Top 10 Things To Do in July 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 06/28/2024

Fireworks will light up the sky this Fourth of July, people will relax on the beach, sailboats will glide across the lakes, festivals will come alive and that's just the beginning of July's excitement.

July is the hottest month of the summer. Discover your adventure this season at Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago, a local concert, one of the tranquil lakes in Lake County and much more.

This summer, don’t just go on a road trip—let the ride take you to the beauty, history, nature and exploration in the land of lakes. Click here to learn more about Lake County Road Trips, and keep scrolling to see the top 10 things to do in Lake County this July.

1. July Festivals in Lake County (All Month)

The sun is shining; the streets are alive with Spotify's live music; food enthusiasts are indulging in delightful dishes and drinks, thrill-seekers are eager for carnival rides, and there is so much more to experience. Let's explore the July Festivals:

• Ravinia Festival (Select Days Throughout Summer) INFO»
• Red, White & Boom! 4th of July Celebration in Lincolnshire (July 3-4) INFO»
• 61st Annual Deerfield Days (July 3-4) INFO»
• Coca-Cola July 4th Fest at Six Flags Great America (July 4-6) INFO»
• Mundelein Community Days (July 4-7) INFO»
• First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville (July 5) INFO»
• 15th Annual Dog Days of Summer in Libertyville (July 5-7) INFO»
• Beach Fest in Round Lake Beach (July 6) INFO»
• Lincolnshire Arts Festival (July 6-7) INFO»
• Bristol Renaissance Faire (July 6-Sept. 2) INFO»
• Scoop Waukegan (July 12-13) INFO»
• Harborpalozza at Harbor Brewing (July 12-14) INFO»
• Taste of Summer and Sidewalk Sales in Antioch (July 18-21) INFO»
• Highwood Days with Taco Fest (July 18-21) INFO»
• Vernon Hills Days (July 18-21) INFO»
• MainStreet Libertyville Sidewalk Sales (July 19-20) INFO»
• AlpineFest in Lake Zurich (July 19-21) INFO»
• ArtWauk in Waukegan (July 20) INFO»
• Gospelfest at Greenbelt Cultural Center (July 28) INFO»
• 95th Annual Lake County Fair (July 24-28) INFO»
• Long Grove Vintage Days (July 27-28) INFO»

2. Fourth of July Happenings

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Lake County with a variety of exciting events and activities! Kick off the festivities with Red, White, & Boom in Lincolnshire, where you can enjoy fireworks, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Head to Highland Park for their vibrant Independence Day celebration, featuring a parade, carnival rides, and a dazzling fireworks display. Don't miss the Coca-Cola July 4th Fest at Six Flags Great America, offering thrilling rides, special shows, and an unforgettable fireworks extravaganza. Join the fun at Mundelein Community Days, with its lively parade, craft fair, and spectacular fireworks. Finally, experience Deerfield Family Days, a two-day event packed with a parade, games, live music, and a fantastic fireworks show. Lake County has something for everyone to enjoy this Fourth of July!

3. Ravinia Festival in Highland Park (All Month)

Ravinia Festival, the eldest outdoor festival in the United States, kicks off its season with an all-star cast. The showcase is a staple of Lake County. Since 1905, the Highland Park fest has featured the top musicians in various genres. Some marquee upcoming performers include:

• Daryl Hall + Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton (July 5) INFO»
• The Music of ABBA: Arrival from Sweden (July 5) INFO»
• The Beach Boys with special guest John Stamos (July 7) INFO»
• Norah Jones with special guest Mavis Staples (July 14) INFO»
• Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen (July 27) INFO»
• Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes (July 31) INFO»

4. Lake County Road Trips (All Month)

Experience the freedom of setting your own pace and exploring new destinations with the Lake County Road Trips! This summer, embark on an adventure through Waukegan's picturesque landscapes, explore the Volo Museum's fascinating exhibits, and uncover the stories that make Lake County unique. Lake County Road Trips offers five distinct experiences by car, bike or on foot, guiding you through the scenic routes of Illinois Route 21, U.S. Route 45, Illinois Route 83, Illinois Route 41 and U.S. Route 12. Each route promises a unique adventure filled with breathtaking scenery and memorable moments. Lake County is the perfect destination for your next summer adventure. Choose your road trip adventure and let the beauty, history, nature and discovery of Lake County take you on an unforgettable journey. Select your route and start exploring!

5. Volo Museum (All Month)

Volo Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into automotive history with 45 exhibits featuring military vehicles, train cars, boats, and more. Recently, the museum added Jurassic Gardens, showcasing animatronic dinosaurs, a fossil lab, and a new carousel and Titanic exhibits. Visitors can explore Hollywood cars, famous celebrity vehicles, and Disney memorabilia, including a double-decker bus from Epcot. The museum, which started as a farmhouse in the 1800s, now draws millions to view its classic cars and experience its rich history, making it a must-visit destination in Lake County.

6. Summer in Waukegan (All Summer)

Experience the vibrant summer atmosphere in Waukegan, where the heat of the season brings the city to life. Known as the City of Progress, Waukegan is nestled between Chicago, Milwaukee, and Rockford, making it an accessible and exceptional year-round destination. Summer in Waukegan offers an array of dining options, unique mom-and-pop shops, a thriving art scene and a relaxed beach vibe along the shores of Lake Michigan, all set against the lively backdrop of downtown. Discover the magic of northeast Lake County in Waukegan this summer and explore the diverse activities and entertainment it has to offer.

7. Chicago Grit (July 19-28)

Get ready for the adrenaline-fueled excitement of Chicago Grit - formerly known as Intelligentsia Cup! This thrilling 10-day criterium race series is a highlight of the Chicagoland calendar, typically held in the middle to end of July. As the largest road racing series in America, Chicago Grit promises an unforgettable experience that keeps riders coming back for more of that big crit energy! Unlike typical parking lot criteriums, our races are full-day events set in the most incredible communities in and around Chicagoland. Each community fully embraces the cycling culture, working tirelessly throughout the year to ensure both riders and spectators have an unforgettable experience. Get ready to feel the grit and excitement of Chicago Grit!

8. 95th Annual Lake County Fair (July 24-28)

For almost a century, the Lake County Fair has offered an outstanding family experience for all ages, spanning generations. Celebrating its 94th year, this annual six-day event in Grayslake is a beloved tradition. Attendees can enjoy entertainment, food vendors, live farm animals, carnival rides, games, motorcross events, a demolition derby, a flower show, the Miss Lake County Pageant, and much more.

9. Life's a Beach in Lake County (All Summer)

Summer is here! Lake County, with over 200 lakes and an extensive Lake Michigan shoreline, offers diverse beach experiences. For adventure seekers, Illinois Beach State Park in Zion is a must-visit, while families might prefer the lifeguarded, water playgrounds of Lake Zurich's Paulus Park or Phil's Beach in Wauconda. Stay updated on the status of inland and Lake Michigan beaches via the Lake County Beach Advisory page, and get ready for a fun-filled beach season.

10. Concerts and Movies in the Park (All Summer)

Lake County offers a vibrant summer of outdoor movies and concerts in local parks, perfect for enjoying the season with family and friends. Deer Park Town Center kicks off with a variety of events, including movie nights, therapy animal walks, concerts, and a food truck series. Other communities like Antioch, Deerfield, Fox Lake, and Grayslake each host unique events ranging from concerts and festivals to beer fests and fairs. Highland Park, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, and Long Grove also feature diverse activities such as music festivals, arts events, and food truck gatherings. Overall, the summer calendar in Lake County is packed with events that cater to all ages and interests, ensuring plenty of entertainment for everyone.

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For more things to do in July, continue here.