Things To Do This Weekend September 15-17, 2023
By: Stephanie Wylie 09/12/2023
It's the perfect time to embrace the fall season and explore the myriad of activities that await in Lake County this weekend. From witchy brews to outdoor adventures, from indulging in seasonal culinary delights to immersing yourself in arts and culture, there's no shortage of experiences to savor.
Here are the top five things to do this weekend September, 15-17.
It's time to lift your spirits at the Spooks and Spirits: Lake County, Illinois Autumn Celebration. Over the next six weeks, visitors can check out family-friendly festivities, haunted houses, corn mazes and more. Scream your way into Halloween on a variety of coasters at Gurnee’s Six Flags’ Fright Fest, presented by SNICKERS®. Adults ages 21 and older can explore over 30 seasonal breweries, wineries and distilleries along the Lake County Libation Trail in the initiative, the Spooks and Spirits Check-in Challenge. When craft drinkers arrive at a participating location, they can check-in using their mobile pass to show they are in attendance. If adult beverage aficionados check into three or more Lake County Libation Trail locations between October 1-31, they are entered into a sweepstakes to possibility win an exclusive prize. Check out the latest Halloween events and travel packages at VisitLakeCounty.org/Spooks. The Spooks and Spirits: Lake County, Illinois Autumn Celebration runs through Halloween. Various locations around Lake County.
Friday-Sunday, September 15-17. Various locations in Lake County.
Carve out some time for Halloween fun at Fright Fest, presented by SNICKERS®. Gurnee’s favorite thrill is back for select days from September 16 to October 29 at Six Flags Great America. This spooktacular event features Kids BOO Fest, offering scare-free fun for kids during the day, including Crazy Hay Maze, Pumpkin Painting, Kids Costume Contest, Kids Scream Contest and Trick or Treat Trail. When the clock strikes 6 p.m., creatures adorned in ghoulish garb roam the park. These festivities are geared toward individuals ages 13 and older. Six haunted houses, nine scare zones, rides in the dark and a variety of shows that are wickedly awesome highlight the annual event. Be sure to check out the two new haunted houses, Saw X, where you can attempt to escape Jigsaw in his most terrifying trap yet. Or take a trip back to the 1960s at The Estate at Wretched Meadows and meet the ghosts that reside there. The haunted houses require an extra pass in addition to the park entrance fee. Visit SixFlags.com for performance times, tickets, haunted house information, and additional details. Fright Fest, presented by SNICKERS®, runs on select days through Sunday, October 29.
Saturday-Sunday, September 16-17; Sat.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Admission: Starts at $55, haunted attractions require separate admission. Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.
¡Feliz Día de la Independencia Méxicana en Waukegan! On Sunday, September 17, join the City of Waukegan to celebrate the respective Latin America independence holidays of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Chile this month. The parade starts at the corner of Water Street and Sheridan Road. The event, one of the largest parades in the city, will be followed by a festival featuring live bands, dancers and Latin catering. And don't forget the kid's zone featuring a bounce house.
Sunday, September 17, 2023. Parade Start Time: 10 a.m. Festival Start Time: 3 p.m. Admission: Free. Various locations in downtown Waukegan.
Head over to Lambs Farm for their annual ‘Fall on the Farm’ event, honoring the individuals of the Green Oaks/Libertyville acres. Paid entry includes barrel train rides, a bounce house, Halloween crafts, all-day access to their Farmyard animals, pumpkin bowling and more. The farm additionally offers a beer and food tent, vendor showcases and family photo ops. Don't forget to check out other Lambs Farms attractions like Cedar Chest Thrift Shop, Dogwood Garden and Pet Center and Sugar Maple Country Store. Admission for children is $15, and $8 for adults.
Saturday-Sunday, September 16-17; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $8-$15. Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Rd., Libertyville.
Raise the bar at the Grayslake Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, September 16, and experience multiple beers from an array of brewers. The event hosts over 40 breweries attending the event, a variety of local restaurants and musical entertainment by Real Time Noise and Temporary Binge. Lake County Libation Trail partners in attendance include the village’s-own Light the Lamp Brewery, Harbor Brewing Co. and 9th Hour Brewing Co. of Lake Villa, Zümbier of Waukegan, Tighthead Brewing Co. of Mundelein, Liquid Love Brewing Co. of Buffalo Grove, Phase Three Brewing Co. and Roaring Table of Lake Zurich, Ravinia Brewing Co. of Highland Park, Half Day Brewing Co. of Lincolnshire, Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. of Long Grove and Mickey Finn’s Brewery of Libertyville. The event is for individuals ages 21 and older and will not allow children or pets. General admission starts at $45 and includes access to the festival from noon to 5 p.m. and a souvenir beverage glass.
Saturday, September 16; Noon to 5 p.m. Admission: $45-$100. Various locations in downtown Grayslake.
Reclaim your home decor at the Reclaimed Artisans Inc. Fall Outdoor Market, this Saturday, September 16. Visit Libertyville’s home decor store and over 50 other outdoor dealers selling vintage items, painted furniture, barnwood items and more. Experience entertainment and food from Mickey Finn’s, Harbor Kitchen & Tap, Tropical Chill Ice Cream and live music from Ivy Ford Band. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the indoor section will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact: 224.433.6210 or email [email protected].
Saturday, September 16; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free. Reclaimed Artisans Inc., 302 Peterson Rd., Libertyville.
For more things to do this weekend, September 15-17, 2023, click here.
