Fourth of July in McHenry County: Fireworks, festivals and parades and more

Independence Day is here, and with it comes a variety of fun-filled celebrations in McHenry County. From parades to fireworks shows, these next few weeks promise to be eventful in McHenry County.

Here is what communities have planned during the holiday weekend and over the coming weeks:

Lakeside Festival, Crystal Lake, July 3-6: Lakeside Festival in Crystal Lake is one of the largest and longest-running summer festivals in McHenry County, raising funds for the Lakeside Legacy Foundation. Held on the grounds of the historic Dole Mansion and Lakeside Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, the Lakeside Festival spans four days and offers multiple bands, food/drinks, a carnival and much more. Dates and times:

Noon to 11 p.m. July 3, 4 and 5

Noon to 10 p.m. July 6; fireworks at dusk on the lake

The entry fee is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for seniors, and free for children younger than 12 and active military members with an ID. Lakeside Festival info can be found here: thedole.org/the-fest

Crystal Lake annual Independence Day Parade and fireworks, July 6:

The 2025 Independence Day Parade takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 6, returning this year to its historic route down Dole Avenue to the Lakeside Festival.

[ Crystal Lake says no dibs on parade spots until Saturday ]

For the full Crystal Lake Independence Day parade route and information, see clchamber.com/independence-day-parade.

A fireworks display will take place at dusk over the lake. After 2:30 p.m., $5 wristbands are required for admission to Main Beach. A pre-fireworks concert by the Crystal Lake Community Band and Voices in Harmony takes place at 7 p.m. More info: crystallakeparks.org/calendar-of-events/events/crystal-lake-fireworks-and-concert.

Fox River Grove annual fireworks show and celebration, July 12: Fox River Grove’s annual fireworks celebration takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. July 12 at Picnic Grove Park along Birch Lane. Includes a DJ, food trucks, concessions and glow accessories for sale, as well as a K-9 demonstration. Info: business.carygrovechamber.com/events.

Hebron’s annual Independence Day Parade, July 5: Hebron’s annual parade will begin at 10 a.m. July 5. The parade will begin and end at Community Park, Moraine and Price roads. Info: villageofhebron.org/community/page/independence-day-parade.

Huntley Independence Day Parade and Fireworks, July 4: Huntley debuts its new Fourth of July parade this year, beginning at 4 p.m. from Bakley and Main streets and heading west toward the Square. A fireworks display will follow about 9:30 p.m. at Deicke Park, with a July 5 rain date. Info: huntley.il.us/residents/4th_of_july_fireworks.php.

Island Lake Independence Day Parade, July 4: Island Lake’s 75th anniversary Independence Day parade takes place at 10:30 a.m. July 4 beginning at Village Hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave. A midday community picnic takes place at Village Hall.

Johnsburg’s Pistakee Bay Fireworks display, July 12: Johnsburg will host a fireworks show over the bay after dark July 12, with food vendors and bands. Info: facebook.com/events/801-oak-grove-rd-johnsburg-il/pistakee-bay-fireworks-2025/975084868103340/

Lakemoor Fourth of July Celebration, July 4: The village of Lakemoor’s parade will kick off about 9:30 a.m. July 4 from Village Hall to Morrison Park at Willow Road.

Marengo Day in the Park, July 12: The Marengo Park District, the city of Marengo and the Marengo-Union Chamber of Commerce will host an event from 4 to 11:15 p.m. July 12 at Indian Oaks Park, 825 Indian Oaks Trail, with food trucks, live bands, a beer tent, concessions, a car show, a mechanic bull, dunk tanks, kids blow-ups, water blow-ups and fireworks. Info: themarengoparkdistrict.com/day-in-the-park-info-and-donations.

McHenry Fiesta Days, July 10-13 and July 17-20: Fiesta Days opens with Cask & Barrel Night on July 10, followed by Music Fest Weekend from July 11 to 13, and Art and Street Fair Weekend from July 17 to 20. Fireworks are July 13, and a parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m. July 20. The event will include a carnival, an art show, food and drink specials, a car show, a beach bash and much more. Info: mchenryfiestadays.com.

Spring Grove Fourth of July Celebration, July 3-4: Spring Grove’s Fourth of July celebration will offer live music, food trucks and cold beverages July 3 and July 4.

Gates open at 4 p.m. July 3 at Horse Fair Park for live music and food trucks, with parking $20 and free admission.

The parade begins at noon July 4, starting near Highview and Winn roads and proceeding to Horse Fair Park, with a $10 parking fee. Fireworks begin at dusk July 4 from Thelen Park. Attendees are not allowed to bring fireworks or sparklers.

Wonder Lake Independence Day Celebration, July 4-6: Events at the celebration center on 4019 E. Lake Shore Drive and include Venetian Night with lit-up boats in the lake July 4, a Wonder Dog contest, the Ski Team Duck Drop Derby, a Ski Show, a parade and fireworks July 5; and a car show, free pontoon rides from Wonder Lake Marina, food trucks and sailboat races July 6. The parade is at 1 p.m. July 5, with fireworks at dusk. Info: tinyurl.com/wl4th.

Woodstock annual firework display, July 4: Woodstock’s annual fireworks show will be July 4 at Emricson Park, 900 W. South St. The event begins at 7 p.m., with fireworks at dusk. There’s a $10 fee to park. Walk-ins can enter through South Street and Jackson Street entrances. Admission is free, with donations collected to help cover the cost of the fireworks. Snacks and beverages will be for sale. Info: business.woodstockilchamber.com/events/details/4th-of-july-fireworks-in-woodstock-13648.

Do you have an event to add to this listing? Email us at tips@nwherald.com.