Things To Do This Weekend May 22-25, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 05/21/2026

Memorial Day weekend in Lake County arrives this year with something for everyone and a few things nobody will see coming. There is a particular rhythm of a holiday weekend done right: loud and bright on one end, still and deliberate on the other, with plenty of room in between.

Let's take a look at what's happening in Lake County this Memorial Day weekend. May 22-25, 2026.

1. Drill or Die 2K26 Competition in Zion

Every year, thousands of performers across the country dedicate countless hours to mastering an exacting, high-energy art form that blends military precision with artistic expression. Drill and drum competitions occupy a distinct corner of American performance culture — rooted in precision, showmanship and the kind of team cohesion that takes years to build.This year, that dedication takes center stage in Zion as the nation's top talent from 11 different states gather for one of the most anticipated events on the competitive calendar. North Chicago native, Sameia Charity-Hicks and the Elite Striders host Drill or Die 2K26, their annual drill, drum and dance competition. MC Jay Fever from the hit show “Bring It” will be in attendance and Chicago musician and producer BenOne will perform a live set. The Zion-Benton Township High School event also is highlighted by fare and a live DJ. The competition serves as an annual fundraiser for the Elite Striders, the Zion-based team behind the event. Tickets are available at the door or visitors can purchase them prior to attending at EliteStridersDrillTeam.com.

Saturday, May 23; 1 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 21st St., Zion.

2. Lake County Food Truck Festival in Grayslake

The Lake County Food Truck Festival returns to the Grayslake grounds for its fourth year on Friday, May 22. Indulge your taste buds during a full afternoon and evening of food trucks, live music, a beer garden and family-friendly entertainment at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center. The food truck lineup of over 30 establishments spans savory meals to sweet treats, with a variety of vendors expected to cover most appetites and cravings across the nine-hour run. Enjoy treats from Dog 'n' Suds Grayslake, Pizzeria DeVille and more. Live tunes will fill the air as Acousticatz perform from noon-3 p.m., while the festivities close with the Dixon Bandits performing from 6-9 p.m. Entry to the Lake County Food Truck Festival is free, while parking passes are available in advance at LCFairgrounds.com.

Friday, May 22; noon to 9 p.m. $8-$10 parking per vehicle. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.

3. Wauconda Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

The Wauconda Memorial Day Parade, organized by American Legion Post 911, celebrates its 75th anniversary, stepping off from Cook Park and winding through downtown before concluding at the intersection of Illinois Route 176 and Main Street. A Memorial Day remembrance ceremony follows. The parade has grown over the years, but under the stewardship of Joe Munson and American Legion Post 911, it has become the one of the largest Memorial Day parades in Lake County. The parade is less a scheduled event than a standing appointment with gratitude. Details are at ALPost911.org.

Monday, May 25; 10 a.m. Free admission. Cook Park to Memorial Park, 555 N. Main St., Wauconda.

4. Spring Carnival at Hawthorn

The Ferris wheel is back. Experience the Spring Carnival at Hawthorn running May 22-25. The five-day carnival features a kiddie midway, spectacular rides, family favorites and the full traveling carnival experience — the kind of warm-weather tradition that turns a May evening into something a little more memorable. The carnival provider, Fantasy Amusement Co. has been providing safe, clean family fun since 1985. The carnival is located at the Vernon Hills mall’s northwest parking lot near Macy’s. Details are at VisitHawthorn.com.

Friday -Monday, May 22-25; Friday: 6 p.m. to close, Saturday-Monday: 2 p.m. to close. Unlimited ride specials start at $32 per person. Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills.

5. Memorial Day Commemoration in Lincolnshire

The Lincolnshire Memorial Day Commemoration is a hometown tradition that draws residents together each year to honor those who gave their lives in military service and recognize the veterans who served alongside them. The ceremony carries the quiet weight of a community gathered not for entertainment, but for gratitude. At the close of the commemoration, the Boy Scouts will conduct an American flag retirement ceremony for worn tapestries, while residents are invited to bring their dated stars and stripes or drop them off at Village Hall before the event. Details are at LincolnshireIL.gov.

Monday, May 25; 10 a.m. Free admission. Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive, Lincolnshire.

To see more things to do this weekend May 22-26, 2026, click here.