Things To Do This Weekend August 22-24, 2025

By: Jonathan Jones 08/18/2025

Everyone in the state of Illinois is officially back in school this week, which means summer is just about over. But no need to fret, the land of lakes has you covered with an action-packed weekend of festivals. 

Whether you're celebrating Native American culture, chomping down on corn, marveling at murals, shoving right off with the U.S. Navy, booging down in boots that are made for walkin or saying bon voyage on the chain, there's a little somethin', somethin' for everyone. 

Before the summer is over, be sure to take part in the Reel Lake County Challenge, where individuals can win an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee or a $300 VISA card. Also, you can register for a chance to win four free tickets to Six Flags Great America for when the park turns to spooky in the fall. 

Plan your visit to Lake County as we take a look at the the top five things to do this weekend August 22-24!

1. Potawatomi Trails Pow Wow in Zion 

Receive a taste of Native American heritage to heighten awareness of their history at the annual Potawatomi Trails Pow Wow. Join the celebration as you listen and witness history, traditions and the customs of Native Americans. The Zion three-day festival includes live demonstrations, music, dance presentations, educational sessions, a motorcycle auction and a trade area. The Grand Entry is a must-see experience where members of the tribe will present the Potawatomi flag and so much more.

Friday-Sunday, August 22-24; Fri.: 5 p.m., Sat.: 1 p.m. and Sun.: noon-5 p.m. Tickets: $5-$15. Elders age 65 and over and children ages six and under receive free entry. Shiloh Park, 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion.

2. Elote Festival in Round Lake Beach

Elote Festival is a three-day celebration of Mexican street corn held at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center(RLBCCC). The festivities are highlighted by a carnival, bouncies and a foam party, a musical light drone show, live tunes and of course delectable maize and other eats. The music lineup includes La Sonora Dinamita (Colombian Cumbia), Angelina Victoria (Latin and Norteo), Mr. Worldwide (a Pitbull Tribute) and more. Have an a-MAIZING time at the free RLBCCC party.

Friday-Sunday, August 22-24; Fri.: 5-11 p.m., Sat.: 3-11 p.m. and Sun.: 3-9:30 p.m. Free of admission. Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach.

3. Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park

We dont make mistakes, just happy little accidents, said the late painter, art instructor and television host Bob Ross. Over 200 established masons of painting, sculpturing, photography, clothing designers, interior designers and other artists saturate the downtown Highland Park area with fantastic talent at the Port Clinton Art Festival. This free admission art party oozing with tons of creativity is one of the countrys most renowned art festivals. The event also features a kids art zone, delectable eats, specialty coffee, libations ad live performances from the likes of Imperial Boxmen, Railheart, Aimont Moon and more. Celebrate 42 years of art at Port Clinton.

Saturday-Sunday, August 23-24; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave., Highland Park.

4. End of Summer Bash at the National Museum of the American Sailor in North Chicago

Anchors aweigh to the years warmest season, as the National Museum of the American Sailors End of Summer Bash. The North Chicago kid festival is highlighted by basic sailor training, creating your own lice cream and various other projects to keep the kiddies engaged. Be sure to visit the Naval Station Great Lakes event before they close for renovations for the winter and send summer off with a hooyah!

Saturday, August 23; 1-3 p.m. National Museum of the American Sailor, 2531 Sheridan Rd., Building 42, North Chicago.

5. Country Fest at Long Groves Brothers Field

Swing your partner do-si-do! Saddle up and head to Long Grove, where Brothers Field hosts Country Fest, jam-packed with live tunes, dancing, food trucks and so much more. Live tunes will be performed by Zack Fendor & The Long Goodbyes, Cal & Owen, Jackson Grisamore and Strawdawg. The Fred Astaire Dance Studios will also be in attendance, teaching individuals how to country dance. The festival also serves drinks at the tiki bar. Dont forget to take the mechanical bull for a wild ride! Tickets online start at $5.

Friday-Sunday, August 22-24; 3-10 p.m. Tickets $5-$6. Brothers' Field, 340 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.

6. Fox Lake Venetian Night

Fox Lake hosts visitors for a splashtastic day at Lakefront Park as the Heart of the Chain OLakes village event waves farewell to the summer time. Fox Lakes Venetian Night features a boat show, beer and wine tasting, a historical tour, food trucks, a kids' area and more. The Lakefront Park event concludes with a drone light show as visitors enjoy the vessel show and the vibrant colors in the sky, complemented by the scenic Nippersink Lake.

Saturday, August 23; 1-9:30 p.m. Wine and Beer Tasting: $45 per person ages 21 and older. Lakefront Park, 10 Riverview Ave., Fox Lake.

For more things to do this weekend August 22-24, continue here. To learn more about Lake County Road Trips, click here.