Things To Do This Weekend July 18-20, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 07/15/2025

Lake County's summer event season is in full swing, with a packed schedule of activities planned for the weekend of July 18-20. Events ranging from carnival rides and concerts to community theatre and historical tributes are slated to take place across the county. Residents and visitors can expect opportunities to enjoy live music, participate in veteran tributes and sample local food offerings.

Now, let’s dive into the top five things to do in Lake County this weekend, July 18-20, 2025.

1. Vernon Hills Days

Celebrate the peak of summer this weekend at Vernon Hills Days at Century Park. The weekend kicks off with bingo, a kids' petting zoo, a bags tournament, carnival rides, family-friendly fun and more. Don't miss out on headliners Switchfoot and Tommy DeCarlo, and local favorites Modern Day Romeos, Too Hype Crew and more. Switchfoot amassed a number of large Billboard hits, culminating into a 2011 Grammy Award for “Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album” for their record “Hello Hurricane.”Adults can kick back in the beer tent, while younger guests enjoy a variety of games and activities. Whether you're there for the music, the food or the exciting atmosphere, Vernon Hills Days promises to be a can't-miss celebration of community and summer fun. For more information and a complete schedule, visit VHDays.com.

Friday-Sunday, July 18-20; Fri. and Sat.: 1 to 10:30 p.m. and Sun.: 1 to 8 p.m. Free admission. Century Park, 1101 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills.

2. ALPINE FEST IN LAKE ZURICH

This summer, the Lake Zurich Lions Club invites the community to join in celebrating a significant milestone — 80 years of Alpine Fest, one of the area's most cherished summer traditions. The festivities kick off Friday, when guests can grab a bite to eat, enjoy cold beverages and soak in the sounds of Déjà vu and Mike and Joe, taking the stage. Saturday offers a full day of fun, beginning with the annual cornhole tournament hosted by Lake County Baggers. The festival grounds open at noon, offering all-you-can-ride wristbands, a local talent showcase and an evening featuring live music from EVO and ARRA. Sunday features the Alpine Fest Parade and family fun, concluding the weekend. Proceeds aid Lake Zurich Lions Club charities. See further details at LZLions.com.

Friday-Sunday, July 18-20; Fri.: 6 to 11 p.m., Sat.: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sun.: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. Lions Park, 81 E. Main St., Lake Zurich.

3. THE WALL THAT HEALS IN ANTIOCH

A piece of our nation's history, a symbol of remembrance and healing, is coming to Antioch. The Wall That Heals, the powerful three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, offers a unique opportunity for participants to connect with a vital part of America's past. Walk alongside the 375-foot wall, find the names of more than 58,000 service members and even create a name rubbing to honor individual service member’s memory. The mobile education center will also be on-site, sharing stories of local "Hometown Heroes" and "In Memory" tributes, alongside artifacts from the original wall. It's a moment to reflect, learn and appreciate the sacrifices made. To learn more, visit CM.AntiochChamber.org.

Friday-Sunday, July 18-20; 24-hour access available; closes at 2 p.m on  Sunday. Free admission. Tim Osmond Sports Complex, 38 Depot St., Antioch.

4. Taste of Highwood and Highwood Days

The southeastern Lake County city’s longest-running community celebration returns this summer as Highwood Days takes over the downtown Metra station parking lot with a weekend of carnival rides, games, live music and family fun. New this year, Taste of Highwood will join the festivities, offering a flavorful showcase of local restaurants and craft beverages. Attendees can sample bites, enjoy full-service booze tents and vote for their favorite dish in the People's Choice Award for Best Taste. The weekend also features the Highwood 5K Run, Walk and Stroll. Live entertainment includes tunes from Antler Chandelier, LP Vinyl, Black Diamond Session and more.With something for all ages, the event continues its legacy as a cornerstone of Highwood's summer season. To learn more, visit CelebrateHighwood.org.

Friday-Sunday, July 18-20; Fri.: 5 to 10 p.m., Sat.: 1 to 10 p.m. and Sun.: noon to 8 p.m. Highwood 5K begins July 19 at 9 a.m. Free admission. Highwood Metra Station, 406 Sheridan Rd., Highwood.

5. "The Queen's Museum" at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest

Citadel Theatre returns with its annual outdoor summer production, bringing a whimsical blend of royalty, pirates and live music to the natural beauty of Lake Forest Open Lands. This annual Theatre for Young Audience show presents, "The Queen's Museum," a lively and original musical written by Mark Adamczyk and directed by Ben Ballmer. The story follows a royal plan to build a grand museum to house the queen's collection. But the plot takes a turn when a band of misfit pirates, enticed by rumors of treasure and toe-tapping dance numbers, crashes the royal endeavor. "The Queen's Museum" continues Citadel's tradition of open-air productions designed to delight all ages. Admission information and event details can be found at CitadelTheatre.org.

Friday-Sunday, July 18-20; Fri.: 6 p.m. and Sat. and Sun.: 3 and 6 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Lake Forest Open Lands, 350 N. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest.

For more things to do this weekend, July 18-20, 2025 click here.