Things To Do This Weekend June 21-23, 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 06/20/2024

Local showcases of tasty cuisine, live music, and family fun are featured in this edition of things to do this weekend, June 21-23. Find all the fun things to do in Lake County including exciting festivals, shopping and sips! 
Time in the water with friends and family is one of the greatest things about summer. Learn more about the beaches in Lake County by clicking here. 

Let's look at Lake County's top five things to do this weekend, June 21-23. 

1. Strawberry Fest in Historic Downtown Long Grove

Immerse yourself in Long Grove Strawberry Fest, a three-day extravaganza celebrating summer's favorite fruit! Festivalgoers can indulge in a variety of strawberry-themed treats and drinks from local artisans. Beyond the culinary delights, Strawberry Fest offers carnival rides, live music on three stages and plenty of family activities. The festival boasts an impressive live music lineup, featuring a diverse range of performers across all three days including bands like Kashmir, Of Perception: A Doors Tribute, Hi Infidelity and more. The festiviesties are also highlighted by pie eating contests, dance demonstrations, a magic show, a carnival arts and crafts and more. For event updates, visit LongGrove.org. Don't miss out on the chance to celebrate summer at the Long Grove Strawberry Fest.

Friday-Sunday, June 21-23; Fri. noon-11 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m.-6 p.m. Admission starts at $5 per day. Kids ages 12 and younger receive free entry. Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.

2. Taste of Highland Park at The Lot

Get ready for a weekend of free, live music and delicious food at the Taste of Highland Park festival! Taking place at The Lot, the Taste of Highland Park boasts an impressive musical lineup, featuring internationally-touring platinum recording artists Dishwalla and Spin Doctors will headline with a variety of other musical guests. Over 14 premier Highland Park restaurants will be on-site, offering a wide variety of culinary delights. From Mexican and Indian cuisine to American classics and vegetarian options, including Indus Progressive Indian Dining, Pixca, Curt’s Cafe and more. Wash it all down with a selection of adult beverages featuring Lake County Libation Trail partners Lynfred Winery, Ravinia Brewing Company and more. For more information, visit EnjoyHighlandPark.com. Don't miss this exciting new event that promises to become a Highland Park summer staple.

Friday-Saturday, June 21-22; 5-10 p.m. Free admission. The Lot, 525 Central Ave., Highland Park. 

3. Grayslake AuthorFest 2024 at Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

Calling all bibliophiles – head to AuthorFest at the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum. Prepare for a day brimming with books, creativity and community spirit. This free event brings together over 40 local authors, including John Cowlin, Debra Oas, Kelly Kay, Malcolm Newsome and more. Browse the booths of craft and food vendors, have your face painted or unleash your inner poet by contributing to the magnetic word wall. Artsy activities and a fun typewriter poetry station are sure to spark inspiration, while a photo station allows you to capture memories of the day.  Aspiring poets can take part in the open mic session, while aspiring authors can gain valuable insights from the Indie Author Panel. Grayslake AuthorFest is a chance to celebrate the joy of reading and writing, connect with fellow book lovers and support local authors. For more information, visit GrayslakeVillageCenter.com. Let the literary fun begin!

Saturday, June 22; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake.

4. Sip, Slip and Shop Wine and Beer Tasting with Boat Show and Vendor Fair in Fox Lake

The Chain O'Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Sip, Slip and Shop Wine and Beer Walk at Fox Lake's scenic Lakefront Park. This exciting event promises a delightful day filled with delicious tastings, live music, shopping and stunning lakefront views. The event boasts 20 tasting tables overflowing with a selection of drinks by Lake County Libation Trail partners 9th Hour Brewing of Lake Villa, Black Lung Brewing Co. of Fox Lake and Round Lake Beach and and more. Take a break from sipping and explore the Boat Showcase, 20 vendors offering a diverse range of products or relax and enjoy the live music. Don't miss out on this exciting event. Visit ChainOLakesChamber.com for more information and tickets. 

Saturday, June 22; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Boat Show and Craft Fair Only Tickets: $10-$15. Wine and Beer Walk Admission: $45-$55. Lakefront Park, 69 Nippersink Rd., Fox Lake. 

5. TUBA Fest at Roaring Table in Lake Zurich

“Baaaaa dum.” The ever-slow approach of the tuba intro from the motion picture 1975 thriller “Jaws” makes way for Roaring Table Brewery’s Tuba Fest. The Lake Zurich festival commemorating the brew house’s award-winning Tuba Solo IPA release for the year, kicks off Saturday afternoon. The festivities are highlighted by a dunk tank to try and make owners Beth, Lane and Ryan, Mamma Mia Pizza serving up pies on sight and live tunes from Paige Hargrove. Not to mention, Roaring Table’s 24 beers they will serve as well as the renowned Tuba Solo. The Roaring Table beer received accolades in  2021 as “Editors’ Picks for Best 20 Beers” by the “Craft Beer and Brewing” magazine. Proceeds for the dunk tank support of Reach Rescue Inc. of Mundelein. Visit the eclectic Lake Zurich craft brewery for the release of its crown jewel beer. For more information, visit RoaringTable.com.

Saturday, June 22; noon-11 p.m. Roaring Table Brewery, 739 W. Illinois Route 22, Lake Zurich. 

For more things to do this weekend, June 21-23, 2024, click here.