Calendar of Events
We are always moving forward, never backward!
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Fundraisers & Campaign Events Grassroots Action / Parades Meetings & SocialsThanks for visiting our events page!
If you've never taken the plunge to get involved in political action, we encourage you to get to know us by attending a meeting. We are a growing local party, but we need more people like you to step up and share your perspective. We are building teams of people to tackle projects like data entry and analytics, voter registration, special events, social media and content management, and candidate support and canvassing.
District 8 Democrat Roundtable - Richmond
DISTRICT 8 DEMOCRAT ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - RICHMOND
Crafted especially for Democratic Voters in Richmond and Hebron Townships.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 -- 6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE: Red Dogs Sandwiches, 11011 US Route 12, Richmond
Cheer about all the rallies and other events held and scheduled in McHenry County. Even the Northwest Herald is now printing that news. Progress!
Become a Board Watcher for local boards so we become aware of the issues and who is making decisions. Because of the death of local journalism, this is a necessary position to keep our democracy.
Discuss how to stay strong with the onslaught of craziness coming from DC, using Elizabeth Cornice McClaughlin's framework of how to deal with political grief and despair. We can do this together!
Local candidates might stop by to answer your questions. Early voting starts Feb. 5th at the Election Center in Woodstock, and on March 3rd at McHenry Township and other early voting locations.
For more information please reach out to Pat Lawlor, District 8 Chair, at [email protected].
Trivia Night with Michele Clark
Join the fun and support Michele Clark for Illinois State Senate District 33
Michele Clark is running for Illinois Senate District 33 and is hosting this Trivia Night fundraiser. She is a former small business owner, a nonprofit leader and a mom of two daughters. She is running to make Illinois more affordable for working families – because she knows the struggle of making payroll, paying high property taxes and raising kids in this economy.
The campaign will be providing food and beverages for all ticket holders.
WHEN: Thursday, February 12th, 2026 -- 6:00 to 8:00 pm
WHERE: Alter Brewing + Kitchen, 12 South First Street, St. Charles
Get your tickets here or at the door.
Visit Michele at micheleforilsenate.com or contact her at [email protected].
Galentines Who Get Sh*t Done
Galentines Who Get Sh*t Done
Valentine's Day Fundraiser for Maria Peterson
WHEN: Saturday, February 14th, 2026 -- 12:30 to 2:00 pm
WHERE: Ciao Baby, 232 E Main St, Barrington
This Valentine’s Day, skip the small talk. Join friends, neighbors, and community leaders for lunch, laughter, and real conversation while supporting Maria Peterson’s campaign for State Representative in the 52nd district. Because love looks like action and this moment demands it.
Visit Maria at mariafor52.com or on Facebook.
Contact her at [email protected]
Meet & Greet with Bushra Amiwala for the 9th
MEET & GREET WITH BUSHRA AMIWALA
Candidate for US Congress in the 9th Congressional District
WHEN: Monday, February 16th, 2026 -- 5:00 to 7:00 pm
WHERE: La Mega Premium Michoacana - Taqueria, 19 Berkshire Drive, Crystal Lake
Join us for a meet and greet with IL-09 Congressional candidate Bushra Amiwala! Hear about her story, the campaign, policies, and her ideas to make life in our district better. Ask her questions and talk about issues that you care about!
No need to RSVP beforehand, but if you wish to, here's the link.
Visit Bushra at bushraraforcongress.com or on Facebook.
For more information: Evan Arvizu at [email protected] or 312-351-2213.
Central Committee Meeting - February 2026
Please join us at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at the "Conference Center" at McHenry County College!
It's the regular monthly meeting of the Democratic Party of McHenry County. RSVP'ing beforehand is a MUST.
Join us! Community is how we will persevere and triumph over the next 2 years
Agenda
- 7:00 p.m. — Doors open
- 7:15 p.m. — Meeting begins
- Introductions
- PC Oath of Office
- Candidate Introductions
-
Chair's Message
- Petition Passing
- Reports - Officers/Committees/Districts
- OPEN POSITIONS
- County Board Report
- Board Reporter Program
- District Chair Reports
- Secretary
- Fund Development Chair
- Tech Chair
- Committees:
- Communications - Stephanie Gerritsen/Michelle Thimios
- Parades - Marc Sparber & Labor Liaison
- Veterans Committee
- Events
- Announcements -
- The purpose is to announce events, presentations, and items of interest to Democrats If you have an idea for a speaker or broader discussion, you must request an addition to the agenda a week before the meeting. Please limit your announcements to 2 minutes.
- 8:30 p.m. — Adjourn
Invite a friend to attend the meeting! Introduce a friend or neighbor to grassroots politics and help us grow the Party.
McHenry County College is located on Route 14, halfway between Woodstock and Crystal Lake.
Turn in at the traffic light, then turn right and right again to park near the entrance for Building A, the very first building you come to. Enter the building, walk straight ahead, and you'll find the Conference Center on the left, opposite the library. There's no stairs and everything is fully ADA-compliant.
Come early and chat, we're always there by 6:30. Here's a map of MCC. (If you accidentally parked on the south side, by the Luecht Auditorium or the cafeteria, no matter, just walk around to the left past the gym, up the stairs at the end, turn right and we're there.)
Celebrate Black History 2026
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY 2026
The McHenry County chapter (on the web at mchenryconow.org and on Facebook) of the National Organization for Women (now.org) is proud to host their annual celebration during Black History Month.
The program will be led by soon-to-be-retiring Rev. Dr. Norval Brown, pastor at the Cary United Methodist Church, and will also feature our very own John Bartman. The evening will feature a compelling documentary followed by an engaging group discussion exploring Black history. This is a chance to learn together, share perspectives, and strengthen our community through conversation. You’ll also have the opportunity to support local Black-owned businesses throughout the event. Come be part of an evening that honors the past and inspires the future.
For more information please reach out to Regina Rakoncay at [email protected].
WHEN: Thursday, February 19th, 2026 -- 6:00 to 8:00 pm
WHERE: Cary Area Public Library, 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary
Please RSVP and reserve your spot via EventBrite.
Trailblazers & Fundraisers 2026 with Colleen Connell
Join McHenry County Democratic Women for an inspiring afternoon
Get inspired! Colleen Connell, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois (aclu-il.org), is a leading voice on Illinois' civil rights landscape, fighting for our civil liberties and justice in the US. We are excited to also have guest speaker Kristina Zahorik, State Central Committeeperson for the 11th District and Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee Midwest Caucus to give us the national and local picture.
WHEN: Saturday February 28th, 2026 - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
WHERE: Boulder Ridge Country Club, 350 Boulder Drive, Lake In The Hills
Includes Buffet - Auction Baskets - Cash Bar
Get your tickets at secure.actblue.com/donate/trailblazers26
Visit us at facebook.com/mccdw. More info at mccdw.net/events or [email protected]
Carter Annual Dinner 2026
Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter
Annual Dinner
Celebrate the legacy of President and First Lady, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, at our annual fundraising event. The Carters were true humanitarians whose lifelong commitment to public service improved the quality of life for individuals and communities worldwide. During these challenging times, they remind us of our Party's values, which we must defend. Funds raised are needed to support our mission to elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2026.
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 | 5:30pm to 9pm
NEW LOCATION! Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
Elara Ballroom, 800 South Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL
EARLY BIRDS: Tickets are $100 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10 until February 9th!
After Feb 9th, tickets will be $125 per person, $1,250 for a table of 10.
If you would like 1 ticket, donate $100; 2 tickets for $200, a table for $1,000.
Socialize at a cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:45, which includes a cash-only bar & hors d’oeuvres. Shop the incredible silent auction baskets. Dinner follows, during which you will enjoy a 4-course dinner and hear from inspiring speakers.
If you cannot attend, we will miss you. Follow us and donate. Sponsorships are still available. Please get in touch with [email protected].
There will be a silent auction with many amazing baskets!
Our new bidding platform, Auctria, will allow you to track and update your bid right from your seat.
Winning auction item bids will be processed for payment on-site at the end of the dinner. Payments will be accepted through our Auction platform Auctria, or here through our website, or with check or cash.
We look forward to seeing you!
Evening program
- 5:30 p.m. — Registration and cocktails
- 6:45 p.m. — Seating for Dinner
- 7:00 p.m. — Speakers and presentations
Dinner
You will be redirected to a form where you can give us your guest(s) names and tell us if you require a vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan meal. Please fill that out or get in touch with us at [email protected].