Gurnee Guide: Festivals & Other Events

By: Jonathan Jones 09/28/2016

Play and stay in Gurnee as this portion of our Guide to Gurnee brings you to the festivals and other events this fine town throws annually.

Gurnee Days Early August, Viking Park; 4374 Old Grand Ave.

The Gurnee Days is a festival that’s been going on for 44 years and they have a different theme every year. The celebration includes 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 and talent show.

Legions of Craft Beer Mid-September Gurnee Mills Parking-lot

Searching for a suds-filled Saturday? Gurnee’s Second Annual Legions of Craft Beer Festival will cure what “ales” you. A plethora of over 50+ beer vendors will be featured at this event. Not only will you enjoy the assortment of beers offered, but food trucks and live entertainment as well. A shuttle service from the Metra train stations in Libertyville and Waukegan will be in operation for out of the area attendees.

Fright Fest @ Six Flags Great America September/October, Six Flags Great America; I-94 & Rt. 132

The thrills Six Flags Great America Fright Festand chills are at Six Flags Great America as the legendary Fright Fest makes its return to the Gurnee Amusement Park. Fright Fest presented by Snickers, is when the park is totally transformed for six weeks in ghoulish fashion featuring live shows, street entertainment, haunted houses and of course riding the all of the 14 roller coasters and thrill rides at night. As Halloween approaches, the kids can embark on a special trick-or-treat trail. Fright Fest is open on weekends until October 31.

Holiday Train @ Viking Park Early December; Viking Park; 4374 Old Grand Ave.

The train horn is heard in the distance. That’s the sound of the Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train making its annual stop at Viking Park in Gurnee. This vastly illuminated 14-car train partners with local communities to raise food and funds for local food banks as well as raise awareness about hunger issues. The train will blare live holiday music, conduct a brief ceremony and will pass out candy canes for the kids.

Frosty Fest Late January - Bittersweet Golf Course; 875 Almond Rd.

Like Frosty, you will be a jolly happy soul when attending Bittersweet Golf Course on Saturday. Gurnee’s Frost Fest is a day you and the family don’t want to miss. This unforgettable experience include ice sculpting, ice carving demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides, dog sled demonstrations, snowshoeing, sledding, free s’mores and hot cocoa and other festive winter games.

Gurnee’s Farmers Market Early June-Late September on Fridays – Esper Peterson Park; Grand Avenue/Kilbourn

The Gurnee Park District Farmers' Market features fruits, vegetables, flowers, breads, pastries and goodies, meat, eggs, take and go food and much more. See the Farmers' Market Entertainment Schedule of free activities taking place every Friday like live music, cooking classes and demos, goodies and giveaways.