Upcoming Events
We are so excited to open up The Dole to Crystal Lake and McHenry County. From Art Shows, Lou’s Lounge Speakeasy, to Farmers Market +, There’s always things to do at The Dole. Take a look at our calendar and list of events below to see if anything sparks your interest!
If you are interested in how a previous event went, be sure to click the button below to view the highlight photos. You might even make the highlight reel if you attend. You may also want to check out art classes at The Dole.
Interested in Booking a Private Event in The Mansion, The Gallery or Lou’s Lounge?
Each venue space offers a unique backdrop for your special event!
Please click the button below for more information.
Farmers Market+
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
Lou's Lounge- TBD
Save the Date for a Wine Dinner/Live Music Experience! Details posting Soon!
3rd Annual Play-Day At The Dole- School's Out!!!
This event is FREE and ALL D47 Schools are invited to attend!
NMP's 4th Friday Art Show
$10 per person to enter- Cash only- ATM onsite. Children 12 and under free with an adult.
Three exhibits – art [all media], photo exhibit and featured solo artist show
Live music on two stages in two separate galleries
Cashless bars (credit/debit & all forms of mobile pay accepted) – roving snacks on trays – cool culture – historic building
Your entry fee to 4th Fridays also admits you into the Dole’s underground speakeasy, Lou’s Lounge for a LIVE music experience featuring , the 5th featured performer in the Singer-Songwriter Showcase beginning 8:30pm.
4th Fridays is made possible by a large culture of committed volunteers who believe that keeping the arts alive and thriving in a community is beyond important. And doing that in a fresh + fun innovative monthly art event in an historic venue is one really great way to do that!
Nancy Merkling Productions’ 4th Fridays Art Event started at The Starline in Harvard in April 2011 and moved to The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake in October 2019. We start our 2024 Season with our 98th event. Whoa, right?
If you have questions, please connect one of the following ways. We are here to help.
Phone – Nancy 815.347.8535 or Email – nancy@nancymerkling.com
Kickin’off Summer ‘24- An Acoustic Experience Outdoors on the Lawn plus Jazz Piano in Lou’s Lounge After-Dark
Details Coming Soon! Save the Date!
NMP's 4th Friday Art Show
$10 per person to enter- Cash only- ATM onsite. Children 12 and under free with an adult.
Three exhibits – art [all media], photo exhibit and featured solo artist show
Live music on two stages in two separate galleries
Cashless bars (credit/debit & all forms of mobile pay accepted) – roving snacks on trays – cool culture – historic building
Your entry fee to 4th Fridays also admits you into the Dole’s underground speakeasy, Lou’s Lounge for a LIVE music experience featuring , the 6th featured performer in the Singer-Songwriter Showcase beginning 8:30pm.
4th Fridays is made possible by a large culture of committed volunteers who believe that keeping the arts alive and thriving in a community is beyond important. And doing that in a fresh + fun innovative monthly art event in an historic venue is one really great way to do that!
Nancy Merkling Productions’ 4th Fridays Art Event started at The Starline in Harvard in April 2011 and moved to The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake in October 2019. We start our 2024 Season with our 98th event. Whoa, right?
If you have questions, please connect one of the following ways. We are here to help.
Phone – Nancy 815.347.8535 or Email – nancy@nancymerkling.com
Baggo Tournament
Grab a partner and enter to WIN!
This event takes place during Lakeside Festival on the North Lawn.
NMP's 4th Friday Art Show
$10 per person to enter- Cash only- ATM onsite. Children 12 and under free with an adult.
Three exhibits – art [all media], photo exhibit and featured solo artist show
Live music on two stages in two separate galleries
Cashless bars (credit/debit & all forms of mobile pay accepted) – roving snacks on trays – cool culture – historic building
Your entry fee to 4th Fridays also admits you into the Dole’s underground speakeasy, Lou’s Lounge for a LIVE music experience featuring , the 7th featured performer in the Singer-Songwriter Showcase beginning 8:30pm.
4th Fridays is made possible by a large culture of committed volunteers who believe that keeping the arts alive and thriving in a community is beyond important. And doing that in a fresh + fun innovative monthly art event in an historic venue is one really great way to do that!
Nancy Merkling Productions’ 4th Fridays Art Event started at The Starline in Harvard in April 2011 and moved to The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake in October 2019. We start our 2024 Season with our 98th event. Whoa, right?
If you have questions, please connect one of the following ways. We are here to help.
Phone – Nancy 815.347.8535 or Email – nancy@nancymerkling.com
NMP's 4th Friday Art Show
$10 per person to enter- Cash only- ATM onsite. Children 12 and under free with an adult.
Three exhibits – art [all media], photo exhibit and featured solo artist show
Live music on two stages in two separate galleries
Cashless bars (credit/debit & all forms of mobile pay accepted) – roving snacks on trays – cool culture – historic building
Your entry fee to 4th Fridays also admits you into the Dole’s underground speakeasy, Lou’s Lounge for a LIVE music experience featuring , the 9th featured performer in the Singer-Songwriter Showcase beginning 8:30pm.
4th Fridays is made possible by a large culture of committed volunteers who believe that keeping the arts alive and thriving in a community is beyond important. And doing that in a fresh + fun innovative monthly art event in an historic venue is one really great way to do that!
Nancy Merkling Productions’ 4th Fridays Art Event started at The Starline in Harvard in April 2011 and moved to The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake in October 2019. We start our 2024 Season with our 98th event. Whoa, right?
If you have questions, please connect one of the following ways. We are here to help.
Phone – Nancy 815.347.8535 or Email – nancy@nancymerkling.com
NMP's 4th Friday Art Show
$10 per person to enter- Cash only- ATM onsite. Children 12 and under free with an adult.
Three exhibits – art [all media], photo exhibit and featured solo artist show
Live music on two stages in two separate galleries
Cashless bars (credit/debit & all forms of mobile pay accepted) – roving snacks on trays – cool culture – historic building
Your entry fee to 4th Fridays also admits you into the Dole’s underground speakeasy, Lou’s Lounge for a LIVE music experience featuring , the Final featured performer in the Singer-Songwriter Showcase Series beginning 8:30pm.
4th Fridays is made possible by a large culture of committed volunteers who believe that keeping the arts alive and thriving in a community is beyond important. And doing that in a fresh + fun innovative monthly art event in an historic venue is one really great way to do that!
Nancy Merkling Productions’ 4th Fridays Art Event started at The Starline in Harvard in April 2011 and moved to The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake in October 2019. We start our 2024 Season with our 98th event. Whoa, right?
If you have questions, please connect one of the following ways. We are here to help.
Phone – Nancy 815.347.8535 or Email – nancy@nancymerkling.com
Lou's Lounge- Singer/Songwriter Showcase feat. Tanner Larkins
Tanner’s original music is a pop-rock blend that covers many topics like relationships, growing up, and coping with whatever life may throw our way. With influences like Blink-182, Ed Sheeran, Green Day, Post Malone, Elvis Presley, and a Day to Remember, Tanner’s music (both originals and covers) span across multiple genres.
Tanner is originally from the Chicago suburbs, and now resides in Milwaukee, playing gigs in and around both cities.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy his lively renditions of beloved songs as well as his originals!
NMP's 4th Friday Art Show
$10 per person to enter- Cash only- ATM onsite. Children 12 and under free with an adult.
Three exhibits – art [all media], photo exhibit and featured solo artist show
Live music on two stages in two separate galleries
Cashless bars (credit/debit & all forms of mobile pay accepted) – roving snacks on trays – cool culture – historic building
Your entry fee to 4th Fridays also admits you into the Dole’s underground speakeasy, Lou’s Lounge for a LIVE music experience featuring Tanner Larkins , the 4th featured performer in the Singer-Songwriter Showcase beginning 8:30pm.
4th Fridays is made possible by a large culture of committed volunteers who believe that keeping the arts alive and thriving in a community is beyond important. And doing that in a fresh + fun innovative monthly art event in an historic venue is one really great way to do that!
Nancy Merkling Productions’ 4th Fridays Art Event started at The Starline in Harvard in April 2011 and moved to The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake in October 2019. We start our 2024 Season with our 98th event. Whoa, right?
If you have questions, please connect one of the following ways. We are here to help.
Phone – Nancy 815.347.8535 or Email – nancy@nancymerkling.com
Farmers Market+
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
The Gardens At The Dole- Spring Clean-Up
It’s time for some Spring Cleaning At The Dole…specifically the outdoor gardens!
The Countryside Garden Club of Crystal Lake is taking the lead and guiding us and our volunteers to bring back the beautiful gardens! We are also creating a Monarch Waystation!
So if you have a passion for gardening, your community, and history, please consider joining us Saturday, April 20th at 9am. Coffee and Donuts will be provided. If you have hand pruners, small rakes and/or digging tools, gardening gloves, etc. please bring them!
Also, Please sign up if you plan to join us so we know how many to expect for food count!
One more request…Please specify on the contact form you are signing up for the Dole Clean-Up….Thank You!!
Farmers Market+
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
Farmers Market+ At The Dole
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
Lou's Lounge Singer/Songwriter Showcase featuring Jimmy Marquis
Raised in Cary, Illinois, Jimmy Marquis is an acoustic singer/songwriter drawing strong inspiration from modern folk music and Americana. He uses a variety of instrumentation to create a unique musical experience that everyone can enjoy!
NMP 4th Fridays Art Show
$10 per person to enter- Cash only- ATM onsite. Children 12 and under free with an adult.
Three exhibits – art [all media], photo exhibit and featured solo artist show
Live music on two stages in two separate galleries
Cashless bars (credit/debit & all forms of mobile pay accepted) – roving snacks on trays – cool culture – historic building
Your entry fee to 4th Fridays also admits you into the Dole’s underground speakeasy, Lou’s Lounge for a LIVE music experience featuring Jimmy Marquis, the 3rd featured performer in the Singer-Songwriter Showcase beginning 8:30pm.
4th Fridays is made possible by a large culture of committed volunteers who believe that keeping the arts alive and thriving in a community is beyond important. And doing that in a fresh + fun innovative monthly art event in an historic venue is one really great way to do that!
Nancy Merkling Productions’ 4th Fridays Art Event started at The Starline in Harvard in April 2011 and moved to The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake in October 2019. We start our 2024 Season with our 98th event. Whoa, right?
If you have questions, please connect one of the following ways. We are here to help.
Phone – Nancy 815.347.8535 or Email – nancy@nancymerkling.com
Farmers Market+ At The Dole
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
Food, Flights & Friends feat. The StanDards Jazz Quartet in Lou’s Lounge
The StanDards Jazz Quartet will be performing during this evening of fun.
Enjoy a wine tasting flight paired to compliment a variety of small plates created by Award-Winning Cucina Bella.
Farmers Market+ At The Dole
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
Lou's Lounge Singer/Songwriter Showcase feat. Chase Ventrella
February brings Round 2 of our Artistic Series following NMP 4th Friday Art Show, featuring Singer-Songwriter Chase Ventrella. Chase is multi-talented writing his own originals and performing on several instruments. He was originally inspired by his grandfather, and started playing the saxophone in elementary school, the guitar at age 12 and the piano at 18. Since then, he has dabbled at just about every instrument he can get his hands on. He released his first album in 2015. You can enjoy this artist at work right here at The Dole in Lou’s Lounge!
NMP 4th Fridays Art Show
$10 per person to enter- Cash only- ATM onsite. Children 12 and under free with an adult.
Three exhibits – art [all media], photo exhibit and featured solo artist show
Live music on two stages in two separate galleries
Cashless bars (credit/debit & all forms of mobile pay accepted) – roving snacks on trays – cool culture – historic building
Your entry fee to 4th Fridays also admits you into the Dole’s underground speakeasy, Lou’s Lounge for a LIVE music experience beginning 8pm.
4th Fridays is made possible by a large culture of committed volunteers who believe that keeping the arts alive and thriving in a community is beyond important. And doing that in a fresh + fun innovative monthly art event in an historic venue is one really great way to do that!
Nancy Merkling Productions’ 4th Fridays Art Event started at The Starline in Harvard in April 2011 and moved to The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake in October 2019. We start our 2024 Season with our 98th event. Woah, right?
If you have questions, please connect one of the following ways. We are here to help.
Phone – Nancy 815.347.8535 or Email – nancy@nancymerkling.com
FARMERS MARKET+ At The Dole
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music featuring BB & The Honey this week, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
FARMERS MARKET+ At The Dole
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music featuring Tanner Larkins this week, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
CASINO NIGHT by Service League of Crystal Lake
Just $75 per person for a night in ‘Vegas’!!
Lou's Lounge Singer/Songwriter Showcase
Kicking off this artistic series following NMP 4th Friday Art Show, is Matt Jaye. Matt is a talented singer/songwriter and recording artist. He has been playing since he was 10 when he received his first guitar. His early influences were Eric Clapton, John Denver, James Taylor, and Jackson Brown, later adding Ed Sheeran, John Mayer and Brent Smith to the list. He can be found on Spotify as well as Apple Music and also at the Dole’s very own Lou’s Lounge Friday, Jan 26th at 8pm!
NMP 4th Friday Art Event
Your entry fee to 4th Fridays also admits you into the Dole’s underground speakeasy, Lou’s Lounge. January kicks off an artistic series to showcase Singer/Songwriters. Matt Jaye is featured this month. See the event info on Lou’s Lounge for more detail.
FARMERS MARKET+ AT THE DOLE
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music featuring Matt Jaye this week, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
NYE with “Modern Day Romeos” GooRoos aGOOstic and MORE!
This spectacular NYE Bash is like no other! Three different genres of music throughout the building!
Modern Day Romeos & The GooRoos a”GOO”stic in the Ballroom! Randy Ingrams on piano in the Mansion and Jazz Arts Duo in Lou’s Lounge! Heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Wild Asparagus, a Retro-Candy “Bar” provided by The Inside Scoop, a Massive Balloon Drop by RC Juggle and confetti blasters & midnight champagne toast in a commemorative glass you take home!
Lou’s Lounge will offer a 1920’s vibe with Jazz, specialty cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres that were prominent in that era. Seafood courtesy of The Soft Wave Fish Co.
You don’t want to miss this unique extravaganza experience into 2024!
Farmers Market+ At The Dole
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music featuring Tanner Larkins this week, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
Wine & Cheese Pairing with LIVE Music in Lou's Lounge
Join us for an evening of wine and cheese pairing at Lou’s Lounge! Experience the perfect harmony of flavors as we unveil our latest wine menu, paired with carefully curated cheese to delight.
Set against the backdrop of a 1920’s prohibition era speakeasy, The Corner Boys will provide acoustic tunes throughout the evening.
Farmers Market+ At The Dole
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music featuring BB & The Honey this week, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Smash’d Burger, Joe & Dough breakfast sammies, or Pierogi Jo’s Poutine or Potato Pancakes topped with an egg! All delicious options!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
Celebration of Life - Timothy Lawrence
The celebration will commence at 4pm with the Eulogy beginning at 6pm.
Farmers Market+ At The Dole
Our indoor Market+ is still a top-notch market with 55 farmers, food purveyors and even a few artisans. With over 85% of our market vendors being farmers and food, you are bound to still find your favorites! This historic property is the perfect setting for a fun “Sip and Shop” Sunday with live music featuring Cork N Classics this week, brunch beverages that pair deliciously with Your Sisters Tomato Wood Fired Pizza or Joe & Dough breakfast sammies!
Join us from 10am-2pm for a delightful Sunday-Funday!
