August may be nearing its end, but thrilling land of lakes events are on the docket for this edition of things to do this weekend August 27-29.
Through this final weekend of things to do in August, learn the customs and traditions of the Native Americans in Zion, fly high in the air in Grayslake, wake up and smell the flowers, dance to the music in Highland Park and balance with the performers of the circus.
Continue here to get excited about the Chicago Bears this season. Make plans for the center stage, as Marriott Theatre reopens its doors next month. Plan a delectable date night dinner by the dock of the bay, with our lakeside dining guide.
Whatever it is you're doing this weekend, hit the road and let the ride take you to Lake County with these top things to do this weekend August 27-29.
Receive a taste of Native American heritage to heighten awareness of their history at the annual Potawatomi Trails Pow Wow. Join the celebration as you listen and witness the history, traditions and customers of the storied tribe. Other festivities occurring at this Zion fiesta include live demonstrations, music and dance presentations, educational sessions and a trade area. The Grand Entry is a must-see experience where members of the Potawatomi nation will present their flag as well as perform traditional dances
Saturday-Sunday, August 28-29; Sat.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $1-$5 per person. Children ages five and under and adults ages 65 older are free. Shiloh Park, 1619 27th St., Zion.
Look in the sky – it’s a bird, it’s a plane. Is it a plethora of hot-air balloons? The sixth annual Grayslake Color Aloft Balloon Festival returns after a year hiatus that allows individuals to witness the inflation and competition as aircraft experts contend in a “Fox and Hounds Contest.” The Lake County village continues the celebration of its 125th+1 anniversary. The picnic-styled event also features a live and interactive drumming circle from Medusa Drums and the Bird and Bloom Duo performances. The colorful flying canvas event also features camel and pony rides as well as carnival games. After the sun sets, the sky will light up with the balloons’ burners illuminating the night.
Saturday, August 28; 4 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free admission. Central Park, 250 Library Ln., Grayslake.
“Then you’re left in the dust unless I stuck by ya. You’re the sunflower. I think your love would be too much.” Find the Post Malone and Swae Lee hit song while you visit Richardson Adventure Farm’s brand-spanking-new Sunflower Festival. The Spring Grove farm flower power party has been installed with detailed trails through the 13-acre field. The sunflower trail is highlighted by 24 varieties, including yellow-headed, red multi-branched, orange, peach and gold blossoms. The festivities also include a beer and wine tent, carousel rides, yard games, live tunes and the gift shop. The sunflower fields will be opened through August 29. Admission includes a free single sunflower to take home.
Friday-Sunday, August 27-29; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission: $10 per person ages four and older. Richardson Adventure Farm & Flower Festival, 909 English Prairie Rd., Spring Grove.
“Hey Soul Sister!” The heralded band Train performs on a two-night stint at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park. The Bay-area, Grammy-winning band has been rocking stages and dropping albums like “Drops of Jupiter” for nearly three decades. Besides the obvious success of the pop-rock band’s tenure, lead singer Pat Monahan makes a wine called Save Me, San Francisco Wine Co., garnered over 100 awards and sold over 10 million bottles. On Sunday, listen to “the purple piper paying his tune and the choir softly sings. Three lullabies in an ancient tongue for the court of the Crimson King.” The progressive rock band King Crimson ventures to close the weekend as they tour for the first time in two years. Take a psychedelic journey with King Crimson music artist Robert Fripp and his five-decade-old band of merry men. On Friday and Saturday, Train is joined by Vertical Horizon, while The Zappa Band plays alongside King Crimson on Sunday.
Friday-Sunday, August 27-29; 7:30 p.m. (for all three days). Train Tickets: $49-$160. King Crimson Tickets: $44-$95. Parking: $25. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd. Highland Park.
“(S)He’d, (they’d) fly through the air with the greatest of ease. A daring young (wo)man on the flying trapeze.” The Atomic Circus Vintage is incredibly innovative, utilizing elements that these performers showcased in the 1920s. Check out all of these talented individuals from the Atomic Circus Vintage who perform spectacular flips, turns, jugglers, acrobats, contortionists and more at the recently renovated Volo Museum. This weekend, the museum of all trades will be opening its Carousel and Music Hall. Cookies with Flavor food truck will be in attendance on Saturday serving cookies, ice cream and coffee.
Saturday-Sunday; August 28-29; Noon-2 p.m. (two hour-long performances per day). Admission: $12.95-$31.95. Volo Museum, 27582 Volo Village Rd., Volo.
For more things to do this weekend August 27-29, continue here. Stay tuned for our Labor Day guide and our top things to do in September.
