Looking for Trunk-or-Treat fun in McHenry County? Look no further as our guide details trunk or treat, as well as other treating fun events all across the county.
September 25, 2024
Join your community in meeting and thanking local law enforcement during National Night Out. Check our guide for NNO events taking place across McHenry County.
July 31, 2024
This summer features the Cary Farmers Market in their new summer home in downtown Cary. While it's within walking distance from where it has been held, it's a great improvement.
July 3, 2024
Round up the family, grab chairs and blankets, and head to the movie in the park! Enjoy watching the stars on the screen under the stars in the sky with your favorite movies.
June 11, 2024
Concerts in the Park season is upon us. From summer to fall, McHenry County is full of outdoor live music options. And if you're looking for your next concert, our Concerts in the Park guide is ready.
June 6, 2024
Take some time this Memorial Day to remember and honor those who gave their life serving in our Armed Forces. Check our guide for special Memorial Day ceremonies and parades around McHenry County.
May 15, 2024
It was a Windy City BMW kind of day at Crystal Lake BMW when they teamed up to for a Cars & Coffee car show. While they clouds were foreboding, the only rumbling was the engines.
May 2, 2024
Looking for Mother's Day brunches and other ideas for Mother's Day? Be sure to check out our special McHenry County Mother's Day Guide for ways to celebrate that special someone called mom.
April 23, 2024
Get your engine running with our guide to car shows & cruise nights all around McHenry County! From one-off events to recurring shows, we've pulled together a collection car events that will satisfy your inner car enthusiast.
April 10, 2024
Grab your Easter baskets and get ready to hunt Easter eggs, snap a photo with the Easter Bunny, or even have breakfast with the Bunny! And we're here to help you find those eggs with our Easter Egg Hunt Guide for McHenry County!
February 21, 2024
Turn off the TV and game system, put away the phone! Summer is for fun and adventure, and our Summer Camps Guide for McHenry County is your map for summer memories.
February 14, 2024
Like a Christmas tale straight out of a storybook or a holiday movie, Richmond served up small town holiday charm during Richmond's Cocoa Walk and the Richmond Christmas of Yesteryear events.
December 13, 2023
Our first attendance to the Village of Algonquin's Miracle On Main tree lighting event was about as perfect as it could get. Between the great weather, lots to see, festive crowd, and grabbing dinner without a reservation or a wait on a Saturday night, I'm not sure what more you
December 6, 2023
Come along as we journey to the McHenry Christmas Tree Lighting in Veteran's Memorial Park. It was a great afternoon and evening with pretty perfect weather!
November 21, 2023
Bundle up the little ones and head for your closest parade route to welcome in the Christmas season! Here's our guide to the local Christmas parades happening around McHenry County.
November 16, 2023
Looking for Christmas Tree Lighting near you? Craving a holiday light display or show? We've got you covered...at least if you're in McHenry County. Check out our guide to the Christmas tree lighting events & holiday light displays around McHenry County.
November 14, 2023
He knows whether you've been naughty or nice, but here's a last chance to put in a good word! Grab the kids and check our guide for snapping some pictures with Santa.
November 9, 2023
Wonder Lake's Fall Fest was the place to be for all kinds of fun, from a trunk or treat to a huge bonfire! Take a peek!
November 2, 2023
A whole lot of fun was happening at Crystal Lake Plaza's annual Halloween Family Fun Event. Did you make it into any of the photos? Check and see!
November 1, 2023
Great day for a Halloween Walk in Fox River Grove with the Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce. Check out the smiles and the great costumes.
October 31, 2023
Another successful Truck or Treat with the Crystal Lake Park District on a glorious, if not chilly, fall day at Main Beach.
October 30, 2023
Amazing weather this year made for a great day out in the country, taking in the fall colors on the Autumn Drive and Witches & Wizards of Woodstock.
October 26, 2023
It's our favorite time of year and there are so many things to do in McHenry County during fall! In fact, with so many options, it's hard to keep track, so we decided we should create a guide!
October 11, 2023
What better way to spend a beautiful Sunday than strolling around the grounds at The Dole, enjoying a charity car show combined with the weekly Farmers Market+?
October 5, 2023
Perfect weather marked the 30th annual Johnny Appleseed Festival, and what may have been the one of the biggest ones yet.
October 3, 2023
Car shows don't always appear at all the usual places. Such was the case when we visited Melody Living for their Car Show to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.
September 27, 2023
Looking to declutter or downsize? Garage sales are still one of the most popular ways to unload a bunch of stuff at one time. But did you know that you can post your garage sale right here on McHenry Life for free? We also have tips to help your garage
August 10, 2023
Celebrate this year's National Farmers Market Week by visiting the amazing local farmers markets that we have here in McHenry County.
August 3, 2023
Did you make out to play on the big hill at the Nunda Township Road District's annual Touch-A-Truck? Hope so, but if not, we've captured some of the fun.
July 31, 2023
Head west with us as we venture out to Marengo to visit and tour the Marengo-Union Library District.
July 13, 2023
Hop on board as we head up to the Village of Hebron for their annual Independence Day Parade.
July 3, 2023
If you didn't make it out to this year's Cary Summer Celebration, we saved some photos for you. And if you were there, take a look...you might be in one of those photos.
July 1, 2023
Never underestimate the tenacity of children or the value of a penny. Come check out this unique library that was built, in part, with a million pennies and houses a 100-plus-year-old butterfly collection.
June 29, 2023
Buckle up because this Library Lovers Expedition visit is heading beyond our boundaries...county that is, but it will be an adventure you won't want to miss our exploration of the Wauconda Library.
June 9, 2023
What better way to enjoy a middle of the week evening than heading to Cary for Cary Cruise Nights! Take a peak at opening night, but don't worry if you didn't make it, there's plenty more to come.
June 8, 2023
Come along as we head to Stevens Park in Richmond for their annual Memorial Day Ceremony.
May 31, 2023
River East Public Library may be the smallest library in the county, but they also have a few things that no other library in the area has to offer.
May 4, 2023
As libraries evolve, they have taken on more services and offerings to meet the needs of patrons. One of the newest areas of expansion areas can be seen in Algonquin's Makerspace.
April 27, 2023
The Huntley Library underwent a tremendous renovation over a year ago and what has come out on the other side is more than just a physical transformation.
April 12, 2023
Journey up, or down, Route 31 to the McHenry Public Library for a tour of the resources they have to offer as well as some unique programs.
April 6, 2023
Join me as we journey to the Johnsburg Public Library for a tour, a little Library Lovers Expedition scratch-and-win activity, and a chance to meet Sparky Butterscotch, a real character.
March 14, 2023
The Woodstock Public Library has some pretty amazing sights to see that might make you forget for a second that you are in a library.
March 13, 2023
The Cary Area Public Library continues to reshape what they offer to better suit their patrons. From the Seed Library to the Library of Things, they are about more than just books.
March 9, 2023
Just a stone's throw away from the Metra station, the Fox River Grove Memorial Library has something for all ages. Come along as I tour the library and learn about how they serve the Fox River Grove community.
March 8, 2023
Explore the Crystal Lake Public Library and learn about the origins of the popular Library Lovers Expedition, as well as discover materials, programs, and services you had no idea the library offered.
March 7, 2023
What's that up in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Well, it might just be a ski jumper with the ski jump tower in the background...and yes, that actually is a plane in the background! Join us on this exciting adventure of ski jumping at the
February 16, 2023
Check out this special edition camera roll with photos from the first day of the 118th Norge Ski Club Winter Tournament.
February 12, 2023
Join the Library Lovers Expedition by taking a tour of 13 local libraries and get enter into a drawing for one of several amazing gift baskets.
February 1, 2023
Get your dose of Christmas spirit with these photos from downtown Crystal Lake for the Festival of Lights Parade, tree lighting, arrival of Santa, and a stroll down Christmas Tree Lane.
November 30, 2022
Crystal Lake Plaza was once again home to a party of zombies, princesses, fighter pilots, an array of video game characters, and much more on Saturday as their annual trick-or-treating event returned.
November 1, 2022
Amazing weather, two weekends in a row for events at Main Beach in October?! I don't know what the odds are for that, but I do know that it was great to enjoy another fall day where a coat was optional. And these trick-or-treaters definitely enjoyed showing off their costumes!
October 31, 2022
Our trip to check out the Starline Factory 4th Friday event became as much an exploration of this historic structure that was transformed from former factory to a destination for art and events.
October 27, 2022
Explore the magic as Witches & Wizards of Woodstock returns once again to serve up magic, fantasy, and fun for all.
October 26, 2022
Crystal Lake Park District brought the Northwoods of Wisconsin to Main Beach for a day with lumberjacks, family fun, food trucks and a beer garden. Thanks to the unseasonably warm, weather, flannel shorts may have been preferred over flannel shirts. Needless to say, from the countless photos taken, no one
October 25, 2022
Hop on and enjoy the view! Another Autumn Drive has come and gone and winter is already beating on the door. If you didn't make it out, you'll have to wait till next year, but here are some photos to tide you over until then.
October 18, 2022
What do you get when you combine vintage classic cars with trick-or-treaters? Perhaps the wildest car show or most unique trunk or treat you've ever seen.
October 13, 2022
The 5th Annual Algonquin Harvest Market was as much an extension of summer as it was a transition into fall. Either way, it was a glorious day to walk Main Street in Algonquin, perusing the various vendors, enjoying a beverage or two, some great food, all while enjoying some wonderful
October 11, 2022
Johnny Appleseed made his appearance again in downtown Crystal Lake for the Johnny Appleseed Festival, and brought some amazing weather with him. Until next year, here are some photos to tide you over!
October 4, 2022
Art on the Fox brought in artists and artisans from within McHenry County and beyond the state line. If you didn't make it, take a look at what you missed and you might even want to trakc down a few artists or artisans who catch your eye!
September 14, 2022
Closing out summer with a trip to the Lake in the Hills annual Summer Sunset Festival. We checked out the carnival on Sunday and fun times were had! If you didn't make it, check out our photos to see what you missed.
September 7, 2022
Crystal Lake Main Beach provided the backdrop to this year's Monarchs and Music, a fun and unique collaborative educational monarch butterfly fair and community concert.
August 18, 2022
It takes more than a little rain to keep us away. But you can enjoy these photos from the Open Air Farmers Market+ At The Dole from the comfort of your own home, regardless of the weather.
August 10, 2022
Join us on our excursion to the Barrington Art Fair, where we took in a wide array of artistic talents, and captured some of the local flavor and natural art as well.
July 21, 2022
While you wait...take a walk around the Lakeside Festival. At least that's what I did ahead of Crystal Lake's annual Independence Day Parade, and here are some photos to prove it!
July 13, 2022
It was a near-perfect day for a parade. If you missed this year's Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade, then we've got over 100 photos that will show you some of what you missed, or relive what you experienced if you were there.
July 7, 2022
Celebrate the 4th and the summer kick-off with the Cary Park District's annual Summer Celebration with some music, food, and fireworks! Come along and feast your eyes on some photos from the event.
July 5, 2022
Weekly car show fun without all of the hassle and expense! If you're itching for some candy apple red eye candy, then you'll want to check out this glimpse of what you might find at a Cary Cruise Night!
June 8, 2022
Sit back and stay awhile as you flip through over 100 photos from Huntley's Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony.
June 6, 2022
The Veterans Committee Network of Northern Illinois honors fallen Illinois service members each Memorial Day with their Field of the Fallen.
June 3, 2022
Wonderful weather prevailed for the Fox River Grove Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony, and we've got the photos to prove it. So if you didn't make it out, sit back and enjoy our little recap.
June 1, 2022
What better way to spend a sunny, though windy and chilly, pre-Easter Saturday than with the hardest working bunny around! Enjoy some photos from the Village of Prairie Grove's annual Easter Egg Hunt.
April 20, 2022
A wonderful return to art, The Dole, and life in general. Come along as we enjoy the return of art exhibits at The Dole with the "New Beginnings" show by Creative Arts Inc. students and instructors.
March 22, 2022
Grab your green and get your Irish on to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! And what better way to do it than by heading to the McHenry ShamRocks the Fox. If you didn't brave the cold, here are some photos of the parade and the river to tide you over till
March 13, 2022
Okay, campers, if you didn't make it out this morning to get first...paw prognostications from the great Woodstock Willie, then you're in luck, and a lot warmer! Sit back and enjoy...
February 2, 2022
Get in the holiday spirit with a stroll through downtown Crystal Lake, with a walk down Christmas Tree Lane to Peppermint Park, get in some last minute shopping, and meet up with the jolly man in the red suit.
December 15, 2021
The Crystal Lake Park District's Luminaria Walk is truly a wonderful way to experience Veteran Acres Park. It's also a great way to transition into the holiday season.
December 10, 2021
It was wet, but it was merry and very worth standing out in the cold. If you weren't able to make it out for the Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival, click along to see what you missed.
December 7, 2021
Main Beach park was a buzz with all sorts of goblins, ghouls, and superheroes at this year's Crystal Lake Park District's Truck or Treat.
October 25, 2021
If you missed this year's Annual Autumn Drive, come along and enjoy a photo tour of just a little bit of what you missed.
October 19, 2021
Downtown Crystal Lake always knows how to signal the return of fall with the annual Johnny Appleseed Festival; this year celebrating 28 years! If you missed it, we've got a taste for you here!
September 28, 2021
What better way to spend a Tuesday morning, especially during National Farmers Market Week, than visiting with vendors at the Woodstock Summer Farmer's Market around the historic square!
August 3, 2021
Okay bargain hunters, don't miss the Downtown Crystal Lake Summer Sidewalk Sale!
July 15, 2021
If you are going to spend a Sunday strolling through a parking lot, Motor Werks' Cars & Coffee is a great way to do it. Care to take a stroll?
July 13, 2021
Steve Gavers is a cancer warrior. What follows is not only his Spotlight Story, but the story of his survivorship which lead to the Gavers Barndance and the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation...which has profoundly impacted the community.
July 2, 2021
If you host or manage events, then you need to read this! We understand how tough events can be and want to help with one of the more challenging aspects...marketing your event! See our top 9 reasons why you should take 5 minutes to add your event to the McHenry
June 17, 2021
Take a walk with us as we tour the Downtown Crystal Lake Farmers Market for the first time this summer. And of course, this wouldn't be complete without a stroll down North Williams Street.
June 14, 2021
The Johnny Appleseed Festival celebrates the legacy of Johnny Appleseed, a famously kind and generous pioneer nurseryman who traveled the eastern Midwest in the early 1800s spreading apple trees and his religion along the way. We had our own visit from Johnny, a jolly man who talked to all the
October 7, 2014