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.
Have a Taste of Sangria Fest
Celebrate summer with a swirl of fruit and fun at Sangria Fest, held at Glunz Family Winery. Along with discounts on their signature sangrias and Paso Robles wines, guests can sample bites from Centenario Bellos Tacos and enjoy kid-friendly drinks, too.
Date: August 9-10
Time: 10AM-7PM
Cost: $10
Location: Glunz Family Winery, 888 E Belvidere Rd, Suite 107, Grayslake
More Info: visitlakecounty.org
Power Down at Unplugged Fest
Leave the screens at home and head to Paulus Park for a full day of offline activities. Unplugged Fest brings together local businesses, music, dancing, games, animals, food, and more. Whether you’re catching a K-9 demo, belting out karaoke, or just chilling with Kona Ice, this tech-free zone might just become your favorite summer escape.
Date: August 10
Time: 11AM-3PM
Cost: Free
Location: Paulus Park, 200 S Rand Rd, Lake Zurich
More Info: unpluggedfest.com
Have Fun at Family Friday
Designed for kids in Grade 5 and under (with adults in tow), this Friday drop-in event transforms the Annex lawn into a DIY play zone. Think sensory tables, problem-solving stations, and imaginative play under open skies… plus a weather-ready indoor plan just in case. A simple way to wind down the week with little ones.
Date: August 8
Time: 10AM-11AM
Cost: Free
Location: Vernon Area Public Library, 4 Indian Creek Rd, Lincolnshire
More Info: calendar.vapld.info
Cruise to Evanston Cars & Coffee
Start your engines! This vintage car showcase in downtown Evanston features pre-2000 gems, great coffee, and plenty of Sunday vibes. Peruse the chrome, vote for your favorite ride (with proceeds going to the library), and sip iced drinks from Outside Coffee while dreaming of your next road trip.
Date: August 10
Time: 11AM-2PM
Cost: Free
Location: City of Evanston Parking Lot, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston
More Info: downtownevanston.org
Have a Feast at BBQ, Bands & Brews
What’s better than BBQ on a summer night? Add live music, local brews, and a pig roast, and you’ve got a party. Hosted by the Arlington Heights Park District, this evening includes a kids’ zone, lawn games, and tunes from two live acts: Liz and Hala and Exit 147. Bring a blanket and a big appetite.
Date: August 8
Time: 5PM-10PM
Cost: Free
Location: Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W Fremont St, Arlington Heights
More Info: ahpd.org
