Things To Do This Weekend May 31-June 2, 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 05/30/2024

Check out the vibrant happenings in Lake County this weekend! Whether you're a local looking for exciting adventures or a visitor eager to explore, there's something for everyone! From cultural festivals like the Deerfield Art Festival and the Waukegan Pride Parade to serene escapes like Butterflies and Blooms at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Lake County offers a diverse array of experiences. For families seeking outdoor fun, don't miss the Fox Lake Police Bike Rodeo, while those craving indoor excitement can dive into the Summer Camp-In extravaganza at Great Wolf Lodge. Join us as we uncover the best ways to make the most of your weekend in Lake County.

1. Deerfield Art Festival

Art enthusiasts and families are gearing up for a vibrant weekend as the Deerfield Art Festival returns to Park Avenue. With an impressive lineup of 100 talented artists, live music, interactive activities, delicious food and drinks, this event promises to be a feast for the senses. The festival will showcase a diverse array of original artwork spanning various mediums and styles. The event is also highlighted by live painting classes where participants can create their own masterpieces and a kids art zone, featuring everything from spin art to sand sculpting and coloring. For more information and updates, visit AmdurProductions.com.

Saturday-Sunday, June 1- 2; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Deerfield, Park Avenue, between Jewett Drive and Hazel Avenue, Deerfield.

2. Waukegan Pride Parade and Festival in Downtown Waukegan

Get ready to paint the town with all the colors of the rainbow as the City of Progress hosts the Waukegan Pride Parade and Festival. Following the vibrant parade, the Pride Festival offers a kaleidoscope of activities and entertainment to celebrate pride in style. From live performances by talented artists and musicians to thrilling games and activities with the chance to win fantastic prizes. One of the festival's highlights is the Instagram Photo Booth, where attendees can capture their favorite moments and share their pride with the world. With over 50 vendors and resource booths, the festival also offers a diverse array of merchandise, crafts and information from various organizations. Attendees can explore the booths, connect with the community and discover resources that support LGBTQIA+ empowerment and equality. For further details visit WaukeganFriends.org.

Saturday, June 1; 2-7 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Waukegan, Parking Lot D, Clayton and Sheridan Streets, Waukegan.

3. Butterflies and Blooms at Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe

Nature enthusiasts and curious souls are invited to immerse themselves in a medley of colors and fluttering wings at the Butterflies and Blooms exhibit. Open now through Labor Day, this captivating showcase of nature's beauty promises a mesmerizing experience for visitors of all ages. Butterflies and Blooms exhibit unfolds within a sprawling 2,800-square-foot mesh enclosure and visitors can view into the pupa room. Here, the life cycle of butterflies and moths unfolds before their eyes, offering a rare glimpse into the wonders of the insect’s transformation. From the radiant hues of species native to South America, Asia, Africa and North America to the delicate flutter of those indigenous to Illinois, the exhibit offers a glimpse into the rich diversity of the butterfly. For more information, visit ChicagoBotanic.org.

Friday-Sunday, May 31-June 2; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., last entry 6:30 p.m. Admission starts at $17.95. Parking starts at $10. Chicago Botanic Garden,1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

4. Fox Lake Police Bike Rodeo at at Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department at Bingo Hall

The Fox Lake Police Department gears up for its annual Fox Lake Bike Rodeo. In collaboration with the Village of Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Department and the Lake County Forest Preserve Police, this educational event aims to equip children ages 12 and under with essential bike safety skills just in time for the summer season. One of the events is an optional three-mile group ride on the bike path leading into the Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside. Led by the aforementioned officers, this ride offers participants a chance to put their newfound skills into practice while exploring the scenic beauty of the area. Throughout the event, informative stations manned by knowledgeable patrol people will provide hands-on learning experiences for participants.  For more information, visit FoxLake.org.
 

Saturday, June 1; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free Admission. Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department Bingo Hall, 114 Washington St., Ingleside. 

5. Summer Camp-In at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee

At Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, the excitement reaches new heights with the much-anticipated Summer Camp-In celebration. At the heart of the experience lies the Gurnee resort’s iconic indoor water park, where guests can splash, slide and swim to their heart's content. With slides, pools and attractions suitable for every age and thrill level, the water park offers a refreshing respite from the summer heat, heated to a comfortable 84 degrees year-round. Guests can dive into a daily schedule of free events and activities, from poolside dance parties to character appearances, from arts and crafts to mini-golf and rock climbing, the Northwoods them park and accommodation offers a slew of exciting things to do.. Summer Camp-in runs daily through August 5. For more information, visit GreatWolf.com.

Friday-Sunday, May 31-June 2. Room and water park passes begin at $219 per night. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.

For more things to do this weekend May 31-June 2, 2024 CLICK HERE.