USA 250 EVENTS
We are excited to feature upcoming USA 250 themed events taking place in Grayslake brought to you by a variety of local organizations.
Stay tuned for more details and additional events to be added throughout the year.
GRAYSLAKE USA 250 MERCHANDISE
Want to wear a piece of history? Get your official USA 250 Grayslake merchandise by clicking the link below!
The History of Quilting
Over the last half century, quilting in America has evolved from a traditional household craft into a vibrant art form and thriving creative community. Join quilter and textile enthusiast Christine Tindell as she explores how quilting has changed over the past 50 years—from the revival of traditional patterns in the 1970s to the rise of modern quilting, innovative techniques, and the influence of contemporary artists today.
Grayslake History Bike Hike
Cycle through a scenic, history bike tour of Grayslake beginning at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum. Register online: GrayslakeBikeHike.eventbrite.com.
Decades of Stories: Tales, Tunes, & Treats - 60s
Come together, right now, at the Grayslake Area Public Library’s 60s storytime inspired by the British Invasion! Groove to live acoustic tunes from the era, and grab one of our provided instruments to play or sing along with classic hits. It’s all about good vibes, creativity, and making music together—don’t miss your chance to join the band!
This program is for families, age 10 and under.
Horizon Navy Band Great Lakes Popular Music Group
Set sail for a night of popular music you’ve enjoyed over the years from Horizon, a US Navy Band.
Take your dinner, your own seat, and prepare to drop anchor at Centennial Plaza at the corner of Whitney & Center.
Virtual Tour of Barack Obama Presidential Library and Obama Presidential Center
Join the Grayslake Area Public Library for a special virtual presentation exploring the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Obama Presidential Center. The library’s presenters, Kenvi Phillips, inaugural director of the Barack Obama Presidential Library, and Tina Tchen, Executive Vice President of Programs for the Obama Foundation, will discuss the first digital Presidential Library and the Obama Presidential Center as a vibrant community hub, economic anchor, and beacon of democracy. This program offers a unique opportunity to learn how presidential history is preserved, accessed, and shared, and how these records deepen our understanding of recent history and democratic values.
Click “View Event” to register.
Movies Off Center: Forrest Gump
Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. Except when you know you’re getting to watch one of the favorite American comedy drama of the century!
In celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary, the Grayslake Heritage Center is featuring movies quintessentially American. So order your favorite food from Grayslake restaurants, grab your chair/comfy blankets, and run, Forrest, run to the corner of Whitney and Hawley for a free movie under the stars.
Movie begins at dusk.
Decades of Stories: Tales, Tunes, & Treats - 70s
Let the sunshine in at the Grayslake Area Public Library’s 70s storytime! Embrace your inner flower child by making your own flower crown, getting your face painted with far-out designs, and enjoying tunes from the era. It’s all about peace, creativity, and good vibes—come celebrate the spirit of the 70s with us!
This program is for families, age 10 and under.
Beginner Sewing: Patriotic Table Topper
The Grayslake Area Public Library invites you to learn how to use a sewing machine and create a simple quilted table topper! Participants ages 14-18 need a signed parent waiver. A $3.00 material fee is required at the beginning of class.
This USA 250 themed event includes 2 sessions - 3 pm and 5:30 pm. Click “View Event” to register.
Dottie Kamenshek and A League of Their Own
Join storyteller Lynn Rymarz as she shares the true story of Dottie Kamenshek, who spent ten seasons playing baseball as a Rockford Peach. Discover her childhood days growing up in Ohio with immigrant parents during the Depression and how she ended up playing with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League when World War II broke out. Kamenshek and her teammates inspired the movie A League of Their Own.
Stars & Stories: A Community Mural for America’s 250th
Come hang out at the library as they celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a fun community mural! Everyone’s invited to pick up a paintbrush and add their own touch to a mural celebrating all the awesome people and cultures that make our country unique. Bring your friends and family and help us create something colorful and memorable together.
Sustaining the Republic: Advice from the Founders
America’s founding generation believed that a republic was the best form of government for Americans. But, they warned, republics are more fragile than monarchies. They more easily fall into anarchy or tyranny if certain safeguards are not maintained, and it was up to the citizens to be on guard. What did they think we should guard against? Does their advice hold any wisdom for us today? Come to the Grayslake Area Public Library and consider these questions with historian Joyce Haworth.
Acid Wash with Mr. Nash
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.
Abigail Adams: A Living History Presentation
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.
Chicago Brass Quintet
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!
Decades of Stories: Tales, Tunes, & Treats - 50s
Get ready to rock around the clock at the Grayslake Area Public Library’s 50s storytime! Show off your favorite socks, then make some wacky sock puppets (they’ll provide the supplies), slurp up soda fountain goodies, and dance to classic tunes. It’s all about having a blast, being creative, and getting your groove on—come join the fun!
Families, Ages 10 & Under
Movies Off Center: The Wizard of Oz
Movies Off Center is back! This summer, in celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary, the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum is featuring movies quintessentially American.
Follow the yellow brick road to a night that's over the rainbow. It's a magical outdoor showing of The Wizard of Oz!
Grab your favorite food from Grayslake restaurants, click your heels together, and bring your chair/comfy blankets to the corner of Whitney and Hawley for a FREE movie under the stars.
The movie begins at dusk!
Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Grayslake will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 25th. The parade will step-off at 9:30 am near the Grayslake Central High School parking lot on Lake Street and travel south on Lake Street to Junior Avenue and east to Memorial Park. The service will be held immediately following the parade.
Colonial Williamsburg and What Led to Revolution
As part of the USA 250 program series, discover the role Colonial Williamsburg played in the American Revolution.
This presentation features Grayslake's own Sophie Wesclitz, a current William & Mary student who brings firsthand, immersive experience from her time at Colonial Williamsburg.
Beginner Sewing: Patriotic Star Garland
The Grayslake Area Public Library is giving you the chance to create a festive star garland to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Choose your own fabric and leave with a handmade decoration.
3 pm or 5:30 pm
Click “View Event” for registration information.
Student Pop-Up Exhibit
Students from Grayslake North High School curated an exhibit of prominent historical events and figures throughout the past 250 years of United States’ history.
This pop-up exhibit will be on display in the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum's Community Room from April 15th - 25th. The Heritage Center is open Wed - Fri 12 pm - 4 pm, and Sat 10 am - 4 pm.
Pages of History: “We the People”
The Pages of History book-inspired lecture series is back for USA 250!
Dr. Kenneth Owen, presents the history behind the Revolution and America’s most famous document.
Registration is not required but highly encouraged. "We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution" by Jill Lepore is available at the Grayslake Area Public Library upon registration.
This year's books are chosen in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Presenters are invited to take the audience beyond the books to discuss history or contemporary topics within the stories.
Risking it All: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
In 1776, signing the Declaration of Independence was not an act of patriotism. It was an act of treason against Great Britain. Who were these fifty-six men who risked it all to make the strike for independence? Some of their names are familiar, like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Others — like Button Gwinnett — are not.
Historian Joyce Haworth will share stories of lesser-known Americans in this talk: who they were, what role they played in independence, and what consequences they suffered after they signed the Declaration.
Pages of History: A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
As part of our local USA 250 event line-up, the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum and the Grayslake Area Public Library have partnered to bring a powerful Pages of History lecture series to our community; the next one is inspired by "A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass."
Author James Ciccone will share stories that explore the life of Amos "Doc" Bennett in Lake County. Bennet was one of the area's earliest pioneers and the first African American settler in Lake County. There is even a street named for him in Grayslake!
Learn how Bennett trailblazed a path alongside others like Douglass to create his own destiny on Tuesday, March 3rd at 7 pm at the library.
Other Upcoming
USA 250 Events
June 2026
June 27th: The Grayslake Park District's Annual Taste of Grayslake and Fireworks in Central Park
July 2026
July 1st: Search & Share Genealogy: Where were your ancestors in 1776? at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
July 1st: BBQ 101 at the Grayslake Area Public Library
July 4th: Independence Day
July 6th: Decades of Stories: Tales, Tunes, & Treats - 80s at the Grayslake Area Public Library
July 9th: Books and Brews: Cults Like Us at the Grayslake Area Public Library
July 13th: Decades of Stories: Tales, Tunes, & Treats - 90s at the Grayslake Area Public Library
July 14th: Books and Brews After Dark: Cults Like Us at Black Lung Brewing Company
July 18th: Grayslake AuthorFest at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum and Hawley/Whitney Streets
July 20th: Decades of Stories: Tales, Tunes, & Treats - 2000s at the Grayslake Area Public Library
July 20th: Library on Tap: George Washington at Beer Bazaar
July 20th: Echoes of the Island at the Grayslake Area Public Library
July 23rd: Photography Through the Ages at the Grayslake Area Public Library
July 24th: Movies Off Center: Cars at the corner of Hawley and Whitney Streets
July 25th: Gerald Savage, Culture and History of the HoChunk Nation at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
Gerald Savage, HoChunk Native American, introduces participants to the culture and history of the HoChunk nation. He will examine the history of his tribal territory and settlements, and how his family was relocated into Starved Rock, share traditional stories, discuss tribal names and culture, display his regalia and artifacts.
July 25th: Native American Storytelling at the Grayslake Area Public Library
July 25th: Barn Quilts: A Mosaic of Color at the Grayslake Area Public Library
July 25th: Grayslake Summer Nights and USA Themed Drone Show on Center Street
July 27th: Secrets of the Freemasons at the Grayslake Area Public Library
July 28th: Trivia Night: American History at the Grayslake Area Public Library
August 2026
August 1st - 31st: History Trail—The History Trail consists of signs found around town that will tell both Grayslake History and USA 250 history
August 4th: A Tribute to The King Concert featuring Logan Ramey in Centennial Plaza
August 6th: Books and Brews: There There at the Grayslake Area Public Library
August 7th: Movies Off Center: Star Wars: A New Hope at the corner of Hawley and Whitney Streets
August 15th: USA 250-themed SummerFest on Center Street and Whitney Street
August 15th & 16th: Revolutionary War Reenactment in Gelatin Park
The Northern West Territory Alliance and Hamilton’s Artillery will be at an encampment in Gelatin Park. There will be drills, battle reenactments, artillery demonstrations, and presentations on camp tasks. They will camp overnight on Friday, and the event and encampment will be open to the public from 9 am - 2 pm.
August 18th: Books and Brews After Dark: There There at Black Lung Brewing Company
August 20th: Echoes of Lake County: Stories from War and Home at the Grayslake Area Public Library
August 25th: Tour of Fort Sheridan at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
August 26th: Library on Tap: Women Behind the Barrels at Beer Bazaar
September 2026
September 22nd: Pages of History: Little House on the Prairie at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
Debra Miller, a first-person interpreter, will tell attendees the history around pioneer life and Laura Ingalls Wilder.
October 2026
October 4th: Living History Tour, USA 250 at the Grayslake Cemetery
October 16th: Abraham Lincoln: A New Birth of Freedom at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
Kevin Wood is a renowned Abraham Lincoln first-person interpreter, and will give a presentation on the 16th president.
October 27th: Pages of History: The Great Gatsby at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
Grayslake North High School teachers Adrijana Bisevac and Patrick Green are teaming up for this Pages of History to discuss the larger themes of Fitzgerald’s work and the history of the Roaring 20s
November 2026
November 10th: Remembering Route 66 featuring speaker Leslie Goddard at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
Dr. Leslie Goddard returns on the eve of Route 66’s 100th birthday. In this nostalgia-packed lecture, Goddard will explore the history of Route 66, why its lore is intertwined into Americana, and feature some of the iconic images of gas stations, mom-and-pop motels, quirky attractions, and the adventures of the open road.
December 2026
December 1st: Pages of History: Brooklyn at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
Hear the story of an Irish woman immigrating to America in the 1950s; presented by Grayslake resident Sinead Carus.
PAST USA 250 EVENTS
January 1st - 10th: What does USA 250 mean to you?
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
February 3rd: Pages of History: Lincoln at the Bardo
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum and Grayslake Area Public Library
February 16th: 1619: The Journey of a People
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum and College of Lake County James Lumber Center for Performing Arts
March 3rd: Pages of History: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum and Grayslake Area Public Library
March 31st: Risking It All: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
April 7: Pages of History: We the People
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
April 15 - 25: Grayslake North High School Student Pop-Up Exhibit: Historical Events and Figures Throughout the Past 250 Years of United States’ History
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
May 18: Colonial Williamsburg and What Led to Revolution
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum