4th Annual Charity Event

CLCC Annual
Charity Car Show

May 17, 2026

Grant, Brink & Williams Streets · Downtown Crystal Lake

Register Your Vehicle
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Our Cause

Driving Out Hunger

Crystal Lake Food Pantry

Every registration, every sponsorship, and every dollar raised goes directly to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. Since 1983, they've been the safety net for families facing food insecurity in McHenry County.

In our community, 1 in 8 people struggle with hunger. The Food Pantry serves over 800 families each month, providing nutritious food with dignity and compassion. Your participation in this car show helps stock their shelves and fill empty plates.

2026 Fundraising Goal

$10,000

800+

Families served monthly

40+

Years serving McHenry County

50K+

Families helped since 1983

100%

Net proceeds donated

Every car registered helps feed local families. Additional donations welcome at check-in.

Spectators Free

Come See the Show!

Don't have a car to show? No problem! Spectators get in free—no tickets, no registration. Stroll down Grant, Brink, and Williams streets filled with amazing cars, then enjoy the unique shopping and dining in historic downtown Crystal Lake.

🍴
Local Dining
🛍
Unique Shops
🚘
200+ Cars
👪
Family Friendly
Join Us

Vehicle Registration

Secure your spot at the 2026 Crystal Lake Cars & Caffeine. Space is limited to the first 200 cars. If space is available on event day, on-site registration will be available.

  • Reserved parking spot in prime downtown location
  • Entry into all award categories
  • Be part of a great community event
  • Support a local charity

Show Participant

Vehicle Entry

$30

Per Vehicle

Register Now

Limited to 200 vehicles. Registration fees are non-refundable. All registered participants will receive event details via email prior to the show.

Classic Thunderbird at Crystal Lake Cars and Coffee
About the Event

A Celebration of Automotive Excellence

Join the Crystal Lake Cars & Caffeine community for a fantastic day of classic and modern vehicles in beautiful, historic downtown Crystal Lake. This show is dedicated to bringing the community together for a great purpose—all net proceeds go to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry.

Stroll down Grant, Brink, and Williams streets as they fill with the area's finest cars. While you're here, enjoy the unique shopping and dining opportunities offered by our local downtown merchants.

200+
Show Cars
6,000+
Visitors
$10K
Charity Goal
Experience

Event Highlights

More than just a car show—it's a celebration of automotive culture, community, and charity.

★

Seven Award Categories

Compete for prestigious awards including Best Classic, Best Modern, Best European, Best Japanese, Best Domestic, Best Vanity Plate, and Best Interior.

♪

Live Entertainment

Professional DJ, live music performances throughout the day, an exciting engine rev competition at noon, and the awards ceremony.

♡

Family Friendly

Kid-friendly activities including face painting, RC car demos, and educational exhibits make this perfect for enthusiasts of all ages.

♨

Food & Coffee

Gourmet food trucks, local restaurant favorites, and specialty coffee from downtown shops to fuel your day of automotive appreciation.

⚓

Downtown Location

Historic Crystal Lake downtown transformed into an automotive showcase with charming shops and restaurants just steps away.

⚑

Networking

Connect with local car clubs, specialty shops, restoration experts, and fellow enthusiasts from across the Midwest.

Plan Your Day

Schedule & Awards

Everything you need to know to make the most of your experience

Event Schedule

7:30 AM Check-in & Day-of Registration
9:30 AM Registration Closes
10:00 AM Show Starts
12:30 PM Awards Ceremony
1:00 PM Show Ends

Award Categories

  • Best Classic (Pre-2000)
  • Best Modern (2000+)
  • Best European
  • Best Japanese
  • Best Domestic
  • Best Vanity Plate
  • Best Interior
Our Partners

Event Sponsors

We are grateful to the businesses that make this event possible

Be Prepared

Weather Policy

Rain or shine, we celebrate automotive passion

Light Rain

The show goes on! We're car enthusiasts—a little water won't stop us. Bring appropriate gear and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Severe Weather

If severe weather is forecasted, the event will be postponed to Sunday, May 31, 2026. Decision made by Friday 6:00 PM.

Updates

Weather decisions announced via our website, email to registered participants, and local radio (WZSR 105.5 FM).

Refunds

If the event is cancelled entirely (not postponed), full refunds will be issued within 10 business days.

Questions

Frequently Asked

What types of vehicles can participate? +
All vehicles are welcome! Classic cars, modern sports cars, muscle cars, imports, trucks, motorcycles, and anything with wheels that you're proud of. We celebrate all automotive enthusiasm. There are no year, make, or model restrictions.
Can I leave early if needed? +
For safety reasons, we ask that all show vehicles remain in place until 2:00 PM. This ensures the safety of spectators and maintains the integrity of the show. Emergency exits are available if absolutely necessary. Please inform staff at registration if you anticipate needing to leave early.
Are pets allowed at the event? +
Leashed pets are welcome! Please keep them under control at all times and clean up after them. Water stations for pets will be available throughout the venue. We ask that pets be kept away from show vehicles unless you're the owner.
Is there handicap accessibility? +
Yes, the event is fully accessible. We have designated handicap parking areas close to the show field, and all areas of the event are wheelchair accessible. Golf cart shuttles are available for those who need assistance getting around the venue.
Is pre-registration required? +
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to guarantee your spot. We have limited space for show vehicles, and historically we reach capacity before the event date. Day-of registration may be available but is not guaranteed.
From Previous Years

Gallery

Classic Jaguar XK at Crystal Lake Cars and Caffeine
Ferrari California at car show
Classic hot rod
Mazda Miata at downtown Crystal Lake
Street view of car show
Downtown Crystal Lake with cars
Classic car detail