Things To Do This Weekend September 6-8, 2024

By: Jonathan Jones 09/04/2024

Besides the weather being virtually perfect, there is a slew of other things to experience in the land of lakes in this installment of top things to do this weekend September 6-8.

From music, art and sales in Libertyville, to outdoor movies, to mazes, this jam-packed festival weekend is seriously loaded. Don't forget to plan your September before summer is over. Here are the top things to do this weekend September 6-8 in the land of lakes.

1. Mundelein Art Festival  and Miracle on Mundelein

The Village of Mundelein is loaded with enticing events for individuals of all ages. "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see," said French Impressionist Edgar Degas. The decade-plus-three-old Mundelein Arts Festival will showcase the talents of 45 exceptional artists and craftspeople spanning various mediums. The Mundelein Community Connection and the village's parks and rec department juried festival will award makers in six categories. The Courtland Commons art party will also showcase works by Mundelein and Carmel Catholic High Schools. Live music will be heard throughout the fest, highlighted by local musicians like Mary Lai, Prairie Sky, Doug Blake and more. Across town, RISE Mundelein again hosts its The Miracle in Mundelein Festival. The cannabis consumption fest, which permits only individuals ages 21 and older features a laundry list of renowned musicians, including Wiz Khalifa, Raekwon and GZA of Wu-Tang Clan (with The Soul Rebels), Slightly Stoopid, The Rebelution, Shwayze, and more. “The Miracle” permits cannabis consumption within the perimeter of the fenced areas. The Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa, is a 10-time Grammy-nominated rapper known for hip-hop anthems like “Black and Yellow,” “We Dem Boyz,” “Young, Wild and Free,” and more. Raekwon and GZA, also emcees from renowned New York-based Staten Island borough Wu-Tang Clan have rocked stages since the mid-1990s. Wu-Tang is known for songs like “C.R.E.A.M,” “Protect Ya Neck,” and countless others; however, “The Chef” (Raekwon) and “The Genius” (GZA) are known for their own catalog as well as duets. Both Mundelein festivals run on Saturday and Sunday. Visit MundeleinCommunityConnection.org and TheMiracleConcert.com for further details and tickets respectively. 

Saturday-Sunday, September 7-8. Arts Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Miracle: Doors Open at 2 p.m. both days. Arts Festival Admissions: Free. Miracle Tickets start at $84. Mundelein Arts Festival, Courtland Commons, corner of Seymour Avenue and East Courtland Street, Mundelein. The Miracle in Mundelein, RISE Mundelein, 1345 Armour Blvd., Mundelein. 

2. Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove

Get lost in a maize of maze or a bouquet of blossoms as Richardson Adventure Farm kicks off its season with its “World’s Largest Corn Maze” and Sunflower Festival. The Spring Grove grounds’ acclaimed labyrinth spans 33 acres of land and has 11 miles of trails. This year’s theme celebrates the agricultural, construction and tech company prowess of John Deere. The Land of Lincoln-based corporation design highlights the farm’s roots (utilizing their products), tractor patterns, a hammer and anvil, John Deere himself, and more. This life-sized puzzle will have visitors exclaim, “Nothing Runs Like Deere” – you can also navigate your way through the company’s motto etched in the maze. The Spring Grove Farm is also throwing a flower-power party with detailed trails through a 13-acre field. The sunflower trail is highlighted by 24 varieties, including yellow-headed, red multi-branched, orange, peach, and gold blossoms. The festivities include a beer and wine tent, carousel rides, yard games, live tunes, and a gift shop. The sunflower fields are open through September 24. Admission includes a free single sunflower to take home. Besides the famous maze, the Adventure Farm features another five mazes, a zip line, a pumpkin patch, ORBiting rides (a ride inside a giant 11-football), live pig races, a wooded picnic area, free campfires, pedal carts, pedal trikes, a goat farm, a corn cabin and wagon rides. Richardson Adventure Farm is open on select days through Sunday, October 27. For more details, visit RichardsonAdventureFarm.com.

Saturday-Sunday, September 7-8; Sat.: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sun.: noon-9 p.m. Admission: $20-$24. Richardson Adventure Farm, 909 English Prairie Rd., Spring Grove.

3. Tom Jones at Ravinia

You may be saying, “What’s New Pussycat?” when entering Highland Park this weekend. “It’s Not Unusual” as British legend Tom Jones makes his way to the Ravinia Festival stage. Jones has graced stages for over six decades and has sold over 100 million records. The 84-year-old also was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his services to music. The Grammy Award and two-time Brit Award winner is known for the aforementioned Billboard Chart-toppers as well as “Delilah,” Thunderball,” “Green, Green Grass of Home,” “She’s a Lady,” “Sex Bomb” and more. Take a trip to the country’s longest-running outdoor music festival as the season winds down and catch the tunes of the blue-eyed soul singer. For tickets, visit Ravinia.org. The Highland Park Festival runs just a few more days, concluding on Sunday, September 15.

Saturday, September 7; 8 p.m. Tickets: $54-$155. Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. 

4. Reclaimed Artisans Inc. Fall Outdoor Market

Invest your fest feels in a festival-infested Libertyville. Kick off the weekend with First Fridays on MainStreet Libertyville, highlighted by various downtown area special offers, delectable drinks, mouth-watering eats, live entertainment and more as visitors peruse through the local mom-and-pop shops. Improv Playhouse features its First Friday Funnies as renowned comedians grace the stage for a knee-slapping BYOB event. The Joyful Gourmet provides countless deals, a wine bar, complimentary appetizers and a live performance by Chris Calhoun. After a jam-packed Friday, head back to Libertyville and reclaim hour home décor at the Reclaimed Artisans Inc. Fall Outdoor Market. Visit Libertyville’s home decor store and over 40 other outdoor dealers selling vintage items, painted furniture, barnwood items and more. Experience entertainment, fare vendors and drinks, live tunes and more. Reclaimed Artisans Inc. Fall Outdoor Vintage Market only accepts cash or checks. 

First Fridays: Friday, September 6; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Downtown Libertyville, various locations on Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville. Fall Outdoor Vintage Market: Saturday, September 7; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Reclaimed Artisans Inc., 302 Peterson Rd., Libertyville. 

5. Movie Night at Deer Park Town Center

Visit Deer Park Town Center and see the smash-hit movie under the stars. The Lake County open-air mall hosts its final outdoor movie night of the year featuring “Migration,” starring the voices of actors and actresses Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina, Danny DeVito and more. The story follows a family of ducks who try to convince their dad to migrate to Jamaica. The quacktastic-mallard movie is rated PG and is meant for youngsters. Besides the myriad shopping options you could visit pre-show, the Deer Park Town Center event also features face painters, a balloon artist, yard games and more. Visitors are encouraged to support on-site eateries as no outside fare or libations are permitted. So, pack the blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the outdoor flick. 

Friday, September 6; 6-9 p.m. Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park.

For more things to do this weekend August 6-8, continue here. To see all of the top happenings in August, click here.