Encyclopedia to Summer Festival Season in Lake County 2019
By: Jonathan Jones 06/14/2019
Pardon our French, but the summer festival season in Lake County 2019 is lit AF (of course we’re talking about atrial fibrillation because these box socials can make your heart get jumpy).
Get the fam and them together and achieve squad goals.
What’s so good about summer festivals in Lake County? The sun is out, the streets are over saturated with humans dancing to live Spotify, exploring their palate with enchanting eats and drinks, seeking thrills on carnival rides and so much more.
Go ahead and peruse through the encyclopedia to summer festival season in Lake County 2019!
Ravinia Festival, the eldest outdoor festival in the United States, kicks off its season with an all-star cast. For 50 years, Ramsey Lewis has provided his unique music and is an advocate for the contemporary jazz movement. Lewis has been a crossover in the Billboard Pop and R&B charts, while he also gives back to the music community. Some of the marquee performers include Mary J. Blige Sting, Queen Latifah, T.I., Kesha, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lady Antebellum, Chaka Khan and more.
The Bitter Jester Music Festival is highlighted by some of the most talented, rising-star, high school-aged musicians from across Illinois & Wisconsin. This ongoing concert (running Fridays through June 21), will entertain crowds at Port Clinton Square. Local Lake County Libation Trail™ favorite, Ravinia Brewing Company, will provide suds for purchase. The festival’s grand finale features the winner of the “battle of the bands”-esque competition and performs at Highland Park’s Fourth of July Parade and Celebration on Independence Day at Wolters Field. The fest will also be conducting raffles at every show.
“Food, glorious food! What is there more handsome!” Lincolnshire’s Food Truck Fridays are located in the Corporate Center Parking Lot and offer a variety of choices in the gourmet eats department. The foodie frenzy includes local trucks providing barbecue, innovative sandwiches, seafood options, international eats and so much more. Take in the aromas that waft through the air, while a delectable dish is prepared right in front of your eyes. There will also be kiddie entertainment and live music on select dates. The event runs every other Friday through August 23.
Don’t have the time to make it out to the Sunshine State this year? No worries. Blarney Island is bringing Key West to the Midwest for an entire weekend of festivities. Enjoy a weekend of good times, drinks, eats and a live performance lineup that includes John Solinski, Pirates over 40 and Tropixplosion.
This event delights the famished of Lake and Cook County at this scrumptious spectacle. Journey to Highland Park’s Food Truck Thursday for fun in the sun with inspired dishes. Ravinia Brewing Co. and Abigails American Bistro will provide the libations for the event. Visitors can also enjoy live music, family arts & crafts, bags and more. The event will occur every Thursday through September 12 except on the Fourth of July.
“And nothing to get hung about. Strawberry fields forever!” Experiencing summer in Historic Downtown Long Grove is always a treat. Long Grove Strawberry Fest is a ‘berry’ wonderful celebration that offers everything from chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry martinis and …well, more strawberry-fused foods. The festival features live music all day on three different stages, unique shopping, impressive fare and kid-tivities for the entire weekend. The fruit frenzy features live performances from Hi Infidelity, Infinity and the Modern Day Romeos.
Who can create the most debonair sand castle this side of the Mississippi? The Mundelein Park District the Beach Bash of box socials all day on June 22. The event includes Latin-themed Zumba, yoga, a sand castle showcase, a Ninja Warrior Competition for children ages 6-12 years old and a performance by the Wonder Lake Ski Show Team. Explore all of the water activities and family challenges the Mundelein event has to offer. For lunch and dinner, food trucks will be in attendance serving fare for purchase.
Fine wine and fine arts are just what the doctor ordered. The Grayslake Arts Festival and Wine Tasting features the work of over 60 juried artists. The vino will be provided by Irene's Vineyard from Oblong, Illinois. Admission to the event includes a keepsake glass and five tasting tickets. There will also be fare vendors offering hot dogs and burgers.
The Highland Park Art Center Festival of Fine Arts will showcase the work of about 100-juried artists from around the world in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, sculpture and more. In addition to the incredible artwork available for purchase, attendees will be able to interact with artists through demonstrations and booth chats. Live music, great bites, the Youth Art Division and fun activities for kids make the festival a perfect experience for the entire family.
This free admission event features live sounds including the battle of the bands and Hispanic bands, a carnival, a petting zoo, a cultural entertainment stage, a hot dog eating contest and of course a comfortable family-fun setting by the beach.
‘The rocket’s red glare’ and ‘the bombs bursting in air’ appears early in Grayslake. The Taste of Grayslake festivities includes live entertainment, a moonwalk, carnival rides, face painting, an obstacle course, wall climbing and so much more. The June 29 fireworks show begins at dusk.
The "Heart of the Chain O' Lakes" will party American style with their red, white and blues at Celebrate Fox Lake located in at Lakefront Park. The Independence Day party will feature a parade at 4 p.m., a watermelon eating contest, live performances by 7th Heaven and Karma Committee and fireworks at dusk. The Fox Lake event serves fare and drinks for purchase.
Deerfield hosts its 55th Annual Family Days at Jewett, Maplewood and Brickyard Parks. The two-day celebration includes fireworks, a parade, arts and crafts tents, a 10K Race/5K Walk, rides, a petting zoo, the bike parade and a slew of other family fun-tivities. This Fourth of July, visit Deerfield to mingle, share, reacquaint and relish in the festivities.
Yankee Doodle went to Lincolnshire riding on a pony. His adventure to the Lake County village ended when he arrived at the Red, White and Boom Fest (sans the cap, feather and macaroni). This annual celebration’s Sunday festivities include live entertainment, food & beer tent, a carnival, games and a classic car show. The Monday schedule is highlighted by a pancake feast, 5K, the annual parade, the cardboard regatta, more live music and more fun. The festivities end with a stunning fireworks extravaganza. The Lincolnshire fest is highlighted by performances from Wild Daisy, April Feinberg, the Lincolnshire Bolts and "Personalities."
Celebrate Independence Day at the Gurnee amusement park. Besides the exciting 16-roller coasters (possibly 17 if Maxx Force is ready to go), the splashtastic slides at Hurricane Harbor and other fantastic thrills at Six Flags Great America, the five-day fest will feature a Coca-Cola® July 4th Zone with a live DJ, delicious eats, dance contests, live performances and a fireworks display each night before the park closes.
The Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department would like to extend an invitation to all families, friends, Veterans and the general public to the Naval Station Great Lakes to be a part of the 2019 4th of July Celebration from 3 to 10 p.m. Thurs., July 4 at the historic Ross Field. All are invited to come out and celebrate our country’s independence in a spectacular way with a full day of ‘fire-cracking’ festival fun at one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in the area. On July 4, a full music line up on the Rock, White & Blue main stage will feature national, regional and local bands performing throughout the day. This year’s headliner is 38 SPECIAL, treating concert-goers to their masterful performance and riveting music. The festival offers free parking and no admission charge. Join in and celebrate our freedom and patriotism at this, fun-for-all-ages, open-to-the-public, celebration July 4. Click the info button to learn more.
The event includes musical performances, food, drinks, arts and crafts, car show, carnival, a parade, activities for kids and adults and much more. There will also be a parade and much more fun. The Independence Day Fireworks Show is held on July 4 at 9:30 p.m. The Mundelein Community Days musical entertainment lineup includes Chicago Tribute Anthology, the Adam Ezra Group, Boy Band Night, Serendipity and more.
Even if you don’t own a DeLorean, you can take a trip back to the past to experience the 16th-century English Elizabethan era just over the Wisconsin border. The renowned Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha features sword fighters, maidens, minstrels and jesters. There are many photo opportunities for having the chance to meet and greet with legendary celebrities such as Queen Elizabeth and Robin Hood. The Faire also offers games, rides, arts and crafts, eats, live music and one-of-a-kind encounters with a spectacular cast of characters.
The tradition returns to Downtown Waukegan as the hot rod holiday; Scoop 2019 kicks off July 12. Save the date and experience your favorite rides at the Car Show & VIP Scoop, Lake County eats and beers, a carnival, the Taste of the Caribbean and plenty of live entertainment that includes performances by Larry Wimmer, Rafael Mendez, Second Hand Soul Band and more.
Everyone's favorite Sunday brunch tomato libation has a fest in the "Heart of the Chain O' Lakes." The Fox Lake Bloody Mary Fest admission includes six-to-eight ounce tomato libation samples, voting tickets to indicate who served the best beverage in the show and a mini mason jar. The downtown Fox Lake event is also highlighted by live tunes, eats and several participating taverns and bars.
Fall in love with your favorite season all over again during the Vernon Hills Summer Celebration 2019. Have a bite to eat, take a ride on a carnival ride and enjoy an abundance of live entertainment from the celebration's headliner Bodeans also the Trippin' Billies, Mellencougar, Radio Heroes, the Pelvis Brothers and a plethora of other great musicians. Gaze upon nostalgic vehicles at the car and bike show on Saturday and compete in the bags tournament on Sunday.
How about a little fun in the sun in Antioch? The Taste of Summer Festival in Antioch features carnivals rides for the family, deliciously prepared eats from the village’s top restaurants, splendid merchandise from the area’s sidewalk sale and exceptional live acts in the Brook Bandshell. Some of the bands gracing the bandshell stage include Boy Band Night, Hi Infidelity, Modern Day Romeos and more.
Alpine Fest is nostalgic bliss wrapped in a neat little package. The annual Lake Zurich event began initially to celebrate victories of World War II in 1942. The festival continues its history this weekend as the Lions Club sponsored event features a parade, carnival rides, games, delicious eats, family events, the Fire Fighters Water Fights, live entertainment and more. Some of the live music acts include the All-Stars, the Modern Day Romeos, Evo Band, Mike & Joe, Hot Rocks Band and more.
The city’s famed ArtWauk “paints” the town with sculptures, film, theatre, comedy, music, performance art, food and more. The free admission Saturday art event opens the doors to all art galleries throughout Waukegan. Fill your artistic void with the ever-extravagant monthly ArtWauk in Downtown Waukegan. In addition to the portraits, sculptures and other creative vibes, munch on some delicious dining options downtown or feel the flow of the tunes from the live entertainment
A'v-a-cado go to WaukAMole fest in Waukegan! During the city's monthly ArtWauk celebration, individuals come together to showcase who's got the best guacamole in town. Whatever your palate craves, this fest will have it: spicy, sweet or vegan. Besides the obviously delectable fare, the event is highlighted by family-friendly activities, live tunes and mas comida bueno.
For nearly a century, the Lake County Fair has provided a great family experience for members young and old spanning generations. The annual six-day event in Grayslake turns 91 years old this year. This Lake County staple will include entertainment, food vendors, live farm animals, carnival rides, games, motor crossing, a demolition derby, a flower show, the Miss Lake County Pageant and so much more. Learn more about the fair at lcfair.com.
At Last!’ If you are ‘In a Sentimental Mood,’ or feeling ‘Fine and Mellow,’ take your ‘Caravan,’ to the free of admission Jazz and Wine Festival in Deer Park. ‘They Say it’s Wonderful.’ The one-day jazz event features performances from the Dan Ferris Quartet, Francesca Castro Band, George Fludas and Pocket Change, Frank Russell Band and James Sanders & Conjunto. Face painting and balloon art will be available for the kids. Delicious eats, fine vino and craft brew will be available for purchase (cash only). Attendees are advised to bring chairs from home.
Walk the plank to North Point Marina’s Harbor Days Festival and Venetian Night this Saturday. The boating party will feature the “SUPER HEROES” Lighted Boat Parade, a slew of kiddie activities, a vendor fair, live music from DJ Mike and The Rough Cut, open swim in the marina’s new swimming pool, tons of eats and beverages, pyrotechnics and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the parade following at dusk.
Invest your fest feels on a festive festival-infested Friday through Sunday in Libertyville. The David Adler Festival of the Arts has showcased some of the most exceptional work from artists across the country. As many as 70 talented individuals will have their work on display. This event hosted by the 100+-year-old facility will also feature a youth art division to celebrate the talent of children. Besides the unique artwork on display, attendees will experience live music, divine fare and plenty more at the Libertyville festival in Cook Park. But wait, there’s more! After filling your artistic appetite, pamper your sweet tooth with a stroll down the MainSweet Dessert Walk on Saturday noon-3 p.m. The dessert makers participating in this saccharine event include Main Street Social, Sunset Foods, Casa Bonita and 18 other vendors. To kick-off you
