Things To Do This Weekend June 28-30, 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 06/26/2024

This edition of weekend activities, happening June 28-30, features local showcases of delicious cuisine, live music and family fun. Fourth of July around the corner check out Lake County's guide to festivals, fireworks and parades in the 2024 Fourth of July Guide.

Enjoying time in the water with friends and family is one of the best parts of summer. Discover more about the beaches in Lake County by clicking here.

Now, let's explore Lake County's top five things to do this weekend, June 28-30.

1. Celebrate Fox Lake

Get ready for a day filled with fun and excitement as the “Heart of the Chain O’Lakes” hosts its annual Celebrate Fox Lake event which promises a full lineup of activities for all ages. The Fourth of July festivities kick off with a vibrant parade, featuring local bands, floats and community groups marching through the downtown area.  Visitors and residents alike can exprerience a car show, live entertainment featuring Sweet Heet and Mellencougar, delicious eats and drinks and more. The grand finale is a breathtaking fireworks display launched from Nippersink Lake. For questions, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 224-225-1405. Visit and celebrate Fox Lake with friends, family and neighbors and make this a day to remember!

Saturday, June 29; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake.

2. Wauconda Fest in Wauconda

Experience an unforgettable weekend as Wauconda Fest returns to Cook Park. This four-day event features live music, delicious food and family-friendly entertainment. The festivities begin with bingo hosted by the American Legion and a line dance lesson. Saturday is packed with activities, including the adult bags tournament, bingo and carnival rides. Sunday features a car expo highlighted by sporty, classic and even power wheel cars, an arts and craft show and a Badger Police Dog Demo. The weekend is filled with a rockin’ musical lineup featuring 7th Heaven, Glory Days, Modern Day Romeos, Bella Cain and more. For more information, visit WaucondaParks.com. 

Friday-Sunday, June 28-30; Fri.: 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat.: noon-midnight and Sun.: noon-9 p.m. Admission is $5 (cash only). Cook Park, 600 Main St., Wauconda.

3. Taste of Grayslake

Expand your palate with Taste of Grayslake, offering a delightful array of food, drinks and entertainment for the whole family. This year's Taste of Grayslake boasts a variety vendors, including local favorites like Grayslake Dog ‘N Suds, BBQ Productions, Lake County Libation Trail partner Glunz Family Winery and Cellars, Your Sister’s Tomato, Roasted Corn Company, Mama Jerk n Tings of Waukegan and more. The event also offers a beer tent.Live music kicks off with Wild Daisy, followed by GOOROOS. For thrill-seekers, carnival rides will be available. The festivities will conclude with a fireworks display at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show. Parking is available at Grayslake Central High School, Middle School and Library.For additional information, please contact the Grayslake Park District at 847-223-7529 or visit GLPD.com. 

Saturday, June 29; 3-10 p.m. Central Park, Center and Lake St., Grayslake. 

4. “Beehive: The Musical” at Marriott Thatre in Lincolnshire

This summer, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of swinging music and culture with "Beehive: The 60's Musical.” This 90-minute, Marriott Theatre musical celebrates female empowerment and the iconic sounds that defined a generation. "Beehive" features timeless classics such as “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Be My Baby,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” The musical nostalgically recalls the era of miniskirts, transistor radios and flower power. This Lincolnshire production promises a lively, high-energy tribute that will have audiences dancing in their seats and singing along to the unforgettable hits of the decade. For more information and to buy tickets, visit MarriottTheatre.com or call the box office directly at 847-634-0200.

Friday-Sunday, June 28-30; Fri.: 8 p.m. Sat.: 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sun.: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $53. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.

5. Bitter Jester Music Festival Grand Finale

The 18th annual Bitter Jester Music Festival Grand Finale Concert (BJMF), at Highland Park’s The Lot, promises an exceptional showcase of emerging musical talent from across the Midwest. This event has evolved into a renowned platform for artists to launch their careers. Co-hosted by writer and National Public Radio WBEZ 91.5-FM Chicago game show host Peter Sagal of "Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!" fame, the festival features twelve diverse acts competing for the title of grand champion. The winner of this “battle of the bands-esque” event is awarded an opening act slot on Ravinia Festival’s Carousel Stage in 2025 for a national headliner. The music lineup includes Anna Louis Bramlett, Charlie Boy, Exit 122, Heat Above, Lauren Blackford, North Grove, rae, Scorched Waves, Sunset Drip, UR Mom, Venganza and Vik Luna. Five midwestern states are represented in this contest. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to support the Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts. Fare for purchase will be on site including suds for visitors ages 21 and older provided by Lake County Libation Trail partner Ravinia Brewing Co. 

Saturday, June 29; 2-10 p.m. Free admission. The Lot, 525 Central Ave., Highland Park. 

For more things to do this weekend, June 28-30, click here.