Things To Do This Weekend June 5-7, 2026

By: Sam Ornig 06/04/2026

Lake County is kicking off summer this weekend with an exciting array of events featuring some of the best food and music in the Land of Lakes. With Antioch's Taste of Summer Festival, Highwood's Summer Kick-Off Carnival and Mundelein's 13th Annual Craft Beer Festival, prepare to satisfy each and everyone of your cravings. Attend the opening weekend of Bitter Jester Music Festival's 20th season and Fox Lake's Friday Night Live concerts and dance the night away with some of the best local bands around. Everyone from foodies to music lovers and everyone in between can enjoy all the Lake County has to offer this weekend. 

Let's look at things to do this weeknd June 5-7, 2026.

1. Taste of Summer Festival in Antioch

Antioch’s Taste of Summer Festival returns with four days of delicious food, exciting entertainment and endless fun for the whole family. Spend a day in downtown Antioch shopping, riding carnival rides, eating delectable fare and dancing to live music. In celebration of America 250, this year’s festival features a special “Taste of America” experience, with each vendor offering a $2 “Taste of America” item. Before each performance, bands will discuss their musical style and its connection to United States history, then play a patriotic favorite to kick off their sets. Hunt for Patriotic Rubber Duckies hidden in participating shops during Taste of Summer, June 4–7. Find a duck, get your hangtag signed and bring it to the Antioch Chamber Booth to claim a prize! With an array of food vendors including Dubai Drizzle, Brat Stop, Cheesecake and Co., Ed’s Taste of Soul and Rivalry Alehouse, everyone’s tastes and cravings will be satisfied. For more information, visit AntiochChamber.org.

Thursday-Sunday, June 4-7; Thursday: 4-10 p.m., Friday: 4-10 p.m., Saturday: Noon-11 p.m., Sunday: Noon-6 p.m. Free admission; fees for food and rides. Downtown Antioch, Skidmore Drive and Orchard Street, Antioch. 

2. Bitter Jester Music Festival

Bitter Jester Music Festival is returning this weekend for the opening of its 20th season of live summer concerts! Join in the fun June 5-6 and 12-13, and for the Grand Finale Concert on June 27 which the latter will be hosted by NPR show “Wait, Wait! Don’t Tell Me” Host Peter Sagal. This family-friendly event is the nation’s oldest and largest professional multi-state music competition, showcasing talented emerging solo musicians and bands from across the Midwest, United States and parts of Canada each year. To celebrate its two decades in existence, this year’s judges are returning Bitter Jester alumni who will select the winner each week. The four winners will advance to the Grand Finale Concert, along with four additional “Wild Card” bands selected by festival producers. Visit and discover your new favorite band and celebrate Bitter Jester’s 20th season with captivating live music for audiences of all ages. Learn more at BitterJesterFoundation.org.

Friday-Saturday, June 5-6; 5:30-10:30 p.m. Free admission and free parking. Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave., Highland Park. 

3. Highwood Kick-Off to Summer Carnival

Visit the community of Highwood in celebrating the arrival of summer with the annual Kick-Off to Summer Carnival, featuring all your favorite carnival foods, rides and games. Nothing screams “summer” more than a sweet funnel cake and a ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl! With ambient carnival lights, festive energy and great entertainment for all ages, there’s no better way to kick your summer off right. For more information, go to CelebrateHighwood.org.

Friday-Sunday, June 5-7; Friday: 5-10 p.m., Saturday: 1-10 p.m., Sunday: 1-8 p.m. Unlimited Ride Specials for $30 per person per session Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Prime Time Ride Specials for $35 Friday and Saturday per person per evening 5:30-9:30 p.m. Downtown Highwood Metra Station Parking Lot, 406 Sheridan Rd., Highwood.. 

4. 13th Annual Mundelein Craft Beer Festival

Cheers—it’s time to raise a glass to Mundelein’s 13th annual Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, June 6. Experience an afternoon of flavor, music and community, with dozens of Chicagoland breweries in attendance showing off their creative brews. Lake County Libation Trail partners featured at the fest include Tighthead Brewing Co. of Mundelein, 9th Hour Brewing and Harbor Brewing Co. of Lake Villa (and Winthrop Harbor), Black Lung Brewing Co. of Fox Lake and Grayslake, Broken Tee Brewing Co. of Highwood, Buffalo Creek Brewing of Long Grove, Roaring Table Brewery and Phase Three Brewing Co. of Lake Zurich and Mickey Finn’s Brewery of Libertyville. Sample unique drinks while listening to local bands and indulging in delicious food from local food vendors. Play games and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you support local businesses and community programs. Sip, sample and celebrate—Mundelein style. To learn more, go to MundeleinCommunityConnection.org.

Saturday, June 6; 1-5 p.m. Designated Driver tickets cost $17.85, Full Access tickets cost $55.20. Courtland Commons, 400 E. Courtland St., Mundelein.

5. Friday Night Live in Fox Lake Opens

Fox Lake’s Friday Night Live is back with a high-energy opening night on June 5! The weekly concert series features an artisan market, food trucks and, of course, live music. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening with Kashmir, Chicago's very own Led Zeppelin Show. Wear your favorite band gear to browse fresh produce and handmade goods, eat tasty food from local vendors and dance the night away at Lakefront Park. Visit FoxLake.org for more details.

Friday, June 5; Market open 5-8 p.m., live music plays 7-9 p.m. Free admission. Lakefront Park, 10 Riverview Ave., Fox Lake.

 Click here to see more things to do this weekend June 5-7, 2026.