With long days and warm nights, summer weekends are made for exploring. Whether you’re staying local or venturing out, here are a few events worth adding to your calendar.
Feast Big at Little Bear Ribfest
Smoke, country, and community come together at Vernon Hills’ Little Bear Ribfest. This lakeside bash fills Century Park with award-winning blues and country acts, plus local rib joints serving saucy slabs and southern-style sides. With a bourbon bar, beer tent, and the breezy backdrop of Little Bear Lake, it’s the kind of event where you’ll want to stay all night.
Date: August 15-16
Time: Fri 6PM-11PM; Sat 4PM-11PM
Cost: $5
Location: Century Park Arboretum, 1002 Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills
More Info: vhparkdistrict.org
Have Fun at Grayslake Summerfest
This rebranded community bash — formerly Summer Days — still packs in all the classics: a parade, BINGO, live music, and food trucks galore. The new SummerFest Den on Whitney Street brings free games, art projects, and selfie spots for all ages, plus chill-out zones and trendy snacks. Don’t forget to stake out your spot early on Saturday for the annual parade that winds through downtown.
Date: August 15-16
Time: Fri 5PM-9PM; Sat 4:30PM-11PM
Cost: Free
Location: The Village Center, 10 S Seymour Ave, Grayslake
More Info: grayslakechamber.com
Get Spicy at Bloody Mary Fest
Highwood’s beloved Bloody Mary Fest returns with a lineup of bold, boozy tomato creations. Local bars and restaurants compete for the “Proud Mary” crown, with riffs that swap vodka for tequila, gin, or even beer. Expect over-the-top garnishes, food vendors, live music, and a beer tent.
Date: August 17
Time: 10AM-5PM
Cost: Free
Location: Everts Park, 111 North Ave, Highwood
More Info: celebratehighwood.org
Hit Your Stride at Alpine Races 5K and 10 Mile
Lake Zurich’s longest-running race tradition is back for its 45th year. Runners can choose between a 5K or a 10-mile course, with the latter serving as both a CARA Circuit and RRCA Championship race. The route winds through scenic neighborhoods and along the lake, with hydration stations and cheering volunteers along the way.
Date: August 17
Time: 7:30AM
Cost: $5+
Location: Breezewald Park, 125 N Old Rd, Lake Zurich
More Info:runsignup.com
Watch and Wonder at Create and Talk
Artist Kristin Field sets up shop in the Chicago Botanic Garden’s East Courtyard for a casual afternoon of conversation and creativity. Guests can watch her work, explore dyed fabric samples, and see the plants used to make them. It’s a laid-back way to connect with nature, art, and the process behind Field’s botanical creations.
Date: August 16
Time: 10AM-2PM
Cost: $24
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe
More Info: chicagobotanic.org
