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SUMMER OUTDOOR GUIDE

    
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Things To Do This Weekend July 25-27, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 07/23/2025

As summer hits its stride, Lake County is buzzing with a diverse array of events to delight every interest. From thrilling outdoor spectacles to captivating artistic performances, this weekend offers plenty of opportunities for entertainment and community engagement. Whether you are looking for high-octane action, a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or soulful musical experiences, you will find it here. Dive into the vibrant local scene and make the most of these exciting happenings. Read on to discover all the details for these must-attend events.

1. THE 96TH ANNUAL LAKE COUNTY FAIR

The 96th annual Lake County Fair returns to Grayslake, offering five days of family fun, thrilling entertainment and classic fair traditions. Held at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, the Grayslake festival features high-energy attractions like motocross, demolition derbies, monster trucks and professional bull riding — all included with general admission. Visitors can enjoy live music from local and regional acts, carnival rides, games and a wide array of food vendors serving up everything from funnel cakes to cheese curds. The fair also showcases Lake County's agricultural heritage with daily livestock shows, 4-H competitions, and a popular livestock auction on Saturday. Additional highlights include the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, pig races and interactive family activities. With something for everyone, the Lake County Fair continues its long-standing tradition as one of the summer's must-visit events. For more information, visit LCFair.com/2025.

Friday-Sunday, July 25-27; Fri. and Sat.: noon-11 p.m. and Sun.: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tickets $5-$15. Children ages five and under receive free entry. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.

2. "There's Always Something There..." at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire

Big hair, bigger hits and a second chance at teenage life take center stage in "Always Something There…," a new 1980s-inspired musical at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Written by Sandy Rustin, the world premiere production blends nostalgic flair with a modern, feminist twist as protagonist Samantha Craig wakes up on her 45th birthday, trapped in her 18-year-old self, allowing her to rewrite her past —and perhaps her future. Set to a high-energy soundtrack of iconic 1980s pop hits by Madonna, Whitney Houston, Culture Club, The Go-Go's and more, the show offers a heartfelt homage to classic teen films of the era, wrapped in clever comedy and complemented by retro charm. The row runs Wednesdays to Sundays through August 10. For tickets and more, visit MarriottTheatre.com. 

Friday-Sunday, July 25-27; Fri.: 7:30 p.m., Sat.: 4 and 8 p.m. and Sun.: 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $70.98. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. 

3. LONG GROVE VINTAGE DAYS

Step back in time while celebrating the present at the annual Long Grove Vintage Days festival in historic downtown Long Grove. Hosted by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, this free, family-friendly event brings together vintage finds, upcycled goods, antiques and handmade treasures in an open-air marketplace designed to celebrate nostalgia and creativity. Visitors can enjoy live music, food and drink vendors, old-fashioned games and community contests. Local shops and restaurants will join the festivities with historic specials and unique offerings throughout the weekend, giving guests even more reason to sip, shop and stroll the brick-lined streets. For the full event schedule and more, visit LongGrove.org.

Saturday-Sunday, July 26-27; Sat.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Historic Downtown Long Grove, various locations on Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin Roads, Long Grove.

4. gospelfest at greenbelt cultural center in north chicago

Uplifting music and soulful celebration take center stage as Gospelfest returns to the Greenbelt Cultural Center. Hosted by the Lake County Forest Preserves, the free North Chicago community event invites guests to experience the power of gospel music through performances by local choirs, soloists and a headlining set by acclaimed vocalist and educator Dr. Frozene Lott Hayes. Additional performances will include Rose & Co., Light of the World, Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church and Tara Pipes, promising an afternoon filled with spiritual energy and rich harmonies. On-site food vendors will offer local bites, and a nature play activity will be available to keep young visitors engaged. For more details, visit LCFPD.org.

Sunday, July 27; 3-7 p.m. Free admission. Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago. 

5.LUCKY DUCK RACE AT BAREFOOT BAY IN MUNDELEIN

The Mundelein Parks Foundation will bring a splash of fun and philanthropy to Barefoot Bay with the return of its Lucky Duck Race. The race begins at 2 p.m. in the lazy river at Barefoot Bay. Attendees can enjoy a full day at the water park before cheering on their adopted ducks as they float toward the finish line. The whimsical event invites participants to "adopt" one of 250 rubber ducks with all proceeds benefiting the Mundelein Parks Foundation's recreational scholarship fund. To learn more, visit MundeleinParks.org.

Saturday, July 26; 2-2:30 p.m. Ducks can be purchased online for $10. Barefoot Bay, 1461 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein.


For more things to do this weekend, July 25-27, 2025 click here.

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