Your Guide To Lakeside Festival In Crystal Lake

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — The city's premier summer festival will soon be back in town, offering up four days of holiday weekend fun.

Lakeside Festival is set to kick off Thursday afternoon and continue through Sunday on the grounds of the historic Dole Mansion and Lakeside Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake.

The fest will run:

• Thursday, June 29: 3 to 11 p.m.
• Friday, June 30: 12 to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, July 1: 12 to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, July 2: 12 to 10 p.m.

As has been in the case in years past, Lakeside Fest will be serving up live entertainment from 14 bands over four days on two outdoor stages; carnival rides; beer, wine and plenty of scrumptious food; kids activities, including face painting, an ice cream eating contest and a decorated bike parade; and a baggo tournament.

There will be a $10 gate charge each day for those 13 years old and older who stop out to the festival. Meanwhile, there will be a $5 charge for those 65 years and older, free admission for kids 12 years old and younger and free admission for active military members with a valid ID.

This year, Lakeside Festival will be going cashless for all entrance ticket and beer garden ticket sales — credit and debit cards will be accepted, as well as mobile pay options, according to the festival's website.

On Sunday, the final day of the festival, a parade will step off at 1 p.m. and head down Dole Avenue to Lakeside Fest and will end with fireworks over Crystal Lake.

Rules have been set in place regarding access to Main Beach on Sunday. Main Beach's front gates will open at 9 a.m. and regular beach resident and non-resident admission rates will apply for those wanting access to the beach through 2:30 p.m.

Everyone entering will receive an ID bracelet that will allow Main Beach in and out access throughout the day plus admission to the fireworks celebration. No tables may be reserved prior to 9 a.m. and picnic tables may not be moved, according to the Crystal Lake Park District.

Starting at 2:30 p.m., fireworks admission wristband rates apply and will be $5 per person. Kids 3 years old and younger are free. Tickets can also be purchased online.

The Voices in Harmony and Crystal Lake Community Band Fireworks Concert will begin at the Main Beach bandshell at 7 p.m. Those wishing to stop into the Crystal Lake Park District Administration Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake, and purchase your Crystal Lake July 2 fireworks wristbands ahead of time can do so through Saturday.

The festival's full schedule of events can be found below and more information is also available on the festival website: