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.
Find Your Rhythm at Drum Circle Jam
Feel the rhythm at Drum Circle Jam in Centennial Plaza, led by Helen Bond of Medusa’s Musical Mysteries. Step up to a drum (provided) or just listen as the community comes together to create spontaneous music. Free and family-friendly, this is your chance to make your own beat or simply soak in the sounds.
Date: August 29
Time: 6PM-7PM
Cost: Free
Location: Centennial Park, 201 Cty A27, Grayslake
More Info: grayslakevillagecenter.com
Join the Party at Street Dance
Head to Wauconda for the 26th Annual Street Dance, where two stages and six bands set the soundtrack for food, drinks, and games. Test your skills in the bags tournament, try your luck in the $1,000 raffle, and soak up the energy.
Date: August 30
Time: 5PM-11PM
Cost: Free
Location: Main Street, Wauconda
More Info: business.waucondachamber.org
Celebrate Latin Culture at Fiesta Ravinia
Ravinia Park is alive with Latin flavor at Fiesta Ravinia. Food trucks, churros, wrestling, music, and family-friendly activities take over the day, with performances from Grupo Folklórico Venado, Como La Flor: The Ultimate Selena Tribute, and Grupo Cañaveral. Kids can enjoy face painting and art activities, while adults sample flavors and soak up the live entertainment.
Date: August 31
Time: 6:30PM
Cost: $31+
Location: Ravinia Pavilion, 201 Ravinia Park Rd, Highland Park
More Info: ravinia.org
Have Fun at Irish Days
Historic Downtown Long Grove celebrates Irish Days over Labor Day weekend with music, dance, contests, and craft activities. Don’t miss the Best Irish Dog contest, Men’s Best Legs in Kilt contest, or evening entertainment with Without U2 and The Dirty Wellies. Kids can enjoy hands-on crafts while the streets fill with food, beer, and live performances.
Date: August 30-September 1
Time: Sat 10:30AM-8:30PM; Sun 10AM-8:30PM; Mon 10:30AM-4PM
Cost: Free
Location: Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove
More Info: longgrove.org
Explore Mongolian Cultural Festival
Step into Mongolia for a day at the Mongolian Cultural Festival. Traditional music, dance, sports, and food fill the schedule, plus hands-on games and classes from the Mongolian Heritage Center. It’s colorful, lively, and packed with experiences that give visitors a real taste of Mongolian culture.
Date: August 30
Time: 10AM-5PM
Cost: Free
Location: Lake Avenue Woods-East, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
More Info: repmbc.com
