Top 10 Things To Do in June 2025
By: Stephanie Wylie 05/30/2025
Summer has officially arrived and Lake County is ready to deliver an unforgettable season filled with festivals, live music, lakefront adventures and community celebrations. Whether you're dancing to the beat at Ravinia Festival, savoring bites at local food truck fests or snapping selfies among butterflies at the Chicago Botanic Garden, June is brimming with moments worth capturing. That's why Visit Lake County invites you to take part in the #LETSSNAPLAKECOUNTY Photo Contest—your chance to show off the beauty, fun and flavor of summer in the Land of Lakes — learn more and upload your pics! This is your guide to everything June has to offer in Lake County. Let’s hit the road, dive into the fun, and make memories that last all season long.
Here are the top 10 things to do in June in Lake County!
Summer has arrived in Lake County, bringing with it a vibrant lineup of festivals for all ages. From music and art to local food and family fun, residents and visitors can enjoy diverse events throughout the season:
- Deerfield Art Festival (May 31-June 1) INFO»
- First Fridays in MainStreet Libertyville (June 6) INFO»
- Grace Jones and Janelle Monae (June 7) INFO»
- Fox Lake Friday Night Live: Artisan Market and Concert Series (June 6-August 29) INFO»
- Lake County Pridefest in Round Lake Beach (June 14) INFO»
- Taste of Highland Park (June 20-21) INFO»
- Juneteenth Lake County Parade and Festival in Waukegan (June 21) INFO»
- HarborPalooza 2025 (July 11-13) INFO»
- Vernon Hills Days (July 17-20) INFO»
- Mundelein Grand Prix (July 21) INFO»
- 96th Annual Lake County Fair at Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake (July 23-27) INFO»
- Lake County Food Truck Festival at Lake County Fairgrounds (May 23) INFO»
- North Chicago Community Days (Aug. 1-3) INFO»
- Gurnee Days (Aug. 2-3) INFO»
- Nashwood in Highwood (Aug. 29-31) INFO»
Ravinia Festival officially opens its gates this weekend, ushering in another vibrant summer of live music. The season boasts a diverse lineup with performances ranging from classical to rock, jazz and more, promising something for every musical taste:
- James Taylor and His All-Star Band (June 19) INFO»
- Al Green (June 28) INFO»
- Nas and the Chicago Philharmonic (July 2) INFO»
- Chicago (July 5) INFO»
- Kygo (July 6) INFO»
- Beck (July 23) INFO»
- Earth, Wind and Fire (Aug. 7) INFO»
- Cynthia Erivo (Aug. 15) INFO»
- Lenny Kravitz (Aug. 21) INFO»
- John Legend (Aug. 23-24) INFO»
- Fiesta Ravinia (Aug. 31) INFO»
Lake County's extensive shoreline, boasting over 200 lakes and a Lake Michigan presence, offers a variety of beach experiences for every summer enthusiast. Illinois Beach State Park in Zion provides an ideal spot for adventure seekers with its expansive natural beauty. Families looking for lifeguarded areas and water playgrounds can head to Paulus Park in Lake Zurich or Fish Lake Beach in Volo. Before visiting, check the Lake County Beach Advisory page for the latest status on all inland and Lake Michigan beaches, ensuring a safe and enjoyable day by the water.
Lake County offers a dynamic lineup of outdoor entertainment this summer, perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Deer Park Town Center kicks off the season with open-air movie nights, concerts and food truck pop-ups. Nearby, Antioch, Deerfield, Fox Lake and Grayslake host music festivals, local fairs and craft beer celebrations. Communities like Highland Park, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lincolnshire and Long Grove add to the vibrant calendar with cultural festivals and live performances. With diverse options, summer in Lake County promises entertainment for all ages.
A vibrant and immersive seasonal favorite has fluttered back into the Chicago Botanic Garden. Butterflies & Blooms, a living exhibit featuring hundreds of butterflies from around the world, is now open for the summer, welcoming visitors daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The 2,800-square-foot mesh enclosure offers an up-close look at colorful butterfly species native to South America, Asia, Africa, North America and Illinois. Guests can witness the full life cycle of butterflies and moths, including a view into the pupa room, where emerging butterflies take their first flight. The exhibit is included with general Garden admission.
With over 75 inland lakes and 25 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Lake County is a prime destination for summer boating. The Chain O'Lakes, an interconnected system, offers 15 lakes and 45 miles of river for high-speed water sports. Find your favorite place to set sail this summer:
- Bangs Lake Marina in Wauconda INFO»
- Chain O'Lake State Park in Spring Grove INFO»
- Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway INFO»
- Fox River Forest Preserve and Marina INFO»
- Great Lakes Marina in North Chicago INFO»
- Lindy's Landing Restaurant and Marina in Wauconda INFO»
- North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor INFO»
- SkipperBudy's Sequoit Harbor in Antioch INFO»
- Waukegan Harbor and Marina INFO»
Lake County offers diverse activities to celebrate Father's Day this June. Families can explore the Lake County Libation Trail for local craft beverages or enjoy food truck events. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or bike through the numerous forest preserves, or try an evening nature paddle. Cultural attractions like the Bess Bower Dunn Museum and the Art Center Highland Park provide engaging historical insights. For entertainment, options range from comedy shows at Citadel Theatre to unique experiences at Extreme Flight Simulation and Volo Museum.
Lake County will celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month with a series of events throughout June. These celebrations honor Black liberation and the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting themes of freedom, resilience and inclusivity. Communities across the county will host parades, festivals and educational programs. Residents and visitors are invited to participate in these events:
- Waukegan Pride Parade and Festival (May 31) INFO»
- Lake County Pridefest in Round Lake Beach (June 14) INFO»
- Juneteenth Lake County Parade and Festival in Waukegan (June 21) INFO»
- Juneteenth Lake County in North Chicago (TBA)
Lake County boasts a dynamic theater scene, offering a rich tapestry of performances throughout the year. From classic plays to innovative new productions, theater enthusiasts can immerse themselves in captivating stories brought to life by talented local and touring performers in venues that range from intimate black box theaters to grand historic stages.
- North Shore Classic Half-Marathon, 5k and 1-Mile Walk in Highland Park (June 1) INFO»
- Dash Around the Lake in Mundelein (June 7) INFO»
- Fox Lake Triathlon (June 8) INFO»
- Lambs on the Run (June 8) INFO»
- 13th Annual Outrun the Cops 5k in Gurnee (June 28) INFO»
- Lake Zurich Triathlon (July 13) INFO»
- Highwood 5k Family Run, Walk and Stroll (July 19) INFO»
- Wauconda Triathlon (July 23-24) INFO»
- Flight to the Finish in Zion (Aug. 16) INFO»
- Alpine Races (Aug. 17) INFO»
Lake County is rolling out the welcome mat to road trippers seeking adventure, relaxation and everything in between. This summer, travelers can hit the highway and rediscover the joy of exploration at their own pace. Lake County Road Trips highlights five scenic and experience-packed routes—Illinois Route 21, U.S. Route 45, Illinois Route 83, Illinois Route 41 and U.S. Route 12—offering a variety of attractions for visitors traveling by car, bike or even on foot. Highlights of the campaign include a seasonal giveaway, special events in downtown Waukegan and family-focused experiences. So plan your personalized itineraries today and start exploring the Land of Lakes!
Six Flags Great America will debut a new roller coaster, Wrath of Rakshasa this summer. The dive coaster features a 180-foot lift hill and a 171-foot, 96-degree beyond-vertical drop, reaching speeds of nearly 67 mph. Riders will experience five inversions over 3,239 feet of track. This coaster promises an intense experience for thrill-seekers.
For more things to do in Lake County this June, click here.
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