Summer 2021: Fireworks On; Cardboard Cup Regatta Cancelled

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Fireworks are on this summer in Crystal Lake but the Cardboard Cup Regatta will be cancelled again. Meanwhile, the city's beaches will allow residents and non-residents with season passes to visit during morning hours and non-residents without season passes can only stop out after 2 p.m.

With the state currently in Phase 4, many of the Crystal Lake Park District's operations are back up and running, but restrictions still remain for many events to avoid crowds and promote social distancing. The Crystal Lake Park District has released its summer guide that this year is jam-packed with programs and events for all.

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Here is a look at some new events and old favorites that will return this summer.

Fireworks Are A Go

While some suburbs will be canceling fireworks again this year, plans are in the works to have Fourth of July fireworks on Sunday, July 4, at Main Beach in Crystal Lake. More information on attendance guidelines are expected to be announced at a later date, according to the Crystal Lake Park District.

Day at the Beach

Both Main and West beaches will be open this summer—opening day is May 29. As a way to manage crowds, residents and non-resident season pass holders will be able to visit the beach from 9 a.m. to noon while non-residents without a season pass can stop out after 2 p.m. More information is available online. Boating rentals will also be available starting on May 29.

Friday the 13th Movie and Live Music

New this year, the Crystal Lake Park District has opened up ticket sales for a Friday the 13th event on Friday, Aug. 13, at Main Beach in Crystal Lake. There will be music from "Acoustical Explosion," a beer garden (including a special Friday the 13th beer from Crystal Lake Brewing), hatchet throwing, food trucks, life-size games and a viewing of the original "Friday the 13th" movie. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit here.

Crystal Lake Concerts in the Park

The free weekly concerts will begin on Tuesday, June 1 and continue through Tuesday, Aug. 10. Held at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive in Crystal Lake, bands have been booked and picnic areas have been cleaned in preparation for the event. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the music starts at 7 p.m. Attendance restrictions will be in place and the Crystal Lake Park District plans to announce the concert lineup over Facebook in the coming weeks.

Butterfly House Reopens

The butterfly house, located at the park district's nature center, 330 N. Main St., will reopen on Memorial Day and is set to remain open through Labor Day. A special event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 5 will include drop in crafts and more.

Cardboard Cup Regatta

The event has been cancelled for a second year in a row. The event's board of directors noted the size of the event, which is typically held at Main Beach, and continued concerns over COVID "make it impossible to practice social distancing." The event is not permanently cancelled. The races are scheduled to continue on July 30, 2022. Event organizers are seeking volunteers to make the event happen again. More information and updates from the American Cardboard Cup Regatta can be found on its Facebook page.

Mark your Calendar

Monarchs and Music: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15. More information via the Crystal Lake Park District summer activity guide.

Park pop-up parties will be held on June 11 and July 23. Find out where here.

Splash pads, including Acorn Alley at Veterans Acres Park, Route 176 and Walkup Avenue, and Crystal Castle, 850 Willow Tree, will be up and running 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day. More information on rules and park district expectations for those visiting splash pads can be found here.

More summer park district programs, events and information can be found in this year's summer guide.