Things To Do This Weekend August 2-4, 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 07/31/2024

fter a fantastic week at the 91st annual Lake County Fair, it's time to dive into the best activities for the weekend of August 2-4. Summer seems to fly by when you're enjoying yourself, but don't worry—there's still plenty to do in Lake County before the leaves change and the kids head back to school. Click here to discover the top 10 things to do in August. So, what's on your agenda for next weekend? Check out the top events happening from August 2-4.

1. Adler Art Center’s 43rd Annual Festival of the Arts and MainSweet Libertyville

Art enthusiasts and culture seekers are in for a treat as the 43rd Annual Festival of the Arts takes center stage at the Adler Arts Center. Hosted by the Adler Arts Center and the Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills (GMLV) Chamber of Commerce, the festival has become a staple in the local cultural calendar. It offers a unique blend of visual arts, music and family-friendly activities. As a juried art festival, the Festival of the Arts showcases a curated selection of works from talented artists, offering everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and mixed media pieces. The Cook Park fest features live performances like Dogs at Large, Lili Sanner, Joyce Renee Walker and more. Before or after filling your artistic appetite at the Adler Arts Center Festival of the Arts occurring the same weekend, pamper your sweet tooth with a stroll down the MainSweet Dessert Walk. As many as 15 vendors will be in attendance serving delectable confections including The Joyful Gourmet, Main Street Social, Sweet Home Gelato and more. For those looking to enjoy a weekend of art, desserts, music and community, the 43rd annual Festival of the Arts and MainSweet Libertyville Dessert Walk are the perfect destinations. 

Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4; Festival of the Arts: Sat.: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. MainSweet Dessert Walk: noon-3 p.m. MainSweet Admission: $20. Various locations in downtown Libertyville. Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. 
 

2. North Chicago Community Days

The city of North Chicago is set to host its Community Days, a weekend filled with fun, entertainment and community spirit. The highlight of the weekend is the Saturday night performance by SandyRedd, a powerhouse vocalist and finalist on NBC's "The Voice." Saturday’s performance is complemented by V103’s Crazy Howard McGee who is the host of the event. The three-day festival also includes other live performances. Community Days will feature a variety of activities, the weekend kicks off with a lively parade, showcasing local organizations, schools and businesses. Families can enjoy a movie in the park, a fireworks show, a cruise-in, a soccer tournament and more. North Chicago Community Days provides an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together and enjoy great entertainment.

Friday-Sunday, August 2-4. Free admission. Vision Park, 1730 Lewis Ave., North Chicago.
 

3. Venetian Night 2024 at North Point Marina

Plan for a magical evening of fun and festivities as North Point Marina hosts Venetian Night. Enjoy a day filled with crafts, delicious food, live music and a stunning evening parade of glowing decorated boats, concluding with a spectacular fireworks display. The day starts with a craft fair followed by food trucks outside Lake County Libation Trail partner Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Biergarten and musical entertainment with performances by Cam Wize, Been Reals and more. Watch as boats adorned with lights and decorations glide across the water. Venetian Night is the perfect way to enjoy a summer night with family and friends.

Saturday, August 3; noon-10 p.m. Free admission. North Point Marina, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor. 
 

4. Bier Rock Fest at Buffalo Creek Brewing

Rock out and indulge in some of the finest brews at the Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. Bier Rock Fest. The Lake County Libation Trail partner’s festivities kick off with food service, offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes from Kevin’s Creative Catering and Bad*** Bavarians, perfect for pairing with the festival's special brews. The Long Grove fest features a diverse lineup of bands including The Iron Spiders, DamJax, Full of Moxie, Timeless Ideals and more. One of the standout features of Bier Rock Fest is the release of exclusive small-batch beers. This year, attendees can look forward to the return of the fan-favorite Watermelon Wheat, a Hefeweizen infused with fresh watermelon and Mash Pit, a thiolized IPA brewed with Saaz and Cascade hops. The stein-holding contests, scheduled throughout the festival, add to the excitement. The festival also features games and raffles, with proceeds benefiting the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund. Don't miss this chance to enjoy great food, music and craft beer while supporting a fantastic cause. 

Friday-Saturday, August 2-3; Fri.: 4-10 p.m. and Sat.: 2-11 p.m. Free admission. Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove.
 

5. Lake County Road Trips

This summer, embark on a journey filled with freedom, adventure, and unforgettable memories with Lake County Road Trips. Explore Lake County’s stunning landscapes and diverse attractions at your own pace along five unique routes, each highlighting the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the region. Whether by car, bike, or on foot, create your own adventure. Register for a chance to win tickets to Six Flags Great America or a two-day stay at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, both in Gurnee. Visit Lake County also introduces Road Trip Bingo, a fun and interactive way to explore. As you travel, look for iconic landmarks, quirky sights and delicious treats to mark off on your virtual bingo card. Play vertically, horizontally, diagonally or aim for the four corners to win. Document your discoveries with photos or videos to claim your prize, which includes an overnight stay in a Lake County hotel, a road trip-themed shirt and more. Explore Lake County’s road trip itineraries – Illinois Route 21, U.S. Route 45, Illinois Route 83, Illinois Route 41 and U.S. Route 12 – and turn your road trip into a memorable game. Start planning your adventure at VisitLakeCounty.org and  “Let the Ride Take You!”

Friday-Sunday, July 12-14; Various locations in Lake County, Illinois.
 

For even more things to do this weekend August 2-4, continue here. Also, don't forget to see all the things going on this summer and the awesome prizes you could win! Click here to learn more.