Fun for the whole family!

Rides, Games, Petting Zoo, Food Vendors, Live Music and so much more!

Did you know? John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, was a real-life historical figure whose wilderness adventures became larger-than-life legends. He was known as a kind and gentle man who planted apple trees throughout the Midwest. Meet and greet Johnny Appleseed himself, as he strolls the streets of downtown, telling his story throughout the day.

Crystal Lake's largest one-day event brings families and the community together to celebrate Fall.

Apple Scavenger Hunt (September 1 - September 19)

Get ready for a month full of fun! The Apple Scavenger Hunt is free and just-for-fun.

Hunt for the numbered red apples in the downtown district. Each apple will reveal a word for the puzzle. Write down the words you find in the matching apple box on the card to discover the completed sentence. Winners will be drawn from correctly completed game cards and notified the following day. Gift baskets will include Crystal Lake souvenirs, store prizes, and more!

Are You A Crafter Or Do You Enjoy Purchasing Hand-Made Items?

A Craft Fair is held in Depot Park's parking lot during the Johnny Appleseed Festival. Dozens of vendors display beautiful and unique handmade items (everything from quilts to painted rocks to jewelry to fabric tote bags to crocheted items to holiday decorations to….well, you get the picture!).

Scarecrow Decorating Contest

Dozens of scarecrows will adorn the lampposts in Downtown Crystal Lake. Businesses and individuals compete for bragging rights in seven categories.

And, speaking of scarecrows….watch for our giant stilt-walking juggling scarecrow who will be roaming around all afternoon. The scarecrow will put on a special performance immediately following the Great Ball Race on Brink Street. You won't want to miss the fun!

Free Entertainment!! Downtown will come alive with music and fun - all day!.
Live music will be playing at Depot Park and in Brink Street Market.

Demonstrations and More Free Entertainment!!
There will be musical groups, dance presentations, storytelling (provided by the Crystal Lake Public Library), and so much more!

Low Cost Entertainment for the Family!
Activities such as children's games, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin train, pumpkin bowling, wagon rides, etc., require tickets. Tickets are $1 each. Back by popular demand, the (enlarged!) Corner Corral will be set up as a dedicated area for inflatable fun, including a giant slide, obstacle courses, toddler slide, and more! Wristbands for the Corner Corral will sell for $10, and you can bounce, slide and run all day! Two ticket/information booths will be set up (one at the corner of Williams & Brink and one at the parking lot near most of the activities).

Souvenir Booth (selling apple cider donuts, water, apple juice, apple sippers, apple squishies, cookbooks, Crystal Lake T-shirts & mugs, tote bags, and more) will be located in the Brink Street Market next to the large parking lot. The Souvenir Booth will accept BOTH Cash and Tickets. A limited selection of souvenirs will also be available at the ticket/information tent by the Raue Memorial Clock (corner of Williams and Brink).

3PM: Great Ball Race
For fast-paced excitement and fun, check out the Great Ball Race on Brink Street. Purchase your chance to win $1,000 at the ticket booth near Dalzell Jewelers. A maximum of 1,000 tickets will be sold for $10 each. Race time is 3PM. Come on down and cheer your ball on to victory.

Date: September 30, 2023

Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Location: Downtown Crystal Lake Corner of Williams and Brink, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

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