Grayslake Summer Fest 2025
After more than 30 years of tradition, Grayslake Summer Fest (formerly Summer Days) returns to transform our historic downtown into the ultimate summer celebration. This FREE two-day festival brings together live music, amazing food, and family-friendly activities that capture the heart of our community.
Festival Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Time | Location | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, August 15, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Historic Downtown Grayslake | FREE |
| Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Historic Downtown Grayslake | FREE |
Weekend Itinerary
Friday, August 15
- 5:00 PM – Festival opens, food trucks begin serving
- 5:30 PM – Beer garden opens
- 6:00 PM – Local bands take the stage
- 7:00 PM – Family BINGO begins
- 8:00 PM – Headline music performances
- 10:00 PM – Festival closes
Saturday, August 16
- 12:00 PM – Community parade (possible bike & pet parade)
- 4:30 PM – Main festival activities begin
- 5:00 PM – Bags tournament starts
- 5:30 PM – Kids’ activities and games open
- 6:30 PM – Live music lineup begins
- 8:00 PM – Saturday night headliner
- 11:00 PM – Festival closes
Must-Experience Festival Highlights
Live Music: From local garage bands to regional headliners, both nights feature non-stop performances across multiple genres. Past festivals have launched several local bands to regional fame.
Food Truck Paradise: Come hungry! Festival favorites include Kurbside Pizza’s wood-fired creations, Serna’s Grill’s authentic tacos, Yum Dum Truck’s comfort food, A Sweets Girl’s desserts, and All Belgium Waffles. Most vendors accept cards and mobile payments.
Beer Garden: Local craft breweries showcase their best in a relaxed outdoor setting. Perfect for catching up with neighbors while enjoying live music.
Family-Friendly Fun
Kids won’t get bored with dedicated activity zones, BINGO throughout the weekend, carnival games, and the beloved Saturday parade. New this year: Instagram-worthy photo ops and pop-up lounges for when you need a break.
Don’t miss the competitive events like bags tournaments and go-kart races – open to all skill levels with prizes for winners!
Insider Tips for Festival Success
- Parking: Arrive early or park a few blocks away and walk. The stroll through the neighborhood adds to the experience.
- Essentials: Bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, and cash (though many vendors are cashless).
- Best Times: Hit food trucks before 6 PM to avoid long lines. Stake out your spot for evening concerts by 7 PM.
- Weather: August in Grayslake can be hot – dress comfortably and stay hydrated.
Why It Matters
With 15,000+ expected attendees, Grayslake Summer Fest isn’t just another event – it’s where our community comes alive. Local businesses, musicians, and families come together to create something special that defines summer in our town.
The festival showcases everything great about Grayslake: our thriving local music scene, incredible food vendors, and the strong community bonds that make this town home.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates on band lineups and vendor announcements:
- Check the Grayslake Chamber and Village Center websites
- Follow their social media for behind-the-scenes content
- Sign up for email alerts to get first dibs on special announcements
Mark your calendars for August 15-16, 2025! Whether you’re a festival veteran or first-timer, Grayslake Summer Fest promises unforgettable memories. Best of all? It’s completely free. See you in downtown Grayslake for two days of music, food, and community celebration!
Note: All times and details are subject to change. Check official sources closer to event dates for confirmed schedules.