Look in the sky – it’s a bird, it’s a plane. Is it a plethora of hot-air balloons? The Annual Grayslake Color Aloft Balloon Festival allows attendees to witness the inflation and competition as aircraft experts contend in a “Fox and Hounds Contest.” The purpose of the contest is to see which balloon pilot can land closest to the Fox River or are they just blowing hot air? After the sun sets, the sky will light up with the burners of the balloons that illuminate the night. The free event includes live music, family activities, a Civil War-era baseball game and storytelling. The vibrantly tinted event will not feature any food and beverage vendors, so attendees are urged to pack a snack.
Saturday, August 24; 3-9 p.m. Central Park, 250 Library Ln., Grayslake.
Receive a taste of the Native American heritage to heighten awareness of their history at the Annual Potawatomi Trails Pow Wow. Join the celebration as you listen and witness the history, traditions and customs of the Native Americans. Other festivities occurring at this Zion fiesta include live demonstrations, music and dance presentations, educational sessions and a trade area. The Grand Entry is a must-see experience where members of the tribe will present the Potawatomi flag as well as perform the traditional dances.
Saturday-Sunday, August 24-25; Sat.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $1-$8. Shiloh Park, 27th Street, Zion.
“We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents,” said the late-painter, art instructor and television host Bob Ross. Over 240 established masons of painting, sculpturing, photography, clothing designers, interior designers and other artists saturate the downtown Highland Park area with fantastic talent at the Port Clinton Art Festival. This art party oozing with tons of creativity is one of the country’s most renowned art festivals. The 150-year city’s event is highlighted by purchasable works from celebrated artists, face painting, interactive art demonstrations, the youth art division, live tunes on two different stages by acts like Cirrus Falcon, Check with Lucy, the Highland Park Players and others, delectable eats, great beverages and so much more. Art enthusiasts are urged to compete in the poster contest as a part of Highland Park’s century and a half born day.
Saturday-Sunday, August 24-25; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $5 suggested donation. Downtown Highland Park, Central and Sheridan Avenues, Highland Park.
“Food, glorious food! what is there more handsome!” Lincolnshire’s Food Truck Fridays are located in the Corporate Center Parking Lot and offer a variety of choices in the gourmet eats department. The foodie frenzy includes local trucks providing barbecue, innovative sandwiches, seafood options, international eats and so much more. Take in the aromas that waft through the air, while a delectable dish is prepared right in front of your eyes. There will also be kiddie entertainment and live music. There are nine trucks at the fare fest: Grill Chasers, Soire Cafe, Killer Zombie Dogz, Happy Lobster, Louie B. Fresh Mobile Kitchen & Catering, Toasty Cheese, Culinary Gangster, Da Pizza Dude and Mario’s Cart Race for the Taste. This is Lincolnshire’s final date for the season.
Friday, August 23; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Lincolnshire Corporate Center Parking Lot, 300 Knightsbridge Pkwy., Lincolnshire.
All guilty pleasures are available during the North Shore Wine, Beer, Cigar and Food Festival. The downtown Libertyville fest will offer over 300 wines, beer and a variety of cigar tastings from local, national and international wineries, breweries and cigar companies. Libertyville’s Neumann’s Cigars & More will offer pairings of different tobacco blends to complement favorite wines and beers. Lake County Libation Trail participants Mickey Finn’s in Libertyville, Roaring Table Brewing Co., in Lake Zurich, Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein, Onion Pub & Brewery in Barrington and North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks will be in attendance.
Saturday, August 24; 3:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets: $40-$200. Downtown Libertyville, 135 W. Church St., Libertyville.
Continue here to learn more about all of the top things to do this weekend August 23-25 in Lake County.
