Things To Do This Weekend August 9-11, 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 08/08/2024

The first weekend in August serves up a variety of activities with everyone in mind. We look at these top events taking place right here in Lake County in this edition of things to do this weekend, August 9-11, 2024.

Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve in Deerfield

1. Gurnee Days at Viking Park

Prepare for a weekend packed with excitement as Gurnee Days returns to Viking Park. This annual community celebration promises something for everyone, from thrilling rides and live music to delicious food and family-friendly activities. The festivities kick off on Saturday with a variety of events, including a golf tournament, open houses at local government offices, a community art show, eating contests and a bags tournament. Kids will be in heaven with the Kids Zone, featuring inflatable attractions, games, a magic show, a dodgeball tournament and crafts. The day culminates with live performances from No Limit and Hello Weekend complemented by a spectacular fireworks display. Sunday’s highlights include a farmers market, car show, a live show by the Taylor Swift Tribute Band “Sparks Fly,” a parade showcasing the vibrant spirit of the Gurnee community and more. Don't miss out on this fantastic weekend of fun! For more information and to purchase wristbands.

Saturday-Sunday, August 10-11; Sat.: 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. and Sun.: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Various locations. Festival Center: Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.

2. Vintage Car Show at The Lot in Highland Park

Motor enthusiasts and families alike are in for a treat as Highland Park’s The Lot transforms into a hub of automotive history for the Vintage Car Show. This event promises an impressive showcase of classic cars, with models dating as far back as 1907. In addition to the stunning array of vintage vehicles, the event will feature renowned radio DJ Eddie “V”, best known for 96.3 WBBM-FM (B96’s) “The Eddie & Jobo Morning Show.” Eddie, who is currently host of Star 105.5-FM’s morning show, will be on-site spinning contemporary hits, hosting exciting giveaways and announcing the winner of the Best of Car Show award from noon-2 p.m. Visitors can spend the day marveling at the diverse collection of cars, enjoying live music and indulging in delicious bites and beverages available throughout the event from restaurants like Pixca, Curt’s Café, Lake County Libation Trail partner Ravinia Brewing Co. and more. Kid’s are also invited to participate in a free craft activity at The Art Center of Highland Park. Whether you're a classic car aficionado or just looking for a fun, family-friendly outing, the Vintage Car Show at The Lot is the perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon. 

Sunday, August 11; noon-4 p.m. Free admission. The Lot, 525 Central Ave., Highland Park.

3. Fox Lake Friday Night Concert Series with Simple Men and Southern Nights

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of classic rock as the Village of Fox Lake presents its Friday Night Concert Series featuring Simple Men and Southern. This free concert invites the community to experience live performances from tribute bands honoring legendary rock acts like Tom Petty and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, snacks and blankets to relax and enjoy the show. Lake County Libation Trail partner Black Lung Brewing Co. will be on-site to quench your thirst, while Your Sister's Tomato, Mijo's Mexican Food and Perricone's: A Soup and Sandwich Joint will be serving up their specialties. Mark your calendars and join the Fox Lake community for a night of great music, food and fun by the lake. Fox Lake’s Friday Night Concert Series “Bands by the Beach” runs Fridays through August 23.

Friday, August 9; 7-9 p.m. Free admission. Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake. 

4. Unplugged Fest at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich

Unplugged Fest is returning for its fourth annual celebration, inviting families to disconnect from their electronic devices and reconnect with each other and their community. Unplugged Fest was created to inspire people to engage with one another through various "unplugged" activities provided by local businesses and organizations. Attendees can enjoy a variety of demonstrations and hands-on activities, showcasing the unique offerings of the Lake Zurich area. The event aims to combat device dependency, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw people spending between four-to-seven hours a day on non-work-related screen time. Alexis, the 15-year-old founder of Unplugged Fest and current Teen Miss Ela Township, initiated this festival to help the community unplug and reconnect while supporting local businesses. Her passion for this cause has been recognized and supported by the Village of Lake Zurich Board of Trustees since its inception in 2021. Unplugged Fest promises to be a day of fun, community connection and new experiences. So, ditch your devices, bring your family and discover all that the Lake Zurich area has to offer!

Sunday, August 11; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Paulus Park, 1025 N. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich. 

5. 2024 Baggin’ Rights at American Place Casino

Cornhole enthusiasts, experience an exhilarating day of competition at the Baggin’ Rights $10,000 Cornhole Tournament! Hosted at L'Americain, the restaurant located inside Waukegan’s American Place Casino, the Baggin’ Rights tournament promises an exciting atmosphere filled with intense matches, great prizes and, of course, ultimate bragging rights. With a buy-in of $100 per team, up to 128 two-person teams will compete in a single-elimination format. To secure your spot in this exciting tournament, sign up at the Legacy Rewards Club before the event kicks off. If your team loses out early, American Place Casino offers slots, table games, sportsbook, 36 screens to view the final weekend of the Paris Olympics, a slew of dining options including Asia-Azteca and North Shore Steaks and Seafood, live performances and more. Don’t miss out on this chance to showcase your cornhole skills and enjoy a fantastic day at the Baggin’ Rights $10,000 Cornhole Tournament. 

Saturday, August 10; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Buy-in at $100 per team. L’Americain, American Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Pl., Waukegan. 

For more things to do this weekend, August 9-11, click here.