Things To Do This Weekend August 29-September 1, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 08/28/2025

Lake County, Illinois, is buzzing with activity this Labor Day weekend, with a diverse lineup of events from Friday, Aug. 29, to Monday, Sept. 1. Whether you're interested in cultural celebrations, live music or family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Don't forget to explore the land of lakes road trips. Continue here to learn more.

We've compiled a list of things to do in Lake County over Labor Day Weekend. To check it out, click here.

Let's look at Lake County's top five things to do this weekend, August 29-September 1, 2025. 

1. Last Weekend for Six Flags’ Hurricane Harbor Chicago in Gurnee

Summer is wrapping up in Lake County, and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago will close its gates for the season after this weekend. The Gurnee park features more than 25 water slides, two pools and Tsunami Surge, the tallest water coaster in North America. The park’s signature attractions include the 500,000-gallon Hurricane Bay wave pool, Castaway Creek lazy river and the recently expanded Riptide Bay area. The 20-acre water park, located next to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, will welcome its final guests of 2025 through Labor Day. Six Flags officials said the park will reopen in May 2026. Tickets and season passes are available at SixFlags.com.

Saturday-Monday, Aug. 30-Sept. 1; 11 a.m.- p.m. Tickets start at $30. Hurricane Harbor Chicago, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.

2. Bristol Renaissance Faire Closes for the Season After This Weekend

The gates of Elizabethan England will soon close for the year as the Bristol Renaissance Faire wraps up its 2025 season this weekend. The open-air festival grounds just north of the Lake County border transforms into a lively 16th-century village celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the town of Bristol. Visitors encounter costumed characters, jousting knights, jesters, artisans and the renowned oversized turkey legs. The faire, which has been a regional tradition for decades, features more than 200 artisans selling handcrafted goods, including pottery, glasswork, leather and jewelry. Entertainment includes sword-fighting demonstrations, comedy acts, live music and interactive shows that draw families and Renaissance enthusiasts alike. Tickets are available at RenFair.com.

Saturday-Monday, Aug. 30-Sept. 1; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Adult tickets: $46.91 and Children tickets: $19.48. Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Bristol, WI. 

3. Irish Days in Historic Downtown Long Grove

Historic Downtown Long Grove will once again turn green this Labor Day weekend as the village hosts its annual Irish Days festival. The three-day celebration of Irish culture will feature live music from traditional folk bands, bagpipers and Irish dancers. Visitors can also enjoy classic Irish foods, beer and family-friendly entertainment. The Irish Dog Competition invites costumed pups to vie for titles such as king, queen, prince and princess, while the Best Men’s Legs in a Kilt contest draws laughs as participants strut across the stage. For more information, visit LongGrove.org.

Saturday-Monday, Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Sat. and Sun.: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Mon.: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.

4. Waukegan Harbor Celebrates 40th Anniversary with World’s Largest Rubber Duck

Waukegan Harbor and Marina will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its South Harbor this weekend with the arrival of a massive celebrity guest — the World’s Largest Rubber Duck. The 60-foot-tall inflatable “Mama Duck” and her 10-foot sidekick, “Baby Duck Timmy,” will make their first-ever stop in the Chicago-to-Milwaukee corridor during the one-day “Duck Fun Day” festival. The family-friendly celebration will feature live music, food trucks, duck-themed games and activities, a dunk tank, a jet ski stunt show and a lighted boat parade to close the evening. The celebration also highlights the harbor’s role in preserving natural resources. Further details are available at WaukeganHarbor.com.

Saturday, Aug. 30; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Free admission. Waukegan Harbor and Marina, 55 S. Harbor Place, Waukegan. 

5. Sip Your Way Through the Lake County Libation Trail

Beer lovers, wine enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs have plenty to toast to this weekend on the Lake County Libation Trail. The Libation Trail highlights 25+ breweries, wineries and distilleries across the county, each offering locally crafted drinks and specialty tastings. Stops range from Libertyville’s Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville — the county’s first established craft brewery — to the award-winning 9th Hour Brewing Co. in Lake Villa. Visitors can sample flights of red and white wines in Long Grove, Highland Park or Grayslake, sip inventive craft beers in Mundelein or Lincolnshire or enjoy a lakeside pint at Harbor Brewing’s Biergarten in Winthrop Harbor. Mead, moonshine and small-batch whiskeys also add to the mix of flavors. Details are available at VisitLakeCounty.org/Libation-Trail.

Friday-Monday, Aug. 29-Sept. 1; Various locations in Lake County, Illinois.

For more things to do this weekend, August 29-September 1, 2025, click here.