45+ Ways to Treat Dad to a Happy Father's Day in Lake County 2026

By: Sam Ornig 06/11/2026

With Father's Day right around the corner, now's the time to figure out your weekend plans and all the ways you're going to spoil Dad this year. Whether your father envisions a relaxing round of golf, a leisurely brunch, thrilling outdoor adventures or cherishes quality time with family, this guide curates more than 45 ways to celebrate the amazing dads in your life in Lake County. From unique dining experiences and live entertainment to outdoor festivities and fun-filled family activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Check out all the ways to treat Dad to a Happy Father's Day in Lake County! All of these events run from June 18-21. 

Father's Day Weekend Events in Lake County

• Compete in the Father's Day Fishing Derby in Fox Lake (6/20) or the Family Fishing Derby in Lake Zurich (6/21).
• Celebrate your father figure at Volo Museum's Father's Day Fest June 20-21, featuring Power Wheels Drag Races (6/20), dinosaur adventures, family activities and more! While you're there, check out Artisan Fair, featuring more than 40 vendors selling anything from jewelry and collectibles to handmade treats (6/20). The Volo Museum offers fun for everyone, with a vintage car exhibit, Titanic gallery, Jurassic Gardens dinosaur park and more, so it's a perfect place to take Dad no matter what you choose to do. INFO» 
• Spend Father's Day morning exploring Skokie Lagoons at Father's Day Coffee and Canoes in Highland Park. INFO» 
• Give Dad the gift of a classic summer carnival and take him to Libertyville Days Festival and Parade. With thrilling rides and games, delicious eats, live entertainment and drinks in the beer garden, Dad's sure to have a blast all weekend long (6/18-6/21; parade on 6/20). INFO»
• Jam out with Dad to classic Dave Matthews Band songs, performed live by the cover band Ants Marching at Gorton Center in Lake Forest (6/19). INFO»
• Head to Fox Lake's Friday Night Live, where you can simultaneously buy your Dad a gift from the artisan market and dinner from a local food vendor while enjoying the musical magic of Simply Elton, performing some of Elton John's biggest hits (6/19). INFO»
• See live dance performances by Fred Astaire ballroom dancers at the Summer Cabaret at Brothers' Field (6/19). INFO»
• Enjoy a premier dining and musical experience at the Taste of Highland Park, with over a dozen local vendors showcasing delicious cuisine and a 20th-anniversary showcase of the Bitter Jester Music Festival (6/19-6/20). INFO»
• Check out the Zion Nostalgia Days, an annual festival with a large car show, live entertainment, shopping, food trucks and more (6/19-6/20)! INFO»
• Is Dad a soccer fan? Find all the places to enjoy the FIFA World Cup in Lake County. INFO»
• It's not too late to get tickets to see The Avett Brothers and Mike Patton Present AVTT/PTTN at Genesee Theatre, blending folksy Americana, theatrical pop and experimental rock for an unforgettable show (6/20). INFO»
• Experience the local art scene at ArtWauk in Waukegan. Each month is unique, with art exhibits, musicians, performances showcasing the arts (6/20). INFO»
• Spend your weekend at Lake County's PrideFest, a free, family-friendly event with local food and artisan vendors, live music, a drag show, games for kids and more (6/20)! INFO»
• Celebrate Father's Day and Juneteenth at Black Outside: Juneteenth Lake County Parade and Festival in Waukegan, with live music, food, a pageant, raffles and more (6/20). INFO»
• Gather the whole family for an outdoor adventure on a farm at Saturday Family Camp, meeting animals, playing games and working on team-building activities with those closest to you (6/20). INFO»
• Treat Dad to an evening of laughs seeing comedian Paul Rodriguez at American Place Casino (6/20). INFO»
• Dance the night away to classic rock hits from the 70s and 80s seeing Electro Retro play at Brothers' Field (6/20). INFO»
• Challenge Dad to to a summer cornhole tournament at Bags, Brews and BBQ at BBQ'd Productions in Lake Zurich. Sign up for the tournament and enjoy smoked wings, drinks and the patio atmosphere at exciting event (6/20). INFO»
• Head to Gurnee Mills for a special "Toy Story 5" screening. Tickets include a limited edition pin and free popcorn, in addition to a special showing of the film. INFO»
• Looking for a more educational film? Head to the Little Fort Film Festival in Waukegan, a two-day festival featuring films about topics like climate change, environmental protection, and pollution (6/20-6/21). INFO»
• Listen to the tunes of roots musician Chris Vallillo at Lake County Folk Club's monthly concert on June 21. INFO»

Cheers to Dad: Brunches, Brews and more!

• Drink up! Visit Grayslake's 12th Annual Craft Beer Festival to test some of the area's best brews, including some of our very own Lake County Libation Trail partners (6/20). INFO»
• Take Dad to a special Father's Day brunch at Lambs Farm's Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, where he'll also receive free admission to the Farmyard (6/21). INFO»
• Treat Dad to an inspiring culinary experience by attending The Craft of Brining: Bone-In Pork Chops cooking class at The Joyful Gourmet (6/19). INFO»
• For the Dad who loves to grill or simply enjoys a fantastic meal, surprise him with an Argentinian Steakhouse Cooking Class at Taste Buds Kitchen (6/20). INFO»
• Experience an indulgent Father's Day with savory burnt ends with a sweet and spicy glaze, followed by a 16oz. wet-aged Kansas City Strip loin and wildberry cobbler at American Place Casino (6/21). INFO»
• Celebrate Father's Day by giving Dad to a delicious brunch at Beelow's Steakhouse in Lake Zurich (6/21). INFO»
• Experience an exceptional dinner for Dad at Perry's Steakhouse & Grille in Vernon Hills with special offerings like the 22 oz. Bone-in Caramelized Prime Rib, a 3-Course Pork Chop Sunday Supper and more (6/21). INFO»
• Share a toast with Dad as you explore the diverse offerings along the Lake County Libation Trail. INFO»
• Satisfy Dad's sweet cravings with delightful treats from Covered Bridge Creamery in Long Grove, Long Grove Confectionery Company in Buffalo Grove, Lovin Oven Cakery in Antioch, Ma and Pa's Candy in Long Grove, Tony Cannoli in Mundelein, Oberweiss Ice Cream in Gurnee and Suzy's Swirl in Lake Bluff. INFO»
• Visit our Dining Guide to see even more eatery options for Dad, from breakfast or burgers to tacos or Italian! INFO»

More Ways to Treat Dad

• Collaborate with Dad to create a stunning glass planet masterpiece at Mundelein's Peter Patterson Glassworks. INFO»
• Enjoy an evening of spontaneous humor and witty remarks from talented comedians at the Improv Playhouse in Libertyville. INFO»
• Hit the links with Dad at one of Lake County's many excellent golf courses. INFO»
• Challenge Dad to a fun bowling showdown and determine the true champion at Kristof's Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach. INFO»
• Give Dad the ultimate flying experience with a 15 percent discount on the NG737 simulator at Extreme Flight Simulation in Gurnee. INFO»
• Enjoy a peaceful evening adventure paddling through Independence Grove Forest Preserve with Dad. INFO»
• Be captivated by the beauty of over 500 butterflies from four continents at Chicago Botanic Garden's Butterflies & Blooms exhibit. INFO»
• Engage in a spirited and unique game of bumper car lacrosse with Dad at WhirlyBall in Vernon Hills. INFO»
• For thrills and excitement, spend the day riding roller coasters and enjoying attractions at Six Flags Great America. INFO»
• Enjoy a relaxing day by the water at one of Lake County's beautiful beaches. INFO»
• Take Dad out for a serene day on the water, whether it's fishing, cruising or simply enjoying the views from a boat on one of Lake County's lakes. INFO»
• Explore scenic trails and enjoy nature with Dad on a refreshing hike in Lake County's forest preserves. INFO»
• Experience the tranquil waters of Lake County by renting kayaks for a peaceful paddle with Dad. INFO»
• Catch a fantastic theatrical performance at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. INFO»
• Visit to the National Museum of the American Sailor to learn about the the U.S. Navy. INFO»

Find more events happening this month, and see the full Lake County summer festival schedule.