One of McHenry County's signature events The Lakeside Festival, got underway Thursday, July 3, 2025, on the grounds of the historic Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake. The fest runs through Sunday. Crystal Lake's Independence Day Parade takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday down Dole Avenue to the festival, and the fireworks display over the lake off Main Beach takes place at dusk Sunday.

The Crystal Lake fireworks show hit a glitch that caused a shell to detonate on the platform, city officials said.

Despite rain, people enjoy the Crystal Lake’s annual Independence Day Parade on Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Crystal Lake. This year’s parade feature close to 100 units.

All you need to know about the Crystal Lake Lakeside Festival parade Sunday.

People enjoy the Lakeside Festival in Friday, July 5, 2024, in Crystal Lake.

The 44th annual Lakeside Festival at the Dole Mansion will kick off Independence Day celebrations once again with live music, food vendors, carnival rides and plenty of family-friendly activities.

People enjoy the Lakeside Festival on Friday, June 30, 2023, at the Dole and Lakeside Arts Park in Crystal Lake.

The 42nd annual Lakeside Festival at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake will have “something for everybody,” including performers across various live music genres, carnival rides, and a large variety of local food vendors, a Dole official said.

The Crystal Lake chapter of Women of Today will again coordinate a children’s bike parade on July 2 at Crystal Lake Main Beach in association with the Lakeside Festival.