Things To Do This Weekend August 21-23, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 08/20/2026

August in Lake County does not slow down. It never really does. The weekend of Aug. 21-23 brings some of the summer's most eclectic stretches of events. There is no single thread connecting all of it, and that is precisely the point. Lake County in August looks like a wide, varied and genuinely worth showing up for.

Before the summer is over, be sure to take part in the Reel Lake County Challenge, where individuals can win an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee or a $300 VISA card. Also, you can register for a chance to win four free tickets to Six Flags Great America for when the park turns to spooky in the fall. 

Plan your visit to Lake County as we take a look at the the top five things to do this weekend August 21-23.

1. Potawatomi Trails Pow Wow in Zion 

The drums, the regalia, the dancers moving through patterns that carry centuries of meaning- it’s an experience that reminds you how much of the world exists beyond your ordinary field of vision. The Potawatomi Trails Pow Wow returns to Shiloh Park Friday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 23, bringing dancers, drum groups and community members of every background together for celebration, culture and connection. Throughout the weekend, speakers and demonstrators offer education on Native culture and traditions. Dancers of every category are welcome; showcase songs invite anyone with steps to share them and drum groups of all experience levels are encouraged to attend. Details are available at zionparkdistrict.com.

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 21 to 23; Fri.: 3 to 9 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun.: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free Admission. Shiloh Park, 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion.  

2. 26th Annual Dandelion Wine Festival in Waukegan

The Waukegan Park District hosts the 26th Annual Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine Arts and Music Festival at Bowen Park. The family-friendly festival falls on what would have been Bradbury's 106th birthday and honors the science fiction and fantasy legend whose memories of Waukegan wove their way into some of his most celebrated work. "Dandelion Wine" is among Bradbury’s most admired novels, and is rooted in the summers of his Waukegan boyhood, making the park named for the book a fitting place to gather each August. The festival brings together art vendors: painters, sculptors and photographers, alongside live performances from Jessica Brown, Jeff "Jazzman" Justman, the Brame Brothers Jazz Quintet and more. The Arts Park Program lets attendees make their own art, while the Haines House Museum at Bowen Park opens for free self-guided tours. Details are at waukeganparks.org.

Saturday, Aug. 22; Noon to 6 p.m. Free admission. Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan.

3. Highland Park Vintage Car Show

The past and the future share a parking lot this August in Highland Park. The Highland Park Vintage Car Show brings together antique models, muscle cars, hot rods and pop culture vehicles for a four-hour celebration of automotive craftsmanship. A live radio broadcast and local food vendors round out the afternoon. This year's event will feature a larger display and adds an electric vehicle showcase alongside the classic collection. Details are at enjoyhighlandpark.com.

Saturday, Aug. 22;  Noon to 4 p.m. Free admission. St. Johns North Lot, 525 Central Ave., Highland Park.

4. Brothers' Field Country Fest in Historic Downtown Long Grove

Friday is the warm-up. Saturday turns it up. Sunday lets it breathe. Country Fest at Brothers' Field knows exactly what kind of weekend it wants to be. Friday's Lil' Country Party opens at 5 p.m. with Jackson Grisamore, followed by Lara Bell and features Capone's Tacos and Señorita THC beverage sampling. Saturday's Turn It Up Country will showcase Zack Fedor and the Long Goodbyes, with a line dancing lesson from Runway Line Dance and Hillbilly Rockstarz closing it out until 10 p.m. A mechanical bull, rodeo target games and a local market fill the grounds, with a food lineup that spans Brothers BBQ, Toasty Cheese, Ma and Pa's Candy Shop, the Tiki Bar and more. Sunday slows to a Sunday pace with music from Jack Evans and Gamm's Kitchen and the Tiki Bar keeps things comfortable through the afternoon. Lawn chairs are encouraged. Details are at brothersfield.com.

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 21 to 23; Fri.: 5 p.m., Sat.: 3 to 10 p.m. and Sun.: 12 to 5 p.m. $5 Fri., $10 Sat., Suggested Donation Sun. Kids 12 and under free. Brothers' Field, 344 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.

5. Antioch Farmers Market

Don’t miss out on a slow Saturday morning in downtown Antioch. The Antioch Farmers Market at Sequoit Creek Park features fresh produce, local growers, artisans, specialty foods and food trucks in the heart of downtown. Check out live entertainment alongside the vendors, giving the market the feel of a community gathering as much as a shopping destination. Details are at antioch.il.gov.

Saturday, Aug. 22; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free Admission. Sequoit Creek Park, 845 Main St., Antioch.

For more things to do this weekend August 21-23, continue here. To learn more about Lake County Road Trips, click here.