Summer is where McHenry County truly shines! From historic traditions to brand-new celebrations, this comprehensive 2025 guide brings you the best festivals happening all season long—from June through September. Whether you’re a foodie, a music fan, or looking for family fun, there’s a local festival waiting for you.

CL Pride Walk 2024

June 2025 Festivals in McHenry County

Downtown Crystal Lake Pride Walk & Social

June 1 | Crystal Lake, IL

Join the community in celebrating unity, diversity, and love with a walk through downtown Crystal Lake, ending in a lively social at Brink Street Market featuring music, food, crafts, and community resources.

 

Harvard Milk Days

June 6–8 | Harvard, IL

One of the longest-running festivals in Illinois, Harvard Milk Days honors the area’s dairy legacy with parades, fireworks, a cattle show, antique tractors, rides, and more.

 

B4 Summer Festival

June 7 | Richardson Farm, Spring Grove, IL

Get ready for a festival like no other in the Midwest! B4 Summer Festival combines headlining music acts like Modern Day Romeos, Rok Brigade, and Pino Farina Band with local food trucks, five breweries, and unique attractions like zip lining, gemstone mining, bourbon tastings, and a fireworks finale.

 

Woodstock Food Truck Festival

June 7 | Woodstock Square, IL

Over 20 food trucks gather on the historic Woodstock Square to serve everything from street tacos to sweet treats. Pair your meal with local craft brews or wine, enjoy family-friendly vibes, and explore a crowd of 5,000+ food lovers.

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Woodstock Pride Fest

June 14–15 | Woodstock, IL

Celebrate inclusivity and joy with the Rainbow Run, Pride Parade, art shows, and a full day of entertainment around the historic square. Fun, festive, and family-friendly!

 

Stars & Stripes Fest

June 28 | Cary, IL

Food trucks, inflatables, live music from Modern Day Romeos, beer tents, and a spectacular fireworks show make Stars & Stripes Fest the perfect patriotic celebration to kick off Independence Day early.

Fiesta Days

July 2025 Festivals in McHenry County

Lakeside Festival

July 3–6 | Crystal Lake, IL

Enjoy four days of live music, carnival rides, and amazing eats on the beautiful grounds of Dole Mansion, in celebration of Independence Day. A Crystal Lake favorite for decades!

 

Rotary’s Rockin’ Ribfest

July 10–13 | Lake in the Hills, IL

Award-winning BBQ, full-size carnival, and live bands make this rib-lover’s paradise one of McHenry County’s most flavorful weekends.

 

McHenry Fiesta Days

July 10–20 | McHenry, IL

Ten days of live music, parades, car shows, art fairs, and beach bashes. This split-location event offers unique experiences at Petersen Park and downtown McHenry.

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MCYSA

MCYSA Summer International Baseball Tournament

July 11–14 & 17–20 | McHenry County, IL

Baseball fans unite! This internationally recognized youth tournament brings teams from around the globe to Crystal Lake and Woodstock.

Expect teams from Japan, Brazil, Puerto Rico and more! Don’t miss:

 

Day Out with Thomas

July 12, 13, 19 & 20 | Union, IL

Ride the rails with Thomas the Tank Engine at Illinois Railway Museum. Enjoy games, live shows, and Thomas-themed fun for the whole family.

County Fair

August 2025 Festivals in McHenry County

 

McHenry County Fair

July 29–August 3 | Woodstock, IL

Funnel cakes, Ferris wheels, livestock, vendors, and the county’s best fair fun return for six days of summer tradition.

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Lakemoor Fest

August 8–9 | Lakemoor, IL

Two days of entertainment including live bands, great food, family activities, and fireworks. Celebrate the peak of summer with the Lakemoor community!

 

Woodstock Truckn’n Food Show

August 23 | McHenry County Fairgrounds, IL

If you love big rigs and food trucks, this is your jam. Add live music, beer tents, and family fun — and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind event at the fairgrounds.

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Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival

August 29–31 | Sunset Park, IL

Live music, food vendors, carnival rides, and special events make this FREE Labor Day weekend bash one of the county’s biggest closers of the season.

 

Cary Main St. Fest

September 2025 Festivals in McHenry County

Soul Jam

September 6 | Woodstock, IL

A fundraiser and music fest at Soulful Prairies, featuring local bands, picnic-style fun, and farm-fresh food. Proceeds support local nonprofit causes.

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Cary Main Street Fest

September 19–21 | Cary, IL

Downtown Cary becomes a bustling hub of music, food trucks, beer, and community spirit in this Metra-accessible, end-of-summer celebration.


Plan Your Summer in McHenry County!

From parades and pride to ribs and roller coasters, McHenry County has your summer calendar covered. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these unforgettable festivals are the perfect way to experience the heart and soul of Illinois’ most charming county.