Things To Do This Weekend July 23-25, 2021
By: Kelli Smith 07/22/2021
This weekend is jam-packed with sunshine, thrilling rides, tasty libations, melodious music and so much more.
Savor local sweet treats and organically grown produce, live it up at one of Lake County's most historical summer festivals and cheer on the young musicians and rockstars of the midwest right here in Lake County.
As we near the end of July, take a look at our top things to do this month in Lake County Click here to learn more!
Here is this weekend's edition of the top five things to do in Lake County, July 23-25.
The Bitter Jester Music Festival (BJMF) is highlighted by some of the most talented young musicians from across five midwestern states. The Highland Park concert competition is celebrating its 15th year in commission. The showcase is judged by various recording artists, music experts and entertainment professionals. Eight young musical groups and artists performing music from various genres will entertain crowds at Port Clinton Square running Fridays through August 13. The opening night program is highlighted by performing acts including You Got The Message, Venganza, Scorched Waves, The Adem Dalipi Band, Scarlet Demore, The Millennials and featured showcase artists Kate Larson and the band Acacia. Local Lake County Libation Trail partner, Ravinia Brewing Company of Highland Park, will provide suds for purchase, while eateries Judy’s Pizzeria and Sweet Gelato serve up delectable bites. The festival’s grand finale features a collection of the top bands and solo acts from each day of the music competition on Sunday, September 5, followed by Labor Day fireworks.
Friday, July 23; 6:45 - 11 p.m. Free admission. Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave., Highland Park.
Seek the thrills of summer at Lake Zurich’s annual AlpineFest Carnival. The annual festival event began initially to celebrate victories of World War II in 1943 and will continue its storied history this weekend. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lake County village will feature a carnival with games and rides, as well as carnival food vendors. Before the Lake Zurich carnival begins on Friday, the village is hosting their weekly Summer Farmers Market highlighted by 31 local vendors serving the land of lakes homegrown and organic produce, sweet treats and other various local products. The Lake Zurich festival will offer special discounts on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. For a detailed description of the special discounts at the carnival, visit LZLions.com. In response to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, live entertainment, the beer garden and the annual parade have been canceled.
Friday-Sunday, July 23-25. Lake Zurich Farmers Market, Fri.: 3 - 7 p.m. Free admission. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich. AlpineFest Carnival, Fri.: 5 - 11 p.m., Sat.: 1 - 11 p.m., Sun.: noon - 8 p.m. Free admission, carnival ride ticket prices vary. Lions Park, 81 E. Main St., Lake Zurich.
The “Heart of the Chain O’Lakes” festivities continue on the Fox Lake Bloody Mary Fest. The typical day-long adult beverage event has transitioned into a month-long celebration of the tomato-flavored libation. Visit any participating bar in the Fox Lake area to collect your voting card and begin July’s tastiest trail. Each participant must visit at least three participating bars to be entered for a chance to win a $100 or $25 gift card. In addition, the first 200 completed cards will receive an “I Support Local Bars” pint glass. Participants can turn in their completed voting card to the night drop box outside of Fox Lake’s village hall at 66 Thillen Dr. To find a list of participating bars, visit FoxLakeBloodyMaryFest.org. The Fox Lake Bloody Mary Fest runs through August 1. The first, second and third place bars will be announced on August 6 at the Friday Night Concerts at downtown Fox Lake Community Garden Green
Friday-Sunday, July 23-25; Hours vary. Free admission. Various Locations in the Fox Lake Area.
“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy local, which is almost the same thing.” Support the small shops and vendors of northern Lake County townships at the Antioch Street Market and Kids Flea Market. The market is highlighted by various items from local, rural and urban street fairs. The downtown area also hosts a youngster’s street fair featuring a kid’s flea market, featuring trinkets and creations all owned and made by children. The monthly event occurs on the last Sunday of every month through September 26.
Sunday, July 25; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Free admission. Downtown Antioch, Skidmore Drive, Antioch.
“Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up let’s go.” Let’s go to The Tempel Lipizzans Summer Spotlight Performance. These gifted stallions will perform in a four-segment exhibition of classical riding at the Old Mill Creek farm. The program includes a tribute to the Olympic sport of equestrian showcasing dressage and a performance of the maneuvers of Middle Ages battle techniques utilized in the Middle Ages soldiers. The steeds will run through its five-segment routine that includes the Quadrille. The aforementioned movement demonstrates the classical dressage technique and the distinguished level of communication between trainer and horse. In addition to the stallion ballet, equestrian aficionados can explore the bond between mares and their babies as the Lake County farm hosts their Foals Presentation. Tickets can be purchased at TempelFarms.com.
Sunday, July 25, 1 – 2 p.m. Admission: $27-$37. VIP tickets are sold out. Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth Rd., Old Mill Creek.
To learn more about the top things to do this weekend July 23-25, continue here.
