Taste of Downtown remains part of Crystal Lake fall festival

  • 2026-08-24
The Taste of Downtown food and beverage event will again take place during the annual Johnny Appleseed Festival.

Presented by the non-profit organization Downtown Crystal Lake, the two events first successfully partnered in 2025. This year, the festivities will be held primarily in Depot Park downtown, where families can enjoy activities including wagon rides, games, a petting zoo and face painting.

For the past 33 years, the community has commemorated the birthday of legendary orchardist Johnny Appleseed with a day of fun for all ages. The Taste of Crystal Lake adds to the festivities with food, beverages, and live music. In addition, there will be a craft fair on Williams Street.

Another highlight will be the annual great ball race raffle. Tickets will be sold for colored and numbered balls that are released down a hill onto the street. The owner of the first ball to the finish line will win $1,000.

Businesses and entrepreneurs that set up as vendors at community festivals such as this often use banner printing to draw attention to their booths or tables.

The Johnny Appleseed Festival and the Taste of Downtown will be held in Crystal Lake on Saturday, September 26. Both events begin at 10:00 am with the festival running until 4:00 pm, while food and beverages will be offered until 8:00 pm.