Lake County is a beautiful region situated along the freshwater shores of the magnificent Lake Michigan. Just a little more than a one hour’s drive north of Chicago, Lake County offers an idyllic setting that will impress you with scenic trails, picturesque landscapes, and a nice, tranquil vibe. In addition to Lake Michigan, Lake County also possesses more than 200 smaller lakes that are great for fishing and other water-related activities. To drink in the local flavor, visit one of the many festivals showcased in the area. All year long, tourists usually find a quaint fair or charming festival to introduce them to Lake County’s likable appeal. So wait no longer and scroll down to see this amazing list of the top festivals in Lake County, Illinois.
1. The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival
If you want to witness the biggest number of carved pumpkins found in one location, pay a visit to the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival. An autumn crowdpleaser, this festival’s goal is to break the Guinness World Record for the most number of carved and lit pumpkins, and attendees have a chance to take Instagram-worthy jack-o-lantern snapshots. This event is also filled with lots of other fun things to do: a messy pumpkin pie-eating contest, exciting carnival rides, a top-notch corn maze, and live entertainment on two stages. All proceeds from the festival go to charity.
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival
Address: Highwood, Illinois
Website: The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival
Takes place: October
Price: 5 USD
2. Deerfield's Harvest Festival [Last event in 2019]
Posted by Village of Deerfield on Friday, 30 August 2019
Spend a day listening to great live music, devouring delicious food, and experiencing loads of fun at Deerfield’s Harvest Festival. This yearly event in Downtown Deerfield brings the community together for an array of family-friendly adventures. Foodies can investigate the farmers’ market and its fresh wares while the little ones can enjoy activities like face painting and the Touch-A-Truck event that allows kids to explore all sizes of vehicles, from first-responder vehicles like ambulances to large, earth-moving machines and more.
Deerfield's Harvest Festival
Address: Deerfield, IL 60015
Website: Deerfield’s Harvest Festival
Takes place: September
Price: Free
3. Volo Kite Fest [Last event in 2019]
Posted by Volo Friends and Neighbors on Wednesday, 8 May 2019
Enjoy watching whimsical and colorful kites dotting the blue skies at Volo Kite Fest. Held at Burnell C. Russell Municipal Complex, Volo Kite Fest is a celebration of the fantastic childhood activity of kite flying that’s still great fun for adults too. This event features an expert stunt kite flyer who performs applause-worthy antics with his kites. A shop is set up for anyone who wishes to buy or learn more about this exhilarating sport. And, of course, there’s plenty of opportunities to fly your own kite as well.
Volo Kite Fest
Address: 500 S. Fish Lake Road, Volo, IL 60073
Takes place: September
Price: Free
4. Ravinia Festival
An institution in the Lake County area, Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music event in North America. This beloved summer music extravaganza offers 140 concerts and events throughout the summer months, with many big-name entertainers from every facet of the music industry. Sing along with old-school performers like Tony Bennett and B.B. King, and groove to hip hop artist 50 Cent and alternative rock band Cake’s energetic vibes. Visitors are welcome to bring a bottle of wine, a picnic basket, comfy blankets, and lawn chairs to enhance this concert-going experience.
Ravinia Festival
Address: 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, IL 60035
Website: Ravinia Festival
Takes place: June to September
5. Lake County Film Festival
Showcasing not only local but a collection of international moviemakers from across the globe, Lake County Film Festival is the go-to destination for film lovers. Independent cinema gets a chance to shine at this wonderful festival that expands every year as a result of its past success with Lake County patrons. Purchase a ticket, grab a bucket of popcorn and treat yourself to whatever type of movie-going experience you prefer: an engrossing dramatic feature, a light comedy, an interesting documentary, or an appealing lineup of short films. Whatever type of film you like, Lake County Film Festival is sure to keep you riveted in your seat.
Lake County Film Festival
Address: 19351 W Washington St, Grayslake, IL 60030
Website: Lake County Film Festival
Takes place: November
6. Festival of Arts & Crafts Show
Posted by Step by Step Promotions, Inc. on Sunday, 18 August 2019
If you’re on the hunt for eclectic knickknacks or more traditional curios, the place to find these items are at the wonderful Festival of Arts & Crafts Show. Replete with more than 300 booths filled with quality handcrafted wares, this arts and craft show is a paradise for shopaholics searching for that perfect gift item. Select from a wide range of merchandise from first-rate artisans. Choose from fragrant, hand-poured soaps and delectable specialty foods to attractive artwork, pretty doll clothes, and more.
Festival of Arts & Crafts Show
Address: Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake, IL 60030
Website: Festival of Arts & Crafts Show
Takes place: November
7. Fiestas Patrias Parade and Festival
With parade participants awash in colorful festive garments and oozing a truly exuberant mood, Fiestas Patrias Parade and Festival is a delightful celebration of Mexico in this Midwestern section of the United States. Attendees can relish the lively atmosphere of this two-day event that features live music, dazzling entertainment, scrumptious Mexican food, and lots of fun. Enjoy no less than four awesome bands, a kid zone equipped with non-stop action like great bounce houses, a lively parade, and so much more. By the end of the day, you’ll easily be shouting Viva la Mexico!
Fiestas Patrias Parade and Festival
Address: Waukegan, IL 60085
Takes place: September
8. Lake County Fair
Experience a genuine, small-town community event with big-time thrills at the delightful Lake County Fair. An annual event residing on the expansive Lake County Fairgrounds, this is the area’s signature summertime diversion. Food vendors bring out their best decadent delights, visitors enjoy thrilling carnival rides and fun games, and the stellar live entertainment will get you dancing. Lake County Fair even kicks it up a notch with not only live farm animals to view but also an exciting motocross racing, a banana derby, a lumberjack show, and a demolition derby to further entertain spectators.
Lake County Fair
Address: 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake, IL 60030
Website: Lake County Fair
Takes place: July to August
9. Lake County Farm Heritage & Harvest Festival
Have you if wondered what it is like to drive a tractor or make a rope? You can do these things and more at Lake County Farm Heritage & Harvest Festival. An all-out celebration of Lake County’s harvesting abilities, this festival introduces visitors to a prime collection of vintage tractors and compelling sawmill and threshing demonstrations. You can learn how to make a professional rope while your kids squeal with excitement aboard a wonderful barrel train ride. And, of course, there’s sensational live music and lip-smacking good food.
Lake County Farm Heritage & Harvest Festival
Address: 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake, IL 60030
Website: Lake County Farm Heritage & Harvest Festival
Takes place: September
Price: Free
10. CarFun on 21
Taking place in lovely downtown Libertyville in the inviting setting of verdant Cool Park is CarFun on 21. Any car fanatic’s dream come true, this classic car show provides an envious selection of bygone-era cars, trucks, and even motorcycles. Admire vintage Chevys, traditional Ford pickups, choice Dodge muscle cars, some snazzy foreign sports car models, and much more at this small-town car show that’s a cut above. Tasty local food and great live entertainment are also on hand to keep every attendee in high spirits.
CarFun on 21
Address: Downtown Libertyville, IL 60048
Takes place: September
Price: Free
Lake County festival fun
If you can’t eat enough sweet funnel cakes in the summer and are always up for a pumpkin carving contest in the fall, then Lake County is an amazing place to fulfill these desires and so much more. The festivals on display here will only make your vacation adventure an incredible experience you’ll remember long after you leave.
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