Things To Do This Weekend September 17-19, 2021
By: Jeff Randolph 09/15/2021
As we end the last full week of summer, let's look ahead to a jam-packed bunch of things to do this weekend September 17-19. Instead of five events, we added a few more as we kick off the new season!
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Ready to get spooked? Continue here to see haunted attractions. Looking for a gourd maaaaan? Click here to find out where to get pumpkins. Don't forget to snap a pic for the gram and submit it into our #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest.
Frightful things at Six Flags. They're celebrating a big anniversary over at Lambs Farm. Get a head start on finding the right pumpkin for your jack-o-lantern. Deerfield is throwing a harvest party. Hawthorn gets an upgrade. Do the brew in Grayslake. All that and then some with these top seven things to do this weekend September 17-19.
1. Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee
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“Jeepers, Creepers!” The Halloween event of the season is finally here and spookier than ever. Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS at Six Flags Great America will make your skin crawl with its haunted houses, scare zones, along with scary skits and sing-a-longs. Climb aboard your favorite coaster and beware as a monster might be strapped in the seat next to you. Fright Fest kicks off this weekend and runs through Halloween. One-day tickets start as low as $39.99, plus you can get 2022 Season Passes for $59.99. No park re-entry after 8 p.m. Fright Fest may be too intense for children ages 13 and under after 6 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, September 18-19; Sat.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.. Admission: Starting as low as $39.99 each, Haunted Attractions require separate admissions. Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.
2. 60th Anniversary on the Farm at Lambs Farm in Libertyville
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There’s fun for the whole family at this anniversary party that you don’t want to miss! It’s the 60th Anniversary on the Farm at Lambs Farm in the Libertyville/Green Oaks area. There will be games, crafts, food and a beer tent, as well as a lucky draw raffle. Plus, the Lake County Farm Heritage Association will be providing barrel train rides. In addition, a professional artist will be in attendance to provide step-by-step instruction on painting the most recognizable face on the farm, Joseph the Camel. Admission is $8 for adults and $15 for children.
Saturday-Sunday, September 18-19; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $8-$15. Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Rd., Libertyville.
3. Didier Farms PumpkinFest in Lincolnshire
Are you looking forward to the Great Pumpkin’s arrival on Halloween night? Until that orange fruit legend arrives, you can enjoy Didier Farms Pumpkinfest. The 109-year old farm is where you can find the perfect gourd to celebrate the season. The Lincolnshire grounds will feature camel and pony rides, the Animal Land Zoo with pig races, a corn maze and the Pumpkin Playland. Admission is free, and all activities and rides require tickets that can be purchased for $1. Didier Farms Pumpkinfest runs through October 31.
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Saturday-Sunday, September 18-19; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free. All activities and rides are individual tickets only and can be purchased at the main ticket booth. Didier Farms, 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd., Lincolnshire.
4. Deerfield Harvest Fest
Happy harvesting begins with careful sowing. Deerfield’s Harvest Fest is back with fireworks and fun events for everyone. On Saturday, you can experience the Deerfield Farmers Market from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., highlighted by various vendors offering fresh produce, meats, delicious treats and more. Shepard Park opens at 4:30 p.m. for events, including a live performance by the local band, Not For Profit. There’s food, a beer tent and you don’t want to miss Deerfield’s largest fireworks display ever. On Sunday, participate in the Deerfield Rotary 5K Run & Walk Race, and step back into the Lake County town’s past at the Deerfield’s Area Historical Society’s Fall Festival from noon-4 p.m. Admission is free.
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Saturday-Sunday, September 18- 19; Events are happening at various times. Admission is free. Shepard Park, 440 Grove Pl., Deerfield.
5. Fiesta Sin Frontera in Waukegan
¡Feliz Dia de la Independencia Mexicana en Waukegan! Observe Mexican Independence Day at the City of Progress’s Fiesta Sin Frontera Festival. There will be four live bands, artists, dancers, a kid zone equipped with bounce houses and mouth-watering Mexican cuisine. The fiesta will be an unforgettable experience celebrating Mexican culture. Admission is free.
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Saturday, September 18; 1 p.m.-11 p.m. Admission is free. Ballet Folklorico Tayahua, 32 Genesee St., Waukegan.
6. Hawthorn 2.0 Kick-Off at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills
Big things are happening at Hawthorn Mall. Join in on the celebration to kick off the current Hawthorn 2.0 redevelopment at the Vernon Hills facility. This event is highlighted by live music, food trucks and a kids’ zone. The festivities will take place outside in the outer AMC Hawthorn 12 lot. The first 100 families to arrive will receive a free Hawthorn Swag Bag.
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Saturday, September 18; noon-2 p.m. Admission is FREE. Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Ctr., Vernon Hills.
7. Grayslake 8th Annual Craft Beer Festival
“For a quart of Ale is a dish for a king,” Shakespeare said it correctly as we gear up for the Eighth annual Grayslake Craft Beer Festival. It’s a perfect afternoon event for craft beer aficionados to taste their favorite brews and discover new favorites. Discuss brewing styles and flavors with knowledgeable representatives of the breweries. Lake County Libation Trail partners serving adult beverages at the Grayslake party include Tighthead Brewing Co. and Bosacki’s Brewery of Mundelein, Only Child Brewing Co. of Gurnee, Mickey Finn’s Brewery of Libertyville, Half Day Brewing Co. of Lincolnshire and Black Lung Brewing Co. of Round Lake Beach. The suds sipping event features live music from Radio Heroes, James and Friends and Six Speed Tranny. Local Grayslake eateries will be in attendance, offering delectable bites including fare from BBQ’d Productions, Dogs N Suds Drive-In and The Pink Cupcake. Regular admission tickets are $40. The fest also provides a discounted admission for on-site designated drivers at an extra $15. The Grayslake Craft Beer Festival will accept tickets from the canceled 2020 installment of the event.
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Saturday, September 18; 1-5 p.m. Admission: $40-$95. Grayslake Craft Beer Festival, on South Whitney Street between Center Street and Park Avenue, downtown Grayslake.
For more information about the top things to do this weekend September 17-19, click here. To submit your innovative imagery into our #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest, continue here.
