Today: 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Jul 1, 2024

Welcome back to another fun edition of Classic’s Community Calendar of Events! With Summertime officially in full swing, we’re bringing you a fantastic selection of outdoor festivals, events, carnivals, fireworks and more to enjoy with your family and friends. We’re also including a special section dedicated specifically to Fourth of July events displays around the area, so you can make plans to enjoy the fireworks and celebrations!

What’s happening on the 4th in Waukegan:

The Waukegan 4th of July Fireworks display begins at 9:30 on Thursday, July 4th. Head over to the Dockside Area, Green Town on the Rocks, the Government Pier, or the Hrabor’s Parking lot at the end of Clayton for best viewing spots. (Let us know your favorite fireworks viewing spots in the comments, too!)

Fantastic Lake County Area Fireworks Displays and Independence Day Events July 2024

  • The Wauconda Big Bang – July 3rd only
    Head over to Phil’s Beach in Wauconda on 328 N. Main Street for a family friendly celebration and fireworks for all to enjoy along Bangs Lake.  Admission is free.
  • 2024 Red White and Boom Celebration – July 3rd and 4th
    Pop over to Spring Lake Park in Lincolnshire at 49 Oxford Drive for this special two day celebration!  On July 3rd at North Park, there will be live music and entertainment, attractions, and food & beverage from 4PM to 9PM. On July 4th starting at 7AM, head over to Spring Lake Park to enjoy the 5k race, Independence Day Parade, Cardboard boat regatta, and of course a fireworks display in the evening.
  • The 61st Annual Deerfield Family Days Event – July 3rd and July 4th
    On July 3rd, the festivities begin at Shepard Middle School with Live Music from 5:30PM to 10:15PM, Food Vendors from 5:30PM to 9PM, free inflatables attractions and activities from 5:30PM to 9PM, carnival games (pay as you play) from 5:30PM to 9PM, and a live Fireworks Show starting at dusk (estimated 9:15PM).  On July 4th, head over to Jewett Park starting at 7AM to catch the 5K race, followed by Breakfast in the Park and Arts & Crafts Market place starting at 8AM.  There will also be a BYO Dog Show from 8:45AM to 10AM, the John Sciarretta Bike Parade Show starting at 8:30AM, Live music from 10AM to 12PM, a Parade starting at 12PM, Food vendors + Rides and Games + Inflatables from 10AM to 3PM!
  • 4th of July Celebration of Lake Zurich – July 4th only
    The village of Lake Zurich will be celebrating in Paulus Park from 10AM to 10PM with Food Vendors and Food tRucks, Live Music and entertainment, and free park entrance during Family Day.  Beach access is also available for a daily fee from 12PM to 7PM, and BYOB wristbands are available for adults (no alcohol sold on premise). Events will be followed by fireworks over the lake starting around dusk, estimated at 9:15PM.
  • Vernon Hills 4th of July Celebration – July 4th only

Head over to Century Park beginning at 9AM for a Parade through the Deerpath Neighbourhood, then join the fun starting at 7PM for Live Music and DJ entertainment followed by a fireworks display at Century Park from 9:15PM to 9:30PM.

  • Six Flags Great America July 4th Celebration – July 4th, 5th, and 6th
    A full 3 days of excitement, rides, music and entertainment and fireworks to celebrate the Independence Day Weekend included with Park Admission to the Gurnee location.
  • Antioch July 4th Parade and 28th Annual Freedom Run – July 4th only

The Village of Antioch will be celebrating with a Parade starting at 10:30AM down mainstreet downtown! The theme of this year’s parade is “Faithful and True to the Red White and Blue”, so show up in your holiday finery!  5K walk/Run takes place on Thursday.

  • Mundelein Community Days – July 4th through July 7th

The Community Days 2024 Festival offers 4 jam-packed days of entertainment – a carnival filled with rides and games, contests and prizes, live demonstrations, interactive displays, live music, local food vendors and food trucks, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Admission is free for all!

  • Zion Park District’s Concert in the Park and Fireworks Event – July 4th only
    From 7:30 to 9:30PM, enjoy live music and entertainment from the only tribute band to John Mellencamp: Mellencougar!  They’ll be playing all of Mellencamp’s top hits and there will be fireworks following the show.
  • “American Salute” with Lake County Symphony Orchestra in Gurnee – July 4th only

Head over to the Gurnee Community Church for a special evening of live symphony music celebrating Independence Day starting at 7PM

  • Gallery Picnic and Art-Making Day (Fireworks Alternative) – July 4th only

The Art Center Highland Park will be open from 10AM until 3PM to provide families and individuals with an alternative to loud parades and fireworks displays. Families are welcome to bring a blanket and enjoy an indoor picnic, and partake in the tables of art supplies and crafting kits. Admission is free for all to attend.

What’s Happening in Lake County for the Rest of July 2024 

The Bristol Renaissance Fair is opening for the season on July 2nd and will be running through September 2nd in Bristol, Wisconsin.  

From July 6th and 7th starting from 10AM to 5PM in Lincolnshire, come on down for the 27th Annual Lincolnshire Arts Festival at the Village Green at 100 Village Green Drive.  

Friday July 5th through Sunday July 7th from 1PM to 6PM at Cook Park in Libertyville, the annual Dog Days of Summer event is on!  Starting at 11AM on July 5th. Featuring the Dockdogs National Canine Aquatic Competition and Big Air Finals!  Admission is free.

First Friday of Libertyville is happening in Downtown Libertyville with special shop discounts, live events and entertainments, dining discounts and limited special meals/cocktails, and wine tastings. Parking and admission is free.

Beachfest is back at Round Lake Beach on July 6th from 3PM to 11PM at the Cultural Civic Center of Round Lake Beach. Live music and bands, live demonstrations, a magic show, food trucks/vendors, and more will be starting at 3PM and running through dusk.  Fireworks display to follow the entertainment at dusk. BYO Chairs and Blankets, free admission to this family-friendly event.

Stories in the Woods at the Heller Nature Center will be happening from 10AM to 11PM in Highland Park. All participants must register in advance for the event, and the program will be conducted outdoors; dress accordingly and remember sunblock!  Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Songs in the Sand at Rosewood Beach runs from 6:30PM to 7:45PM at the Rosewood Beach & Interpretive Center in Highland Park.  Preregistration is required; children must be accompanied by paying adult, but children under 2 are free admission.  Program is outdoors.

Free Movies in the Park hosted by Waukgean will be showing Wonka at Bowen Park on Saturday, July 13th.  Movies begin at sunset and attendees are encouraged to BYO blanket and chair and snacks or picnic meal to enjoy the movie outdoors. Movies do have rain date postponements if needed.

July 13th is Paint Your Pet Night at the Parched Pug of Libertyville starting at 1PM.  Register in advance to hold your spot for this popular event.

The Lindenhurst Artisan Market is coming to town at the Lindenhurst Center on July 14th from 10AM to 3PM. Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcomed!  Event will include live music, kid friendly activities and entertainment, food trucks and food vendors, handmade artisan goods and fine crafts, and local vendor products and small business demos.

Vernon Hill Days will be happening over 4 days from July 18th through the 21st. Four fun-filled days of family-friendly activities, games, rides, live music and entertainment, plenty of food and drink and other exciting events will be held!

ArtWauk Waugekan is back for July 20th from 5PM to 9PM with live arts and entertainment and restaurant/business specials around town.

AlpineFest is back again this year from July 19th through the 21st hosted by the LAke Zurich Lions Club. Although the Sunday parade is canceled for this year, there will be plenty left to do! Enjoy the carnival rides, games, food and drink, live entertainment, and family-friendly events! Admission is free.

The 12th Annual Lambs Farm Car Show will take place on July 21st from 10AM through 3PM at Lambs Farm in Libertyville!  This annual event is beloved by locals and features all sorts of makes, models, and years of vehicles. Join the Car show yourself with your collectible, or attend for free as a visitor. Live music and entertainment, food and beer tents, and more will be available to enjoy!

Long Grove Vintage Days return from July 27th through the 28th for a 2 day street market featuring all things vintage, collectible, and retro!  From clothing to toys to books and more, there’s plenty of options to shop and peruse.