Things To Do This Weekend August 8-10, 2025

By: Sam Ornig 08/07/2025

Get ready for another exciting weekend in the Land of Lakes! Spend the weekend soaking in the summer sun with fun festivals, beautiful butterflies, farm animals and fresh produce in Lake County. For some indoor fun, head to an art show with realistic, life-sized portraits of your favorite superheroes and villains. Enjoy the seasonal fun while you can! 

For more summer fun in Lake County, see a list of aquatic centers and pools and find the best sandy beach for your next beach day. Don't forget to explore Lake County Road Trips this summer!

Let's look at Lake County's top five things to do this weekend, August 8-10. 

1. Gurnee Days

Prepare for a weekend filled with live music, epic fireworks, delicious food and so much more at Gurnee Days. With kid-friendly activities like bingo, a dunk tank and a foam party, along with other fun events like a bags tournament, dodgeball, a rib eating contest, a links tournament at Heather Ridge Golf Course and a K9 demonstration, no one will miss out on a good time at Gurnee Days. Celebrate local artists at the Community Art Show, check out the classics at the Car Show and meet some of Gurnee's civil servants at open houses for the Fire Department, Police Department and Public Works. Gurnee Days also features live music from acts like the Gurnee’s Got Talent Showcase, Tim Gleason Whiskey Country Band, ARRA and 90s Pop Nation. Don't miss out on the parade on Sunday! See the full schedule of events and get more information at GurneeParkDistrict.com.

Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10; Saturday: 10 a.m-10:30 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Gurnee Park District, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee. 

2. Butterflies and Blooms at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

Flutter over to the Chicago Botanic Garden this weekend for their “Butterflies and Blooms” exhibit, a vibrant and immersive seasonal favorite featuring hundreds of butterflies from around the world. This living Glencoe exhibit is open through September 1, so now's the best time to see it before it flitters away until next year. Visit the 2,800-square-foot mesh enclosure for an up-close look at colorful butterfly species native to South America, Asia, Africa, North America and Illinois. Witness the full life cycle of butterflies and moths, including a view into the pupa room, where emerging butterflies take their first flight. The exhibit is included with general Garden admission. For more information, visit ChicagoBotanic.org.

Friday-Sunday, August 8-10; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission prices: $14.95-$23.95 per person. Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. 

3. Lambs Farm in Libertyville

Get ready for a fun day on the grounds at Lambs Farm in the Green Oaks/Libertyville area. Perfect for the whole family, start the day off by visiting the farmyard, home to rescue and senior farm animals like goats, cows and chickens. Next up, head to the Cedar Chest Thrift Store to find your next favorite treasure and a great souvenir to remember your trip. Don't miss the latest attraction, the Greenhouse, where colorful flowers, fragrant herbs and luscious greenery flourish. Enjoy a meal at the Magnolia Café and Bakery before heading to the Sugar Maple Country Store and Bakery for its Famous Butter Cookies, chocolate toffee or delicious ice cream. If you're looking to adopt a new furry friend or treat your family pet to some new supplies, stop by the Dogwood Garden and Pet Center. The best part of your trip to Lambs Farm: your visit helps the organization support people with developmental disabilities by assisting with housing and providing learning programs and work opportunities. Don’t forget to hop aboard the old world carousel and the miniature train (separate admissions). Lambs Farm is open Tuesdays through Sundays through October. Learn more at LambsFarm.org.

Friday-Sunday, August 8-10; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $5 per person. Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville.

4. Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains Exhibit at the Dunn Museum

The Dunn Museum is hosting a special exhibition, "Alex Ross: Heroes and Villains," where comic book fans and art connoisseurs can unite to see work by one of the most celebrated artists in comics. Known as the "Norman Rockwell of comics," Alex Ross has created over 100 life-sized works featuring favorite Marvel and DC comic characters. The Lake County Forest Preserve District exhibit will feature those dynamic pieces, as well as two life-size murals of Marvel heroes and villains and two new portraits exclusively displayed at the Dunn Museum. With life-like realism, Alex Ross' art makes favorites like Batman and Superman come to life before your eyes. This special Libertyville exhibit will require a separate admission in addition to admission to the museum. The exhibit runs Wednesdays through Sundays through February 16, 2026. Learn more about the exhibit and the Dunn Museum at LCFPD.org.

Friday-Sunday, August 8-10; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Museum admission: $3-$10; exhibit admission: $5-$10. Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road Libertyville. 

5. Deerfield Farmers Market

Spend a summer Saturday perusing local produce, fresh-cut flowers, delicious baked goods and other specialty and handmade products at the Deerfield Farmers Market. Hosted on Saturdays from June into October, this Deerfield event offers a great venue to socialize with the community, enjoy fresh air outdoors and shop for pantry staples and coveted indulgences. Featuring seasonal vegetables and fruit from local farms in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana, prepare your tastebuds for flavorsome organic and naturally grown produce. Treat yourself or a loved one to sweet handmade pies, cookies and cakes, as well as an array of jams, syrups, salsas, sauces and spreads. Stop by the food trucks to fulfill your cravings of coffee, crepes, hummus bowls, tacos and more. And don't forget Fido...handmade pet treats and products are also available at the Deerfield Farmers Market. For more details, visit Deerfield.IL.US.

Saturday, August 9; 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free admission. 850 Waukegan Road, Deerfield.

For more things to do this weekend, August 8-10, click here.