Labor Day Weekend in Lake County 2022
By: Nick Borowitz 08/19/2022
Labor Day weekend in Lake County usually means summer will officially draw to a close in 2022. Although the summer season is coming to an end, that does not mean that the fun stops.
There's still time to get out there and eat delicious food, find delightful deals and the Lake County Libation Trail can be hiked any time of the year.
There's also always time to take to the streets and highways that get you around Lake County when you "Let The Ride Take You!"
Check out Jurassic Gardens at Volo Museum, see what's going on this weekend in the county or read a story while you sunbathe for the last few weeks.
Here's everything happening for Labor Day weekend in Lake County 2022.
Life’s a beach here in Lake County. Some might say we’re spoiled with all of our lakes. We put this simple guide together for the season to make finding a beach a simple task. Bring the family and kids for the day. Find a spot to kick back and read a book. Be sure to check with your local park districts to verify close dates if you are interested or wish to plan a beach trip for Labor Day Weekend.
Splash and soar into the Labor Day weekend in Lake County when you visit two great parks at one destination. Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago are fantastic ways to keep the kids laughing and cheering. There are 17 roller coasters, a 20-acre water park and food that will keep bellies full while blasting down water slides. Drop your way into the Labor Day weekend at Six Flags Great America and take a dip at Hurricane Harbor Chicago. This is the last weekend the Lake County water park attraction, while the coaster thrill zone reopens for Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS in mid-September.
Plan a Labor Day weekend at the Great Wolf Lodge Illinois where the water park is always a comfortable 84 degrees. Their indoor waterpark spans over 80,000 feet and has waterslides, a giant tipping bucket and zero-depth entry water play areas. After a long day of splashing about, the fun doesn't end. There are family-size bowling lanes, an indoor miniature golf course and the enormous redemption arcade. When the family is tuckered out from the full day of excitement, saunter to the Barnwood Restaurant for delicious food, quenching beverages for both kid and parent, a rustic aesthetic and shareable plate sizes for everyone.
This unique watering hole in Libertyville is a great opportunity to enjoy cold craft beer, seltzers and wine from local makers. Available on taps and in cans are Lake County Libation Trail partners Ravinia Brewing Co. of Highland Park, Black Lung Brewing Co. of Round Lake Beach, Tighthead Brewing Co. of Mundelein, Mickey Finn's Brewery of Libertyville, 9th Hour Brewing Co. of Lake Villa, ZümBier of Waukegan, Liquid Love Brewing Co. of Buffalo Grove and Glunz Family Winery of Grayslake. Roaring Table Brewing Co. and Phase Three Brewing Co. are in Lake Zurich. The Lake County Forest Preserve District area continues its outdoor experience through October with SeptOberFest.
Food, delicious beverages for kids and adults and boats that roar down the water. You can appease the appetites of the former and listen to the sweet roar of the latter. The Northern Illinois Drag Boat Association hosts its Thursday night races on the drink. Blarney Island is a man-made island located in Grass Lake a mile off-shore from Antioch. Take your own boat or a ferry out and have a burger, some soda pop and see highly tuned boats practically glide on the surface of the water. Thunder on the Chain races is held every Thursday at Blarney Island through September 1.
Ray Florenza is the conductor of the Southwest Community Concert Band. He performs solo in his free time and will bring his unique style and sound via his saxophone. This free concert is held every Friday in the Community Garden Green in Fox Lake. Bring a picnic blanket, the family and some snacks and chill out with some auditory soothing.
Bring the picnic supplies to Kracklauer Park in Mundelein. Fireworks will ignite and light the sky up at 9 p.m. There will be live music and food vendors, beginning at 6 p.m. The village of Mundelein says to arrive early to grab a good spot and spend some time with neighbors and enjoy the evening!
MainStreet Libertyville invites one and all to their monthly celebration of First Fridays. The free event is highlighted by various delectable drinks, mouth-watering eats, live entertainment and more while you peruse the Lake County local mom-and-pop shops offering promotional sales and deals. Be sure to visit participating MainStreet Libertyville restaurants like Café Pomigliano, Mickey Finn’s Brewery, Main Street Social, O’Toole’s Libertyville, Shakou Libertyville, Chrissoulas Restaurant, Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant, The Picnic Basket and other Libertyville eateries. Be sure to stop by the Improv Playhouse with some knee-slapping humor as they host.
Break in the holiday weekend by celebrating the classics. Cruise Nights at Gurnee Mills celebrates automotive history by showcasing some of the cleanest classics and customs in Illinois and southern Wisconsin. The car show is free and you can stop into Gurnee Mills and squeeze in some shopping or grab a bite eat at one of the many restaurants.
The fireworks have been rescheduled to occur on September 3rd at 8 p.m. on the Lakefront. The fireworks are free, so arrive early to find a good spot and get there early to see the show. As recommended by Waukegan, some of the best viewing is from Waukegan Harbor, Waukegan Yacht Club, Green Town on the Rocks and the Government Pier.
Celebrate 100 years of community in the Gages Lake community; a segment of Grayslake. There will be a parade, car show, live music, food, beer, different demonstrations, local vendors and family-friendly activities galore. Come dressed for the weather. You can opt to also dress as they may have 100 years ago in Gages Lake. There is a raffle with prizes, bingo and touch-a-truck for the kids.
The Tempel Lipizzans is a woman-owned business in Old Mill Creek that has been training this breed of stallion for over half a century. Grounded in historical accuracy and a sharp style of showmanship, The Tempel Lipizzans is a must-see performance for those who live in Lake County and surrounding areas. The “ballet” of the Lipizzan stallion will capture the attention, no matter your age.
This is it folks! The conclusion of the Bitter Jester Music Festival for the season. The bands performing will aim to raise money for the 150+ businesses impacted by the events of July 4. The show begins at 4 p.m. at Madame ZuZu's teahouse in downtown Highland park to pick the winner of the multi-month talent competition that brings together young performers and musicians. This concert is free to attend, but donations are always appreciated.
Now in its 15th year, the MainStreet Libertyville Twilight Shuffle is an annual 5K run for runners ages nine and older. Runners compete in a 3.12-mile run through one of the most scenic (yet hilly) neighborhoods in downtown Libertyville as local residents cheer them on. The race will be professionally timed via chip. Participants will receive a 2022 Twilight Shuffle technical fabric T-shirt, bib, entrance to the pre-race sponsor expo and post-race festivities.
Learn unique historical facts about the Ela Township in Lake Zurich. The event features Civil War-era reenactments and demonstrations with special guests sharing unique tidbits of history. While there, you will have the opportunity to shop their market for a large range of vintage goods for your home decorating elements.
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A promotional street sign for Nashwood Music Fest outside of The Toad Stool in Highwood, Il.[/caption]
Celebrate Highwood will transform its Downtown into Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row for the fifth annual Nashwood (Nashville+Highwood) Music Fest for three days of free music and Southern inspired food and drink specials. The sounds of Nashville will permeate the air as music lovers stroll the streets of Downtown Highwood enjoying over 100 free performances throughout 25 venues including 10 outdoor performance spaces, all within a 48-hour time frame.
Just because it's not March doesn't mean you can't celebrate like you have a little Irish in you. Irish Days returns to the beautiful Historic Downtown Long Grove district. Shop up and down the streets of the local shops and vendors selling wholesome wares and delicious treats. There will also be the ever-popular McNulty dancers, Men's Kilt Contest and the Irish Dog Competition.
Labor Day weekend is traditionally spent with friends, family and food. You can package that all up and bring them to Lindy's Landing and celebrate in style. The Wauconda eatery hosts five days of food and music and hanging out on the beach. For each day of the Labor Day weekend, the doors at 11 a.m. to make the most of the long weekend. Visit them for tasty grub, plenty of sun and boating on Bangs Lake.
Ravinia Festival is packed full of performances sure to keep you moving. This renowned Highland Park gem showcases a variety of performers in the lineups. Don’t hesitate to turn a little spot of lawn into your own outdoor living room. Be sure to catch the unique performances below for a rocking good time.
- Yacht Rock Revue (September 1) INFO»
- Emmylou Harris and Mary Chapin Carpenter (September 2) INFO»
- Geneva Lewis and Audrey Vardanega: Suit Sonatas (September 3) INFO»
- Music for the Royal Fireworks with Music of the Baroque (September 3) INFO»
- Diana Ross with Special Guest Naturally 7 (September 4) INFO»
Visitors take a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England, complete with 16th Century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music and one-of-a-kind encounters with a spectacular cast of characters. The Bristol Renaissance Faire boasts 16 different open-air stages featuring swordfighters, minstrels and jesters.
Bill Sienkiewicz (pronounced sin-kev-itch) is an Eisner-winning and Emmy-nominated artist, best known for revolutionizing the style of Marvel Comics and graphic novel illustrations over the past four decades. This exhibition at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum showcases sketches and original paintings spanning the artist’s career from the 1980s to modern renderings. View over 60 works of art and video interviews to discover how Sienkiewicz’s renderings incorporate abstract and expressionist influences.
Take in the the awe of water colors inspired by the biodiversity of the Volo Bog. Lori Indovina-Valus shares her works with the world and you may even recognize some of the scenes. Critters and scenes from the Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry Dam, the Volo Bog State Natural Area and perhaps a water vessel on Pistakee Lake.
Lambs farm is home to delectable treats, unique treasures, puppies and kittens, a petting zoo and fun activities. You can each of these experiences in Libertyville when you visit Lambs Farm. They run multiple businesses on the farm, all which benefit individuals with developmental disabilities and gives them life skills. Visit the Dogwood Pet Shop, Magnolia Café & Bakery and the Sugar Maple Country Store to help support their mission. They are celebrating their 61st birthday this year!
No doubt that people will be grilling up a smorgasbord for the holiday weekend. Why not serve up farm-fresh ingredients for the occasion? Take a look at the farmers markets below and purchase food and products made right here in Lake County.
- Antioch Farmers Market (September 1) INFO»
- Mainstreet Libertyville Farmers Market (September 1) INFO»
- North Chicago Farmers Market (September 1) INFO»
- Lake Zurich Farmers Market (September 2) INFO»
- Mundelein Farmers Market (September 2) INFO»
- Deerfield Farmers Market (September 3) INFO»
- Gurnee Farmers Market (September 4) INFO»
Take part in a celebration of nature that is a half-century in the making with the Chicago Botanic Garden. “Flourish: The Garden at 50,” highlights the conservation efforts that the Glencoe sanctuary has made. They share what keeps it thriving today as well as what the plans of the future holds. The garden festivities feature art installations on display from local and international artists. The exhibition runs on select days through September 25.
We aren't actually implying that you should hike the trail. The Lake County Libation Trail has over 25 unique partners, each one with their own specific charm. Pick from breweries, wineries and distilleries that each offer their own takes on boozy creations. Click the link to see what you may find along the way. You may find a new establishment that becomes your go-to. Use ride-share services and commute responsibly.
Have you ever dreamed of flying? A fighter Jet? Maybe a passenger liner? Or perhaps just giving VR gaming a try. It would take a long time to actually get behind a control stick. Extreme Flight Simulation in Gurnee has you covered with the virtual part. Schedule a session on the weekend and see what all the excitement is about.
You can host a party and everything that goes with it for the weekend. Or you can grab a couple of fishing rods and head out on one of the many waterways and lakes for Labor Day weekend that we have here in Lake County. No matter the experience level, there's a spot to reel in catches. Rent a boat from Skipperbuds to get to the secluded quiet spot away from the shore. They have locations in Antioch, Volo and Winthrop Harbor.
We have an abundance of museums and historical buildings in Lake County that tell various tales. Find one on the list below and learn something new about the place you live or the place you plan to visit during one of your free days on the Labor Day weekend.
- Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods INFO»
- Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe INFO»
- Cuneo Mansion and Gardens in Vernon Hills INFO»
- Dunn Museum in Libertyville INFO»
- Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum INFO»
- Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago INFO»
- Heller Nature Center in Highland Park INFO»
- Mundelein Heritage Museum INFO»
- National Museum of the American Sailor at Great Lakes INFO»
- Ray Bradbury Experience Museum in Waukegan INFO»
- Shiloh House in Zion INFO»
- Sock Monkey Museum in Long Grove INFO»
- The Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington INFO»
- Volo Museum INFO»
- Waukegan History Museum INFO»
- Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest INFO»
- History Center of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff INFO»
Make use of the three-day weekend by hitting the links at one of our fabulous golf courses in Lake County. Some of them are meant for an easy session on the green. Others will make you work for that par or hole-in-one. Call ahead to check for availability and tee times. Below are just a few of the gems you can be teeing up at this weekend.
- Bonnie Brook Golf Course in Waukegan INFO»
- Crane’s Landing Golf Course at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort INFO»
- Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein INFO»
- Greenshire Golf Course in Beach Park INFO»
- Hickory Knoll Golf Course in Lake Villa INFO»
- Veterans Memorial Golf Course at Great Lakes INFO»
- ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park INFO»
Take to the links on a far smaller scale with a few rounds of mini-golf. Par-King in Lincolnshire has one of the most unique course set-ups that you will find in the state. Mini-golf is a fun way to keep the kids active, laughing warming up for the big links.
- Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire INFO»
- Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee INFO»
Get out and experience the outdoors for the Labor Day weekend and bring along a tent, a pop-up or rent an enclosed unit. We have a solid selection of camping choices and all of them will bring a smile to your family's face. Swim in the morning and hit the trails during the day. Roast s'mores and tell scary stories at night. Be sure to call ahead as availability may be limited.
- Illinois Beach State Park in Zion INFO»
- Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in Volo INFO»
- Chain O’Lakes State Park in Antioch INFO»
Our area is full of nature and plenty of opportunities to embrace it. Run or power walk along the trails of the Lake County Forest Preserves. With a simple switch of clothing and gear, hustle the trails on your bicycle. There are plenty of paths too in our local communities that you can hustle along to keep moving for the holiday weekend.
- Century Park in Vernon Hills INFO»
- Chain O' Lakes in Spring Grove INFO»
- Illinois Beach State Park in Zion INFO»
- North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor INFO»
- Paulus Park in Lake Zurich INFO»
- Volo Bog State Natural Area INFO»
- Heller Nature Center in Highland Park INFO»
The performing arts have returned to Lake County. Find a show for your family here. Summer still has a few tricks up its sleeve, that you and the family need to check out. For more things to do over the Labor Day weekend, click here.
