Things To Do This Weekend August 1-3, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 07/31/2025

As the heart of summer beats strong, Lake County is gearing up for an incredible weekend packed with vibrant community celebrations, dazzling fireworks, live music and artistic showcases. From lakeside revelry to downtown dessert walks, there's an event for every taste and age. Get ready to soak in the sunshine and community spirit with our guide to the hottest happenings across the county! Check out all the things to do this weekend, August 1-3, 2025.

For a list of aquatic centers and pools in Lake County, click here. Don't forget to explore the land of lakes road trips. Continue here to learn more.

Let's look at Lake County's top five things to do this weekend, August 1-3. 

1. Community Days in North Chicago

North Chicago will come alive with music, culture and community spirit as one of Lake County's largest summer festivals returns for North Chicago Community Days. The annual celebration kicks off Friday night with a free outdoor movie hosted by the Foss Park District, setting the stage for a packed weekend of entertainment and family-friendly activities. Saturday and Sunday will feature live musical performances, local food vendors, giveaways and a crowd-favorite fireworks show. Don't miss the parade on Saturday. This year's theme, "We Are GO," highlights the city's energy and unity with a bilingual message: "Estoy al cien. I'm so GO. Are you?" Organizers are encouraging residents and visitors alike to come out and celebrate everything that makes North Chicago unique. With its mix of culture, music and community pride, the festival offers something for everyone. For more information, visit NorthChicago.org/CommunityDays.

Friday-Sunday, August 1-3; 10 a.m. Free admission. Vision Park, 1850 Lewis Ave., North Chicago. 

2. VENETIAN NIGHT AT NORTH POINT MARINA

North Point Marina will host its annual Venetian Night celebration, welcoming guests for a full day of summer fun, live music, food and a waterfront fireworks show. The festivities begin with a craft fair and local food vendors, including JC's BBQ, Up in Smoke BBQ and The Sweet Stop Beach Cafe, set up outside Harbor Brewing Co. Visitors can browse handmade goods and enjoy lunch by the lake as the celebration gets underway. Live music will fill the marina throughout the day, with Cam Wize performing, followed by Been Reals. As the sun sets, the boat parade will feature decorated vessels lighting up the harbor in a colorful display. The evening will conclude with a fireworks show over Lake Michigan. The event remains a summertime favorite in Winthrop Harbor, offering a vibrant blend of lakefront entertainment and community celebration. For details, visit Facebook.com/NorthPointMarinaSuntex.

Saturday, August 2; 12-10 p.m. Free admission. North Point Marina, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor. 

3. FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS AND MAINSWEET LIBERTYVILLE

Libertyville is gearing up for a vibrant weekend filled with art, music, shopping and community spirit as two major events return to the village: MainSweet Libertyville and the 44th Annual Festival of the Arts. The Dessert Walk, hosted by MainStreet Libertyville, invites guests to stroll through downtown, sampling tasting-sized portions of desserts at participating local businesses. The event begins in Cook Park at the MainStreet Libertyville tent, where participants receive their tasting maps before embarking on a sweet three-block journey of chocolate, pastries and other treats. MainSweet Libertyville sets the stage for a weekend of artistic celebration with the 44th Annual Festival of the Arts, hosted by the Adler Arts Center, taking place Saturday and Sunday in Cook Park. The juried art and music festival, one of the area's most beloved cultural events, will showcase a wide array of visual art, live performances and interactive experiences for all ages. From small-business cheer to large-scale cultural celebration, Libertyville will be buzzing with activity all weekend long. Learn more at VisitLakeCounty.org/Libertyville.

Saturday-Sunday, August 2-3; Festival of the Arts: Sat.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. MainSweet Libertyville: 12-3 p.m. Free admission. Various locations in downtown Libertyville. Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.

4. Tchaikovsky Spectacular at Ravinia Festival

Ravinia Festival's annual celebration of classical music grandeur returns with the 46th Tchaikovsky Spectacular featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of acclaimed conductor Laura Jackson. Jackson, a 2004 Taki Alsop Conducting Fellow and current music director of the Reno Philharmonic, returns to Ravinia to lead a dynamic program anchored by Tchaikovsky's mighty Symphony No. 4. Known for its emotional depth and dramatic intensity, the program also features rising star Zlatomir Fung, who will perform Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme for cello and orchestra. Fung brings a rare combination of technical precision and lyrical sensitivity to this elegant, Mozart-inspired piece. For ticket information and complete details, visit ravinia.org.

Sunday, August 3; 5 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. 

5. Summer Concert Series at Floral Park in Deerfield

Floral Park in Deerfield will come alive with the sounds of classic rock as part of the community's Summer Concert Series. Local favorite The Wanderers will take the stage performing timeless hits from the 1960s through the 1980s. The Deerfield-based trio will deliver a high-energy set featuring music by legendary artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and more. Organizers encourage residents and visitors of all ages to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a spirit of fun for an evening of dancing and singalongs. The concert is free to attend and part of an ongoing series aimed at fostering community connection through music. For details, visit DeerfieldParks.org.

Sunday, August 3; 5-6:30 p.m. Free admission. Floral Park, Hazel and Wilmont, Deerfield.

For more things to do this weekend, August 1-3, click here.