Things To Do This Weekend August 17-19
By: Jack Nelson 08/16/2018
It's back to school for some so Lake County has come up with the cure for post-summer vacation depression with the top things to do this weekend August 17-19!
Whether you've begun the school year or are about to, don't forget to 'pencil' in our guide for the greatest back to school deals and events in Lake County. Of course, there are dozens of other Lake County happenings this weekend, and you can find the complete list of them here.
Break out your school supplies and take notes over the top things to do this weekend August 17-19! 
Few things pair as well as barbecue and blues music. The 8th annual Little Bear Ribfest is returning this weekend with award-winning blues music and several local restaurants serving mouth-watering ribs and side dishes. The Vernon Hills Park District festival brings the addition of a world-class bourbon bar to complement the delectable fare. Live performances include Corey Dennison as well as Dwayne Dopsie and Thy Dydeco Hellraisers on Friday. The Mike Wheeler Band, Chicago Blues Super Session and Mud Morganfield take the stage on Saturday. Get saucy with the exceptional dining options provided by Real Urban Barbecue, Smokin’ T’s, BBQ’d Productions, Big Ed’s and Brother’s Barbecue. Visit vhparkdistrict.org for more information about the Century Park fest. Free parking is available at Hawthorn Mall.
Friday-Saturday, August 17-18; Fri.: 6-11 p.m. Sat.: 4-11 p.m. Admission: $5. Attendees ages five and under receive free entry. Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Pkwy., Vernon Hills.
Indulge in a food journey this weekend at Lake Zurich’s 12th annual Taste of the Towns. The Paulus Park event will feature samples from dozens of local restaurants, eateries, caterers, food retailers, breweries, distilleries and wineries including Beelow’s Steakhouse, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, Buffalo Creek Brewing, Copper Fiddle Distillery, Franco’s Pescheria and more. The Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce event will provide several options for family fun and children’s activities. The divine bites will be complemented by the sweet sounds of live music. Admission includes one taste from each vendor; additional tasting tickets are available for purchase.
Sunday, August 19; 3-7 p.m. Admission: $40 in advance, $55 day of the event. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.
“Summertime is always the best of what might be,” written by journalist Charles Bowden. Visit beautiful Grayslake for the annual Summer Days festival. The family-friendly festival provides incredible live tunes from Modern Day Romeos, Exit 147,7th Heaven and more. The downtown Grayslake event is also highlighted by, carnival games, food vendors, go-kart races, the pet and bike parade, a bags tournament and the renowned annual Summer Days Parade with this year’s theme -“Celebrating the Illinois Bicentennial,” to the charming village.
Friday-Saturday, August 17-18; Fri.: 5 – midnight Sat.: Noon-midnight. Free admission. Downtown Historic Grayslake, Center Street & Whitney Street.
Take a trip back in time at Historic Downtown Long Grove’s Vintage Days event. The celebrated two-day event is the place for all things vintage, antique, reclaimed, repurposed, upcycled and handmade. Attendees can visit over 35 vendor tables at the outdoor, open-air street market. Listen to the melodies performed by folk, bluegrass and classic rock bands. Pamper your taste buds and as street vendors will serve attendees a variety of eats, vino and suds for purchase. The Historic Downtown Long Grove features a slew of children activities including free tractor rides, face painting, a penny carnival and more. Shop ‘til you drop along the quaint cobblestone streets.
Saturday-Sunday, August 18-19; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free admission. Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.
Earth, Wind & Fire are not only three of the four classical elements, but also a phenomenal musical group playing at Ravinia Festival this weekend. The nearly five-decade band led by original members Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson and Chicago-native Verdine White has blended several musical genres such as R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, Latin and more. The band is a six-time Grammy Award winner, collected four American Music Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Don’t miss your chance to visit the “Boogie Wonderland” in Highland Park. Lawn tickets are sold out.
Friday, August 17; 8 p.m. Admission: $130-$140. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park.
For more things to do this weekend August 17-19, continue here.
