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.

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.

Register here.

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.

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.

Register here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cycle through a scenic, history bike tour of Grayslake beginning at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum. Register online: GrayslakeBikeHike.eventbrite.com.

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.

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