Besides the weather being virtually perfect, there is a slew of other things to experience in the land of lakes in this installment of top things to do this weekend August 6-8.
From sweets, sculptures and sales in Libertyville, to summer day spectaculars in Gurnee, to stellar songs in Waukegan, to sentimental stuff in Long Grove and scary ships in Winthrop Harbor, this jam-packed festival weekend is seriously loaded.
Invest your fest feels on a festive festival-infested Friday through Sunday in Libertyville. The weekend kicks off with its normal First Fridays on MainStreet Libertyville highlighted by various delectable drinks, mouth-watering eats, live entertainment and more as visitors peruse through local mom and pop shops offering promotional sales. On Saturday and Sunday, the downtown Libertyville creative haven Adler Arts Center hosts its 40th annual Festival of the Arts at Cook Park. A host of exceptionally talented individuals will have their work on display, as well as a youth art division to celebrate young makers’ art. Besides the unique creations showcased, attendees will boogie to live music and munch on divine fare. Before or after filling your artistic appetite at the Adler Arts Center Festival of the arts, visitors can pamper their sweet tooth with a stroll down the MainSweet Dessert Walk. The dessert makers participating in this saccharine event include Libertyville eateries like Café Pomigliano, Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar, My Flavor it! Place, O’Toole’s Libertyville, Sweet Home Gelato and more.
Friday-Sunday, August 6-8; First Fridays: Fri. 10-a.m.-9 p.m., Adler Arts Center Festival of the Arts: Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and MainSweet Dessert Walk: Sat. noon-3 p.m. MainSweet Dessert Walk Tickets: $15 per person. Downtown Libertyville, various locations on Milwaukee Avenue.
“Summer days drifting away, to, oh, oh the summer nights,” sang Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the classic flick “Grease.” Since 1972, Gurnee Days has been a featured social and regarded as one of the county’s premier summer festivals. The Gurnee Park District party is highlighted by a 5K run, a parade, a ribfest, fireworks display, live entertainment, delectable eats, a car show, a petting zoo and much more. Gracing the stage at the Gurnee show includes Ax & the Hatchetmen and Bella Cain.
Saturday-Sunday, August 7-8; Sat.: 7:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
After a year of COVID-19 hiatus, Genesee Theatre reopens its doors. The Waukegan staple provides visitors with glorious nostalgia as they feature renowned musicians of yesteryear. The City of Progress theatre kicks off its triumphant return the “Happy Together” Tour returning to the Genesee stage. The performance showcases Billboard Top 10 radio hits from the 1960s and 1970s. The playbill is highlighted by The Turtles, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, The Association, The Classics IV, The Buckingham’s, The Vogues and The Cowsills. So, concert-goers will jump in their time machine and toe-tap to classics like “Happy Together,” “Kind of a Drag,” “Along Came Mary” and a ton more phenomenal golden oldies. The Waukegan staple has postponed Friday’s “Bumping Mics” starring Jeff Ross and David Attell to a later date due to Ross contracting COVID-19.
Saturday, August 7; 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45-$90. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
There’s nothing like a day of nostalgia. Long Grove’s Vintage Days have that neatly wrapped in a neat little bow as the fest features antique, reclaimed, repurposed, upcycled and handmade products from an array of vendors. The annual festival also includes live entertainment, elegant eats, tasty treats and delicious drinks. Long Grove Vintage Days are also highlighted by free tractor rides for the youngsters, a penny carnival located on the Long Grove Historical Society’s Farmhouse. Take in the sounds of the live bands like Low-Reen, EZFM, Jessica Bae and more.
Saturday-Sunday, August 7-8; Sat.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Downtown Long Grove, 400 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove.
Walk the plank to North Point Marina’s Harbor Days and Venetian Night this Saturday. The boating party will feature the “GHOST SHIP, HAUNTED MARINA” Lighted Boat Parade, a slew of kiddie activities, a vendor fair, live music, an open swim in the marina’s new swimming pool, tons of eats and beverages, pyrotechnics and more. Stop by Lake County Libation Trail partner Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Biergarten for their legendary suds. The Winthrop Harbor drinkery has a post at the Illinois State Park marina throughout the summer and early fall. The live entertainment lineup includes a Joey Halbur acoustic show and the Blues Family Robinson band.
Saturday, August 7; 1-11 p.m. Free admission. North Point Marina, 701 N. Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor.
For more things to do this weekend August 6-8, continue here. To see all of the top happenings in August, click here.
