Things To Do This Weekend July 11-13, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 07/10/2025

Lake County is buzzing with activity this weekend, offering a diverse array of events to celebrate summer. From classic car shows and live music to athletic challenges and medieval merriment, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking for family-friendly entertainment or a unique night out, the communities of Waukegan, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Winthrop Harbor and Bristol, Wisconsin have you covered.

Continue here to see the top 10 activities to enjoy in Lake County this July.

Now, let’s dive into the top five things to do in Lake County this weekend, July 11-13, 2025.

1. Summer in Waukegan: Scoop, Ice Cream Social and Tim Meadows

Summer is in full swing in Waukegan, with a weekend of community events promising fun for all ages. Scoop Waukegan rolls into downtown with a two-day classic car show featuring live music, food vendors, and cars cruising the streets. Scoop is highlighted by delectable eats, live tunes by 12 Tikis, The Blues Family Robinson, Soul Message Band, 4mer!c4n !ndI4n, DJ Spontaneous and more, eats and drinks from renowned City of Progress restaurants like Papa Marcos, Mama Jerk N Tings, Green Town Tavern, Lake County Libation Trail partner Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing Co. and more and the Cruise in and Park and Open Scoop. At the same time, Families can enjoy a Scavenger Hunt and Ice Cream Social at Bowen Park from 6:30 to 8 p.m., combining outdoor adventure with a sweet treat. For evening entertainment, comedian and “Saturday Night Live” alum Tim Meadows performs at American Place Casino’s The Lighthouse, bringing his signature wit to the stage. From family-friendly fun to nightlife, Waukegan is buzzing with ways to celebrate summer. Experience Waukegan, located in northeast Lake County! For more information, visit VisitLakeCounty.org/Summer-In-Waukegan. 

Friday-Sunday, July 11-13; Ice Cream Social: Fri.: 6:30-8 p.m. Registration required. Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan. Scoop Waukegan: Fri.-Sat.: 5-9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Waukegan, Genesee St. and Water St., Waukegan. Tim Meadows: Fri.: 8 p.m. Tickets start at $33.47. The Lighthouse at American Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan. 

2. Lake Zurich Triathlon

Hundreds of athletes will dive into the waters of Paulus Park at sunrise as the Lake Zurich Olympic and Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon gets underway. The event offers both novice and experienced triathletes a chance to test their endurance on scenic and challenging courses through the Lake Zurich community. The Olympic Triathlon features a 1,500-meter swim, a 40K bike ride and a 10K run, while the Sprint Triathlon includes a 750-meter swim, a 20K bike ride and a 5K run. The duathlon is a two 5K runs and a 40K bike race. The competitions begin with a self-seeded, rolling swim start in Lake Zurich, followed by bike and run courses that loop through neighborhoods surrounding the lake. An awards ceremony begins at 9:45 a.m., with all course activities concluding by 11:30 a.m. For complete race details and rules, visit ExperienceTriathlon.com.

Sunday, July 13; 6-11:30 a.m. Registration starts at $175. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich. 

3. 16th Annual Dog Days of Summer in Libertyville

Libertyville will go to the dogs — quite literally — during the Dog Days of Summer, a high-energy competition. The DockDogs event, part of the National Sportsmen's Series, invites canines of all sizes and skill levels to take to the dock in a thrilling display of athleticism and fun. The three-day event features signature events like Big Air, Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve, where the hounds sprint down a dock and leap into a water pool in pursuit of toys, distance or speed. Tryouts and practice sessions will be available each day, along with multiple competition waves and finals on Sunday. Dog owners can register online in advance for discounted rates and preferred event slots, or sign up on-site if space allows. The event is open to the public and promises a unique summer spectacle for animal lovers and families. For further information and Registration, visit DockDogs.com.

Friday-Sunday, July 11-13; Fri.: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat.: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun.: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Registration starts at $17. Church Street Parking Garage, 131 W. Church St., Libertyville. 

4. Harbor Palooza at Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor

The lakefront will come alive with music, craft beer, and community spirit as Lake County Libation Trail partner Harbor Brewing Co. hosts Harborpalooza at its lakefront craft biergarten at North Point Marina. The three-day event features live performances, a bustling craft market and cold pours of Harbor Brewing's signature beers steps from Lake Michigan. The festival kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. with live performances by The Usual Suspects, followed by a Saturday lineup featuring Lit and the Leftovers and the Judson Brown Band. On Sunday, Shapeshifters will close out the weekend. With scenic views, local vendors and a family-friendly vibe, Harborpalooza offers a quintessential summer weekend for residents and visitors alike. For more details, visit HarborBeer.com.

Friday-Sunday, July 11-13; Fri.: 12-11 p.m., Sat.: Noon-12 p.m. and Sun.: Noon-7 p.m. Free admission. Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor. 

5. Bristol Renaissance Faire Opens for the Season

The kingdom has reopened its gates as the Bristol Renaissance Faire returns for the season. Set in 1574, the open-air festival transports visitors to a lively Elizabethan-era village celebrating the first queen donning the aforementioned name in her royal visit. Each Faire day brings 16th-century merriment — jousting knights, minstrels, fire-eaters, jesters and swordfighters perform on outdoor stages. Visitors can explore a sprawling marketplace featuring nearly 200 artisans offering a diverse range of handcrafted goods, including pottery, leatherwork and more. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy hearty fare while engaging in games, rides and interactive encounters with beloved characters, such as Robin Hood. Costumes are encouraged for those who wish to immerse themselves in the experience fully. For ticketing, visit Renfair.com/Bristol. The festivities just north of the Lake County border runs Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day through September 1.

Saturday-Sunday, July 12-13; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets start at $43. Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, WI.  

For more things to do this weekend, July 11-13, 2025 click here.