Things To Do This Weekend August 18-20, 2023
By: Jeff Randolph 08/16/2023
Staycations and plenty of fun are on the docket as we head into the twilight of summer. We can look at some activities with this list of things to do this weekend, August 18-20, 2023.
We've compiled a list of things to do in Lake County over Labor Day Weekend. To check it out, click here.
Don't forget to explore the land of lakes road trips. Continue here to learn more.
Let's look at Lake County's top five things to do this weekend, August 18-20.
For nearly two decades, Waukegan has celebrated a festival named for the mastermind behind "Fahrenheit 451" and "Martian Chronicle" – Ray Bradbury. The annual Ray Bradbury Dandelion Wine Arts & Music Festival remembers Waukegan's favorite son and champions local and regional arts. The City of Progress's park district party features a variety of art mediums, live music, dance, and the drum circle, "As Waukegan Grows." Visit and experience this Bowen Park festival as it coincides with ArtWauk. The city's famed ArtWauk "paints" the town with sculptures, film, theatre, comedy, music, performance art, food, and more. The free admission Saturday art event opens the doors to all art galleries throughout Waukegan. Fill your artistic void with the ever-extravagant monthly ArtWauk in Downtown Waukegan. In addition to the portraits, sculptures, and other creative vibes, munch on some delicious dining options downtown or feel the flow of the tunes from the live entertainment.
Saturday, August 19; Dandelion Wine Arts and Music Festival: 11 a.m.-4:51 p.m. ArtWauk: 5-9 p.m. Dandelion Wine Arts and Music Festival at Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan. ArtWauk in Downtown Waukegan.
Summertime and ribs have an excellent relationship together. Taste what's cooking at the Little Bear Ribfest at Vernon Hill's Century Park. Besides Lake County's "best ribs in show," explore the live entertainment, kid's events, firework show, and other exciting activities at the 10th installment of the barbecue event. Boogie to the fantastic tunes of Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hell Raisers, Mississippi Heat, Rocky Athas, and Kevin Purcell & The Night Burners. Attendees can purchase libation tickets at the foodie fest until 10:30 p.m. Bon appétit, Lake County!
Friday-Saturday, August 18-19; 6-11 p.m. and 4-11 p.m. Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Pkwy., Vernon Hills.
Grayslake Summer Days is one of the last festivals of the season in Lake County. This family-fun festival features live entertainment, carnival games, bingo, beer tents, arts & crafts, delectable eats, a bags tournament, a business booth area, the Summer Days Parade, and go-cart races. Remember to find a good spot on Whitney Street for the Bike and Pet Parade at noon on Saturday and the Summer Days Parade at 6:30 p.m. that night. The music lineup includes Hillbilly Rockstarz, Two Hype Crew, Boy Band Review, and more.
Friday-Saturday, August 18-19; 5-11:55 p.m. and noon-11:55 p.m. Various locations in downtown Grayslake.
Experience the beauty and grace of everyone's favorite flower and insect. The Zion Park District hosts its inaugural Zinnia and Monarch Festival. The duet box social is highlighted by food trucks, live music from the Latin band Salsavera, a butterfly release, a piñata, costume, and coloring contests, education for visitors of all ages, and more. All festivities are hosted at the Zion Band Shell, and in case of rain, the festival will be moved indoors to the exact location. Visit ZionTownship.org for more information.
Saturday-Sunday, August 19-20; Zinnia Festival 1-7 p.m. Monarch Festival 1-5 p.m. Zion Park District Band Shell, 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion.
Experience a hoedown at Brothers' Fields as Historic Downtown Long Grove hosts Country Fest. The boot-scootin' party features a mechanical bull, eats from Chatterbox of Long Grove, country dance lessons from "Kickin' it With Carol," and all the live music you can ask for. The tiki bar opens at 2 p.m. Strawdawg Acoustic Band and Two Beer Tommy Band perform live. Brothers' Field's BBQ Food Truck will serve delectable eats from its food truck from 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, August 19; 2-10:30 p.m. Brothers' Field, 340 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.
For more things to do this weekend, August 18-20, click here.
