Things To Do This Weekend September 2-5, 2022
By: Nick Borowitz 09/01/2022
With Labor Day right around the corner, there is ample opportunity to get out and experience Lake County. These are the things to do this weekend September 2-5, 2022.
Don't forget, #LetsSnapLakeCounty photo contest kicks off soon. Click here to see the rules and requirements.
Spooks and Spirits: Lake County Autumn Celebration has something for the whole family.
Dance to a variety of tunes, watch the fireworks and learn something new about the different cultures that make Lake County a unique place to reside. Here are the things to do this weekend September 2-5, 2022.
1. Hurricane Harbor Chicago Season Ends
Chase a big wave on a hot day because Hurricane Harbor Chicago closes their gates after Labor Day. The Gurnee fun zone features 25 different attractions inside the water park that will keep families entertained for the three-day weekend. Ride the Tsunami Surge, the world’s tallest water coaster standing at 86 feet. Drop down the 48-foot Mega Wedgie, to give your brain a twist. Surf and hang ten on the Surf Rider. The unique splash course is the classic surfboard experience coasting on the water jets. Hurricane Harbor Chicago has a large selection of dining choices, including more restaurants located in Six Flags Great America. Tickets start at $30 for one day. Entrance into Six Flags Great America requires a separate ticket purchase. Visit SixFlags.com or VisitLakeCounty.org for more information.
Friday-Monday, September 2-5; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission starting at $30. Food, souvenirs and beverages will cost extra. Hurricane Harbor Chicago, 1 Great American Pkwy., Gurnee.
2. Festival Fiestas Patrias, End of Summer and Labor Day Fireworks in Mundelein
Celebrate Mexican culture and the end of summer in downtown Mundelein this weekend. The local extravaganzas start with the End-of-Summer and Labor Day Fireworks Celebration at Kracklauer Park on Friday. Food vendors from Mundelein will be serving their unique fare and local DJ Shah Quaiyoom provides the music. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. The Festival Fiestas Patrias En Mundelein starts Saturday at Village Hall as an early observance of Mexican Independence Day. The Latin-heritage festival features a visit from dignitaries of the Mexican Consulate in Chicago along with mariachi bands, a talent competition and colorful costumes. The festival is highlighted by a wide array of food selections, a parade, carnival rides and artisans selling their wares. Admission to the Latin celebration is $15 and runs through Labor Day. Visit MundeleinParks.org and Mundelein.org for more information.
Friday, September 2; End-of-Summer and Labor Day Fireworks Celebration: 6-9 p.m., Admission: free. Saturday-Monday, September 3-5; Festival Fiestas Patrias En Mundelein: Sat.: 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Mon.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission: $15. Food, souvenirs and beverages will cost extra. Kracklauer Park, 116 N. Lake St., Mundelein. Mundelein Village Hall, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein.
3. Irish Days in Historic Downtown Long Grove
The eyes will smile and the kilts will twirl at Irish Days in Historic Downtown Long Grove. The cèilidh celebrates all things Irish and is highlighted by live tunes, dancers, fare and libations, doggos, contests and more. A variety of incredibly talented groups such as the McNulty School of Dancers, Dillon School of Dance, Hogan Irish Dancers, and the Larking and Moran Brothers cut a rug. The Men’s Legs in a Kilt Contest shows off who has the best scotch eggs at the festival. Enter the pup in the Irish Dog Competition where the most discerning of children will select which canines makes the cut for the parade and award ceremony. Admission and parking for Irish Days is free. Visit LongGrove.org for more information.
Saturday-Monday, September 3-5; Sat.: 10 a.m.-8 pm., Sun.: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission and parking: free. Food, souvenirs and beverages will cost extra. Various locations around Historic Downtown Long Grove.
4. Bitter Jester Music Festival Grand Finale and Diana Ross at Ravinia Festival
Highland Park is a haven for music this weekend with legendary singer Diana Ross and the conclusion of the Bitter Jester Music Festival (BJMF). Diana Ross performs at Ravinia Festival and features special guest Naturally 7 and Rhonda Ross. The Tony and Grammy award-winning, singer and actress performs hits from her six-decade career as a solo artist and the lead of renowned group, The Supremes. BJMF features the 12 final bands in the last day of performances for the festival at Madame ZuZu’s Teahouse, where the competition began and the winner is going to be determined. The free-admission, BJMF finale encourages donations for the HP Business Recovery Fund that benefits the establishments affected by the July 4 events. Basic lawn seating tickets for Ross’s Ravinia Festival performance start at $49. Visit BitterJesterFoundation.org and Ravinia.org for more information.
Sunday, September 4; Bitter Jester Music Festival: 4 p.m., Bitter Jester Music Festival free admission with donations welcome. Madame ZuZu’s Emporium, 1876 First St., Highland Park. Diana Ross: 6 p.m. Admission: $49-$155 for Ravinia Festival tickets. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park.
5. Bristol Renaissance Faire Season Ends
The Bristol Renaissance Faire is celebrating the end of their 35th season this weekend. The attraction, just north of the Lake County border, features immersive 16th Century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music and one-of-a-kind encounters with a spectacular cast of characters. Sixteen open-air performance areas play host to jousting, sword fighters, minstrels and jesters, which are all included in the price of admission. Visitors can indulge in 130 different merchants selling various merchandise and souvenirs. Faire food staples like turkey legs, fried chicken, butterfly shrimp, burgers, hot dogs and other selections are available for purchase. Beverages and refreshments are available for purchase such as root beer, sarsaparilla, different juices, artisan soda creations and libations for attendees ages 21 and older. Free water stations are located throughout the grounds. Preferred parking near the front gate is $10 and general parking is $5, separate from admission. The “Olde” English faire is open through Labor Day. Visitors can secure tickets in advance at RenFair.com/Bristol.
Saturday-Monday, September 3-5; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission: $15-$30, free entry for children ages four and under. Parking: $5-$10. Food, souvenirs and beverages will cost extra. Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, WI.
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Experience Lake County in Autumn with our Spooks and Spirits Celebration.
For more things to do this weekend, click here.
