2024 Lake County Summer Concerts and Movies in the Park

By: Stephanie Wylie 06/14/2024

Welcome to your ultimate guide to summer entertainment in Lake County! As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there's no better way to enjoy the season than with outdoor movies and concerts in our beautiful local parks. From family-friendly film nights under the stars to lively musical performances that get your toes tapping, Lake County communities offer a wealth of activities that bring neighbors together and celebrate the joys of summer.

In this blog, we’ll explore the vibrant array of events hosted by fifteen of our beloved communities: Antioch, Deerfield, Fox Lake, Grayslake, Gurnee, Highland Park, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Wauconda, Waukegan, and Zion. Each town has its unique charm and offers a variety of events that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you're planning a laid-back evening with a picnic and a movie or a night out with friends enjoying live music, you'll find plenty of options to fill your summer calendar.

Join us as we highlight the must-see events in each community, share insider tips on the best spots to set up your blanket, and provide all the details you need to make the most of your summer evenings in Lake County. So grab your family, friends, and a comfy lawn chair, and let's dive into the delightful world of summer movies and concerts in the park.

Antioch

Antioch comes alive this summer with a series of concerts and festivals. Enjoy local tunes at the William E. Brook Entertainment Center. Don't miss out on the delicious tastes and vibrant community events.

• Taste of Summer (June 18-21) INFO»
• It's Thursday Concert Series at William E. Brook Entertainment Center - Antioch Bandshell (June 13-August 29) INFO»

Deerfield

Deerfield's summer lineup features an engaging concert series. There's also a special fest capturing the essence of community spirit. Expect great music and plenty of fun activities.

• Summer Concert Series Floral Park (June 23-August 11)  INFO»
• Deerfield Harvest Fest (September 21) INFO»

Fox Lake

Fox Lake invites you to enjoy lively Friday night concerts. There's also a big community celebration to look forward to. It's a perfect mix of music and festivity.

• Celebrate Fox Lake (June 29)  INFO»
• Fox Lake Friday Night Concert Series (June 7-August 23) INFO»

 

Grayslake

Grayslake offers a summer packed with diverse events. Enjoy everything from beer fests and food tastings to fairs and family days. There’s something for everyone throughout the season.

• Grayslake Sips for Scholarships Beerfest (June 15)  INFO»
• Taste of Grayslake (June 29) INFO»
• Lake County Fair (July 24-28) INFO»
• Grayslake Summer Days (August 17) INFO»

Gurnee

Gurnee’s summer includes serene lakeside music. There’s also a popular local festival to enjoy. Both promise memorable moments for all attendees.

• Music by the Lake at Grandwood Park (June 9-August 11) INFO»
• Gurnee Days at Viking Park (August 10-11) INFO»

Highland Park

Highland Park boasts a rich cultural summer with a world-renowned festival. Enjoy music on the beach and unique community gatherings. Dive into an array of artistic and musical events.

• Ravinia Festival - Complete List (June 15-September 2)  INFO»
• Bitter Jester Music Festival (Now-June 29) INFO»
• Taste of Highland Park (June 21-22) INFO»
• Songs in the Sand at Rosewood Beach (July 12) INFO»
• Community Drum Circle at The Art Center Highland Park (July 17) INFO»
• Vintage Car Show at the Lot (August 11) INFO»

Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich’s summer festivities include a battle of the bands and a vibrant fest. There are also relaxing lakeside concerts. Enjoy a variety of music and community fun.

• Battle of the Bands (June 20)  INFO»
• Alpine Fest (July 19-21) INFO»
• Live at the Lake at Paulus Park (June 20-July 25) INFO»
• Unplugged Fest at Paulus Park (August 11) INFO»

 

Libertyville

Libertyville’s events span lively festivals and outdoor concerts. There are also charming local gatherings to enjoy. The town’s summer calendar is brimming with activities for all ages.

• Libertyville Days Festival (June 13-16)  INFO»
• Concerts in the Plaza at Independence Grove (June 18-August 6) INFO»
• First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville (July 5 and August 2) INFO»
• CarFun on 21 (Now-September 18) INFO»
• Mainstreet Libertyville Lunch in the Park (June 21-August 16) INFO»
• 43rd Annual Festival of the Arts at Adler Arts Center (August 3-4) INFO»

Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire hosts a variety of summer delights. Enjoy arts, outdoor movies, and food trucks. It’s a season of creativity and culinary treats.

• Lincolnshire Arts Festival (July 6-7)  INFO»
• Movie in the Park at North Park (June 20-August 30) INFO»
• Food Truck Thursdays and Lakeside Summer Concerts (Now-September 26) INFO»

Long Grove

Long Grove's summer features charming festivals and weekly food truck events. There’s a delightful mix of music, food, and community spirit. Enjoy the season’s unique offerings.

• Strawberry Festival (June 21-23)  INFO»
• Irish Days 2024 (August 31-September 2) INFO»
• Food Truck Thursdays and Lakeside Summer Concerts (Now-September 26) INFO»

Mundelein

Mundelein’s summer events range from beachside fun to community celebrations. There's also a series of free concerts to enjoy. Expect an engaging and lively summer scene.

• Beach Bash (June 15)  INFO»
• Mundelein Community Days (July 4-7) INFO»
• Free Concerts in the Park Series (Now-August 18) INFO»
• Park on Park Cruise Night (Now-September 11) INFO»

Vernon Hills

Vernon Hills offers a vibrant summer with a beloved community festival. There’s also a series of concerts in a beautiful arbortheater setting. Music and community are at the heart of the season.

• Vernon Hills Days (July 18-21)  INFO»
• 2024 Vernon Hills Memorial Arbortheater Concert Series (June 13-August 1) INFO»

Wauconda

Wauconda’s summer highlights include a large festival and lakeside concerts. Enjoy an entertaining mix of music, food, and local flair. The community comes together for a season of fun.

• Wauconda Fest (June 27-30)  INFO»
• Wauconda Cruise Night (June 18-September 19) INFO»
• Summer Concerts at Phil's Beach (July 11-September 15) INFO»

 

Waukegan

Waukegan presents a diverse summer lineup with art walks and movie nights. There are also lively festivals to enjoy. The city’s vibrant cultural scene shines throughout the season.

• Artwauk (June 15, July 20, August 17)  INFO»
  • ArtWauk at Waukegan Marina with Artist Brandon Whitehead (August 17) INFO»
• Movies in the Park at Corrine J. Rose Park INFO»
  • ​​​​​​​Barbie (June 15) INFO»
  • A Million Miles Away (June 29) INFO»
  • Wonka (July 13) INFO»
  • The Marvels (July 27) INFO»
  • Wish (August 9) INFO»
• Scoop Waukegan 2024 (July 12-13) INFO»
• Patricia A. Jones Food Truck Festival (July 27) INFO»
• Waukegan Band 2024 Season at the Waukegan Lakefront Stiner Pavilion (June 18-August 6) INFO»
• Dandelion Wine and Arts Music Festival (August 17) INFO»

Zion

Zion’s summer features nostalgic events and energetic concerts. Enjoy a season filled with music and community spirit. The lively town offers a memorable summer experience.

• Zion Nostalgia Days (June 15)  INFO»
• Zion Park District
  • Too Hype Crew (June 20) INFO»
  • The Boy Band Night (June 27) INFO»
  • Mellencougar (July 4) INFO»
  • Lady A (July 11) INFO»

Other Lake County Summer Concerts & Movie Happenings

• Outdoor Movie Nights at Deer Park Town Center (Now-September 6) INFO»
• Live Music in the Parks with Lindenhurst/Like Villa (June 5-August 7) INFO»
• Music on the Esplanade at Chicago Botanic Garden (June 5-August 29) INFO»
• Summer Concerts at Deer Park Town Center (Now-August 29) INFO»

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For more to do Fourth of July weekend, continue here. To learn about summer festival season in the land of lakes, click here.