Memorial Day Weekend in Lake County 2026

By: Sam Ornig 05/15/2026

On Memorial Day, we remember and commemorate the brave soldiers who have fallen in battle to uphold our freedoms. To those of our readers that have been or are in the military, we thank you for your service.

Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day as a way to honor those who died in the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers. The day has evolved to honor any military personnel who have fallen during service. 

As we commemorate our military members and pay tribute to their lives, we also celebrate having a Monday off during the peak of spring. From Memorial Day parades and ceremonies to live music performances and outdoor beer garden trips, you'll be able to make the most out of your three-day weekend. Embrace the sunshine, light up your sparklers and remember those who died protecting our freedoms while kicking off summer in the land of lakes.

Here are some of the top things to do during Memorial Day weekend in Lake County.

Memorial Day Parades, Ceremonies and Remembrances in Lake County

• Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Grayslake INFO»
• Memorial Day Ceremony in Lake Zurich INFO»
• Memorial Day Commemoration in Lincolnshire INFO»
• Memorial Day Parade in Lake Villa INFO»
• Wauconda Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony INFO»
• Waukegan Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony INFO »
• Memorial Day Parade in Winthrop Harbor INFO »
• Memorial Day Beach Bash at Lindy's Landing INFO »
• Live Music: The Flat Rats at Black Lung Brewing Grayslake for Memorial Day INFO »

National Museum of the American Sailor 

The National Museum of the American Sailor is one of the most perfect places to visit on Memorial Day weekend. The museum is located in the heart of Naval Station Great Lakes, one of the country’s oldest naval bases and the United States’ only naval boot camp. Learn about everything from the branch's history and uniforms to the origins of naval tattoos. Get a peek into life as a sailor.

Lake County Food Truck Festival (May 22)

Food fanatics, get ready for a food truck frenzy at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake. Taste delicious fare and unique creations from some of Lake County's best food trucks as they serve up wonderous wood-fire pizza, seafood, sliders, confections and so much more. Bring your appetite — the festival is open from noon to 9 p.m. 

Spring Carnival at Hawthorn (May 21-25) 

Spend your three-day weekend at Hawthorn's Spring Carnival, with rides and games for the whole family. The Midway features over 40 attractions, with thrill rides, family rides and kiddie rides fit for all ages. Play carnival games like the Water Gun Fun Water Race and Dart Balloon for a chance to win prizes. Don't miss out on classic fair foods, like Funnel Cakes and Sno Cones.   

'Heartbreak Hotel' at Marriott Theatre (select days through May 31)

Catch a performance of Marriott Theatre's "Heartbreak Hotel," the official bio-musical of Elvis Presley. Featuring over 40 Elvis hits and iconic songs including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog," follow the story of Elvis as his younger self guides him through pivotal moments of his life that led him to become “The King of Rock and Roll.” Celebrate this rock star who forever changed the history of music and culture.  

Aida Rodriguez Live at American Place Casino (May 23)

Comedian Aida Rodriguez hits the stage at American Place Casino's Laughs at the Lighthouse on May 23. Enjoy a comedy show that feels like a real conversation. With her Puerto Rican upbringing and New York City vibes, Aida brings honesty, a little chaos and a lot of laughs to her audiences, finding humor in her own personal struggles and experiences. Aida has made her mark with her HBO Max special "Fighting Words" and Netflix’s "They Ready" (handpicked by Tiffany Haddish and Wanda Sykes). Joining her is special guest Carmen Morales seen on HBO, Showtime, Hulu and more.   

#LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest 

While you're off in Lake County at festivals, parades, beer gardens and more, capture your adventures for the #LetsSnapLakeCounty photo contest! Showcase your best videos and images of Lake County for a chance to win exclusive prizes and have your work featured in future Visit Lake County tourism marketing materials. Send us up to five of the best snaps you've taken in Lake County. We accept all submissions, but are especially interested in the following six categories:

1. Outdoor Photos
2. Family/People Imagery
3. Dining/Libations
4. Lake County Events
5. Video
6. Other Travel Culture (like architecture, downtown areas, drone, etc.).  

With a Grand Prize Winner and a winner for each category, you have seven chances to win awesome prizes. Submissions accepted through June 30.

Lake County Libation Trail 

Lake County is renowned for its breweries, distilleries and wineries. From beer and wine to vodka and whiskey, our locally grown, crafted and distilled adult beverages are designed to dazzle and educate the most discerning tastes. More than 25 stops to enjoy for tours, tastings and specialty cocktails.

Beer Gardens in Lake County

• Beer Garden at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville INFO»
• Jesse Oaks Food and Drink in Gages Lake INFO»
• Buffalo Creek Brewing's Biergarten in Long Grove INFO»
• Harbor Brewing's Lakefront Craft Biergarten in Winthrop Harbor INFO»

Beaches Open Memorial Day Weekend in Lake County

• Lakefront Park in Fox Lake INFO»
• Jones Island Beach in Grayslake INFO»
• Rosewood Beach in Highland Park INFO»
• Waukegan Municipal Beach INFO»
• Foss Park Beach in North Chicago INFO»
• Paulus Park Beach in Lake Zurich INFO»
• Illinois Beach State Park INFO»

More things to do Memorial Day Weekend in Lake County

• Take a weekend tour of Volo Bog. INFO»
• Walk with a Naturalist at Ryerson Woods. INFO»
• Enjoy a quiet Sunday stroll through Wright Woods. INFO»
• See the hottest drill, drum and dance teams from across the nation at Drill or Die 2K26 (5/23). INFO»
• Check out the Gurnee Comic Book and Collectibles Show at The Ten Hotel & Convention Center (5/24). INFO»
• Learn to fly with your co-pilot and take flight as you explore the world's wonders without leaving Lake County at Extreme Flight Simulator in Gurnee. INFO»
• Get the giggles out at Improv Playhouse Theater in Libertyville to catch an improv show on Saturday. INFO»
• Make a memorable splash at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee this Memorial Day weekend. INFO»
• Lay down a straight flush with a vet at a Texas Hold'em table at American Place Casino in Waukegan. INFO»
• Make it a point to cycle your way and view the village's growth at the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum. INFO»
• Head back to the future or ahead to the prehistoric age (that seems off, but we'll go with it) at Volo Museum and Jurassic Gardens. INFO»
• Work on your bounce at Launch Gurnee highlighted by the trampolines you know and love, a ninja course, an arcade, virtual reality and so much more. INFO»
• Bully your dad, mom, siblings and their significant others as you collide at Vernon Hills' WhirlyBall for bumper car lacrosse. INFO»
• Are you hooked on fishing? Reel in the "catch of the day" on one of the land of lakes 75 inland lakes. INFO»
• It’s all in the hips. Make your tee times at Kristof's Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach before you hit the big boy golf courses. INFO»
• FORE! Challenge your bestest buddy to a round of big kid golf at one of Lake County’s many courses. INFO»
• Coast down world-class thrill rides at Six Flags Great America. INFO»
• Stargaze in Lake County. INFO»

Find more things to do in Lake County during Memorial Day weekend.

See the top things to do in May.