2016 Summer Festival Guide

By: Jonathan Jones 06/29/2016

In this most wonderful time of the year, the 2016 Summer Festival Guide has all of the fun you need in Lake County. Let's celebrate sunshine and enjoy the outdoors.

There’s nothing better than enjoying the warm and beautiful sun in Lake County during a summer festival. Lake County festivals are full of delectable bites, elegant suds, moving tunes and of course carnival rides. Find something to do with the whole family or grab some friends and head to one of these fun summer festivals in Lake County!

We will shortly have a summer concert series blog in July. However, check our Hot Town, Summer in Lake County for everything in the area as well as our Fourth of July blog for the weekend. Here is your 2016 Summer Festival Guide! When you Visit Lake County: Plan for fun!

2016 Summer Festival Guide in Lake County

July

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival July 2-3; 10 a.m - 5 pm

The festival showcases the work of 95 unique artists in a pristine setting overlooking a lake, spectacular gardens and 385 acres of majesty. All of the artwork embodies a botanic theme, use or material. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to see the masters at work, with interactive art demos and booth chats taking place all weekend long!

Mundelein Community Days July 1-4

Event includes musical performances, food, drinks, arts and crafts, car show, carnival, activities for kids and adults, and much more. Live music each day. There will also be a parade and much more fun. Please visit the website for a complete schedule of activities.

Great Lakes Naval Base 4th of July Celebration July 3-4; 3-10 pm

For further information about the Great Lakes Naval Base 4th of July Celebration. On July 3, don’t miss a full music line up on the "Rock, White & Blue" main stage featuring Royal Bliss and headlining is Night Ranger. The Libertyville Vipers will take on the Great Lakes Navy Basketball Team at 4pm with free kids clinic right after the game. On July 4, festival-goers will enjoy more live music throughout the day. Besides that, children of all ages will have plenty to do in the Kids Zone, featuring tons of dynamite activities! On both days, a full schedule of live family entertainment acts are on the schedule; a “Fun and Fitness” area, designed for those who seek a challenging obstacle course, bingo, the Marketplace, with specialty exhibitor booths for fun shopping; an enormous paintball arena; and roving entertainment and costumed characters! Plus, thrilling carnival rides and games are a must go. After all of that, an abundance of delicious festival food and refreshing beverages and each night a spectacular fireworks show.

53rd Annual Deerfield Family Days July 3-4; Sun 5-10 pm, Mon 8 am

Celebration begins Sunday night at 5pm at the Brickyards Park with food, fireworks, family and fun. Then on Monday join the downtown parade and a pancake breakfast in the morning followed by an endless array of food, arts and crafts, 10K Race/5K Walk, rides, petting zoo, bike parade and activities at Jewett Park, there will be something for everyone. Most of all, it is a time for the residents and families to mingle, share and reacquaint.

Scoop Waukegan 2016 July 8-9

The festival being held on Friday and Saturday will include the Scooping down Genesee St., live music, car show and fun for the whole family. Visit the website for updated information.

Jelly Belly Summer Carnival July 7-10; Thurs-Fri: Noon-10pm, Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 11am-7pm

Bring the whole family out for 4 days of fun. Celebrate summer with carnival rides, midway games and more at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center. Unlimited rides Friday-Sunday from 12-4 p.m. for $18 per person. There will also be a Belly Flop sale and extended store hours. Please visit the website for updated information at www.jellybelly.com.

Dog Days of Summer July 7-10

Take a leisurely stroll with your dog into the quaint shops of MainStreet Libertyville, or see and feel the exhilaration of the nationally recognized sport of “DockDogs-Big Air Dog Jumping”. Libertyville is honored again to be the Host City for DockDogs Regional Finals 2016. On Sunday enjoy the annual Petathlon, which includes a 3k dog walk, live music, raffle, and pet and family activities. Please visit the website for a complete schedule of activities.

St. Demetrios' Annual Greek Fest July 8-10

Come out and enjoy the annual Greek Fest. This year's event will be a wonderful mix of Greek food including Lamb on the spit, Souvlakia (shish-kebab), Greek chicken, Gyros, Spanakopita (spinach pie), and more! There will also be delicious Greek pastries, games for the kids, Greek music and dancing! Many visitors will be able to tour the beautiful Fifth Century design Byzantine church.

Gospel Bluegrass Corn Fest July 10; 3-5 pm

Come out and enjoy a corn fest featuring the band "The Grasscutters". Bring some picnic blankets and camping chairs to listen to some great Gospel Bluegrass. We will have delicious roasted corn with toppings and other side items. This is a great family event so plan on coming for some summer fun.

2nd Annual Lake County CareAffaire July 16; 9:30 am - 3 pm

Register now for the first ever Lake County Runway 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, July 16, at Campbell Airport in Grayslake, IL. Start time is 9:30 AM. Your registration includes a race t-shirt and admission/lunch pass to the Lake County CareAffaire. After the run you are invited to stay and enjoy other activities such as a vintage car show, helicopter rides, a pet adoption event, an amazing silent auction, a Military Honor Guard and much more. The EAA Young Eagles will be offering free plane rides to kids ages 8 to 17. Don’t miss this full day of family fun.

Grandwood Park's Summerfest Celebration July 16

The Grandwood Park Civic Association is bringing Summerfest back to our community. This year's Summerfest will again be held at Hutchins Athletic Field for one day only. Activities will include a craft fair, a Super Hero Bike Parade, family games, baggo's, music, bonfire, and more. Come check it out.

Vernon Hills Summer Celebration 2016 July 14-17; Thurs 6pm-10pm, Fri: 6pm-12am, Sat: 1pm-12am, Sun: 1pm-10pm

Join us for 4 days of food, fun, carnival rides and free entertainment and a huge beer tent. There will also be children's activities, bingo, live bands every night and fireworks on Thursday. Saturday will feature a car show from 9am-2pm and headliner band Smash Mouth to take stage at 9pm. Sunday enjoy a bags tourny and live entertainment. Other entertainment in the lineup includes The Hot Sauce Committee, Hello Weekend, Mike & Joe and Kaleidoscope Eyes. Please visit the website for updated entertainment schedule. Bring a blanket but leave the coolers home; no alcohol can be brought into the park.

Antioch's Taste of Summer Festival July 14-17; Thurs: Noon-10pm, Fri: Noon-11pm, Sat: Noon-11pm, Sun: Noon-6pm

Days of fun in downtown Antioch are a must for summer pleasure. Carnival rides and games add up to fun for the whole family. Enjoy the delectable specialties prepared by top restaurants. Dine in the relaxing sunshine or under the “Big Top” while listening to top entertainment in the Brook Bandshell. Then stroll through the town for the best sidewalk sales and crafters in the area. The merchants go all out for this event, so come early and grab the bargains. Spend these four days at this wonderful family event.

Alpine Fest July 15-17; Fri: 6pm-12am, Sat: 1pm-12am, Sun: 11:30am-8:30pm

This family oriented event will bring back all the things people love. There will be well-known bands, events, carnival rides, water fights and activities for the young patrons. In addition to the entertainment there will be some of the best food in Lake County. Enjoy the Alpine Fest Parade downtown Lake Zurich. Admission is free. Please visit website for more details.

Long Grove Craft Beer Days July 22-23

Craft Beer enthusiasts here is just what you have been looking for. Two days of tastings and food pairings, meet the brewer and more. Live music, beer and cheer created by local brew masters, musicians, chefs and artists. Enjoy the beer, visit our local shops and dine at local restaurants

88th Annual Lake County Fair July 27-31

Come out and enjoy 5 days of fun at the 88th Annual Lake County Fair. Events at the fair include live entertainment, food vendors, carnival rides and games, live animals, motor crossing, banana derby, demolition derby, flower show, expo hall and so much more.

August

Away we go to August in the 2016 Summer Festival Guide

Jazz & Wine Festival August 6; Noon - 5 pm

All that Jazz. Join us on Saturday, August 6 for a one-day jazz & wine festival. Enjoy free face painting and balloon art for kids. Plus, visit participating stores for extra savings.

David Adler 36th Festival of the Arts August 6-7; Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 11am-4pm

Festival of the Arts has hosted some of the finest work of artists exhibiting in the country. More than 70 talented artists come together to showcase their works of art over the course of the weekend. The artist’s booths will line the gardens of Cook Park. Along with these established artists, a youth art division celebrates the talents of young artists that are 18 years of age or younger. Enjoy original artwork, live music, great food, and a youth art division.

44th Annual Gurnee Days Celebration Celebrating Heroes Aug 11-14; Thurs: 10am-9:45pm, Fri: 8am-10pm, Sat: 7am-11pm, Sun: 11am-5pm

Gurnee Days returns this week for 4 days of family fun and entertainment. Activities include a bicycle rodeo, live entertainment, Farmers Market, Gurnee Idol, golf tournament, amusement rides, a 10K race, baby contest, rib fest and eating contest, fireworks, a pancake breakfast, parade, car show, petting zoo, pony rides, a talent show, exhibitors, games, food booths and stage events. Friday night enjoy the music of Keith Semple Band and Saturday R-Gang will start off the night followed by Modern Day Romeos.

The 19th Annual Lincolnshire Arts & Eats Festival August 12-14; Fri: 5pm-9pm, Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 10am-5pm

This year the Art Festival is combining with the Taste of Lincolnshire. The festival hosts 100 juried artists from around the country in the Village Green of Lincolnshire and offers extraordinary examples of fine art and fine craft in a variety of mediums and price points. Take in the tranquility of Lincolnshire with a wonderful weekend that combines the fun of art with the art of fun. Live music on the music stage, great food and fun activities for kids, including an art scavenger hunt and spin art, make the festival a perfect family experience. Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see the masters at work with interactive art demos and booth chats taking place all weekend long. Festival-goers of all ages will have an opportunity to get into the “art-filled” action by contributing to a mural on-site at the festival.

Grayslake Summer Days August 19-20

Family music festival with activities for the entire family. Music, carnival games, bingo and beer tents, arts and craft, food vendors, business booth area and Go-Cart races. Bike and Pet Parade - 12 noon Saturday. Summer Days Parade kickoffs at 6:30pm Saturday evening. Visit the website for complete festival activities.

Long Grove's Vintage Days August 20-21

Summer market place for all things vintage, antique, reclaimed, repurposed, upcycled and handmade. A two day event in the Heart of Downtown Long Grove with an accent on classic cars on Saturday. Enjoy the unique street vendors, live music, wine, beer, delicious street food and visit the local shops and eateries.

10th Annual Taste of the Towns August 21; 3-7 pm

This fun, family event will also offer live musical entertainment from local artists. Music will be played on the stage, grab a blanket and enjoy. Taste of the Towns features local restaurants, wineries, and breweries who will be serving samples of their menus. There will be picnic and pavilion seating available. A sampling from each vendor can be tasted by purchasing a Tasting Menu. The Tasting Menu may be shared by more than one individual, although there is just one tasting from each vendor. Additional beverages may be purchased onsite.

Little Bear Rib Fest August 26-27

A two-day festival at Century Park featuring the area's best ribs, national headliners, and a whole lotta fun. Admisssion to the event is $5. Children 5 & under are admitted free. Visit www.littlebearribfest.com for more information.

2016 North Shore Wine, Beer, Cigar & Food Festival August 27; 4-8 pm

In its seventh annual hosting, the Festival will offer over three-hundred wine, beer, and a variety of cigar tastings. These tastings were brought to the festival by both local, national and international wineries, breweries and cigar companies. For the cigar aficionados, Libertyville’s own Neumann’s Cigars & More will offer pairings of different blends of cigars to compliment favorite wines and beers. Buy tickets in advance to guarantee a spot at the festival and will save money.

4th Annual Grayslake's Color Aloft Balloon Festival August 27; 4-9 pm

Bring the family out for this exciting new event. The Color Aloft Festival will begin with Hot Air Balloons being inflated and compete in a "Fox and Hounds" contest in which competing balloons seek to land closest to the 'Fox'. Balloons will be retrieved and return to the park and after dark they will be internally illuminated by their burners or glow. Also enjoy family activities, live music and food vendors. There will also be a Civil War Era Baseball game.

22nd Annual Potawatomi Trails Pow Wow August 27-28

The Potawatomi Trails Pow-Wow is the only event of its kind in this area. This celebration of the Native-American heritage heightens the awareness of the history, traditions and customs of the heritage. Specific activities include demonstrations, music and dance presentations, educational sessions and a trader area.

Lake Count I County Con August 27-28

Lake County’s biggest Comic, Toy, Game and Art convention. Children and adult costume contests, skits, and entertainment hosted on our stage both days, Aussie Pet Care’s Pet Costume Contest, and Magic the Gathering tournaments all day. Commander, and standard MtG tournaments all weekend. There will also be massive video game tournaments with different console and PC gaming tournaments. Discussions with panelist and more. Stay tuned for updated information.

September

Ahh jeez. The idea of September is alright, but the reality it's nearing the end of summer. As we wrap up our 2016 Summer Festival Guide and move to the fall, check out all festivities you can conjure up as the clock ticks towards the autumnal equinox.

First Fridays on MainStreet Libertyville September 2; 6-9 pm

Celebrate back to school and have dinner al fresco or inside and walk down Milwaukee Avenue to support the local downtown stores. You will never know what you might find, including good music, special promotional events and even a wine tasting or two.

68th Annual Jubilee Days Festival September 3-5

This weekend long festival begins Saturday with the annual 5K run, and in the evening the Miss Zion Pageants followed by an ice cream social. Sunday's entertainment includes the Arts and Crafts Festival, food, live music and fireworks. Monday will include the Mayors Breakfast, and Arts and Crafts Festival, food and the Jubilee Parade at 1pm. The largest Lake County Labor Day parade.

Long Grove's Irish Days September 3-5

A three day long fest that can’t be missed. Long Grove invites the whole family out to enjoy all the best that the Irish culture offers including: live music, dancers, best dressed dog competition each day, traditional Irish food and drink, and activities for the “wee” folk.

6th Annual Mundelein Arts Festival September 10-11; 10 am - 5 pm

The weekend long juried event will showcase the talents of exceptional artists and craftspeople in a variety of media. Student artwork from Mundelein and Carmel Catholic High Schools will also be highlighted. Bring the family! Come share a magical day in the park enjoying original artwork, live music, and a tasty assortment of food from local eateries.

2nd Annual Legions of Craft Beer Fest September 17; 2-7 pm

The festival will feature craft beer and cider from more than 50+ unique breweries along with urban cuisine from a variety of food trucks offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese and cupcakes to sausage, tacos, BBQ, skewers, sliders, and more. Live music from a range of Chicagoland bands and performers will be featured throughout the day. Plus, take part in raffles sponsored by Gurnee American Legion Post 771, and enjoy on-site and on-air interaction with DJs from 102.3 XLC! This beer fest is a one-of-a-kind experience you don’t want to miss.

4th Annual Rock the Block Party September 17; 5-11 pm

Lake Zurich's annual rockin' block party. Enjoy live bands, beer, wine, Mike's Hard, water, non-alcoholic beverages, food trucks, cart vendors, giant slide, face painting and balloon art. On Main Street between Church and Old Rand. Admission is free but we request attendees donate 3 unopened, non-perishable food products and receive a raffle ticket to win prizes. Food and beverages are available for purchase at an additional charge. Over 21 wristbands $1. No outside food, beverages or coolers allowed.

4th Annual One World Festival September 17; 11 am - 330 pm

Come out and celebrate many different cultures all at one festival. This family friendly event will include food and activities of cultures including Irish, Asian-Indian, Japanese, Russian, Mexican and more. Dancers from the different cultures will also be performing. Also enjoy arts and crafts, beer and wine.