Top 10 Things To Do in June 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 05/29/2026

Lake County is stepping into summer with a packed lineup of festivals, live music, lakefront escapes and community events that make the season anything but ordinary. Whether the plan is spreading a blanket on the Ravinia lawn, chasing down a favorite food truck or wandering through the butterfly gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden, June has a little something for everyone. Visit Lake County is also inviting residents and visitors to document the fun through the #LETSSNAPLAKECOUNTY Photo Contest — a chance to share the beauty and energy of summer in the Land of Lakes through your own lens. Read on for a look at the top 10 things to do in Lake County this June. 

1. FESTIVALS IN LAKE COUNTY (ALL MONTH)

Lake County comes alive each June with a lineup of festivals celebrating everything from local harvests to live music, drawing crowds from across the region. The warm summer days set the stage for community gatherings that highlight the area's culture, food and traditions. Explore more:

• Garden Bros Nuclear Circus at the Lake County Fairgrounds (June 4-7) INFO»
• First Fridays in MainStreet Libertyville (June 5) INFO»
• First Fridays in Downtown Grayslake (June 5) INFO»
• 13th Annual Mundelein Craft Beer Festival (June 6) INFO»
• Thrive Barket and Makers Market in Antioch (June 6) INFO»
• Taste of Summer Festival in Antioch (June 4-7) INFO»
• Highwood Kick Off to Summer Carnival (June 5-7) INFO»
• Deerfield Art Festival (June 6-7) INFO»
• Vernon Hills Annual Craft Beer Tasting (June 13) INFO»
• Reclaimed Artisans Inc. Outdoor Market in Libertyville (June 13) INFO»
• Rum Fest in Fox Lake (June 13) INFO»
• Grayslake Summer Cluster Dog Shows (June 12-14) INFO»
• The CFC Bougie Burger Battle at Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove (June 18) INFO»
• Summer Kick-Off Dance in Grayslake (June 19) INFO»
• Taste of Highland Park at Port Clinton Square (June 19-20) INFO»
• Zion Nostalgia Days (June 19-20) INFO»
• 12th Annual Grayslake Craft Beer Festival (June 20) INFO»
• ArtWAUK in Waukegan (June 20) INFO»
• Antioch's Summer Wine Walk (June 20) INFO»
• Twisted Sisters Events presents Artisan Fair at Volo Museum (June 20) INFO»
• Libertyville Days Festival and Parade (June 18-21) INFO»
• Father's Day Fest at Volo Museum and Jurassic Gardens (June 20-21) INFO»
• Summer Sunday Smoker event at BlueGrass in Highland Park (June 22) INFO»
• Inferno Fest at Everts Park in Highwood (June 24) INFO»
• Night Market Series at Hawthorn (June 26) INFO»
• Wizard's Weekend Day in Antioch (June 27) INFO»
• Celebrate Fox Lake - America 250 at Lakefront Park (June 27) INFO»
• Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks (June 27) INFO»
• Long Grove's Annual Strawberry Fest (June 26-28) INFO»
• Deersping Family Cookout in Deerfield (June 28) INFO»
• 50th Anniversary Celebartion at Six Flags Great America (June 20 through Aug. 9) INFO»

2. LAKE COUNTY ROAD TRIPS (ALL SUMMER) 

 

 

 

 

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Lake County, Illinois, is inviting travelers to slow down and set their own pace this summer with road trips that wind through some of the region's most scenic and storied corridors. The "Lake County Road Trips" initiative maps out five self-guided adventures along Illinois routes 21, 83 and 41 and U.S. routes 45 and 12, offering something for every kind of explorer — whether by car, bike or foot. From the thrill of amusement parks and splashing into water attractions to quiet afternoons along the shores of one of the area's 75 lakes, the campaign captures the region's range of outdoor, cultural and culinary experiences. Hit the road and discover what Lake County has to offer!

3. RAVINIA FESTIVAL OPENS IN HIGHLAND PARK (VARIOUS DAYS)

Ravinia Festival in Highland Park returns this summer with more than 90 concerts headlined by a roster that spans Billy Idol, Paul Simon, Chance the Rapper and more, all set against the backdrop of the newly renovated Hunter Pavilion. Find your favorite concert: 

• Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane at Martin Theatre (June 3) INFO»
• Stella Cole at Bennett Gordon Center (June 4) INFO»
• Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk at Martin Theatre (June 5) INFO»
• Kurt Elling and Fred Hersch at Sandra K. Crown Theatre (June 6-7) INFO»
• Alisa Weilerstein and Inon Barnatan at Martin Theatre (June 7) INFO»
• Alisa Wilerstein & Inon Barnatan (June 7) INFO»
• Kurt Elling with Fred Hersch (June 7) INFO»
• Bridges: Jazz & Classical Fusion (June 10) INFO»
• Jazz Grandstand (June 17) INFO»

4. RUN LAKE COUNTY (VARIOUS DAYS)

Lake County boasts a dynamic theater scene, offering a rich tapestry of performances throughout the year. From classic plays to innovative new productions, theater enthusiasts can immerse themselves in captivating stories brought to life by talented local and touring performers in venues that range from intimate black box theaters to grand historic stages.

• America's 250 Fitness Challenge at Sachs Recration Center(June 1-30) INFO»
• Grayslake History Bike Hike (June 4) INFO»
• Fox Lake Triathlon (June 7) INFO»
• Lambs on the Run: 5K and 2-Mile Walk (June 7) INFO»
• Go Waukegan Splashin' Summer Walk (June 13) INFO»
• Will Run for Beer Fun Run in Vernon Hills (June 13) INFO»
• Dash Around the Lake in Mundelein (June 13) INFO»
• 13th Annual Outrun the Cops 5k in Gurnee (June 27) INFO»

5. LIFE'S A BEACH IN LAKE COUNTY (ALL SUMMER)

With more than 200 lakes and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Lake County offers a beach experience for every kind of summer seeker. From the sweeping dunes of Illinois Beach State Park in Zion to the family-friendly splash pads at Phil's Beach in Wauconda and Lakefront Park in Fox Lake. Whether visitors are looking to kayak, paddleboard, cast a line or simply sink their toes in the sand, the region's diverse shoreline delivers. Spots like Rosewood Beach in Highland Park and Foss Park Beach in North Chicago offer free admission and scenic lakefront settings, while inland gems like The Landing on Diamond Lake in Mundelein round out the options with rentable watercraft and shaded picnic groves. 

6. Boating in Lake County (All Summer)

With over 75 inland lakes and 25 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Lake County is a prime destination for summer boating. The Chain O'Lakes, an interconnected system, offers 15 lakes and 45 miles of river for high-speed water sports. Find your favorite place to set sail this summer:

• Bangs Lake Marina in Wauconda INFO»
• Chain O'Lake State Park in Spring Grove INFO»
• Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway INFO»
• Fox River Forest Preserve and Marina INFO»
• Great Lakes Marina in North Chicago INFO»
• Lindy's Landing Restaurant and Marina in Wauconda INFO»
• Skipper Bud's at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor INFO»
• SkipperBud's Sequoit Harbor in Antioch INFO»
• Waukegan Harbor and Marina INFO»

7. FATHER'S DAY IN LAKE COUNTY (JUNE 21)

Lake County offers plenty of ways to make Father's Day memorable this June, with options ranging from outdoor adventures to local eats and one-of-a-kind experiences. Dads who love the outdoors can hit the trails through the region's forest preserves, cast a line on one of 200-plus lakes or sign up for an evening nature paddle. Those looking to raise a glass can explore the Lake County Libation Trail, a self-guided tour of local craft breweries, wineries and distilleries, while foodies can track down one of the area's many food truck events for a casual, crowd-pleasing meal. From comedy shows and Extreme Flight Simulation to Volo Museum and art galleries, Lake County has the ingredients for a Father's Day that goes well beyond the backyard barbecue.

8. JUNETEENTH AND PRIDE IN LAKE COUNTY

June in Lake County carries special meaning, as communities across the region come together to honor both Juneteenth and Pride Month with a full calendar of events celebrating freedom, identity and belonging. From parades and festivals to educational programs and cultural gatherings, the month offers residents and visitors alike a chance to reflect, connect and celebrate. Here is a look at some of the events taking place across Lake County this June:

• Buffalo Grove's 8th Annual Family Friendly Pride Parade (June 7) INFO»
• 6th Annual Grayslake Pride Parade (June 14) INFO»
• Pride in the Park at Everts Park in Highwood (June 17) INFO»
• Lake County PrideFest 2026 at Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center (June 20) INFO»
• Black Outside: Juneteenth Lake County Parade and Festival in Waukegan (June 20) INFO»

9. CONCERTS IN THE PARK IN LAKE COUNTY

Lake County's live music scene extends well beyond the gates of Ravinia Festival, with stages lighting up across the region's cities, villages and townships all summer long. From intimate acoustic sets to full-band performances, there is no shortage of ways to catch a new favorite song under the open sky. Many of these events run on a weekly basis, giving locals and visitors a reliable rhythm of live entertainment to look forward to throughout the season.

• Free Concerts in the Park Series in Mundelein (currently running) INFO»
• Fox Lake Friday Night Live (June 5, 12 and 19) INFO»
• 20th Annual Bitter Jester Music Festival (June 5-6, 12-13, 27) INFO»
• Antioch's "It's Thursday" Summer Series (June 11, 18 and 25) INFO»
• Brothers' Field Blues Fest (June 12-14) INFO»
• Concerts in the Plaza at Indpendence Grove (June 9, 16, 23 and 30) INFO»
• Summer in the Shire Concert Series: One Foot in the Groove (June 18) INFO»
• Electro Retro Band at Brothers' Field (June 20) INFO»
• Live at the Lake in Lake Zurich (June 6) INFO»
• Summer Cabaret at Brothers' Field (June 19) INFO»
• Gurnee Get-Together (June 19) INFO»
• Lake County Folk Club Concert featuring Chris Vallillo (June 21) INFO»
• Summer Concerts at the Deer Park Town Center (starting June 24) INFO»
• Vernon Hills Memorial Arbortheater Concert Series (starting June 18) INFO»
• Live at the Lake in Lake Zurich (starting June 20) INFO»
• Concert in the Park in Zion (starting June 18) INFO»
• Summer Concert Series in Deerfield (starting June 21) INFO»

10. #LETSSNAPLAKECOUNTY PHOTO CONTEST (THROUGH JUNE 20)

2025 Dining/Libations Winner, Ceilidh Jimenez at Beer Garden at Independence Grove in Libertyville

The phrase, "take a picture it'll last longer," takes new meaning as you take your impressive imagery of Lake County. The land of lakes invites you to submit your phenomenal pictures in the third installment of the #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest. There is an abundance of beautiful, scenic, historical, adventurous, heritage, character and just downright #InstaGood shots of Lake County. Visit Lake County would like to showcase where you live, work, eat, play or shop by sharing your best pictures of the county. We will accept all submissions, but are looking to fulfill these six categories: Video, Outdoor Photos, Family/People Imagery, Dining/Libations, Lake County Events and Other Travel Culture (i.e. architecture, downtown areas, photo manipulation etc.). The last day to submit is June 20, so go get the snapping shutterbugs!

For more things to do in Lake County this June, click here.