Events in Waukegan today

Experience a refreshing beachside yoga session presented by the Waukegan Park District in partnership with the City of Waukegan. This free class takes place at Stiner Pavilion at Waukegan Municipal Beach, welcomes all skill levels, and does not require preregistration. For more information, contact the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center at 847-782-3300.

This food pantry is guided by the message of Luke 3:11, encouraging those who have more to share with those who have less. It emphasizes generosity, compassion, and caring for neighbors through the giving of food. The event reflects a simple call to meet basic needs with kindness.

Following a successful kickoff, this community babywearing walk is now part of a regular series. Spend time outdoors bonding with your little one and connecting with local caregivers. Everyone is welcome, including dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends. After the group returns to the meeting spot, free personalized fit checks will be available along with the opportunity to try carriers from Carried com Carinho's learning library. The walk takes place at North Point Marina.

Experience creativity one medium at a time at Dandelion Gallery & Studio. These open studio sessions welcome families and friends to explore painting, clay, and other art forms, with each gathering offering a fresh, fun way to create and connect. Instruction is led by artists from the Dandelion Artist Alliance, and all supplies are provided. Suitable for ages 5 and older. Children younger than 12 must attend with a parent or guardian unless otherwise authorized. Attendees who need special assistance should come with a caregiver. Guests who are not participating are welcome and do not need to pay.

Now in its fifth year at the lakefront, this exclusive car show offers a relaxing escape from the bustle of the city or a busy workday, set in a scenic waterfront setting with an emphasis on standout automobiles. Entry is by donation at the door to the Kitties Warriors Foundation, with no online tickets available. One hundred percent of donations go directly to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping cancer patients financially. Event parking will close the half circle in front of Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Biergarten for show cars. Parking is first come, first served, all cars are welcome, supercars receive priority, and overflow will use the grass parking next to the venue. For safety, revving, burnouts, and unsafe driving when leaving are not permitted. Police will be at the event and will ticket violations.

The Smith-Nelson Project brings a lively performance of popular favorites spanning the 1960s to today. Larry Smith delivers smooth, polished vocals while Mark Nelson adds warm, melodic saxophone, creating an upbeat groove that gets people dancing.

Hot Pilates After Dark is a 1-hour, high-energy heated workout with dance club vibes designed for singles. The class starts with quick introductions and then gets moving right away, and there is no experience needed and no pressure to stay afterward. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and electrolyte water and time for easy conversation afterward are included for anyone who wants to stick around. Bring a mat and a towel, and water is recommended since the studio is heated.

Waukegan Park District presents a free outdoor movie at Victory Park. Settle in on the lawn with blankets or pillows. Snacks and bug spray are recommended so you can relax and enjoy the film.

Wub Life presents PYKE: Paint The City Tour at Bass Station, featuring support from VICIOUS. Expect a high-energy show with lasers, lighting effects, an LED wall, vendors, two stages, and a Nintendo Switch gaming center. Sound system support is listed as PK SOUND. The event is for ages 18+, with professional security and trained harm reduction staff on-site, bag checks, strobe or flashing lights, accessible parking, and wheelchair accessibility.

Story Lab Sunday is a monthly storytelling workshop for adults focused on improving storytelling structure and presentation. Participants get detailed personal feedback and can bring a story-in-progress to work on with supportive guidance and expert input. The session is designed for people who want to perform true, personal stories in a live or public setting, or for anyone looking to build mastery in telling their own stories. For this class, you must have prior storytelling experience or have completed a storytelling class at Oil Lamp or elsewhere.

Band of Horses is coming to the Genesee Theatre for an evening show in Waukegan. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Join the Gardening Club at the library’s Community Garden to dig in, learn how to plant, and practice watering and harvesting. Instructors from CPLC will help you build your gardening skills. The program is designed to meet indoors if the weather turns bad.

Gate practice with a bring-a-friend perk welcomes newcomers to BMX. Participants may bring a friend who has never raced, and that guest receives a complimentary one-day membership while both get practice time at no cost. The atmosphere is easygoing and fun, offering a simple way to work on gate skills and introduce someone new to the sport. Think of it as a small open house... low pressure, lots of fun, and a chance to help grow the BMX community.

Bring your curious preschooler for a fun storytime built around dancing, singing, reading, and play. The session is designed for ages 3 to 5 and takes place in the Early Learning Center’s Bradbury Room.

Art Impact Project presents a hands-on art project with its community partner, Gorton Center in Lake Forest. Open to adolescents and adults, this session welcomes all skill levels, provides all materials, and is free to attend. Registration is handled through Gorton Center’s calendar.

Bonnie Brook Golf Course is hosting a relaxed outdoor cookout with live music from Actual Size. For $14 per person, pick one main dish such as a cheeseburger, bratwurst, chicken salad wrap, broasted chicken, or special BBQ chicken, then add two sides from beans, coleslaw, fruit, and potato salad. Enjoy fresh-off-the-grill flavors in the open air while the band sets the mood.

Enjoy a relaxed summer evening of grilled food and outdoor dining at Bonnie Brook Golf Course. There will also be live entertainment from Actual Size, making it a great time to unwind with family and friends.

Enjoy a glow-themed walk at Bevier Park during a free community event presented by the Waukegan Park District. Participants can receive a GO WAUKEGAN shirt while supplies last. Created in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, GO WAUKEGAN promotes community wellness through activities, education, and collaboration with a focus on outdoor enrichment. Preregistration is not required, although it helps with shirt orders. A drawing will offer a one month free membership to the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center.

Join the Waukegan Park District for the free GO WAUKEGAN: Glow Walk at Bevier Park. The walk runs 7 PM to 8 PM, and attendees can pick up a free GO WAUKEGAN shirt while supplies last. Preregistration is not required. There will also be a drawing for a one-month free membership to the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center.

Join the Waukegan Public Library for Free Summer Lunch for kids and teens ages 0 to 18. Lunches are free and include a show on the big screen while you eat. This is first-come, first-served, with lunches available while supplies last, in the Bradbury Room.

A performance by one-man band John-Michael showcases layered live looping built from instruments and beatboxing. The event will proceed regardless of weather.

La Cantina brings DJs to On The Rocks every other Thursday night throughout the season, set along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Each edition features different food trucks, plus a full-service cash bar, fire pits, and tables. Guests may bring their own chairs for added comfort while enjoying the music and the waterfront setting. The venue is cash only with an ATM available on site. Parking is free and there is no cover. Carry-in beverages are not permitted.