special events
flannel fest
SAT SEP 21, 10 AM-4 PM
Timberworks of Wisconsin will perform three* action-packed shows featuring log rolling, axe throwing, hot sawing, speed chopping and more! *shows repeat 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm
A raptor show will captivate you with owls, hawks and other birds of prey!
Attendees can walk around the park, enjoying the food trucks/beer garden and 'specialty' items while participating in fun activities such as log chucking, axe throwing (12-4 pm) and other fun!
BEST BEARD CONTEST
Do you have an amazing beard and you are always getting compliments? Here's a chance to show off your masterpiece! Cheeky Jones Soap Co. is seeking the best beards in the area! Contestants win a $40 beard kit prize from Cheeky Jones. Judges will include hair/beard stylists from the McHenry County area. Participants must purchase tickets to Flannel Fest for admission. Click below to enter!
corn on the cob eating CONTEST
NEW in 2024! How many ears of corn can you eat in 4 minutes? We'd like to find out! We will split the contest into three age groups: Ages 7-11 / 12-17 / 18 & Up. Participants must purchase tickets to Flannel Fest for admission. Click below to enter!
Social Dance Nights Fall 2024
Sat, Sept 7, Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7
MAIN BEACH PAVILION, 300 LAKESHORE DR, CL
Ages 15+
Fee: $10 res/$13 non-res (per date)
Pre-registration preferred-drop ins welcomed at door (cash or check only)
Come dance with us in this new Beginner Friendly Format! We start with pop-up walkthrough lessons and progress on to open dancing at the end. All songs during the evening are available for line dance and couples. Pop-up lessons are designed to be 5-minutes to encourage movement and repetition. Requests are encouraged.
Questions? contact Emma Koenig at ekoenig@crystallakeparks.org
puzzlepalooza
SUN NOV 10, 10-12 Pm or 1:30-3:30 pm
GRAND OAKS REC CENTER, 1401 W. ROUTE 176, CL
10 am-12 pm (teams who have placed in previous tournaments or want to be challenged)
1:30-3:30 pm
Do you think you have what it takes to be a puzzle champ! This highly popular event will amaze the best of puzzlers! 2 and 4 person teams race against each other to finish the same 500 piece jigsaw puzzle first. The four person teams finish in about 50-70 minutes, depending on the difficulty of the puzzle. Snacks are allowed and after awards are presented, puzzlers may enjoy a sundae bar provided by our friends at Baskin Robbins Crystal Lake. PUZZLE SWAP is back! Bring in your old puzzles and go home with new!
FEE: $30 PER TEAM
LUMINARIA WALK
DEC 4-7, 2024 - 4:30-7:30 PM
VETERAN ACRES, 431 N. WALKUP
Enjoy a breathtaking stroll under the stars as we light a trail through Veteran Acres!
Wed DEC 4-Fri Dec 6: walk the lit trail (no activities)
Sat Dec 7: Campfires, Hot Cocoa, Cookies, Candy Cane Forest and Mrs. Claus!
$1 per person/$5 per family donation appreciated. Donations are purposed for future Nature Center education programs.
free LETTERS TO SANTA
Have you been a good boy or girl? Write a letter to the "Big Guy" and get a letter back from the North Pole! Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your letter. Letters cannot be returned. Deadline: Dec 8
Mail to: Santa, c/o Crystal Lake Park District, 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
snowbird softball
2025 tbd, 9 am-4 pm
LIPPOLD PARK BONCOSKY SOFTBALL FIELDS, 851 W. ROUTE 176, CL
Get a team together and enter our 16" Snowbird Softball Tournament. A single elimination with consolation division guarantees all teams a min of two games.
CHILI OPEN
2025 tbd, 8 am-3 pm
MAIN BEACH, 300 LAKESHORE DRIVE, CL
WE'RE GOING TO KEEP TRYIN'! Join us for this 54-year tradition and play a nine hole game of golf on Crystal Lake. Foursomes start every 6 minutes.
free concerts in the park series
Tuesdays, June-August, 7 pm
MAIN BEACH, 300 LAKESHORE DR, CL
Each week the Crystal Lake Park District hosts a regional band to perform at Main Beach. Pull out a blanket and enjoy a great night of free entertainment lakeside. Concerts are held on Tuesdays at 7 PM beginning June-August. Food and beverage (beer and wine) and small charcoal grills are allowed (no glass please.) In the event of inclement weather, decision to reschedule the concert will be made by 2 pm. Check status by calling 815.410.4475 ext 6.
PARKING
Please park in the following areas for concert evenings: Main Beach parking lot, grass triangle across the street from the Lakeside Arts in the Park (Dole Mansion) and South Elementary. Please do not park at the boat gate, Dole Mansion or Seminary Park.
SCHEDULE RELEASED IN APRIL 2025
FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE
PARK PARTNERS
FREE summer sing-a-longs
2025 DATES AND CONCERTS TBD
free UNPLUG AFTER DARK
sat JUL 12, 2025 @ 7-9 PM
VETERAN ACRES, 431 WALKUP RD, CL
Join us for a technology-free evening outdoors as we recognize Unplug Illinois Day!
We'll host a flashlight scavenger hunt, craft, campfires with music, Nature Center exploration, late night treat and fun bug collection. Be sure to bring your flashlight!
Park at Veteran Acres. Alternate lots include the Nature Center and Oakwoods Lodge.
Check out rainoutline.com in case of inclement weather.
CARDBOARD REGATTA
SAT JUL 19, 2025, 9 AM-3 PM
MAIN BEACH, 300 Lakeshore Dr, CL
Join the tradition of our Cardboard Regatta! Don't miss out on the laughs and fun! Pick up your cardboard as early as May 11 or buy a Kwikie Boat kit the day of the race. Many levels of prizes will be awarded. All proceeds from the event go toward the Crystal Lake Park Initiative Foundation.
free COPS 'N BOBBERS fishing derby
sun jul 27, 2025 9 am-12 pm
SHAMROCK HILLS PARK, 6204 HILLSIDE RD, CL
Let's get fishing! Join us for a morning of fishing with some of our favorite local law enforcement! Bring your own rods or borrow one of ours.
Prizes awarded for first fish caught, largest fish, smallest fish and most fish!
Bait will be provided.
Latest News
- Aug 30 Practice Begins Oct 8 for Girls Basketball Leagues-Register Today!
- Aug 30 Fall Yoga Classes Begin Soon
- Aug 30 Fall Dance Programs Begin Sept 5
- Aug 30 Hot Shot Sports Classes Begin Sep 10
- Aug 29 Labor Day Weekend Hours-Facilities & Admin Office
- Aug 27 Splash Pads to Remain Open Thru Sep 16
- Aug 27 Fall Fitness and Yoga Classes Begin Sep 4
- Aug 27 Weekend Only Hours Through Sept 29 at Lippold Family Golf Center
- Aug 22 Fall Session 1 of Baby Rock, Tot Rock and Kids Rock Begins Sept 10
- Aug 21 Crystal Lake Park District Park Board of Commissioner Election Petition Packets Available
- Aug 20 FREE, Family Fun with Palmer's Pickings on Aug 24
- Aug 12 Rosie and the Rivets Rebooked for Aug 13 after Concert in the Park Rainout
- Aug 12 Limited Spots Available for Sunset Wine & Cheese Social on Aug 21
- Aug 09 Vote for Your Favorite Park Name-Aug 8-Aug 16
- Aug 07 End of Season Main Beach Swim Area Operations Update
- Jul 31 Flannel Fest Tickets On Sale Now
- Jul 30 Still Time to Complete the July & August Agents of Discovery Missions
- Jul 24 Last Chance to Register for Group Golf Lessons for Juniors, Men and Women
- Jul 09 'Name Your Park' Contest Entries Due by July 15
- Jul 08 NEW Event-Luau Line Dance Night for Adults on July 12 at Main Beach
- Jul 07 Enroll Now for Summer Tennis Lessons
- Jul 01 Crystal Lake Park District Facility Hours of Operation July 4-July 7
- Jun 28 Sterne's Woods and Fen Restoration Efforts Featured in National Recreation and Parks Magazine
- Jun 27 Summer Sing-a-Long with the Crystal Lake Strikers on Sat, Jun 29 moved to Crystal Lake South High School Auditorium
- Jun 24 Home of the Brave Heritage Fest on June 29 at Colonel Palmer House
- Jun 20 We Need 3 Additional Teams for Baggo League at Main Beach
- Jun 04 Concerts in the Park at Main Beach Begins May 28
- Jun 03 Enroll Now for Summer Session of Dance Classes
- Jun 02 Tot Programs Begin Soon
- Jun 01 Nature Center Grand Re-Opening on June 1
- Jun 01 Tickets on Sale for Into the Woods Jr
- May 24 Splash Pads Open for Season on May 25
- May 24 Swim Lessons at Main Beach with the Crystal Lake Park District Swim School
- May 24 Sailing Lesson Sessions Available June-July
- May 23 Enrolling Now Summer Martial Arts Classes
- May 20 Main & West Beach Operations-Main Beach Opens for Season on May 25
- May 18 NEW Opportunity Just for 6-8th Graders-Aloha Summer Teen Luau
- May 15 Seeking Performers for Teen Talent Show at Main Beach on June 21
- May 08 Social Dance Night- Tango & West Coast Swing on May 17
- May 03 Summer Registration Now Open
- Apr 29 The Cottage Donates Towards Summer Day Camp Scholarships
- Apr 25 The Racket Club Outdoor Courts Grand Opening Celebration on Sat, Apr 27
- Apr 24 Crystal Lake Park District Summer Day Camp Recognized as One of America's Best
- Apr 03 FREE, Drop In Solar Eclipse Special Event at Nature Center on April 8
- Apr 03 Spring Adult Softball League Play Begins April 22
- Apr 02 Dance, Sing & Play in Crystal Lake Park District Final Spring Session of Tot Programs
- Apr 02 Proposed Budget FY 2024-2025 on Display
- Apr 02 Batting Cages at Lippold Park Now Open for Season
- Mar 28 Important Information for Crystal Lake Boaters-Decals, Boat Launch Key Fobs, Dry Storage Spots Available for Purchase Apr 1
- Mar 14 Project Update: New Park on Haligus Rd in Lakewood
- Mar 12 Pickleball and Tennis Courts Open Early for the Season!
- Mar 10 Community Garden Plots Available at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Mar 07 Spoerl Park Playground Closed for Playground Surface Installation
- Mar 07 Last Chance to Register for Women's Self Defense Worksshop on Mar 23
- Mar 06 Limited Spots Still Available for Springtime Tea at Colonel Palmer House
- Mar 04 Spring Firewood Sale on March 16-Reserve Today!
- Mar 01 Crystal Lake Park District Receives OSLAD Grant for Della St Park Renovation
- Mar 01 Crystal Lake Park District Receives Illinois Parks and Recreation GameTime/PlayCore Grant for Haligus Park Playground
- Feb 08 Crystal Lake Park District Digital Camp Guide is Live
- Feb 07 Natural Resource Management Project Underway at Veteran Acres
- Feb 06 2nd Annual Galentine’s Day Brunch on Feb 11
- Feb 05 Social Dance Nights and Dance Lessons for Adults at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Feb 05 Registration Now Open for Barlina House Preschool 2024-2025 School Year
- Jan 28 Family Winter Mini Golf Event at Lippold Family Golf Center-CANCELLED
- Jan 18 Natural Resource Management Project Underway at Winding Creek Park and Bike Path
- Jan 12 Monday Memory-The 1935-1950 Tobaggan Slide at Lake Park (now Main Beach)
- Jan 08 Reg by Jan 19 for the Snowbird Softball Tournament
- Jan 08 Limited Spots Still available for Hearts & Artists, A Valentine’s Tea at Colonel Palmer House
- Jan 07 Natural Resource Management Project at Sterne's Woods and Fen
- Jan 04 Tot-Teen Dance Classes Featuring a Spring Recital Begin Jan 8
- Jan 04 New sessions of Crystal Lake Park District Group Fitness and Yoga classes begin in Jan 8
- Jan 04 Enrolling Now Winter Spring Martial Arts Classes including Pre-Karate, Shotokan Karate and Hapkido
- Jan 02 Crystal Lake Park District Offers Free Holiday Light Recycling through Jan 15
- Dec 15 Winter/Spring Activity Guide Registration Now Open
- Dec 14 Natural Resource Management Project Underway at Woodscreek Park
- Dec 07 Holiday Gift Giving Made Easy with Crystal Lake Park District Gift Cards
- Dec 07 Nature Center Temporarily Closed For Exhibit Remodeling
- Dec 06 Limited Spots Still available for A Norman Rockwell Tea on Dec 16 & 17
- Dec 04 2nd/3rd & 4th/5th Grade Boys Basketball League-Registration deadline Jan 5
- Nov 21 Enroll Now for Hapkido Starting on Nov 29
- Nov 21 Luminaria Walk at Veteran Acres Nov 29-Dec 2
- Nov 07 Haligus Road Park Design Update Meeting on Nov 8
- Nov 07 Dog Obedience Begins Nov 22
- Nov 07 November Youth/Teen Variety Classes
- Nov 01 Protect Yourself From Scams & Burglaries Workshop on Nov 10
- Nov 01 Grand Oaks Walking Club 2023
- Oct 26 Register Now for Puzzle Palooza on Nov 5
- Oct 24 Fall Firewood Sale on Nov 4-Stock Up for Your Fall Bonfires!
- Oct 16 Plan to Attend the Hill Farm Park Community Input Meeting on Oct 24
- Oct 13 Free Family Fun at Truck or Treat on Sat, Oct 28
- Oct 11 Book at Wagon Ride Through Sterne's Woods
- Oct 10 Henrietta's Harvest-CANCELED due to inclement weather
- Oct 04 Social Dance Nights at Grand Oaks Plus Line Dancing Class & Couples Social Dance
- Oct 03 NEW Programs & Events at Colonel Palmer House
- Oct 02 Lippold Park Seal Coating Project Updates-Week of Oct 2
- Sep 19 Registration Open for Girls & Boys Basketball Leagues
- Sep 15 Fishing Line Recycling Receptacles a Success
- Sep 03 Enroll Now for Fall Session of Dance
- Sep 02 Youth Athletics Classes Begin Sept 9
- Sep 01 Women's Golf Clinic Begins Sept 3 at Lippold Family Golf Center
- Aug 21 Online Registration Down for Upgrades Tu, Aug 22 at 3 pm-Wed, Aug 23
- Aug 21 Snake Study Update-a collaboration with McHenry County College Biology Students
- Aug 15 Fall 2023 Registration Now Open
- Aug 15 Crystal Lake Park District Named Com Ed Green Region Grant Recipient
- Aug 11 It's A GO-Caddyshack is ON for Tonight, Fri Aug 11
- Aug 02 Community Input Survey-Della Street Park Renovations plus Community Input Meeting on Aug 16
- Jul 26 Caddyshack-Movie in the Park on Aug 11-Costume Contest Added to the Event
- Jul 25 Additional Date Added to Crystal Lake Park District Concert in the Park Schedule
- Jul 25 Public Invited to Peter Pan Jr Performance by Musical Theatre Camp
- Jul 24 July/August Programs at Colonel Palmer House
- Jul 14 Group Sailing Lessons Begin July 24
- Jul 14 Summer Hapkido and Women’s Self Defense Clinic
- Jul 07 July/August Nature Center Programs & Events
- Jul 05 Cops N Bobbers Gary Svejcar Fishing Derby for Kids on July 30
- Jul 05 Women’s Self Defense Clinic on July 22
- Jul 04 Crystal Lake Park District Adult Camp (21+)
- Jul 03 Swim Lessons Sess 2 begin July 10
- Jul 03 Save the Date-Sat, Jul 15, to UNPLUG After Dark at Veteran Acres
- Jun 29 Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy the Crystal Lake Parade and Fireworks Celebration
- Jun 27 Summer Tennis Lessons for Ages 5-Adult Session 3 begins Jul 17
- Jun 27 Crystal Lake Fireworks Info Plus Wristband Pre-Purchase Info
- Jun 26 FREE Summer Sing-A-Longs on June 28 & July 15
- Jun 25 Positive Pebbles Kits Available at the Administrative Office
- Jun 08 NEW Event! Aloha Summer Sunset Celebration on June 9
- Jun 01 Crystal Lake Park District Concerts in the Park Kicks off May 30
- May 27 2023 Beach Operations-Main Beach Opens Sat, May 27
- May 05 Registration Open for Summer 2023
- Apr 24 Thank You Crystal Lake Park District Volunteers!
- Apr 10 Lippold Family Golf Center Open for Season
- Apr 06 Limited Number of Community Garden Plots Available
- Apr 05 Line Dancing Class & Social Ballroom Class plus Social Dance Nights
- Apr 04 Spots Filling Quickly for Summer Camp 2023-Register Today!
- Apr 04 Crystal Lake Park District Nature Offers Spring Programs for Tots-Adults
- Mar 15 Crystal Lake Park District Awarded Urban and Community Forestry Grant for Tree Planting
- Mar 08 Crystal Lake Park District Awarded 2022 Government Award from the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
- Mar 07 Crystal Lake Park District Awarded $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant for Development of Park on Haligus Road
- Mar 06 Social Dance Nights March 10, April 22, May 19
- Mar 06 Paint Nites and Watercolor Painting
- Mar 06 Crystal Lake Park District Announces Spring Firewood Sale on March 18
- Feb 27 Update Regarding Northwestern Medicine Healthcare Crystal Lake Fitness Center and the Crystal Lake Park District
- Feb 22 Highlight the Night Son Date Night on April 28
- Feb 22 Mother Daughter Tea at Colonel Palmer House on April 30
- Feb 22 Four Winds Casino Trip and Land of Lincoln Trip Still Have Limited Spots Available
- Feb 22 New Sessions of Youth Athletics Beginning Feb 27 and Apr 24
- Feb 21 EVP Spring Break Volleyball Camp Mar 27-30
- Feb 19 Register NOW for Summer Camp!
- Feb 15 Next Session of Little Medical School Veterinarian Programs Begins March 24
- Feb 15 Summer 2023 Seasonal Jobs-NOW HIRING
- Feb 13 Register Now for Puzzle Palooza on March 19
- Feb 07 Valentine/Galentine Zumba Party Scheduled for Feb 10
- Jan 20 NEW! Galentine's Day Brunch with the Crystal Lake Park District
- Jan 20 Dates Nights for Sons and Daughters in Feburary and April
- Jan 19 Limited Spots Still Available for this Season's Adult Trips
- Jan 17 Willows Edge Park Invasive Brush Clearing Efforts Underway
- Jan 16 Snowbird Softball Tourney Team Registration Due by Jan 27
- Jan 15 EVP & Crystal Lake Park District Host Snow Volleyball Tournament
- Jan 02 Register by Jan 6 for Boys Basketball League
- Dec 23 Free Holiday Light Recycling thru December 30
- Dec 22 Winter Spring Activity Guide Available and Registration is Opens Dec 9
- Dec 07 Send Us Your Letter to Santa by December 9
- Dec 05 Holiday Break Camps for Youth and Teens
Upcoming Events
- Sep 14 Nature Tots-Fall Full of Science The Nature Center, 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake
- Sep 21 Cycling Without Age-September Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake
- Sep 21 Flannel Fest 2024 Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake
- Sep 21 Women's Self Defense Clinic Spoerl Park, 7610 Pingree Rd, Crystal Lake
- Sep 21 Walking and Yoga-Woodscreek Park Woodscreek Park Building, 1420 Willow Tree, Crystal Lake
- Sep 22 Baton Twirling Party Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake
- Sep 28 Nature Tots-Happy Paws Nature Center, 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake
- Oct 03 Elements Workshop-Grounding:Earth West Beach, 2330 Lake Ave, Crystal Lake
- Oct 04 Lunch and Learn-Green's Houses Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake
- Oct 05 Nature Tots-Mud Pies Nature Center, 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake
Interested in signing up?
Look at our Program Guide