Things To Do This Weekend July 16-18, 2021
By: Kelli Smith 07/15/2021
Adventure is out there, Lake County! This weekend is full of fun events, beautiful landscapes, live entertainment, hidden gems, local art and so much more.
If you're looking for some family friendly fun events this summer, click here to read our summer fun guide for kids in Lake County!
Hop in your car this weekend and let the ride take you to the beauty and exploration of Lake County! Stop for a show at Ravinia Festival, savor the taste of summer in Antioch, appreciate and support local artists and businesses and grab a bite at local Lake County restaurants or speciality food trucks.
Here's this weekend's edition of the top things to do in Lake County, July 16-18, 2021.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Emma Chase agrees that “the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination, it’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.” “Let the ride take you” to Lake County to discover the hidden gems, rich history, refreshing beaches, quaint local shops and outdoor beauty of the land of lakes. Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau encourages travelers to indulge on five unique road trip routes that includes a trip down Illinois Route 21 and U.S. Route 45. This itinerary is highlighted by libations at Half Day Brewing Co., mini golf at Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire, dinner at Mundelein’s Mambo Italiano and big kid links at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort’s Crane’s Landing Golf Course. The unique Illinois Route 83 itinerary includes a stop at the Lake County Forest Preserve’s Dunn Museum in Libertyville and sweet treats at Tony Cannoli in Mundelein. U.S. Route 41 is all about fun with boating at the Waukegan Harbor and Marina, shows at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, entertainment at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park and so much more. Head North or South of Sheridan Road to experience the nature of Lake County at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion and Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest. U.S. Route 12 featuresLake County’s auto capital, the Volo Museum, shopping at the Deer Park Town Center and supporting local restaurants including Miller’s Dog N Suds in Ingleside, Slyce Coal Fired Pizza in Wauconda and El Puerto Mexican Restaurant in Fox Lake. This summer, don’t take a road trip, let the ride take you to the beauty, history, nature and discovery of Lake County, Illinois. For more information on Lake County Road Trips, peruse through VisitLakeCounty.org/road-trips
Friday-Sunday, July 16-18; Hours vary. Various locations in Lake County.
“I’m thankful for loving who I really am, I’m beautiful…” and she’s here this weekend at the Ravinia Festival. Cynthia Ervio, actress, singer, songwriter and recipient of several awards including a Daytime Emmy, Grammy and Tony Awards and star of 2019 film “Harriet,” is bringing her beautiful and legendary voice to the Highland Park stage accompanied by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This weekend’s program, “Legendary Women’s Voices,” is filled with music by renowned female singers, and orchestral works by women composers. Presented by the Ravinia’s Women’s Board, the concert’s tickets will benefit the illustrious institution’s music education programs. Tickets can be purchased for the performance at Ravinia.org.
Sunday, July 18; Public Gates Open: 4 p.m., Concerts Starts: 6 p.m., Admission: $10-$145, Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park.
Celebrate the bold stripes, bright stars and brave hearts once again this weekend at Antioch’s Taste of Summer Festival and Sidewalk Sales. The three-day, family-friendly festival is highlighted by live entertainment, a patriotic musical light show, carnival games and rides, delicious eats and libations from Antioch local joints and sidewalk sales throughout downtown Antioch. Live entertainment includes local bands Dancing Queen, Hi Infidelity, Rockstar Rodeo, and Modern Day Romeos. Support Antioch’s small business by shopping the village’s downtown stores and sidewalk sales. Visitors that spend over $10 and show their proof of purchase will receive a free carnival ride voucher. For a detailed weekend schedule, visit AntiochChamber.org.
Friday-Sunday, July 16-18; Fri.: 4 - 11 p.m., Sat.: noon - 11 p.m., Sun.: noon - 7 p.m. Entry is free. Admission prices vary for carnival, food, beverages and beer wristband. Downtown Antioch, Skidmore Avenue.
Waukegan’s monthly explosion of the arts down Genesee Street is back this weekend. Painters, sculptors, muralists, photographers, jewelers, engravers and other creators will feature their unique pieces. Back after a few months of rest, the ArtPark crew will feature arts of various mediums and live Jazz music. The Waukegan Public Library will also be hosting a live courtyard concert from Chicago-based guitarist, singer and composer Nico Barberan and his bandmates. The festival’s showcase artists include Mary Neely and her retrospective art with masterpieces from the last 20 years at the Dandelion Gallery & Studio, [jonrev Projects] prints from the Chicago and Night projects at Karcher Art Space Lofts and various artists at Sidecar Studios with pieces representing the theme “Art and Nostalgia.” Break for a bite at eateries in the City of Progress including Win Win Restaurant & Bar, Green Town on the Rocks, La Casa de Samuel and Green Town Tavern. Stop by for a drink at the Lake County Libation Trail partners Nightshade and Dark Pandemonium Brewing and Oppidan Spirits for delectable drinks for adults ages 21 and older. Take in everything Waukegan Main Street has to offer with free admission and full access to a variety of galleries, eateries, shops and more.
Saturday, July 17; 5 - 9 p.m. Free admission. Waukegan Arts & Entertainment District in Downtown Waukegan, Genesee Street, Waukegan.
Shop ‘til you drop and support local at MainStreet Libertyville’s Sidewalk Sales. Take advantage of discounts at participating stores and boutiques and have a bite at one of the many restaurants in downtown Libertyville including partners Shakou Libertyville, Main Street Social, Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar, O’Toole’s Libertyville and many more. Visit MainStreetLibertyville.org for a full list of participating businesses.
Friday-Saturday, July 16-17, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Free admission. Downtown Libertyville, Milwaukee Avenue.
Bon Appétit! Indulge your taste buds at the Deer Park Town Center for their Food Truck Series. The food truck lineup consists of delicious eats from La Humita on Wheels, Culinary Gangster, Serna’s Grill and My Mama’s Mini Donut Truck. From Latin American cuisine to a classic burger topped off with a delicious dessert, these food trucks have everything you’d need to ease your hunger. While snacking, stop at one of the many shops located at the Deer Park Town Center. The Food Truck Series at Deer Park Town Center runs every third Saturday of the month through October 16.
Saturday, July 17; 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Free admission. Food trucks will be located in front of retail stores Pottery Barn and Kendra Scott.. Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park.
It's not too late to support Lake County's local businesses for Independent Retail month. Click here to learn more about all of the local Lake County businesses.
