11 Ways to Make the Most of August in McHenry County
1. Experience August Festivals in McHenry County
August is one of the busiest months on McHenry County's event calendar, making it the perfect time to experience everything from county fairs and community festivals to live music, great food, and family fun.
Don't miss the McHenry County Fair (August 4–9), one of the biggest events of the summer, featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, concerts, motorsports, delicious fair food, and entertainment for all ages. Other August favorites include Lakemoor Fest, the Woodstock Truck'n Food Show, and community festivals happening throughout the county.
Be sure to browse our Events Calendar to discover even more festivals, concerts, car shows, and special events happening during the final weeks of summer.
2. Pick Your Own Flowers in McHenry County
August is your last chance to wander colorful summer flower fields before fall arrives.
Spend an afternoon creating your own bouquet at local flower farms like Serenity Hill Flower Farm or Dented Gate Flower Farm. The colorful blooms make incredible photo opportunities and offer one of the most relaxing ways to experience the beauty of late summer in McHenry County.
Planning a fall visit? You're in luck! Sunflower season continues into early fall, offering another beautiful reason to explore McHenry County's flower farms.
3. Complete the McHenry County Ice Cream Trail
There's still time to work your way across McHenry County, discovering locally owned ice cream shops one scoop at a time. It's the sweetest way to explore charming communities while enjoying a favorite summer treat.
Download the Naturally McHenry County App, check in at participating locations, and earn an exclusive 10% discount card valid October 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027 after completing the trail.
4. Sip Along the McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail
Sample locally brewed beer, handcrafted cocktails, and tasting flights while exploring stops along the McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail.
Many trail stops also feature live music on their outdoor patios, making the McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail one of the best ways to spend a warm summer evening.
5. Get Out on the Water
Late summer is the perfect time to get out on the water. Whether you're kayaking along the Fox River, paddle boarding at Three Oaks Recreation Area, boating on the Chain O'Lakes, or enjoying a peaceful afternoon at Moraine Hills State Park, there are plenty of ways to cool off before summer comes to an end.
6. Visit a McHenry County Farmers Market
There's no better way to experience the flavors of late summer than strolling through one of McHenry County's farmers markets. Fill a tote with fresh sweet corn, peaches, tomatoes, locally grown flowers, homemade baked goods, artisan products, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats while supporting local farmers and makers.
7. Hike McHenry County's Conservation Areas
Take advantage of warm mornings before cooler fall weather arrives.
Hike through Glacial Park, Prairieview Education Center, Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, or explore more than 30,000 acres of protected conservation land throughout McHenry County.
Looking for even more adventure? Complete the Find Your Wild Challenge while you're exploring and earn an exclusive prize.
8. Stroll Through McHenry County's Historic Downtowns
Spend an afternoon wandering historic downtown districts filled with locally owned boutiques, cozy coffee shops, antique stores, art galleries, bakeries, ice cream shops, and inviting restaurants.
From the iconic Woodstock Square to the vibrant downtowns of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Huntley, McHenry, and Cary, each community offers its own unique charm and plenty of reasons to slow down and explore.
9. Catch Live Music Across McHenry County
Grab a lawn chair and enjoy live music all across McHenry County. From brewery patios to downtown stages and community concert series, there's no shortage of places to spend a warm summer evening.
Popular places to enjoy live music include:
You can also find free concerts and live performances throughout Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Huntley, McHenry, Cary, and many other communities during the summer.
10. Discover McHenry County's Best Outdoor Dining
Make the most of patio season before cooler temperatures arrive. Whether you're enjoying riverside dining, lakeside views, or a local brewery patio, late summer is one of the best times to eat outdoors.
Popular waterfront patios:
Looking for even more outdoor dining? Explore patios throughout McHenry County and discover your new favorite summer spot.
11. Spend Labor Day Weekend in McHenry County
Make the most of the unofficial end of summer with a Labor Day Weekend adventure in McHenry County! Don’t miss the annual Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival, featuring carnival rides, live entertainment, food and beer tents, a classic car show, parade, and fireworks throughout the holiday weekend.
Turn your visit into a long weekend by exploring scenic hiking trails, paddling the Fox River, enjoying patio dining, browsing charming downtowns, or checking another stop off the McHenry County Ice Cream Trail. Before you head out, browse our Events Calendar for even more festivals, live music, family activities, and special events happening throughout the holiday weekend.