Things To Do This Weekend November 1-3, 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 10/29/2024

November in Lake County is packed with unforgettable events that celebrate culture, entertainment and community. From fall festivals to Lake County’s vibrant Día de Muertos festivities, there’s plenty to explore. Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss the final weekend of Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America, where chills and thrills await. Mark your calendar and prepare for a memorable lineup of fall events that showcase the best of Lake County.

Here are the things to do this weekend November 1-3, 2024.

1. Stews and Brews (And Blues!) at The Lot in Downtown Highland Park

Highland Park invites locals and visitors alike to a beloved annual event, Stews and Brews (And Blues!), packed with rich flavors, unique beverages and soulful blues tunes. Don’t miss the Chicago-based band Mississippi Heat, known for their vibrant sound that honors the genre’s roots. Following this powerful opener, is Chicago’s own Wayne Baker Brooks. Brooks, a true blues master and son of blues legend Lonnie Brooks, brings a powerful style and offering an electrifying performance. The real star of Stews and Brews, however, is the food. Far beyond a simple chili cook-off, this festival invites attendees to explore a world of hearty and comforting stews, like pozole, lamb stew, beef stroganoff and more, along with a variety of satisfying soups. Highland Park’s culinary offerings pair perfectly with an array of festive beverages, including local craft beers, spiced wine, hot toddies and mulled ciders. With delicious food, spirited drinks, and an authentic blues experience, Stews & Brews promises a night of autumn magic. For more information, visit EnjoyHighlandPark.com.

Saturday, November 2; 5-9 p.m. Free Admission. The Lot, 523 Central Ave., Highland Park.

2. Celebration Dia de Muertos/Day of the Dead at the Jack Benny Center in Waukegan

The Jack Benny Center for the Arts and Jane Addams Center will transform into a lively celebration of culture and remembrance for Waukegan’s Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Community Celebration. Presented by the Waukegan Park District and Sugar Skulls Xilotl, this free Bowen Park event invites families and community members to experience the rich traditions of this Latin holiday honoring loved ones who have passed. Visitors can experience altar exhibits, art vendors, live music and dance presentations. Central to the celebration are the colorful ofrendas (altars) adorned with flowers, candles and photos, each commemorating the departed and symbolizing the bridge between life and death. Sugar Skulls Xilotl will host workshops where attendees can create their own decorative sugar skulls, a cherished tradition representing the souls of loved ones. Attendees can enjoy live performances featuring traditional music and dance and artisans from around the area will offer unique crafts and artwork. The event is open to the public, allowing visitors of all ages to participate in the cultural festivities. For further details, visit WaukeganParks.org.

Saturday, November 2; 1-4 p.m. Free admission. Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Dr., Waukegan.

3. Lake County Film Festival at College of Lake County in Grayslake

The Lake County Film Festival is back for its 14th year, bringing an impressive lineup of films to the College of Lake County in Grayslake and the Gorton Center in Lake Forest. This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for film enthusiasts with a diverse selection of screenings, featuring about two dozen feature films and more than 80 shorts from filmmakers around the world. Audiences can expect everything from heartwarming narratives and eye-opening documentaries to thrilling animations and innovative experimental films. The land of lakes event runs on weekends through November 11. To learn more and stay updated on ticketing and the film lineup, visit LakeCountyFilmFestival.org.

Friday-Sunday, November 1-3; Various times. Admission: $25-$50. College of Lake County-Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest.

4. Grupo Bella - A Dia de los Muertos Concert at James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake

This Día de los Muertos, immerse yourself in a energetic celebration of Mexican music and culture with Grupo Bella. Led by Grammy-winning vocalist Vanessa Ramirez, Grupo Bella will deliver a captivating performance that reinterprets Mariachi through a unique fusion of Mexican Pop, Boleros, Huasteco and more at College of Lake County’s James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake. Known for their high-energy style and innovative approach to traditional music, Grupo Bella creates an atmosphere that is both celebratory and deeply rooted in cultural heritage, making this concert a meaningful way to honor the spirit of Día de los Muertos. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Mexican music or interested in experiencing a modern twist on beloved sounds, Grupo Bella’s Día de los Muertos concert is an event not to be missed. For additional information, visit CLCIllinois.edu.

Saturday, November 2; 7 p.m.. Tickets start at $10. James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.

5. Fright Fest presented by Snickers at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee

Six Flags Great America’s Fright Fest, presented by SNICKERS®, returns for its final, transforming the Gurnee park into a Halloween haven of scares and family fun. During the day, Kids BOO Fest offers scare-free activities like Patch’s Hay Maze and trick-or-treating on Candy Corn Lane and more. After dark, the park turns terrifying with roaming zombies, clowns and ghouls that give an eerie twist to the park’s thrilling rides. Highlights include haunted houses like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre maze and Stranger Things experience, as well as scare zones like Demon Lair and Lost Circus. Special live shows like The Witching Hour and The Nightmare Rhythm Machine round out the eerie ambiance for those seeking entertainment over fright. This is the last chance to experience Fright Fest’s unique mix of Halloween excitement and spine-chilling scares. For comprehensive details, visit SixFlags.com/greatamerica.

Friday-Sunday, November 1-3; Fri.: 6-11 p.m., Sat.: noon-11 p.m. and Sun.: noon-9 p.m. One Day Tickets: Starts at $50, haunted attractions require separate admission. Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.

Click here to see more things to do this weekend November 1-3, 2024.

It's almost time to celebrate the Holiday Your Way in Lake County! Mark your calendars and get ready for food, fun, shopping and adventure!