Things To Do This Weekend September 4-6, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 09/02/2026

Looking to send off summer in style over Labor Day weekend? Lake County is packing the holiday weekend with live music, cold drinks and community tradition. Whether you are hunting for country tunes, classic pub fare or family-friendly festivities, here are five unmissable local events happening across the area this weekend.

Here are the top things to do this weekend September 4-6 in the land of lakes.

1.Irish Days in Historic Downtown Long Grove

St. Patrick's Day comes twice a year in Long Grove, in March and September. The Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association hosts its annual Irish Days festival, turning the charming downtown district into a three-day celebration of Irish culture, music, food and drink. Highlights include live music, Irish dancers, pipe bands and contests, along with plenty of pints to go around. The musical lineup features bands like Without U2, the Dirty Wellies, the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band and more. Irish dance performances from the McNulty, Dillon, Trinity and Hogan schools of dance are woven throughout. Don't miss the Irish Dog Competition and the Best Men's Legs in a Kilt Competition, which invite costumed dogs and kilted men to compete for votes and prizes. The full schedule is available at LongGrove.org.

Saturday-Monday, September 5 to 7; Sat.: 10:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Mon.: 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove. 

2. Nashwood in Highwood

Pull on your boots and head downtown for Nashwood. Downtown Highwood is becoming Nashville again. Celebrate Highwood hosts the ninth annual Nashwood Music and Food Fest, transforming downtown Highwood into a free, walkable music festival spread across more than a dozen venues. More than 100 free live performances span the weekend, covering country, bluegrass, blues, classic rock, contemporary rock and Southern rock. Southern-inspired food and drink specials run throughout the weekend at participating restaurants and bars. Visit CelebrateHighwood.org for details.

Friday-Sunday, September 4 to 6; Fri.: 5 p.m. to Bar Close, Sat.: 2 p.m. to Bar Close and Sun.: 2 to 8 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Highwood, 17 Highwood Ave., Highwood.  

3. 27th Annual Wauconda Street Dance

Six bands, two stages, a live DJ and a $1,000 raffle. For a free Saturday night, Wauconda's Street Dance sets a high bar. The 27th Annual Street Dance returns to Main Street featuring a bags tournament, the Mayor's Awards and food and drink vendors. A $5 wristband is required for attendees 21 and older. For more information, visit the Wauconda Street Dance Facebook page.

Saturday, September 5; 5 to 11 p.m. Free admission. Main Street Wauconda, 118 S. Main Street, Wauconda. 

4. Labor Day Bash at Harbor Brewing Lakefront Biergarten in Winthrop Harbor

Harbor Brewing Co. hosts its Labor Day Bash at the Lakefront Craft Biergarten at North Point Marina, with live music from the Judson Brown Duo to soundtrack a relaxed afternoon and evening on the lakefront. There is no better way to end a summer than with a cold beer and live music by the water. Harbor Brewing Co. would like to make that happen. For the full musical lineup, visit the Harbor Brewing Co. Facebook page.

Monday, September 5; Noon to 8 p.m. Free admission. Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten at North Point Marina, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor. 

5. FIRST FRIDAY ON MAINSTREET LIBERTYVILLE

MainStreet Libertyville hosts its monthly First Friday event in downtown Libertyville. Downtown shops open their doors with wine tastings, special discounts, live music and refreshments, while the area's award-winning restaurants offer dine-in and takeout options for the evening crowd. Free parking is available. For participating vendors, visit MainStreetLibertyville.org.

Friday, September 4; 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Libertyville, 515 IL-21, Libertyville. 

For more things to do this weekend September 4-7, continue here. To see all of the top happenings in September, click here.