerts galore, great food, drink, carnival rides and games, and lots of fun. Brought to you by the Lakeside Legacy Foundation.
Address: The Dole, 401 Country Club Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-455-8000
Crystal Lake Fireworks & Concert
Date: Sunday, July 7, 2024
Head to Main Beach and join the Crystal Lake Park District in celebrating Independence Day with a concert and fireworks.
Address: Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Other Live Music Opportunities
In addition to Concerts in the Park, McHenry County features many other venues and opportunities for live music, from concerts to farmers markets or just dinner or a drink.
Arts On The Green
Dates: Saturdays, July 13, 20, 2024
Note: this is a paid Raue Center for the Arts event. See details for specifics and purchasing tickets.
Address: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-356-9212
Information: Details
Monarchs and Music
Date: Saturday, August 11, 2024
Explore the world of monarch butterflies and enjoy a free concert at Main Beach thanks to the Monarch Coalition and the Crystal Lake Park District.
Address: Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Fox Lake
Celebrate Fox Lake
Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Enjoy live music at Lakefront Park and close out the night with fireworks. Brought to you by Fox Lake Parks & Recreation.
Address: Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Phone: 224-225-1404
Information: Details
Friday Night Concert Series
Dates: Fridays, June 7 – August 23, 2024
Kick off your weekend at Lakefront Park with the Friday Night Concert Series by the Village of Fox Lake.
Address: Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Phone: 224-225-1404
Information: Details
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Huntley
Summer Concert Series on the Square
Dates: Tuesdays, June 25 – August 13, 2024
Head to the Huntley Village Square for free summer concerts with the Village of Huntley.
Address: Village Square, 11700 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-515-5200
Information: Details
Lake in the Hills
Rockin’ Rib Fest
Dates: July 11 – 14, 2024
Four action-packed days to kick off your summer! Sunset Park in LITH is the place to be for ribs, music, rides, and an all-around good time! Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills.
Address: Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone:
Information: Details
Summer Sunset Festival
Dates: August 30 – September 1, 2024
What better way to wrap up summer than heading to Summer Sunset Festival over Labor Day weekend for live music. Brought to you by the Village of Lake in the Hills.
Address: Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 847-960-7400
Marengo
Day in the Park
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Enjoy live music as part of the Day in the Park event with the Marengo Park District.
Address: Indian Oaks Park, 825 Indian Oaks Trail, Marengo, IL 60152
Phone: 815-568-5126
Information: Details
McHenry
Pearl Street Market Concerts
Dates: Thursdays, May 16 – September 12, 2024
Join the Pearl Street Market to enjoy friends and good music after the weekly farmers market with these free concerts in the park.
Address: Veteran’s Memorial Park, 3400 Pearl Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone:
Information: Details
Fiesta Days
Dates: July 11 – 21, 2024 (check Details for specifics)
Join the McHenry Chamber of Commerce for live music and more!
Address: Petersen Park, 4300 Peterson Park Rd, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone:
Information: Details
Bands, Brews & BBQ
Dates: August 16 – 18, 2024
Enjoy live music, brews, and BBQ with the McHenry Area Rotary.
Address: Petersen Park, 4300 Peterson Park Rd, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone:
Information: Details
Ringwood
First Fridays Concerts
Dates: Fridays, June 7 – September 6, 2024
Head to the Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park for First Fridays Concerts with the McHenry County Conservation District.
Address: Glacial Park Lost Valley Visitor Center, 6705 State Rte 31, Ringwood, IL 60072
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
Woodstock
Sundays on the Square
Dates: Sundays, June 2 – September 1, 2024 (first Sunday of the month)
Spend Sunday evening around the Historic Woodstock Square with this summer concert series, brought to you by OffSquare Music & Woodstock Opera House.
Address: Historic Woodstock Square, 121 West Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone:
Information: Details
All information is subject to change and we always recommend contacting the specific locations to verify conditions and availability, especially those that are weather-dependent.
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President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.
