Things To Do This Weekend September 13-15, 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 09/11/2024

It's the perfect time to embrace the fall season and explore the myriad of activities that await in Lake County this weekend. From witchy brews to outdoor adventures, from indulging in seasonal culinary delights to immersing yourself in arts and culture, there's no shortage of experiences to savor.

Here are the top five things to do this weekend September, 13-15. 

1. Spooks and Spirits Lake County Autumn Celebration

As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp breeze fills the air, Lake County invites you to immerse yourself in a spellbinding fall tradition. The Spooks and Spirits Lake County Autumn Celebration, running from September 13-October 27, kicks off a six-week celebration of all things autumn, blending family-friendly fun, spooky thrills and seasonal beverages from Lake County’s acclaimed Libation Trail. Pumpkin farms, corn mazes, haunted houses, fall festivals, scary-good brews, wines and spirits and so much more round out this annual autumn party.. With Halloween just around the corner, visitors can also stay up-to-date on the latest events and exclusive travel packages by visiting VisitLakeCounty.org/Spooks. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Throughout October, brew, wine and spirit enthusiasts can take part in the Spooks and Spirits Check-In Challenge. By checking in at five or more participating locations along the Lake County Libation Trail, participants will be entered to win exciting prizes. Whether you're here for the family fun or the artisanal libations, Lake County’s autumn charm will leave you enchanted.

Friday-Sunday, September 13-15. Various locations in Lake County.

2. Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS at Six Flags Great America  

Get ready for a spine-chilling experience as Fright Fest, presented by SNICKERS®, returns to Six Flags Great America. This annual Halloween celebration transforms the theme park into a world of haunted horrors. During the day, families can experience a wide range of Halloween-themed entertainment, including seasonal shows and a variety of kid-friendly activities at the Gurnee amusement park’s Kids Boo Fest. Fright Fest features several haunted houses, scare zones, live shows designed to test your courage as well as spine-tingling roller coasters. Live shows include classics such as Love at First Fright, The Ringmaster’s Cabaret, The Witching Hour and more. With new haunted houses like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Stranger Things and SAW: 20th Anniversary there’s plenty of monsters lurking around every corner, waiting to give you the scare of a lifetime. To add to the fall festivities, Six Flags Great America also is highlighted by it Oktobefest on select days where visitors can delight in German-inspired cuisine and drinks. The autumn celebrates also feature a FANTA Beetlejuice Beetlejuice party featuring the film’s characters brought to life in a spectacular sky show over the Looney Toon, PEANUTS and DC Comics theme park. Whether you’re venturing through the haunted attractions or braving the coasters under the cover of night, the atmosphere will leave you breathless. Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS, Kids Boo Fest and Oktobefest all run on select days through November 3. 

Saturday-Sunday, September 14-15; Sat.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Admission: Starts at $39, haunted attractions require separate admission. Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.

3. 15th Annual Bourbon and Beer Festival in Grayslake

Visit Grayslake this weekend as local favorite The Vine Martini and Wine Bar hosts its 15th Annual Bourbon and Beer Festival. What began over 17 years ago as a cozy bourbon tasting to celebrate The Vine's anniversary has since transformed into a must-attend fall festival. This year's event promises an unforgettable evening of live music, delicious food and an impressive selection of craft beverages. Attendees can indulge in over 40 beers from more than 20 breweries, alongside 80 unique types of whiskey to sample. With an expanded lineup of food vendors and even cigar options, the festival offers something for everyone—from casual drinkers to whiskey aficionados.

Saturday, September 14; 7-10 p.m. Admission: $25-$80. The Vine – Martini and Wine Bar, 101 Center St., Grayslake.

4. Decades at The Lot in Downtown Highland Park

Step into a time machine as The Lot in downtown Highland Park transforms into a nostalgic celebration of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s at the Decades Music Festival. Headlining entertainers will take festival-goers on a journey with Four Man’s Band, 7th Heaven, The Disco Circus and more. For an extra dose of fun, explore the interactive “Decades of Music” trail scattered throughout downtown Highland Park, offering a musical adventure through local businesses. To cap off the night, stick around for a Decades-themed drone show that promises to light up the sky in retro style. Whether you're a fan of disco, rock or pop, Decades is the ultimate throwback experience. 

Saturday, September; noon-10 p.m. Free admission. The Lot, 523 Central Ave., Highland Park. 

5. Rock the Block in Lake Zurich

The Village of Lake Zurich hosts its highly anticipated 11th Annual Rock the Block. Rock the Block invites attendees to dine, dance and discover the charm of downtown Lake Zurich. The outdoor festival features three live bands, with performances kicking off with Heart to Heartbreaker, Hello Weekend and 7th Heaven. In addition to the entertainment, local vendors will offer a wide range of food and beverages, creating the perfect atmosphere for adults to enjoy a night of fun under the stars.

Saturday, September 14; 5-11 p.m. Free admission. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.

6. “The Cottage” at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest

The Citadel Theatre is set to bring a splash of Broadway glamour to Lake Forest with its upcoming production of “The Cottage.” This comedy that promises to deliver belly laughs and uproarious fun. Written by Sandy Rustin, a Glenview native and Northwestern University alum, “The Cottage” is a riotous comedy that blends betrayal and desire into a plot full of twists and turns. The script weaves an outrageous tale that revolves around a woman's bold attempt to reveal her latest affair. Now, Citadel Theatre Company is bringing this theatrical gem to their stage, promising a fresh, local twist on the comedic spectacle. ”The Cottage” runs on select days through October 13.

Saturday-Sunday, September 14-15; Sat.: 7:30 p.m. and Sun.: 3 p.m. Tickets start at $48. Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest. 

For more things to do this weekend, September 13-15, 2024, click here.