Guide to Summer Food Truck Events and Car Shows 2025

By: Sam Ornig 05/20/2025

As we gear up for a summer filled with fun events, family activities, fabulous food and refreshing drinks, here's a look at this year's lineup of car shows and food truck events in Lake County. Whether you're a car buff, self-proclaimed foodie or both, it's guaranteed you'll find the perfect event each week to keep your summer satisfactory. 

Stay up-to-date on summer events all season long — read our blog and visit our events page. 

Car Shows

Car enthusiasts, get ready for a lineup of car shows throughout Lake County this summer. Whether you compete with your own hot rod or prefer to peruse the classic cars on display, there isn't a shortage of opportunities to check out your favorite vintage vehicles. 

• Wauconda Cruise Nights are family-friendly and free for both spectators and cruisers. Wauconda's Main Street becomes a spectacle with over 700 vehicles on display and food available to purchase. Held 5-8 p.m. June 17, July 15 and August 19. INFO»
• Fox Lake kicks off their Independence Day celebration early with Celebrate Fox Lake on Saturday, June 28. This all-day event begins with a parade at 10 a.m., followed by a car show, live music, fireworks and more! INFO»
• Join the fun at the Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show at Zion Nostalgia Days, with over 600 vehicles competing for trophies and on display for spectators. Mark your calendar for June 13-14, and don't miss the car cruise, live music and delicious food vendors. INFO» 
• MainStreet Libertyville is bringing back the summer series CarFun on 21 for its 21st season. From May to September, this car show is held once a month and features trucks, cars and motorcycles 25 years or older. INFO» 
• Rev your engines and get ready for the 13th Annual Lambs Farm Car Show in Libertyville on Sunday, July 27. With food, beer, live music and so many cool cars on display, this event is a yearly hit. INFO»

• Visit Mundelein once a month through September for the annual Park on Park Cruise Nights, held on the second Wednesday each month. This event specializes only in cars from before 1977, so you'll get your fill on the best classic cars. INFO»
• Beelow's Steakhouse in Lake Zurich is bringing their Car Show back for summer 2025 on Sunday, July 27. Can you think of a better combination than steak and muscle cars? INFO»
• One of Lake County's summer staples, Scoop Waukegan, is back July 11-12 with a collection of classic and custom cars on display and "scooping" in the parade. INFO»
• Head to the Lake County Fairgrounds for Slammedenuff Car Show Chicago, with cool cars showcased indoors and outdoors. This year's show is held on Sunday, July 29. Sign up to compete or buy tickets to spectate. INFO»
• Celebrate the summer at Vernon Hills Days, four days of fun featuring carnival rides, delicious food, fireworks and, of course, a car show. Held July 17-20. INFO»
• Explore Gurnee's annual car show benefiting two great local causes: The Shield 23 Foundation and the Gurnee Police Social Lodge's Shop with a Cop program. INFO»
• Head back in time and relive the golden age of automobiles on Saturday, September 6, at the Vintage Car Show at The Lot in Highland Park. Enjoy live music, activities for kids, food, drinks and more while viewing a collection of nostalgic vehicles. INFO»

Food Truck Events

The best thing about summer food truck events? Getting to taste a variety of fare, from tacos and pizza to Korean BBQ and empanadas. Check out these events and prepare your tastebuds for some epic eats.  

• Bring your appetite to the Lake County Food Truck Festival the Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center. From noon to 9 p.m., devour anything your heart desires from the many food trucks available, including savory meals and sweet treats. (May 23) INFO»
• Fox Lake is introducing a brand-new summer event series, Friday Night Live, starting in June. Featuring a farmer's market, live music and delightful fare from food trucks and vendors, this is sure to become a summer "must" for your family. INFO»
• Brother's Field in Long Grove has a lineup of events this summer that pair delicous food with live music, great company and a Tiki Bar to give you memorable summer nights. INFO»
• Grab something different on your lunch breaks this summer and head to Van Vlissingen's Food Truck Thursdays at the Lincolnshire Corporate Center. Food trucks are available from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on select dates through September. INFO»

• North Chicago invites you to join them every second Thursday from May through October for Food Truck Nights. With food trucks specializing in Mexican food, soul food, comfort foods and more, everyone in the family will enjoy a scrumptious night out. INFO»
• Deerfield's Food Truck Wednesdays summer series is back, and with two events each month in June, July and August to give you double the fun and double the yum! INFO»
• With over a dozen food trucks, live music and the perfect summer atmosphere, head to Food Truck Thursdays at Ravinia District starting in June. INFO»
• Enjoy a day of delicious food and live music at the Antioch Annual Food Truck Event on Saturday, June 14. INFO»
• Mark your calendar for Fiesta Ravinia, the grand finale of the Ravinia Festival season, celebrating Mexican culture through amazing authentic food, dance and musical performances, family activities and more. INFO»

Find upcoming events and read our blog for more summer fun in Lake County.