Things To Do This Weekend July 7-9, 2023
By: Jeff Randolph 07/05/2023
Summer is in full swing, with opportunities to travel throughout Lake County and see what the land of the lakes offers. We feature the places and events happening in Lake County in this edition of things to do this weekend, July 7-9, 2023.
The entire month of July is filled with festivals, music, food, and fun. Continue here to view the top 10 things to do in Lake County in July 2023.
Youngsters tend to get bored in the summer months so we've put togehter this guide with that in mind. View the Kids Summer Fun Guide in Lake County by clicking here.
Let's look at Lake County's top five things to do this weekend, July 7-9.
Experience five distinct thoroughfares of Lake County and the adventures Lake County Road Trips offer when you "Let the Ride Take You!" Choose to trek this weekend and throughout summer via car, bike, or on foot and travel on Illinois Route 21, U.S. Route 45, Illinois Route 83, Illinois Route 41, and U.S. Route 12. Explore the museums in the area, including Volo Museum and its captivating Jurassic Gardens exhibit, imbibe at one of the many watering holes of the Lake County Libation Trail, chase thrills and splashes at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, shop along the streets in the downtown districts of our various towns, bum it on a beach at one of 75 lakes in the land of lakes and so much more. Visitors can win four free tickets to Six Flags Great America or an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee by registering at VisitLakeCounty.org/Road-Trips. "Oh, the places you'll go" and explore, and those sites, sounds, and feels will leave you and the family with memory makers. Lake County Road Trips extend through mid-August.
Friday-Sunday, July 7-9. Admission and prices vary depending on the activity. Various locations throughout Lake County.
The annual Scoop returns to downtown Waukegan this weekend and brings the genre-spanning car show and Genesee Street cruise. This automotive showcase displays vehicles from multiple decades when taillight flairs were normal, and every panel needed that extra chrome touch. Scoop Waukegan features carnival games and a variety of food and beverages available for purchase from local eateries and drinkeries, including La Casa De Samuel, Green Town on the Rocks and Lake County Libation Trail Partner Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing Oppidan Spirits. In addition, vendors from Waukegan, Lake County, and the surrounding area sell their merchandise. The car party also is highlighted by live music from 6-8 p.m. on both days of the gearhead festivities provided by Big Brothers Vinyl playing Friday evening and DJ Spontaneous, Gospel on the Beach featuring Dr. Charles Jenkins and Waukegan's own Ivy Ford performing on Saturday evening. For more details, head to ScoopWaukegan.com.
Friday-Saturday, July 7-8; Fri.: 5-9 p.m. Sat.: noon-9 p.m. Admission: Free. Food, games, and beverages will cost extra. Downtown Waukegan, Genesee and Water Streets., Waukegan.
"It's So Easy to Fall in Love" when you're watching "The Buddy Holly Story" at the Marriott Theatre. The Lincolnshire production takes you back to 1956 when Holly first hit the scene and the following three short years that helped cement his legacy in rock music. You'll hear all the classics and the stories behind them. Holly's raw rock 'n' roll style inspired many, including the Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The Texan was among the first artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him no. 13 in its "100 Greatest Artists" list. The show also visits "the day the music died," when Holly, Richie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" boarded that fateful plane in Mason City, Iowa. Visit MarriottTheatre.com to buy tickets.
Friday-Sunday, July 7-9; Fri.: 8 p.m., Sat.: 4 and 8 p.m., Sun.: 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets: $55-$65. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
Lake County summers have a unique taste, as do the local suds at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. Experience this Lake County Forest Preserve District's beer flights for sippers ages 21 and older while viewing the area's natural beauty. The beer garden highlights Lake County Libation Trail partners Mickey Finn's Brewery of Libertyville, Phase Three Brewing of Lake Zurich, Liquid Love Brewing of Buffalo Grove, Half Day Brewing Co. of Lincolnshire, Tighthead Brewing Co. of Mundelein, Buffalo Creek Brewing of Long Grove, Ravinia Brewing Co. of Highland Park, and Harbor Brewing Co. and 9th Hour Brewing of Lake Villa. The Libertyville Sanctuary also offers packaged snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and lakeside seating. The Beer Garden at Independence Grove Forest Preserve runs on select days through the fall. Visit LCFPD.org for more details.
Saturday-Monday, July 7-9; 1-9 p.m. Parking cost: free for Lake County residents, non-residents: $12. The Independence Grove Forest Preserve entrance is on Buckley Road, east of Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville.
Even if you don't own a DeLorean, you can travel back to the past to experience the 16th-century English Elizabethan era just over the Wisconsin border. The renowned Bristol Renaissance Faire opens its drawbridge for the season featuring sword fighters, maidens, minstrels, and jesters. There are many photo opportunities for having the chance to meet and greet legendary celebrities such as Queen Elizabeth and Robin Hood. The Faire also offers games, rides, arts and crafts, eats, live music, and one-of-a-kind encounters with a spectacular cast of characters. Bristol Renaissance Faire is open on weekends through Labor Day. For more information, go to RenFair.com/Bristol.
Friday-Sunday, July 7-9; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets: $15-$40. Children ages four and younger are free. Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha.
For more things to do this weekend, July 7-9, click here.
SUMMER OUTDOOR GUIDE
ROAD TRIPS
Volo Museum
Family-Friendly Dining
Breakfast/Brunch
Lakeside Dining
MainStreet Libertyville
Historic Downtown Long Grove
Downtown Highland Park
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Hyatt Deerfield
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