Things to Do in Crystal Lake — October 2026
Community events happening this month in Crystal Lake and surrounding towns. Updated automatically.
Source: Crystal Lake Park District, City of Crystal Lake, Raue Center, Cary Park District, Village of Algonquin, Village of Huntley, Naturally McHenry County, local organizations · 2026-10
Recurring Events This Month
These events happen regularly during October 2026.
Trunk or Treat
Family🗓️ Late October (annually)
📍 Crystal Lake Park District · Crystal Lake
Family-friendly Halloween event with decorated car trunks, candy, and costumes.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday🗓️ Friday after Thanksgiving (annually)
📍 Downtown Crystal Lake · Crystal Lake
Holiday kickoff event with tree lighting, Santa, hot cocoa, caroling, and downtown shopping.
🗓️ Year-round (see Raue Center calendar)
📍 26 N Williams St · Crystal Lake
Live theater, comedy, concerts, and family shows at the historic Raue Center.
More info →Flannel Fest
Festival🗓️ September or October (annually)
📍 Three Oaks Recreation Area, Crystal Lake · Crystal Lake
Fall festival hosted by the park district featuring live music, a craft beer garden, food trucks, lawn games, and autumn activities. Tickets required and often sell out in advance.
Cary Park District Farmers Market
Community🗓️ Sundays, June–October, 9 AM – 1 PM
📍 Cary Park District, Lions Park · Cary
Local produce, artisan goods, and baked items from area farmers and vendors.
More info →🗓️ Fridays & Saturdays, year-round
📍 Fox River Brewing Company, Cary · Cary
Live bands and solo artists performing at the local brewery taproom.
Cary-Grove Homecoming Parade
Parade🗓️ October (annually)
📍 Downtown Cary to Cary-Grove High School · Cary
Cary-Grove High School homecoming parade with floats, the marching band, and community support.
🗓️ Late October (annually)
📍 Cary Community Center · Cary
Family Halloween party with games, costume contests, face painting, and treats.
Algonquin Farmers Market
Community🗓️ Sundays, May–October, 9 AM – 1 PM
📍 Cornish Park, Algonquin · Algonquin
Seasonal market with fresh produce, honey, baked goods, and local artisan products.
🗓️ Late October (annually)
📍 Algonquin Area Public Library · Algonquin
Trick-or-treating with librarians, costume parade, and spooky crafts for kids.
Lake in the Hills Fall Fest
Festival🗓️ October (annually)
📍 Sunset Park, Lake in the Hills · Lake in the Hills
Autumn celebration with pumpkin decorating, hayrides, a bag toss tournament, and a chili cook-off.
Huntley Fall Fest
Festival🗓️ Second weekend of October (annually)
📍 Downtown Huntley, Town Square · Huntley
Major annual festival with live entertainment, artisan vendors, a craft beer tent, kids' zone, and a chili cook-off.
More info →Marengo Applefest
Festival🗓️ October (annually)
📍 Downtown Marengo · Marengo
Harvest festival celebrating the area's apple-growing heritage with apple cider, pie contests, craft vendors, live music, and a parade.
One-Time Events This Month
SJ Card Show Events — Trading Card Show
📅 October 18, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Elara Convention Center, 800 S Illinois Rte 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
🎟️ Hosted by SJ Card Show Events
Family-friendly trading card show with 100+ vendor tables featuring Pokémon, sports cards, MTG, and One Piece. $5 admission, free for kids 12 & under, free parking.
