Things To Do This Weekend August 16-18
By: Jonathan Jones 08/15/2019
Kids weep everywhere in this edition to things to do this weekend August 16-18 as school is officially back in session around Lake County.
However, don't let the trudge back to school days fool you as it's still summertime in Lake County. Continue here to learn about what the buzz is in the hot season.
Also, holy tintinnabulation, it's Batman's 80th born day. Be sure to take a ride on Batman the Ride and the Dark Knight Roller Coaster at Six Flags Great America this weekend.
Barbecue, boogie, cardboard boat, shop, tour and view the arts in Lake County in this installment of things to do this weekend August 16-18.
Summertime and ribs just have an excellent relationship together. Taste what’s cooking at this at the Little Bear Ribfest held at Vernon Hill’s Century Park. Besides Lake County’s best ribs in show, explore the live entertainment, kid’s events and a whole slew of exciting things to do with the entire family in this two-day fest. Boogie to the fantastic tunes from Kenny Neal, the Blues Beatles, Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners, Donna Herula and Steve Ditzell and Blue Lightning. The vendors providing the delectable racks of ribs include BBQ’d Productions of Lake Zurich and Third Lake, City Barbeque of Deerfield and many more. Libation tickets can be purchased each night until 10:30 p.m. Free parking is available at Hawthorn Mall.
Friday-Saturday, August 16-17; Fri.: 6-11 p.m., Sat.: 4-11 p.m. Admission fee: $5 (children ages five years and younger are free of admission). Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Pkwy., Vernon Hills.
Grayslake Summer Days is one of the last festivals of the season in Lake County. This family-fun festival features live entertainment, carnival games, bingo, beer tents, arts & crafts, food vendors like Dog ‘N Suds, Glunz Family Winery, BBQ’d Productions and more, a bags tournament, a business booth area and go-cart races. Don’t forget to find a good spot on Whitney Street for the Bike and Pet Parade at noon on Saturday and the Summer Days Parade at 6:30 p.m. that night. The music lineup includes Sixteen Candles, Exit 147, Suburban Cowboys and more.
Friday-Saturday, August 16-17; Fri: 5-10 p.m., Sat.: Beginning at noon. Downtown Grayslake, Whitney Street.
Who has created the fastest vessel in Lake County … made of cardboard? Grab your friends and set out to construct the speediest watercraft this side of the Mississippi. Don’t get stingy with the paper and glue, and remember creativity is a plus (even if it instantly sinks). “Shove right off” to Lakefront Park, but first you have to register at Fox Lake Village Hall. The registration includes a boat building kit.
Sunday, August 18; Boatbuilding begins at 8 a.m., race starts at noon. Admission: $30. Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake.
There’s nothing like a day of nostalgia. Long Grove’s Vintage Days have that neatly wrapped in a bow as the fest features antique, reclaimed, repurposed, upcycled and handmade products from an array of vendors. The festival also includes live entertainment, elegant eats, tasty treats and delicious drinks. Also, peruse the local shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Long Grove. The event also offers hayrides, an ice cream social, pie eating, a penny carnival and so much more. The live entertainment includes bands such as Members Only, Beamish, The Don Stiernberg Quartet and DAMJAX.
Saturday-Sunday, August 17-18. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.
The B-17 Boeing is a multiengine bomber, low-wing monoplane which was armed with bombs and .30-caliber machine guns according to the Boeing website. This “flying fortress” was used initially during combat during WWII. This magnificent contraption is one of few of the models that are still in existence to this day as most were scrapped following the second world war. The Waukegan National Airport is holding a tours and flights on the aircraft to give visitors an up-close and personal look honoring the aviators who flew the B-17. Children ages eight and under (with paying adult), as well as veterans and active military members, receive free admission to the ground tour.
Friday-Sunday, August 16-18; 2-5 p.m. Ground Tour Tickets: $10-$20. Mission Flight Tickets: $409-$475. Waukegan Airport, 2601 W. Plane Rest Dr., Waukegan.
The Marriott Theatre closes the curtain on its production this weekend, “Darling Grenadine: A New Musical.” The show follows a charming protagonist Harry who lives in Manhattan and works as a songwriter. This musical comedy is a “Swell” story that explores an abundance of themes like the juxtaposition between romance versus reality, as well as denial and heartbreak, addiction and loss and so much more. “Darling Grenadine” is based on the novel donning the same title, as the book, music and lyrics were all conceived by Daniel Zaitchik.
Friday-Sunday, August 16-18; Fri.: 8 p.m., Sat: 4 and 8 p.m., Sun.: 1 p.m. Tickets: $52.78-$57.86. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
For more things to do this weekend August 16-18, continue here. For the rundown of what's going on for the rest of summer, click here.
