Get Out: Celebrate BBQ and Beer This Weekend



Where/When: , 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. July 7 – 10: Thursday, July 7 and Friday, July 8, 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, July 9, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, July 10, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

Why go: “Professional” BBQers and ribbers will serve up their best recipes, with classic carnival fare available as well. Aside from the food, there is also live music from bands including headliners The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, plus a car show, kids entertainment and more.

Pricing: $5 admission, kids under 12 get in free.    



Where/When: , 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Saturday, July 9 beginning at 7:30 a.m.      

Why go: Training for a triathalon or just want to challenge yourself? Participate in this year’s Open Water Swim Race at Crystal Lake’s Main Beach. Participants can choose a 1-mile or 2-mile swim. 

Pricing: $35 in advance, $45 race day. For advance registration visit http://www.signmeup.com/74771. 



Where/When: Downtown Metra Station, 201 Spring St., Barrington. Saturday, July 9 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.        

Why go: Taste over two dozen microbrews and food from local restaurants including McGonigal’s Pub, Cooper’s and Frantonio’s Italian Deli, listen to live music by Second Time Around, compete in a bean bag tournament, 50/50 raffle and more. All proceeds benefit the Barrington Area Council on Aging, with all attendants receiving a commemorative glass and the first 750 to enter receiving an event t-shirt. 

Pricing: $35 in advance, $40 day of event. Advance tickets available at McGonigal’s Pub, Wool Street Grill and Sports Bar and the Onion Pub.  



Where/When: Picnic Grove Park, off the Fox River, Fox River Grove. Saturday, July 9, starting at 6 p.m. 

Why go: Missed last weekend’s fireworks bonanza? Fox River Grove is the last local spot to watch the sparkly show.

Pricing: Free. 



Where/When: , 12015 Mill St, Huntley. Saturday, July 9 at 7 p.m.

Why go: The GreenRoom Theater holds a “Backwards” Boradway Cabaret and Fundraiser. The performers will sing broadway classics, but with a twist – the boys will sing the girl’s songs, and vice versa. A live auction will also entertain.

Pricing: $25 adults, $15 students/seniors.



Where/When: , 1900 S. Randall Road, Algonquin. Sunday, July 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Held weekly on Sundays in July.  

Why go: Johny Russler & The Beach Bum Band perform live at this free concert at Algonquin Commons. Rock out to their Caribbean rock/reggae sound, plus enjoy restaurant deals with the “Dining Deals” coupons (available at Guest Services or the AC Insider table at the event,) children’s activities and giveaways.

Pricing: Free admission.