Memorial Day Weekend in Lake County 2025
By: Sam Ornig 05/15/2025
Duty, Army, country! Non-sibi sed patriae. Aim high…Fly-Fight-Win. Semper Fidelis. Semper Paratus. On Memorial Day, we remember and commemorate the brave soldiers who have fallen in battle to uphold our freedoms. To those of our readers that have been or are in the military, we thank you for your service.
Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day as a way to honor those who died in the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers. The day has evolved to honor any military personnel who have fallen during service.
As we commemorate our military members and pay tribute to their lives, we also celebrate having a Monday off during the peak of spring. From Memorial Day parades and ceremonies to live music performances and outdoor beer garden trips, you'll be able to make the most out of your three-day weekend.
Here are some of the top things to do during Memorial Day weekend in Lake County.
Memorial Day Parades, Ceremonies and Remembrances in Lake County
- Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Grayslake (5/26) INFO»
- Memorial Day Ceremony in Lake Zurich (5/26) INFO»
- Memorial Day Parade in Mundelein (5/26) INFO»
- Wauconda Memorial Day Parade (5/26) INFO»
- Waukegan Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony (5/26) INFO »
The National Museum of the American Sailor is one of the most perfect places to visit on Memorial Day weekend. The museum is located in the heart of Naval Station Great Lakes, one of the country’s oldest naval bases and the United States’ only naval boot camp. Learn about everything from the branch's history and uniforms to the origins of naval tattoos. Get a peek into life as a sailor.
Food fanatics, get ready for a food truck frenzy at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake. Taste delicious fare and unique creations from some of Lake County's best food trucks as they serve up wonderous wood-fire pizza, seafood, sliders, confections and so much more. Bring your appetite — the festival is open from noon to 9 p.m.
Memorial Day weekend kicks off Waukegan's Waterfront Market, hosted every fourth Friday at Waukegan Harbor and Marina beginning on May 23. Shop local handmade goods, indulge on delicious food and beverages and discover new (or new-to-you) community businesses at this summer market series. Enjoy the good vibes provided by live music at Green Town on the Rocks and a beautiful atmosphere. With a family game station, this event is great for all ages.
What makes for a better Saturday than cold craft beer, a gorgeous lake view and a maker's market? Join Harbor Brewing at their Lakefront Craft Biergarten at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor for refreshing brews, live music and one-of-a-kind creations by 25 local crafters. Shop for handcrafted goods like candles, ceramics, sweet treats, crotcheted wearables and more while you relax lakeside.
Join Brothers' Field in Long Grove as they kick off their new Flavor Days series with their first event, South of the Border. Featuring the delicious flavors from food trucks like El Zorro Taco Truck, A Bite from Peru, Bendita Cocina and Brazil Express Grill, prepare your tastebuds for authentic, creative dishes from Brazil, Peru, Mexico and Argentina. The Flavor Days food series is a summer-long celebration of food and community. Have fun with friends and family at this festive event, complete with live music and tasty drinks from the Tiki Bar.
The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club Illinois Chapters 1 and 2 are hosting their annual Mid-America Parade in honor of POWs/MIAs and to raise money for veteran causes. The ride is free and open to any motorcyclists. Beginning in North Chicago, the 54-mile route goes through Knollwood, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Northbrook, Glenview, Morton Grove, Niles, Norwood Park, Union Ridge, Dunning, Elmwood Park, Oak Park, River Forest, Maywood, Broadview, Westchester, Oakbrook Terrace, York, Glen Ellyn, Winfield and Wheaton. Participate as a rider or show up to support this great cause — all are welcome!
The legendary story of the world's most famous shipwreck has set sail in Lake County. "Titanic the Musical," is a stirring tale based on the true stories of real passengers aboard the "unsinkable ship." This must-see musical features a stunning score and captivating, tragic story. "Titanic the Musical" runs through June 1, so Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to see this performance before it's too late!
While you're off in Lake County at festivals, parades, beer gardens and more, capture your adventures for the #LetsSnapLakeCounty photo contest! Showcase your best videos and images of Lake County for a chance to win exclusive prizes and have your work featured in future Visit Lake County tourism marketing materials. Send us up to five of the best snaps you've taken in Lake County. We accept all submissions, but are especially interested in the following six categories:
- Outdoor Photos
- Family/People Imagery
- Dining/Libations
- Lake County Events
- Video
- Other Travel Culture (like architecture, downtown areas, drone, etc.).
With a Grand Prize Winner and a winner for each category, you have seven chances to win awesome prizes. Submissions accepted through June 30.
Lake County is renowned for its breweries, distilleries and wineries. From beer and wine to vodka and whiskey, our locally grown, crafted and distilled adult beverages are designed to dazzle and educate the most discerning tastes. More than 25 stops to enjoy for tours, tastings and specialty cocktails.
Beer Gardens in Lake County
- Beer Garden at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville INFO»
- Jesse Oaks Food and Drink in Gages Lake INFO»
- Buffalo Creek Brewing's Biergarten in Long Grove INFO»
- Harbor Brewing's Lakefront Craft Biergarten in Winthrop Harbor INFO»
Other Events Happening Memorial Day Weekend in Lake County
- Learn to fly with your co-pilot and take flight as you explore the world's wonders without leaving Lake County at Extreme Flight Simulator in Gurnee. INFO»
- Get the giggles out at Improv Playhouse Theater in Libertyville to catch an improv show on Saturday. INFO»
- Make a memorable splash at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee this Memorial Day weekend. INFO»
- Lay down a straight flush with a vet at a Texas Hold'em table at American Place Casino in Waukegan. INFO»
- Make it a point to cycle your way and view the village's growth at the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum. INFO»
- See some of the best nature photography ever created at the Dunn Museum's exhibit "National Geographic: The Greatest Wildlife Photographs" opening May 24. INFO»
- Head back to the future or ahead to the prehistoric age (that seems off, but we'll go with it) at Volo Museum and Jurassic Gardens. INFO»
- Work on your bounce at Launch Gurnee highlighted by the trampolines you know and love, a ninja course, an arcade, virtual reality and so much more. INFO»
- Bully your dad, mom, siblings and their significant others as you collide at Vernon Hills' WhirlyBall for bumper car lacrosse. INFO»
- Are you hooked on fishing? Reel in the "catch of the day" on one of the land of lakes 75 inland lakes. INFO»
- It’s all in the hips. Make your tee times at Kristof's Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach before you hit the big boy golf courses. INFO»
- FORE! Challenge your bestest buddy to a round of big kid golf at one of Lake County’s many courses. INFO»
- Coast down world-class thrill rides at Six Flags Great America. INFO»
- Stargaze in Lake County. INFO»
- The Wads! at Green Town on the Rocks (5/23) INFO»
- Knievel's Daredevil Band at Blarney Island (5/24) INFO»
- Grateful Jazz Band at 28 Mile Distilling Co. (5/24) INFO»
Find more things to do in Lake County during Memorial Day weekend.
See the top things to do in May.
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