The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum welcomes Kevin Wood who portrays President Abraham Lincoln.

Wood will cover the entire period from Independence through the Civil War and Mr. Lincoln’s inspiring personal story.

Free event. No registration required.

The 28th Annual Living History Tour, America 250: The American Story Through Grayslake's Eyes, will take place at the Grayslake Cemetery located on South Lake Street near Route 120 on Sunday, October 4th.

There will be two performances. The first one is at 1:30 pm and the second is at 2:30 pm.

This event is free, but donations are graciously accepted.

This event is brought to you by the Grayslake Historical Society.

The Pages of History book-inspired lecture series is back with more USA 250 themes. This year's books are chosen in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Professional actress and historian Debra Miller portrays Laura Ingalls Wilder in a program that goes beyond the book and into her childhood, marriage, and stories.

Registration is NOT required to attend but encouraged as books will be available for pick up at the library upon registration.

Join the Grayslake Area Public Library at Beer Bazaar on Women’s Equality Day to explore the often-forgotten history of women in brewing and related industries. From Sumerian priestesses brewing beer to honor Ninkasi, goddess of beer, to the Pink Boots Society mentoring women and non-binary individuals in the fermented beverage world, they’ll cover it all.

Hear directly from local and Chicagoland women owners, brewers, and industry professionals as they share their experiences—while we raise a glass (or cup) of fermented equali-tea together!

REGISTER

Step into the past through letters, diaries, and photographs from the Dunn Museum’s collections. This compelling presentation explores the lived experiences of Lake County residents, revealing powerful stories from both the battlefield and the home front. Presented in partnership with the Lake County Forest Preserves.

REGISTER

Join the Grayslake Area Public Library at Black Lung Brewing for a brew- stay for a chat! 

August’s book is There There by Tommy Orange.

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It's the final film for this season's Movies Off Center!

This summer, we’re celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary with films that capture the spirit of adventure, rebellion, and heroism.

Jump to hyperspace for a stellar outdoor showing of "Star Wars: A New Hope."

Grab your favorite food from Grayslake restaurants, rescue your crew, and bring your chairs or cozy blankets to the corner of Whitney and Hawley for a FREE movie under the stars.

The screening begins at dusk. Jedi robes or Imperial officer uniforms are not mandatory but highly encouraged.

Join the Grayslake Area Public for a brew- stay for a chat! 

August’s book is There There by Tommy Orange.

REGISTER

He's back to celebrate USA 250 with us!

Logan Ramey's tribute to Elvis is a show like no other. Presented with high energy, audience interaction, and a respect for Elvis.

It's going to be a hunka hunka burnin’ fun!

Bring your own chair if you wish or just swing those hips and curl those lips all night long at this FREE live tribute to an American legend.

Time to grill the suspects of a murder most foul at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum's Murder Mystery Dinner: Grillin' & Killin'.

The Premise: Secrets and fireworks explode at this neighborhood barbecue when local grill master George Gray is killed at his annual 4th of July Cookout. Who could have possibly wanted to murder the barbecue master? What secrets was George keeping? Why won't that person stop talking about fireworks? Help Fire Inspector Blaze grill the six suspects and solve the case before anyone else gets burned.

Click “View Event” to learn more and reserve your spot!

Come to trivia night at the Grayslake Area Public Library and do your best to answer bar-style trivia questions. Each round will focus on a different aspect of American History. Bring your friends and see if you can earn the title of Library Trivia Champ!

Teams are limited to 4 or fewer. Only 1 person has to register for the team.

Click “View Event” to register.

Discover the fascinating history of the Freemasons and their impact on American society. This program also touches on other fraternal groups from the “Golden Age of Fraternalism” (1870–1920) that provided community, support, and mutual aid before government safety nets existed.

Click “View Event” to register.

Join the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce for Grayslake Summer Nights Battle of the Bands! Check out entertainment, food and beverage, kids’ activities and more!

New for 2026, and as part of the USA250 celebrations, enjoy a drone show as part of the event! More details to come!

Create a colorful barn quilt inspired by mosaic art in this family-friendly drop-in workshop! Families can work together to design and paint a bold pattern on a wooden panel, with all supplies provided. Each family will make one barn quilt (while supplies last). Children under 6 can enjoy age-appropriate crafting activities. Registration not required, just drop in and create!

Join the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum and the Grayslake Area Public Library at the Performance Pavilion in Central Park for an education presentation on Waika, the traditional Native art of storytelling, and hear the inspiring story of one family’s return to Illinois.

Click “View Event” to learn more.

Start your engines and cruise on over for an evening of FREE high-octane fun under the stars with Disney and Pixar's animated movie, "Cars!"

This summer, in celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary, Movies Off Center is featuring movies quintessentially American.

Bring your pit crew, take out dinner from your favorite Grayslake restaurant, and park yourself on the corner of Whitney & Hawley for a night that's guaranteed to go the distance.

Movie begins at dusk.

Discover how photography evolved from the Camera Obscura and early image-making techniques to film and digital photography. This visual presentation traces the innovations that shaped how we capture and preserve memories. Designed for adults, this program is also open to teens ages 13–18 when accompanied by a participating adult.

Click “View Event” to register.

Take a joyful “trip to the Islands” with the Barefoot Hawaiian! Enjoy lively music, colorful costumes, and energetic dances from Hawai‘i, Tahiti, and New Zealand, plus fun audience participation.

This vibrant, family-friendly performance brings island culture to life. A joyful & interactive experience the whole family can enjoy together!

Click “View Event” to register.

Raise a glass and step into history at Library on Tap, hosted at Beer Bazaar in Grayslake. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, they’ll take a closer look at George Washington and the profound role he played in shaping a new nation.

Click “View Event” to register.

Flash back to the 2000s at the Grayslake Area Public Library’s storytime and experience the coolest throwback ever! The UA, a local rap crew, will take the stage to perform hip hop–style read alouds of all your favorite classic kids’ stories. Get ready for beats, rhymes, and a fresh twist on timeless tales—this is one storytime you won’t want to miss!

The 4th Annual Grayslake AuthorFest returns on Saturday, July 18, transforming the area in and around the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum into a gathering place for readers, writers, and book lovers of every genre.

This FREE, family-friendly event brings together more than 50 authors, bookish vendors, and activities for all ages.

The first 250 attendees will receive a complimentary swag bag courtesy of About Time Bookstore, making an early arrival well worth it.

Join the Grayslake Area Public Library at Black Lung Brewing for a brew- stay for a chat! 

July's book is Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America 

Click “View Event” to learn more and register.

Travel back to the 90s at the Grayslake Area Public Library’s storytime! Jam out to classic Disney tunes and get creative with perler bead crafting. It’s all about colorful fun, singalongs, and a little bit of nostalgia—come relive the magic of the 90s!

Join the Grayslake Area Public Library for a brew- stay for a chat! 

July's book is Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America 

Click “View Event’ to register.

Step into the 80s at the Grayslake Area Public Library’s storytime and get ready for a kid-friendly rave! Dance the day away under the disco ball, deck yourself out with neon accessories, and move to the beat of classic 80s tunes. It’s all about bold style, fun music, and high-energy vibes—come join the party and feel the rhythm of the 80s!

Widely recognized as one of America's most distinguished chamber ensembles, the Chicago Brass Quintet's signature sound has been embraced by audiences around the world, and has helped shape the landscape of modern brass music.

As part of our continuing celebration of our nation's 250th year, the Chicago Brass Quintet will play Music of the Americas.

Grab dinner at your favorite Grayslake restaurants, bring your own chair if you wish, and enjoy a dynamic, energetic recital!

Remember America’s second first lady. In this #USA250Grayslake event, award-winning actress and scholar Leslie Goddard portrays Abigail Adams and recounts her life in the founding of the new nation.

Personalize your wardrobe! Bring in a pair of jeans or a dark shirt you want to customize with the acid wash process, made popular in the 80s. Program for ages 12 - 18.

Register here.