Community Calendar of Events: Fun in Lake County for August 2024

Aug 1, 2024

Summer is winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to pack in some excitement and entertainment! Soak up the last of the summer sunshine and warm weather at one of these fun local events. No matter if you’re looking for art, food, live music, dance, family-friendly activities, or a little respite in nature, you’ll find something for you on our local Lake County Community Calendar! There’s still a slew of delightful community events to choose from, so grab your friends and family and pile on into your new car from Classic of Waukegan and let’s hit the road to happiness and make some memories together.

What events are you looking forward to this month in the Lake County Area? Let us know in the comments!

Fun in Lake County Illinois for August 2024

It’s time for First Friday on August 2nd in Downtown Libertyville! Head over to Main Street and enjoy some fine dining discounts, wine tastings, art and merchandise promotions, and more. Parking is free and so is admission!

On August 2nd, Fox Lake’s Friday night Concert series is hosting “Generation” for an evening of music along with delicious local food from Black Lung Brewing, Sandie Dogs, and Serna’s Grill. BYO Chair, blanket, and snacks and sit down to watch the show, then grab dinner and a drink from the local food trucks!

First Friday fun continues at the Improv Playhouse in Libertyville starting at 8PM for an evening of stand-up with Aaron Sutherland, Mike Maxwell, Avril Granato, and Eric Hallberg.

First Friday Food Truck Day is bringing a variety of delectable dining options from Toasty’s Cheese including summer cocktails, unique grilled cheeses, toasty french fries with fun toppings, and more. Head over to Green Oaks at the North Shore Distillery between 5 to 8PM.

August 3rd Saturday is looking pretty sweet in Downtown Libertyville for the MainStreet Dessert Walk event! Stop downtown and enjoy 3 blocks of delicious sweet treats and fun starting in Cook Park.

August 3rd and 4th this weekend is the “43rd Annual Festival of the Arts” at the Adler Arts Center of Libertyville from 10AM-7PM Saturday, and 10AM to 5PM on Sunday. Enjoy visual arts displays, family-friendly activities, live music and entertainment, and plenty of artisan bespoke goods to shop.

On August 4th, Sunday is really for the dogs! Head over to Lambs Farm of Libertyville with your pup to enjoy DOGwood day, celebrating the special bond between humans and their canine companions. Leashed dogs welcome!

Sunday, August 4th at Brothers’ Field in Long Grove is the fantastic live princess and super hero event, the Enchanted Heroes Festival with food trucks, family crafts, cotton candy, photo ops, meet and greets, and more. It all kicks off at 12PM and runs through 4PM. Get your tickets in advance and opt for a VIP package for more entertainment.

Tuesday August 6th is the final installment of the Waukegan Band Season Summer Mysteries series at the Waukegan Lakefront Stiner Pavilion. Head over around 7 to grab your spot and enjoy the show starting at 7:30!

August 6th is also National Night Out, and there will be several events throughout the county to enjoy: 4PM at Grosse Pointe Park in Vernon Hills; 2:30PM to 7PM at Lake Villa in Loffredo Park; 3PM to 7PM at Lakefront Park in Fox Lake; 5PM to 10PM at Mundelein Parks and Recreation District in Mundelein; 6PM at the Wildwood Park District in Wildwood!

Stop by Independence Grove Forest Preserve for the 3-Day “Animal Attire Three Day Festival” program for children! LEarn about local wildlife and creatures and their natural habitats through games, exploration, hands-on activities, and crafts.

Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers will be appearing at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park on August 7th; gates open at 5PM and the show starts promptly at 7:30PM on Ravinia Park Road.

Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market will be happening the morning of August 7th from 7AM to 8PM in Jens Jensen Park of Highland Park.

Enjoy Stories in the Woods at the Heller Nature Center in Highland Park from 10AM to 11AM with your little ones.

The Summer Concerts at Phil’s Beach series is continuing in Wauconda in partnership with the Wauconda Area Public Library on August 8th!

Waukegan’s Touch-A-Truck event at the Waukegan Municipal Beach is back on August 9th!

Waukegan Park District is pleased to announce Friday Night August 9th Free Movies in the PArk will be screening Disney’s Wish at 8PM. Arrive early and BYO blankets and chairs and snacks! Movies begin at sunset (approximately!) Rain Dates will be available if there is bad weather.

Gurnee Mills Craft Show is taking place from August 9th through the 11th at the Gurnee Mills Mall. Shop local artisans and handmade crafts and gifts Friday, Saturday and Sunday during regular mall operating hours.

August 10th at Brothers’ Field in Long Grove enjoy the “HAVANA NIGHTS Weekend” starting at 3PM! Festivities kick off with latin inspired drinks and cocktails, followed by Latin Dancing at 5PM, Live Music from Los Perros Cubanos from 6PM to 9PM! And the Chatterbox Food Truck will be serving up traditional latin fare and Cuban favorites! Snag your tickets asap.

Head over to The Lot in Highland Park on Sunday August 11th from 12PM to 4PM for the Vintage Car Show event! Enjoy more than 200 different vehicles on display, live radio broadcasting, and plenty to eat and drink.

On August 14th, Highwood is hosting Garlic Fest 2024 with a special evening of Trivia, exquisite food tastings, family-friendly fun, and live music from 4:30 to 9:30PM

Ravinia District Food Truck Thursdays is hosting Mardi Gras Night on August 15th from 4:30PM to 8:30PM across from the Ravinia Metra Station in Highland Park. Come grab a tasty bite and enjoy the live music.

The Dandelion Wine Arts and Music Festival is coming to the Jack Benny Center for the ARts in Waukegan on SAturday August 17th from 11AM to 5PM at Bowen Park.

Head on down to Lakefront Park in Fox Lake for an afternoon of delightful fun and creativity at the Cardboard Boat Race in Fox Lake starting at 12PM!

The 3rd Annual Zinnia & Monarch and Bees Too Festival is happening August 17th at teh Zion Park District in Zion.

ARTWAUK in Waukegan is back on August 17th, September 21st, October 19th, November 16th, and December 21st from 5PM to 9PM in the Arts and Entertainment District of Downtown Waukegan!

The Port Clinton Arts Festival will be in Highland Park from August 24th and 25th, celebrating more than 40 years of creativity and excitement!

On August 27th you and your pup can enjoy YAPPY Hour at the Side Lot in Wauconda. Your pup gets a free doggy menu meal with any purchase of a human meal from 11AM to 8PM!