Artists in exhibition at the Opera House Come and view a new exhibit each month presented by local artists in the Community Room of the Woodstock Opera House. February Tom Trausch March Anita Gordon April Diane Wlezien May Northland Area Art League June Sandy Schweitzer July Karen Fleck August Angela Swan September Wynne Hasselgren October & November Northland Area Art Leauge Groundhog Days in Woodstock January 27th through February 3rd Woodstock will host its annual Groundhog Day events starting on January 27th and continuing through February 3rd. Events will include the spectacular “Lighting of the Groundhog”, a chili cook-off competition, Dinner/Dance and auction for district 200, Presentations of “Groundhog Day” the movie (made famous by Bill Murray and filmed right here in Woodstock) and of course our groundhog “Woodstock Willie” will be making his very own prognostication. You may find more information at www.woodstockilchamber.com View Event Photos Woodstock Fine Arts Association Children’s Series March 18th and 19th WFAA hosts performances for local schools in October and March of each year and this spring they will be hosting “Magic and More” featuring ‘Irish Billy’ doing magic, juggling, puppetry and songs. Performance times are at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. both days. For additional information on bringing your school or children’s group to this presentation, call the Box Office at 815-338-5300. Woodstock Mozart Festival Chef’s Showcase Brunch April 27th The Brunch will be held at the Lakeside Center (Dole Mansion) in Crystal Lake, IL from 11 to 2 P.M. You will be able to sample the finest offerings of up to 18 restaurants and, between samplings, you can participate in the Festival's Silent Auction. Tickets for the brunch are $40.00 per person and $15 for children under 12. For reservations call Beth Wester at 847/497-3269 or e-mail her at bethwester707@comcast.net. Farmers Market on the Square Tuesdays and Saturdays May 6th through October 28th Woodstock residents and visitors will have two markets to enjoy this summer! Every Tuesday and Saturday on the Square, beginning in May and continuing through October. Shop one of the county's only authentic markets for organically, locally-grown produce, flowers, baked goods, potpourri, homemade peanut brittle and other goodies. Hours for both markets are 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fair Diddley Craft Show May 18th The Mental Health Resource League will host the annual Fair Diddley Craft Show on May 18th, set on the historic Woodstock Square from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This craft show is open to area and regional crafters and displays a remarkable variety homemade and professionally crafted items. Woodstock City Band 124th Season Join one of Americas oldest contiguously running City Bands every Wednesday in June and July for outstanding hometown concerts in the park. Each concert is accompanied by a local ice-cream social and is free to the public. Concerts begin every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Park on the Square in downtown historic Woodstock. *Come early and picnic in the park* Concert 1 - June 4 Read, Set Go A traditional summer band concert Concert 2 - June 11 The Shape of Music Geometry and Music Concert 3 - June 18 Give it that Old College Try Music from and Inspired by Colleges Concert 4 - June 25 Pops in the Park An evening of lighter fair Concert 5 - July 2 America We Salute You Our 4th of July Event Guest Pyrotechnic Artist – John Scharres Concert 6 - July 9 Anatomy of a Song Music inspired by the body Concert 7 - July 16 We’ve Got Your Number Music with numbered titles Concert 8 - July 23 Potpourri Variety is the spice of life Woodstock Music Fest 4 June 13th and 14th Live Music, Food & Beer Garden at the Main Street Parking Lot More information available at www.woodstockilchamber.com Woodstock Folk Festival July 20th The 23rd annual Woodstock Folk Festival will include folk, blues, Latin and Celtic tunes, with storytelling activities on the Square and also features a Children's Area, Open Mike Stage. Hours: 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. rain or shine. www.woodstockfolkmusic.com Sidewalk Sale Days July 25th & 26th Shop throughout Woodstock for special sales and bargains. Flyers & Tires August 9th & 10th The 9th Annual Flyers and Tires 2008 will take place at Galt Airport in Greenwood, Illinois. McHenry County’s Fastest Growing Family Fun Event! www.galtfestivals.com Woodstock Square Car Show August 16th Presented by the Youth Service bureau, come see 300+ classic cars and hot-rods, 50/60's music, raffles, awards, great food. On the historic Woodstock Square: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. ARTWALK August 23rd An evening devoted to the arts. Street musicians will entertain on the sidewalks as patrons stroll through galleries and shops enjoying exhibits, artist's demonstrations and participatory art experiences. On The Square 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Old Fashioned Harvest Fest September 21st INCLUDES FIDDLERS CONTEST & FAIR IN THE SQUARE CRAFT SHOW The 12th annual Harvest Fest features a farmer's market, old-time craftspeople including weavers, spinners and quilters, vintage farm equipment, blacksmithing, woodworking, wagon rides, children's activities and a fiddlers contest for youth and adults. Also, the Fair In The Square craft show featuring crafters from all over the Midwest will sell their original, hand-crafted wares. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scare on the Square October 18th Presented by the City of Woodstock Recreation Department. Come out for a spooky night of ghost stories sure to get you into the Halloween Spirit. From 5p.m. to 7:30p.m. For more information please call the Recreational Department at 815-338-4363. Halloween on the Square October 31st With events starting at 4p. m. the downtown merchants and vendors will provide fun and safe place to take children for trick or treating. Events include a costume judging, pumpkin carvings and a free magic act with Magic Mike at the Opera House. View Event Photos 2005 View Event Photos 2006 View Event Photos 2007 The Lighting of the Square November 28th Come see the downtown square of Woodstock transformed into a winter wonderland of lights. With musical presentations, guest speakers and horse drawn carriage rides. Ceremony begins at 7p.m. Horse and Carriage rides on the square will be given by Leonard’s Carriages and will continue throughout the Holiday Season Christmas Tree walk November 28th through New Years Day Come see a collection of holiday decorated trees hosted by the Woodstock Fine Arts Association and on exhibit in the Opera House. Trees are provided by local organizations, club, and groups each uniquely decorated for the holiday season. Free to the public, Monday through Friday 9a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday noon to 5p.m. View Event Photos Woodstock Christmas Parade - Featuring the Real Santa Claus November 30th Come see the holiday parade from 2p.m. to 3p.m.and then have cookies and milk with Santa, provided by the City of Woodstock at City Hall after the parade. View Event Photos