Things To Do This Weekend June 26-28, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 06/24/2026

Summer in the suburbs means sun-drenched afternoons, the sweet smell of festival food and the familiar soundtrack of community celebrations echoing through local parks. As June winds down, several towns are rolling out the red carpet for a weekend packed with community spirit, historic milestones and classic summer fun. From strawberry-infused treats and bustling carnivals to early patriotic parades and dazzling fireworks displays, there is no shortage of ways to get outside and celebrate.

Let's look at things to do this weekend June 26-28, 2026.

1. Long Grove's Annual Strawberry Fest

Long Grove's Strawberry Fest is built around a fruit and community. The Historic Downtown Business Association hosts its annual Strawberry Fest in historic downtown Long Grove. The beloved summer tradition celebrates strawberry season in all its forms, welcoming visitors into the charming downtown district for a weekend of food and whatever strawberry concoction the vendors have dreamed up this year. All proceeds benefit projects to improve the downtown. For scheduled events, visit longgrove.org.

Friday-Sunday, June 26-28; Fri.: noon to 11 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sun.: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission is $7 per day (ages 12 and under are free). Discounted admission prices are available only when purchasing three-day passes online. Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.

2. Celebrate Fox Lake: America 250 at Lakefront Park

Fox Lake is pulling out all the stops for its annual Celebrate Fox Lake event on Saturday, June 27, this year carrying the America 250 banner. The day packs in a parade, a classic car show, food and an evening fireworks celebration. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. The classic car show runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with awards presented at 1 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided by Grant Community Baseball and Softball and the Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Fireworks cap the evening beginning at dusk. For more information, visit foxlake.org.

Saturday, June 27; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free admission. Lakefront Park, 10 Riverview Ave., Fox Lake.

3. American Independence Parade in Waukegan

The Waukegan Park District presents the 2026 American Independence Parade on Sunday, June 28, stepping off along Sheridan Road from Franklin Street north to Jack Benny Drive. This year's theme: "Waukegan Celebrates 250 Years of America," and the grand marshal selection reflects that civic spirit: Bonnie Brook Golf Course, a Waukegan institution, leads the procession. For details, visit waukeganparks.org.

Sunday, June 28; Parade begins at noon. Free admission. Waukegan Park District, Sheridan Rd. from Franklin St. to Jack Benny Dr., Waukegan.

4. Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks

The Grayslake Park District hosts the Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks on Saturday, June 27. The annual event brings food vendors, carnival rides, live music and a fireworks finale to one of the summer calendar's most reliable community events. Brass on Fire opens the music from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by Modern Day Romeos from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks close out the evening at dusk. Learn more at glpd.com.

Saturday, June 27; 3 to 10 p.m. Free admission. Unlimited ride wristband is $28 per person. Grayslake Central Park, 250 Library Lane, Grayslake.

5. Wauconda Fest: Rock With the Best

Four days. Live entertainment, food, beer, wine, carnival rides, a craft show, a car show and more. Wauconda Fest leaves little to the imagination. The weekend's programming includes a bags tournament Saturday afternoon for adults 18 and older at $30 per team. An art and craft fair runs Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a car show fills the same window from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a full schedule of events and entertainment, visit waucondaparks.com.

Friday-Sunday, June 26-28; Fri.: 5 to 10 p.m., Sat.: 5 p.m. to midnight, Sun.: noon to 9 p.m. $5 cash admission at the gate for all four days. Cook Park, 600 Main St., Wauconda.

 Click here to see more things to do this weekend June 26-28, 2026.