Things To Do This Weekend August 14-16, 2026

By: Sam Ornig 08/13/2026

Get ready for a weekend with exciting summer events for anybody and everybody. Animal lovers can visit the newly-renovated farmyard at Lambs Farm while music lovers sway to sweet sounds at Summerfest in Grayslake. Spice up your weekend at Highwood's Bloody Mary Festival and indule in live music, dance and local dishes celebrating community and cultural diversity at Afrofest. Honor nature with a whole lot of festive activities at Zion's Zinnia and Monarch and Bees Too Festival or treat your tastebuds to the best ribs in the region at Little Bear Ribfest in Vernon Hills.  

Let's take a look at the top things to do in Lake County this weekend, August 14-16, 2026.  

1. Lambs Farm Barn Open With New Expansion

After more than a year of construction, the newly renovated Lambs Farm barn is opening on August 15, complete with an expanded farmyard. Now’s your chance to visit with the resident goats, cows, horses and other animals in their upgraded home. The Green Oaks/Libertyville attraction offers exciting farm fun, like play dates with all of the critters, yoga nights, festivals, mini golf, shopping sprees at the Cedar Chest Thrift Shop, delectable eats at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery and Sugar Maple Country Store & Bakery and much more. While you’re visiting, consider adding a new furry friend to your own family and stop by the Dogwood Garden and Pet Center for house pet adoptions and supplies. Lambs Farm Industries in Libertyville is a business that offers benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit LambsFarm.org.

Saturday-Sunday, August 15-16; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $12. Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville.

2. Grayslake Summerfest

Spend your Saturday at Grayslake’s Summerfest, featuring a parade, live music, thrilling rides, carnival games and so much more! The parade kicks off the festivities at 2 p.m., followed by live music at 3 p.m. through the evening. With food trucks like College of Lake County, BBQ’d Productions, Dog’n’Suds and Serna’s Grill & Monster Gyros, a beer tent and wine from Glunz Family Winery, you’ll be sure to leave with satisfied tastebuds and a full stomach. Live tunes will fill the air including headliners 7th Heaven and Boy Mob and more. Celebrate the finale of summer with this annual family-friendly event! Learn more at GrayslakeVillageCenter.com.

Saturday, August 15; Parade starts at 2 p.m., festival follows until midnight. Free admission. Historic Downtown Grayslake, between Center and Whitney Streets, Grayslake.

3. 16th Annual Bloody Mary Fest in Highwood

Visit Highwood and celebrate a classic brunch beverage at the 16th annual Bloody Mary Fest on August 16. Taste-test variations of the beloved cocktail as mixologists from bars and restaurants across the region showcase their most creative concoctions and compete for the title of “Best Bloody Mary in the Midwest.” Prepare for one-of-a-kind creations ranging from more traditional recipes to adventurous inventions with a variety of spirits and unique garnishes. This event isn’t just for Bloody Mary-lovers — attendees can also enjoy live music perfect for dancing, beer, food and artisan vendors. Find more information at CelebrateHighwood.org/BloodyMaryFest.

Sunday, August 16; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission with food and drinks available for a cost. Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood.

4. Afrofest at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago

The high-energy Afrofest is back at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago, promising a day filled with live music, dance and local flavors. The annual celebration will feature a packed performance schedule of R&B, gospel and spoken word, culminating with a headlining performance by Mike De’Cole. In addition to music, attendees can enjoy dishes from local food vendors. Afrofest is designed to highlight local talent, celebrate cultural diversity and bring the community together in a vibrant outdoor setting. For additional information, visit LCFPD.org/afrofest.

Saturday, August 15; 2-7 p.m. Free admission. Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago.  

5. Zinna and Monarch Fest and Bees in Zion

Celebrate the pollinators at the annual Zinnia, Monarch… and Bees Too Festival in Zion August 15-16. This two-day event features live music, a 5k and kids run, nature-focused crafts, the Butterfly Dance with Potawatomi Trails Pow Wow and much more. Kids can enjoy activities like the Bubble Bash, face painting and a balloon artist, while the grown-ups learn about bee-keeping, practice flower arranging and shop the craft fair. Spend the weekend honoring nature with family-friendly fun in a scenic outdoor setting. For further details, visit ZinniaAndMonarchFestival.com.

Saturday-Sunday, August 15-16; Sat: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun: 1-5 p.m. Free admission. Zion Park District Band Shell, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion.  

6. 15th Annual Little Bear Ribfest in Vernon Hills

Indulge your tastebuds in the best ribs in the region at the 15th annual Little Bear Ribfest. Experience two days of food, music and community at this renowned Vernon Hills festival that features local vendors serving ribs, a wide selection of beer and wine and a bourbon tasting for adults. New this year, the event kicks off with some country line dancing with Kickin’ It With Carole on Friday night, followed up by a line-up of award-winning musicians including headliners Vegas McGraw and The Grady Experience playing throughout Friday and Saturday nights. All proceeds benefit the Vernon Hills Park District's Family Scholarship Program, which helps residents in need access recreational programs. Full festival details are available at VHParkDistrict.org/Little-Bear-Ribfest-Brews-BBQ.

Friday-Saturday, August 14-15; 5-11 p.m. Admission costs $6 with food and beverages available for purchase. Century Park Arboretum, 1002 Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills.  

Find more things to do this weekend. Looking to enjoy the great outdoors? Visit our Summer Outdoor Guide.