Things To Do This Weekend July 10-12, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 07/09/2026

Summer in Lake County is about to hit high gear. Whether you want to hear the roar of classic engines, watch high-flying hounds dive into giant pools, or lose yourself in the rhythms of classic rock and Cuban jazz, the upcoming weekend offers an escape for every subculture. From the pavement of Waukegan to the shores of Lake Zurich, local communities are rolling out the welcome mat for a multi-day celebration of regional culture, athletic grit and pure entertainment.

If you are looking to plan your perfect July weekend, look no further than these five premier events happening right in your backyard.

Now, let’s dive into the top five things to do in Lake County this weekend, July 10-12, 2026.

1. Scoop Waukegan 2026

Downtown Waukegan will transform into a rolling museum of chrome, candy-coated paint and community pride, marking the return of Scoop Waukegan. The two-day festival, affectionately known as Waukegan’s "Hot Rod Holiday," will take over, reviving a treasured cruising tradition that has defined local automotive culture for generations. Free to participants and limited to the first 1,000 classic and custom cars, the cruise gives drivers a chance to do what they do best: show off their pride and joy as they roll through the heart of the city. Whether you are looking to admire a thoroughly restored 1950s Chevy, enjoy some live music or simply reminisce about the golden age of American cruising, downtown Waukegan is the place to be. For event updates and maps, visit ScoopWaukegan.com.

Friday-Saturday, July 10-11; Fri.: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat.: Noon to 9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Waukegan, Genesee and Water Streets., Waukegan.

2. Lake Zurich Triathlon at Paulus Park

Hundreds of athletes will gather on the shores of Paulus Park as the ET Lake Zurich Triathlon kicks off. The quiet of dawn will soon give way to the splashing of swimmers and the measured clicking of bicycle gears. Competitors will face off across three disciplines, each geared to different endurance levels: the Olympic triathlon (1500 meter swim 40K bike and 10K run), the Sprint Triathlon (750 meter swim, 22K bike and 5K run) and the Duathlon (5K run, 40K bike and a second 5K run). For registration details, course maps and more, visit LakeZurichTriathlon.com.

Sunday, July 12; 6:30 a.m. Registration starts at $175. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd. Lake Zurich.

3. 17th Annual Dog Days of Summer in Libertyville

The 17th annual Dog Days of Summer returns to the heart of downtown Libertyville with an energetic celebration of all things canine. The multi-day event centers around a massive, temporary outdoor pool that serves as the stage for one of the country's most thrilling animal spectacles. Hosted by DockDogs, a nationally recognized canine aquatics organization founded in 2000, the competition brings national track-and-field-style objective standards to the world of water-loving hounds. Spectators can expect to see dogs of every shape and breed launching themselves through the air across three primary disciplines: “Big Air,” “Extreme Vertical” and “Speed Retrieve.” The most versatile athletes on the dock will compete for the coveted "Iron Dog" title. The weekend benefits local pet rescues and food pantries, making this celebration of man's best friend both impactful and entertaining. For schedule information, visit DockDogs.com.

Friday-Sunday, July 10-12; Fri.: 11 a.m., Sat. and Sun.: 9 a.m. On-site registration starts at $42. Downtown Libertyville, West Church Street, Libertyville.

4. Billy Idol at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park

Billy Idol’s unmistakable snarl and bleached-blond hair take center stage at the Ravinia Festival. His powerhouse anthems like “Rebel Yell,” “White Wedding” and “Dancing with Myself” made him a definitive, chart-topping fixture of the MTV era. This summer tour represents a deeply reflective new chapter for the rock icon, who has spent nearly 50 years in the spotlight. Whether relaxing on the lawn with a picnic or packed into the pavilion, concertgoers will witness a true survivor of rock 'n' roll, proving he is back. This weekend also highlights grand opening night featuring Chicago Symphony Orchestra highlighted by pianist Ynchan Lim and pop/rap star Lizzo on Saturday and Steans Institute Series at Bennett Gordon Hall. For ticket availability, visit the official Ravinia.org.

Sunday, July 12; 7 p.m. Tickets start at $70. Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park.

5. Brothers’ Field Havana Nights in Long Grove

Brothers' Field will transform into a tropical oasis as it hosts "Havana Nights." The Long Grove outdoor venue is prepared to deliver an immersive artistic escape packed with live music, dancing, premium cigars and island-inspired cocktails. The spirit of midcentury Cuba is coming to the suburbs, bringing the vibrant rhythms of Havana's golden age straight to Lake County. Attendees will enjoy a DJ Tiki Bar playlist, followed by a dedicated Happy Hour featuring a signature Havana cocktail. Fred Astaire Dance Studio instructors will lead a Latin dance class, making way for Chicago's traditional Cuban band, Los Perros Cubanos, to perform live from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Neumann's Cigars will be on-site, offering premium cigars throughout the entire event. For more information, visit BrothersFieldLongGrove.com.

Saturday, July 11; 3 to 11 p.m. Free admission. Brothers’ Field, 340 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove. 

For more things to do this weekend, July 10-12, 2026, click here.