Things To Do This Weekend June 19-21, 2026

By: Sam Ornig 06/18/2026

With Father's Day, LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Juneteenth, June is packed with celebrations, and Lake County has events to revel in all of these festivities this weekend. Join our communities as they bask in the summer weather at festivals all weekend long, with Libertyville Days, Zion Nostalgia Days, the Lake County Juneteenth Parade and Festival, Lake County PrideFest and the Taste of Highland Park. Prepare to fill your weekend with energetic live music, delicious eats and activities fit for the whole family! 

Don't forget to include Dad in your fun plans this Father's Day weekend and check out our Father's Day Guide for more fun things to do with Dad. 

Let's look at Lake County's top five things to do this weekend, June 19-21, 2026.

1. Libertyville Days Festival

It’s that time of year again: the annual Libertyville Days Festival is back in Downtown Libertyville, with the theme “Stars, Stripes and Libertyville Nights” as the country celebrates America 250. This four-day event celebrates community spirit with carnival rides, a parade, live music, an arts and crafts fair and so much more! Beloved returning attractions include the children's party and Church Street Eats food row. Don’t miss out on activities and special events like the Miss Libertyville Pageant, karaoke, a bags tournament, the Libertyville Days Parade and the talent forum. Live music will play on the main stage throughout the weekend including headliners Sneezy, Soul Kitchen and Mellencourgar. Admission to the festival is complimentary, while food, beverages and rides are available for purchase. For more information, visit LibCivicCenter.org.

Friday-Sunday, June 19-21; Friday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday: Parade at 10 a.m., festival open 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday: noon-6 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Libertyville, Church Street and Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville. 

2. ZION NOSTALGIA DAYS

Take a step back into the good ol’ days at the 38th annual Nostalgia Days in Zion, featuring classic cars, rock ‘n’ roll and entertainment for the whole family. Each year, Downtown Zion welcomes visitors from all over for one of the region's largest antique and custom car shows. On Friday night, enjoy the open cruise for registered vehicles at 4 p.m. and a free outdoor screening of the 1977 comedy action film "Smokey and the Bandit" at 9:30 p.m. On Saturday, the car, truck and motorcycle show runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., culminating in the signature Sheridan Road Cruize at 4 p.m. Live broadcasts from 95 WIIL Rock (95.1 WIIL-FM), TUDN 1220 Union Latina (1220 TUDN-AM) and 102.3 WXLC (102.3 WXLC-FM), along with Touch a Truck, a fire department “Jaws of Life” demonstration and more, will also take place throughout Saturday. Live entertainment includes performances from DJ Ed Hammer, Razzle Dazzle, DJ Elwood and more. For further information about the Zion event, visit NostalgiaDays.com.

Friday-Saturday, June 19-20; Friday: 4-11 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Zion, various locations along Sheridan Road, Zion. 

3. Black OUtside: Juneteenth lAKE cOUNTY pARADE AND fESTIVAL IN wAUKEGAN

Join Waukegan in celebrating Juneteenth at Black Outside: Juneteenth Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 20. Featuring a parade, cultural dance and musical performances, family-friendly bingo and a kids’ zone, there’s guaranteed fun for everyone at this fest! The City of Progress parade and festival boast an energetic lineup, including Elite Striders Drill Team, The Lloyd Stephens Band, Vernard Live, DJ The X and more. Food trucks and vendors will be on site. Kids can enjoy free snacks, crafts, bounce houses, face painting, games, giveaways and a reading station, while the adults can enjoy some friendly competition in games like Name That Black Song, Black Outside Trivia and Double Dutch. Take the Juneteenth Journey Tour to learn about the rich history, resilience and contributions of African Americans in Waukegan, guided by the African American Museum at the England Manor. The fun is endless at this Juneteenth celebration! For more information, visit JuneteenthLakeCountyIL.com.

Saturday, June 20; 1-10 p.m. Parade begins at 1 p.m. Festival opens at 2 p.m. Free admission. Various locations in Waukegan including The African American Museum at the England Manor, 503 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan. 

4. Lake County PrideFest 2026 in Round Lake Beach

Lake County PrideFest is returning for its sixth year to Round Lake Beach! Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community at this free, family-friendly festival that draws thousands to honor queer life and culture each year. The event will feature live music, drag performances, food trucks, artisan vendors, a resource fair and activities for all ages. A suggested $10 donation at the gate will support the mission of the LGBTQ+ Center Lake County of providing space, programming and resources for the queer community in Lake County. Last year, the festival raised over $70,000 for Lake County’s LGBTQ+ community. Get dressed up in your best pride gear for this exciting community event! For details, visit LGBTQLC.com.

Saturday, June 20; Noon-8 p.m. Free admission. Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. 

5. Taste of Highland Park at Port Clinton Square

For a weekend of culinary delights and musical magic, head to the Taste of Highland Park at Port Clinton Square June 19-20. This annual festival showcases some of the North Shore’s most prominent eateries. This year, twelve restaurants are participating, including Indus Progressive Indian and Lake County Libation Trail partner Lynfred Winery and Steep Ravine Brewing Co. Get ready for an exciting lineup of musical performances, including headliner Eve 6, known for its hits “Inside Out” and “Here’s to the Night,” and a special performance curated by Bitter Jester Music Festival in honor of its 20th anniversary season. New this year, the Taste of Highland Park is hosting children’s hours from 3:15 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, with free face painting, airbrush tattoos and performances by Mary Macaroni, Laura Doherty and songs from “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” by Uptown Music Theater. Enjoy air conditioned seating and dining areas, an all-new photography exhibit on display and so much more fun at this highly anticipated event. With its savory bites, sweet treats and vibrant sounds, the Taste of Highland Park offers a festive experience for food lovers and music fans. For details, visit EnjoyHighlandPark.com.

Friday-Saturday, June 19-20. Friday: 5-10 p.m., Saturday: 3-10 p.m. Free admission. Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Avenue, Highland Park.  

For more things to do this weekend, June 19-21, 2026, click here.