Things To Do This Weekend July 24-26, 2026

By: Sam Ornig 07/23/2026

As we prepare to say goodbye to July until next year, spend this last weekend soaking up the sun, enjoying live music and experiencing the peak of summer in the Land of Lakes. Lake County invites visitors and residents alike to participate in some favorite annual events like Gospelfest in North Chicago, Long Grove Vintage Days and the Wauconda Triathlons, as well as Citadel Theatre's exciting "Mamma Mia!" Sing-Along and the jaw-dropping Flip Circus at Gurnee Mills. Take advantage of all that and more in Lake County as we close out another July. 

Let's take a look at the top five things to do in Lake County this weekend, July 24-26, 2026. 

1. Gospelfest at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago

Uplifting music and soulful celebration take center stage as Gospelfest returns to the Greenbelt Cultural Center. Hosted by the Lake County Forest Preserves, the free North Chicago community event invites guests to experience the power of gospel music through performances by local choirs, soloists and a headlining set by Chicago native and rising gospel artist Bobbi Lane. Additional performances include Darlene Jones, Light of the World, Rose and Co. and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, promising an afternoon filled with spiritual energy and rich harmonies. On-site food vendors will offer local bites, and a nature play activity will be available to keep young visitors engaged. For more details, visit LCFPD.org.

Sunday, July 26; 3-7 p.m. Free admission. Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago.

2. Circus Vazquez Presents "Flip Circus: The Magic Has Landed" at Gurnee Mills

Head on over to the Big Top and experience a thrilling performance by Circus Vazquez at “Flip Circus: The Magic Has Landed” in Gurnee. This renowned group is known for its high-energy shows that feature a traditional circus with a modern flare. Be amazed as you watch aerialists fly through the air and acrobats doing stunts that defy physics. Immerse yourself in the live music, laugh with the clowns and feel the rhythm with the dancers at this world-class circus. The final weekend of this dynamic adventure is hosted in Gurnee Mills Parking Lot E. The circus runs through Tuesday, July 28. Get more information and buy tickets at FlipCircus.com.

Friday-Sunday, July 24-26; shows at 7 p.m. on Friday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets starting at $23. Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Parking Lot E, Gurnee.

3. Long Grove Vintage Days

Hunt for treasures at the annual Long Grove Vintage Days festival in the village’s historic downtown area. This free outdoor throwback market features vintage, reclaimed, handmade, upcycled, antique and repurposed goods from a wide range of vendors. Visitors can enjoy live music, food and drink vendors, old-fashioned games and community contests. Local shops and restaurants will join in on the festivities with historic specials and unique offerings throughout the weekend, giving guests even more reason to sip, shop and stroll the brick-lined streets. For the full event schedule and more, visit LongGrove.org.

Saturday-Sunday, July 25-26; 10 a.m.5 p.m. Free admissions; items available for purchase. Historic Downtown Long Grove, various locations along Robert Parker Coffin and Old McHenry Roads, Long Grove.

4. Mamma Mia Sing-Along with Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest

Get ready for three unforgettable summer evenings as Citadel Theatre brings the music of “Mamma Mia!” outdoors at the Gloria Dei Center in Lake Forest, July 24–26. Gather your friends and family, bring a picnic and lawn chairs or a blanket and sing your heart out to beloved ABBA classics with live performers leading the way of the 2008 musical romantic comedy film as well as the 1999 Broadway show. Beat the summer heat with a stop at the shaved ice truck, then settle in for a night of music, fun and plenty of feel-good moments. It's the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Buy your tickets and learn more at CitadelTheatre.org.

Friday-Sunday, July 24-26; 6-7 p.m. General admission is $25, $15 for groups of 10 or more. The Gloria Dei Center, 700 E. Westleigh Rd., Lake Forest.  

5. Wauconda Triathlons MultiSport Fest

Ready, set, race! The Wauconda Triathlons Multisport Fest is gearing up for a weekend packed with competition, community and fun. Athletes of all skill levels can choose from a variety of events, including Sprint and Olympic triathlons, Duathlon, Aquabike, Elite Wave Olympic and the First-Time Tri Sprint Wave. With races for both kids and adults, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. The excitement continues after Sunday's races with a lively post-race festival featuring live music, a pancake breakfast, a beer garden and an awards ceremony. Visit WaucondaParks.com for more information.

Saturday-Sunday, July 25-26; 6 a.m.-noon. Registration fees for each event. Cook Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda.  

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