Fairs & fests: Mane Event, Dog Days, Art & Soul, Tastes and more

This weekend

McHenry County Fair: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Aug. 5-7, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Drive, Woodstock. Livestock shows, agricultural and 4-H exhibits, entertainment tent with live music, demolition derby, carnival rides, McHenry County Queen pageant, food and more. $5-$8; free for kids 5 and younger. Full schedule at mchenrycountyfair.com.

Arlington Heights Mane Event: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at Campbell and Vail streets, Arlington Heights. Street party celebrates the start of Million Week at Arlington International Racecourse. Food, drinks, business expo, live music and more. Free. vah.com.

Lincolnshire's National Night Out: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at North Park, 1025 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire. Various activities, including Flight for Life helicopter landing. Free. village.lincolnshire.il.us.

Meadows Cruise Night: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at Meadows Christian Fellowship, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Classic cars, food and more. Free. (847) 255-8764 or meadowsfamily.org.

North Aurora Days: 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 6; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Clock Tower Plaza (Randall Road and Oak Street) and other locations in North Aurora. Live music, beer and wine tent, Run for the Riverfront 5K/10K races starting at 7:05 a.m. Saturday, carnival rides, video gaming, kids' fishing derby at 9 a.m. Saturday, pet parade at 1 p.m. Sunday, touch-a-truck, and a car, truck and bike show Sunday. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Saturday. northauroradays.com.

Rotary Club of McHenry Blues, Brews & BBQ's Music Fest: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5; 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Petersen Park, 4300 Petersen Park Road, McHenry. Live concerts from a variety of bands, food and more. Visitors are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. $10 admission at the gate. mrbbb.com.

Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Bruce Ream Park, 368 Terwilliger Ave., Hampshire. 34th annual festival features live bands, craft show, fireworks on Saturday, radio broadcast, carnival, parade at noon Sunday, beer garden, corn boil, petting zoo and more. Free. hcccd.com.

Lake Villa Days: 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 5; 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 6; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Lehmann Park, 89 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa. Live music, food, rides, games and bingo. Firefighter water fights at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Businessmen and businesswomen water fights at noon Sunday. Free. (847) 356-2525 or lakevillafpd.com.

Northbrook Days: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6; and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Village Green Park, 1331 Shermer Road, Northbrook. Live music, carnival, food, family activities, a grand raffle and more. Special Needs Morning runs 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday; registration is required. Free. (847) 513-6362 or northbrookdays.com.

Taste of Roselle: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, on Main Street, between Roselle Road and Park Street, Roselle. Food, live entertainment, carnival, bingo tent, craft fair and more. Free. roselle.il.us.

Dundee Township Park District Concert in the Park: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at Grafelman Park, 4th and Main streets, West Dundee. Johnny Russler & The Beach Bum Band will perform. Free. dtpd.org.

Barrington Big Trucks: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Ron Beese Park, 50 Rotary Drive, Barrington. Kids can explore dozens of fire engines, garbage trucks, village vehicles, tow trucks and more, plus there are Big Wheel races, trackless train and an inflatable. Bring a food donation for entry into a prize basket raffle. Free. barringtonparkdistrict.org.

Fishing Derby: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 6, at Patriots Park/Barth Pond, 55th and Grand, Downers Grove. Prizes awarded for the shortest and the longest fish caught by each age level. The Downers Grove Moose Rod and Gun Club and the Downers Grove Park District co-sponsor this annual event. Fishing license is required. Free.dgparks.org.

Summerfest at Randall Oaks Zoo: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-7, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 150 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Hayrides, face painting, petting zoo. Admission is $3.25 for residents of Dundee Township; $4 for nonresidents; free for kids younger than 2. dtpd.org.

Chicago Bears Family Fest: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago. Watch the Chicago Bears team practice on the field. Other highlights include music, family activities and more. Outside activities begin at 9 a.m. Gates for inside activities open at 11 a.m. Tickets start at $10. Family pack (for four) is $65. chicagobears.com/.

Art at The Glen: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-7, at The Glen Town Center, 1800 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. Showcases the work of more than 185 juried artists with paintings, photography, ceramics, furniture and jewelry. Free. amdurproductions.com.

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-7, at 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin. Step back in time to late 16th-century England and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Features costumed re-enactors, games, rides, food, a marketplace, a variety of entertainment and more. $24.95 adults; $11.50 kids 5-12; free for kids 4 and younger. (847) 395-7773 or renfair.com/bristol.

Civil War Re-enactments: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-7, at Carpenter Park, off Maple Avenue in Carpentersville. Re-enactment units camp at the park all weekend with troop parade, living history demonstrations and afternoon battle re-enactments. Free. stanfordsbattery.org.

60th Annual Community Church of Rolling Meadows Cornfest and Craft Fair: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Community Church of Rolling Meadows, Kirchoff and Meadow drives, Rolling Meadows. Craft fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Raffle, bounce house, bungee jump and rescued exotic wildlife animals. All-you-can-eat sweet corn, hamburger, brat or hot dog, watermelon and drink. Meal tickets cost $6-$13; free for kids 3 and younger. (847) 255-5510 or communitychurchrm.com.

Cool Trucks & Hot Wheels: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at McCaslin Park, 27W650 North Ave., West Chicago. See, touch and sit in police and fire vehicles, along with a vast assortment of trucks. Plus, a splash pad, playground, bags and basketball bank shot game. Refreshments for purchase. Free. csparks.org.

Destination Asia Cultural Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-7, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Music, Japanese drumming, dance, food, bonsai show, sumo wrestling and more. Free with paid $9-$14 general arboretum admission. mortonarb.org.

Dog Days at Cantigny: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Bring your furry best friend and enjoy everything canine at this eighth annual event. Entertainment for all ages, vendor exhibits and sales. All dogs must have current vaccination tags and must be sociable with others. Free with paid $10 parking fee. cantigny.org.

36th Annual Festival of the Arts: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Cook Park, 300 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The David Adler Music and Arts Center hosts the fest, which includes original artwork, live music, food and a youth arts division. More than 70 artists showcase their works. Free. adlercenter.org.

The World of Faeries Festival: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin. “Season of the Fae” is the theme for the 12th annual weekend celebration of all things magical and fairy-related. Features music, shopping and family activities. $11 at the gate; $8 seniors 65 and older; free for kids 12 and younger. Cash only. Free parking. No pets. theworldoffaeries.com.

Ninth Annual Art & Soul on the Fox: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, near Elgin Artspace Lofts, 51 S. Spring St., Elgin. Art, stage entertainment and kids' activities. Free.elginartandsoul.com.

Touch A Truck: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside. See a wide variety of vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, bulldozers, cranes and a helicopter. Children can sit behind the steering wheels, take photos and explore the vehicles. Free. (708) 442-1111 or northriversideparkmall.com.

Edge Festival: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at 5900 N. Broadway, Chicago. Music, karaoke, food, art, a dog costume contest and more. Admission is a suggested $5 donation. starevents.com.

Hometown Picnic: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Old-fashioned games, contests, an apple pie-baking competition and a vintage baseball game. The Lemont Quarrymen take on the Springfield Long Nines at 1 p.m. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome. All activities, including the game, are free with museum admission. $8-$12; free for Naperville residents and members. napersettlement.org.

10th Annual REI Palos Meltdown Mountain Bike Festival and Race: Packet pick up from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6; opening ceremonies at 8:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Palos Forest Preserve in unincorporated Cook County near Willow Springs. Bike demos and a concert on Saturday and racing and trail dedications on Sunday. The racecourse will utilize the single track of the Cook County Forest Preserves near Willow Springs. For full schedule, see palosmeltdown.com.

Taste of Arlington Heights: Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Campbell and Vail streets, Arlington Heights. Sample specialties from multiple food vendors in downtown Arlington Heights. Live music, entertainment and a business expo. Suburban Chicago's Got Talent winner announced; winner and top finalists perform. Free. vah.com.

33rd Annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue Chicago: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-7, on Lincoln Avenue, between Fullerton and Wrightwood, Chicago. Fest sprawls over several blocks in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park area. Features 100-plus vendors, artists, food and more than 25 music acts on three stages. Afternoons feature a stand-alone (free) Kids' Carnival on Altgeld, with art activities, pony rides and more. $10 gate admission. tasteoflincolnchicago.com.

Brew Fest: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Memorial Park, 208 W. Union, Wheaton. More than 100 local and national beers. Live music, food and more. General admission includes event access, commemorative pint glass, and lanyard with passes for 32 two-ounce beer tastes. $45 general admission; $75 VIP early admission at noon; $20 designated drivers; $35 VIP designated drivers (admission at noon). 21 and older only. wheatonparkdistrict.com/brewfest.

Mundelein Cardboard Boat Regatta: 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Diamond Lake Beach, 1016 Diamond Lake Road, Mundelein. Proceeds benefit the Mundelein Parks Foundation, providing program scholarships for children in the community. Free for spectators. (847) 388-5470 or mundeleinparks.org.

SummerDaze Battle of the Bands: 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, in downtown Warrenville. Teen bands compete on the main stage of the SummerDaze festival to go on to the regional competition for an opportunity to perform at the Illinois State Fair. “Warrenville's Got Talent,” for ages 7 and older, takes place on the main stage from 3:15 to 4 p.m. Free. warrenvilleparks.org.

Fox Lake Venetian Night: 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 6, at Pistakee Lake, West Grand Avenue, Fox Lake. Block party at 6 p.m., boat parade at 7:30 p.m., fireworks finale at 9:30 p.m., with dancing in the streets until midnight. Free. foxlake.org.

Garfield Farm Museum Antique Tool Show and Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Members of the Midwest Tool Collectors Association and the early American Industries Association display, trade, and sell antique and collectible tools. $6 for adults; $3 for kids 12 and younger. (630) 584-8485 or garfieldfarm.org.

Hanover Park Car and Motorcycle Show: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Hanover Park Metra Station parking lot, Lake Street at Barrington Road, Hanover Park. Residents showcase their best engines for the grand prize trophy and a cash prize. Benefits the Hanover Park Community Resource Coalition. Free to spectators. Rain date is Sunday, Aug. 21. hpil.org.

Villa Park Sidewalk Chalk Party: 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Villa Park Village Hall, 20 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park. All are welcome to cover the sidewalk outside of the Villa Park Village Hall with images of what they think makes the community great. Free. (630) 834-8500.

Next week

Streamwood Touch-a-Truck: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Aug. 9, at Park Place Family Recreation Center, 550 S. Park Blvd., in the lower parking lot, Streamwood. Park district vehicles, fire department engines and other rigs. Free. (630) 483-3167 or streamwoodparkdistrict.org.

Cary Cruise Nights: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, on West Main Street and Jandus Road, off Route 14, Cary. Various car themes throughout the summer. (847) 639-2800 or carygrovechamber.com.

Gurnee Days 2016: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11; 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13; and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee, and other Gurnee venues. This year's theme is “Gurnee Days Goes for the Gold.” Carnival rides, food, games, live music, fireworks, parade, teen pool party, talent show, rib fest and more. Free. (847) 623-7788 or gurneedays.com.

Riverfest Express: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11; 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Twentieth annual festival features car show, carnival, trolley rides, entertainment, fireworks and more. Craft show and small business expo from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Annual “Special Night for Special Kids” on Wednesday. Free. southelgin.com.

Augustfest: 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 12; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 13; and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, on the grounds of St. Zachary Catholic Church, 67 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Carnival, live entertainment, children's games, bingo, casino games, cash raffle, food and drinks. Free. augustfest.saintzachary.org.

Lindenfest: 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 12; and 10:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Lindenhurst Village Hall, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road, Lindenhurst. Carnival rides, games, bingo tent, Lindenhurst Pageant, musical acts, parade and more. Free. lindenhurstil.org.

Wheaton Municipal Band: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at Memorial Park, 208 W. Union, Wheaton. Big band jazz concert with Doug Beach and Friends. Free. wheatonmunicipalband.org.