Things To Do This Weekend August 15-17, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 08/12/2025

This weekend, Lake County offers a variety of events designed to appeal to diverse interests. Music lovers can enjoy an array of music. For those who appreciate the arts and local culture, downtown areas will come alive with a festivals. Food enthusiasts can enjoy a popular festival featuring a wide selection of culinary delights. Additionally, several community events are scheduled, offering family-friendly fun, live music and activities celebrating everything from nature and pollinators to a reimagined annual summer festival. 

1. Cynthia Erivo and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia Festival

Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo returns to the Ravinia Festival on August 15 for an evening of music alongside the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Known for her soaring vocals, commanding stage presence and genre-spanning versatility, Erivo will perform just months after captivating audiences as Elphaba in "Wicked: Part One." The British-born actress, singer and producer has an acclaimed career on stage, screen and in concert halls around the world. In addition to her Oscar-nominated performance as Harriet Tubman in the 2019 film "Harriet," Erivo is a Grammy-nominated songwriter whose debut album, "Ch. 1 Vs. 1," was released in 2021. The evening offers a chance to experience one of today's most celebrated performers in an intimate yet grand setting. Tickets and additional event information are available at Ravinia.org. Ravinia Festival runs on select days through August 31.

Friday, August 15; 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $54. Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park.

2. Little Bear Ribfest in Vernon Hills

Celebrate summer with three days of food, music and community at the Little Bear Ribfest. The renowned Vernon Hills festival features local vendors serving their best ribs, along with a selection of beer, wine and a bourbon tasting for adults. The event kicks off with country music on Friday, followed by blues performances on Saturday. All proceeds benefit the Vernon Hills Park District's Family Scholarship Program, which helps residents in need access recreational programs. Full festival details are available on the Little Bear Ribfest website. 

Friday-Saturday, August 15-16; Fri.: 6-11 p.m. and Sat.: 4-11 p.m. Tickets start at $5. Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills.

3. Dandelion Wine and Arts Music Festival and ArtWAUK in Waukegan

Downtown Waukegan will come alive on August 16 with a day of art, music and community celebration as two major cultural events take place blocks apart. The Waukegan Park District will host the 25th annual Ray Bradbury Dandelion Wine Arts and Music Festival, honoring the famed City of Progress-born author with a day of live music and art vendors. Later in the day, the monthly ArtWauk will transform downtown and the Belvidere Mall into a showcase of local creativity. The free event features rotating art exhibits, live music and performances, with summertime activities extending to Waukegan Harbor. Visitors are encouraged to explore the art scene, dine at local restaurants and enjoy the variety of cultural offerings. For more information, visit VisitLakeCounty.org/Summer-in-Waukegan.

Saturday, August 16; Dandelion Festival: Noon-6 p.m. and Artwauk: 5-9 p.m. Free admission. Dandelion Festival: Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan. ArtWAUK: various locations in downtown Waukegan.

4. Zinnia and Monarch and Bees Too Festival in Zion

The annual Zinnia, Monarch… and Bees Too Festival returns to Zion August 16-17, offering a weekend of music, creativity and nature-focused activities at the Zion Park District Band Shell. The two-day event celebrates the beauty of pollinators and the community's creative spirit, with performances curated by local artist Dandelion. The festival is a growing late-summer tradition, drawing residents and visitors for family-friendly fun in a scenic outdoor setting. For further details, visit ZinniaandMonarchFestival.com.

Saturday-Sunday, August 16-17; Sat.: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun.: 1-5 p.m. Free admission. Zion Park District Band Shell, 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion. 

5. Grayslake SummerFest

The Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its reimagined summer celebration, now called SummerFest. This all-day event in downtown Grayslake, formerly known as Summer Days, promises a full day of music, food and community activities. You can enjoy live music, food trucks, drinks, bingo and the annual parade. Each night, Whitney Street will transform into the SummerFest Den, a gathering spot featuring complimentary snacks, games, a community art project and photo opportunities. To learn more, visit GrayslakeVillageCenter.com.

Friday-Saturday, August 15-16; Fri.: 5-11 p.m. and Sat.: 4:30-11 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Grayslake, Whitney Street Festival Site, Grayslake.

6. AfroFest at Greenbelt Cultural Center

Afrofest returns to the Greenbelt Cultural Center, filling the day with live music, dance and local flavors. The annual North Chicago celebration will feature a packed performance schedule, culminating in a headlining performance by Lloyd Stephens Band. In addition to music, attendees can enjoy dishes from local food vendors. Afrofest is designed to highlight local talent, celebrate cultural diversity and bring the community together in a vibrant outdoor setting. For additional information, visit LCFPD.org.

Saturday, August 16; noon-8 p.m. Free admission. Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago.

For more things to do this weekend, August 15-17, click here.