Things To Do This Weekend May 23-25, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 05/22/2025

Lake County, Illinois, is buzzing with activity this Memorial Day weekend, offering a diverse lineup of events. From a powerful motorcycle parade honoring veterans to high-energy dance and drumline competitions, there is something for everyone. Food lovers can indulge in local flavors at a vibrant festival, while nature enthusiasts can explore a colorful butterfly exhibit. Embrace the long weekend with community spirit and festive entertainment across northern Illinois.

Let's take a look at things to do this weekend May 23-25, 2025

1. Rolling Thunder Mid-America Parade in North Chicago

Rolling Thunder Illinois Chapters 1 and 2 will host their annual Mid-America Parade, a 54-mile motorcycle ride honoring veterans and raising prisoner of war and missing in action (POW/MIA) soldiers awareness. Hundreds of riders waving flags will depart from the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago at 10 a.m., traveling through numerous northern Illinois communities before concluding at Cantigny Park. Donations are encouraged to support veteran causes and POW/MIA education. Additionally, a candlelight vigil will be held on

Saturday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery, offering a public opportunity for solemn reflection.
Sunday, May 25; 10 a.m. Free admission. North Chicago, 30011 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago. 

2. “Show Off” at Drill or Die 2k25: Drill Dance Drumline Competition in Zion

The beat drops and the energy rises as Drill or Die 2K25 returns for its fifth annual drill, dance and drumline competition. Titled “Show Off,” this year’s event will feature high-impact performances from competitive teams traveling from Indiana, Minnesota and more, all vying for top honors in precision, creativity and showmanship. Adding to the excitement, the Zion event will include a special appearance by the Elite Striders Alumni, promising a dynamic showcase of veteran talent and crowd-favorite routines. The day kicks off with a community parade at 10 a.m., starting from Central School in Zion and setting the tone for a full day of celebration and spirited competition. Experience the rhythmic intensity and athleticism of drill culture. For details, visit EliteStridersDrillTeam.com/drill-or-die.

Saturday, May 24; Parade: 10 a.m., Competition: 2 p.m. Admission is $25 and $35 at the door. Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 21st St., Zion.

3. LAKE COUNTY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL AT LAKE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS IN GRAYSLAKE

Food lovers from across the region will converge at the Lake County for the third annual Lake County Food Truck Festival, a day-long celebration of local flavors, live music and family fun. The Grayslake festival features a wide array of local food trucks offering everything from savory dishes to sweet treats from BBQ’d Productions, Little Rock Stock Café and more. In addition to the diverse food options, guests can enjoy live music, a beer garden and entertainment for all ages. For a full list of vendors, visit LCFairgrounds.com.

Friday, May 23; 12-9 p.m. Free admission and $10 parking. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake. 

4. BUTTERFLIES & BLOOMS RETURNS TO CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

Visitors to the Chicago Botanic Garden can once again step into a vibrant world of fluttering color as the Butterflies & Blooms exhibition opens for the season on Memorial Day. Housed within a 2,800-square-foot mesh enclosure on the Regenstein Learning Campus, the immersive exhibition features hundreds of live butterflies from across the globe, including species native to South America, Asia, Africa and North America—as well as some from right here in Illinois. The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the most visited public gardens in the United States. Spanning 385 acres across nine islands and featuring 28 gardens and four natural areas. The exhibition is open daily through Labor Day. More information can be found at ChicagoBotanic.org.

Saturday-Monday, May 24-26; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Admission starts at $19.95. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

5. Crafts with a Brew and a View at Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Biergarten in Winthrop Harbor

Local creativity meets lakeside relaxation as Lake County Libation Trail Harbor Brewing Co. kicks off its outdoor craft market season with Crafts with a Brew & View at the Lakefront Biergarten. The Winthrop Harbor event will showcase more than 25 local craft vendors, with offerings ranging from handmade jewelry and candles to hot sauces and beach glass art. The open-air market promises an afternoon of shopping, sipping, and shoreline views. The vendor lineup includes small businesses such as Ruby’s Crochet Creations, Bone Hunter Oddities and Collectibles and Buzzshack Apiaries, among others. Guests can also enjoy food from Up in Smoke BBQ and live music by Jessica Brown, all while taking in the scenic backdrop of Lake Michigan. For updates on vendors, visit HarborBeer.com. 

Saturday, May 24; noon-5 p.m. Free admission. Harbor Brewing Co.’s Lakefront Biergarten, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor. 

To see more things to do this weekend May 23-25, 2025, click here.