Name: Betsy Ross Portrayal
Start: 2026-07-23T18:00:00-05:00
Location: Lake Bluff Public Library

Lake Bluff Public Library

In her captivating portrayal of Betsy Ross, historical presenter Michelle Gibbons brings to life the spirited seamstress credited with creating the first American flag. Gibbons embodies Ross’ determination and patriotism, recounting her pivotal role in stitching together a symbol of unity for the fledgling nation. Through engaging storytelling, she highlights Ross’ contributions during the Revolutionary era, emphasizing the flag’s enduring significance as a beacon of freedom.

Local Event: Betsy Ross Portrayal

Lake County

Rachel Barnes

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

Illinois

Betsy Ross Portrayal

In her captivating portrayal of Betsy Ross, historical presenter Michelle Gibbons brings to life the spirited seamstress...

Visit the Library each week to take on a new quest. Complete it to win a prize and earn a ticket for our weekly raffle. Raffle winners can choose their prize from the treasure chest!Sea Quest #4 runs June 29th - July 3rd

Local Event: Summer Reading Club: Sea Quest #4

Summer Reading Club: Sea Quest #4

Visit the Library each week to take on a new quest. Complete it to win a prize and earn a ticket for our weekly raffle. Raffle...

Older kids can search the youth department for the Hidden Book. When they find it, they can bring it to the staff at the Youth Desk and receive a special prize. In the preschool room, younger kids will search for Bluey and her family. When they see a member of Bluey's family, they can tell the staff at the Youth Desk and get a special prize.&nbsp;
Seek and Find is for ages 2 to 13 and runs through July 31st!

Local Event: Summer Reading Club: Seek and Find Begins

Summer Reading Club: Seek and Find Begins

Older kids can search the youth department for the Hidden Book. When they find it, they can bring it to the staff at the Youth...

Market Square

Kick off Lake Forest’s America 250 Celebration Weekend with live music in Market Square.
Concert in the Square: Join us on Thursday, July 2 from 6:30-8:30 pm for a special Concert in the Square featuring Industrial Drive and their high-energy rock. It’s the perfect way to start a weekend full of community celebration, summer fun, and patriotic spirit.
Bites on Bank Food Festival: This summer, the City of Lake Forest is introducing Bites on Bank, a new way to experience Lake Forest’s dining scene during the Concert in the Square on Thursday, July 2, 2026.&nbsp;Stop by Bank Lane from 5-8 pm and grab a bite while enjoying the Concert in the Square in Market Square (6:30-8:30 pm).
Local restaurants and food shops will bring the flavors of Lake Forest to the newly transformed Bank Lane, offering small bites and sample-sized specialties available for purchase. It’s the perfect chance to stroll through the updated streetscape, discover new favorites, and build your own meal by sampling some of the community’s favorite eateries.
It’s a delicious new tradition in the making – good food, great music, and a perfect summer evening in downtown Lake Forest.
Bites on Bank is part of the City’s expanded Independence Day festivities, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with additional community events designed to bring residents together.
Independence Day Weekend Events:
<ul><li>Thursday, July 2:&nbsp;Bites on Bank Food Festival (5-8 pm) and Concert in the Square (6:30-8:30 pm)</li><li>Friday, July 3:&nbsp;Elawa Farm Dinner</li><li>Saturday, July 4:&nbsp;4th of July Festival and Fireworks at Deerpath Community Park&nbsp;(5-10 pm)</li><li>Sunday, July 5: Ice Cream Social with the American Legion at Forest Park Beach</li></ul>
Visit the City’s <a href="https://cms9.revize.com/revize/cityoflakeforest/departments/communications/america_250th_celebration/america_250_events.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">America 250 Events</a> page for the full list of activities planned now through September.

Local Event: America 250: Bites on Bank and Concert in the Square

America 250: Bites on Bank and Concert in the...

Kick off Lake Forest’s America 250 Celebration Weekend with live music in Market Square.
Concert in the Square: Join us on...

America 250: Bites on Bank and Concert in the Square

Six Flags Great America

Star Spangled Nights will be held at Six Flags Great American in Gurnee, with fireworks planned at night.&nbsp;More via the Six Flags website: <a href="https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/events/star-spangled-nights" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">sixflags.com/greatamerica/events/star-spangled-nights. </a>

Local Event: Six Flags Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags Great America

Libertyville

Six Flags Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags...

Star Spangled Nights will be held at Six Flags Great American in Gurnee, with fireworks planned at night. More via the Six...

Six Flags Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags Great America

Lake Bluff Village Green

Spend a ridiculously relaxing morning at the Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, where you can get your jazz on with the Jim Jacobs Jazz Band. Even better, consider lending a hand in serving the breakfast, because let's be real, it’s fun flipping pancakes.

Local Event: Annual Kiwanis Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast

Annual Kiwanis Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast

Spend a ridiculously relaxing morning at the Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, where you can get your jazz on with the Jim...

Spark some fun this Fourth of July and march with us in the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade! Show your Library spirit and be part of the celebration. Volunteers will receive a FREE Library t-shirt, enjoy a volunteer breakfast before the parade, and cool down with refreshments afterward at the Library. Teens can also earn volunteer hours. To sign up, contact Jillian Chapman at jchapman@lakeblufflibrary.org.
Supplies for the Library’s parade entry are funded by the Friends of the Lake Bluff Library.
All ages are welcome to march with us!

Local Event: March with Us in the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade!

March with Us in the Lake Bluff 4th of July...

Spark some fun this Fourth of July and march with us in the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade! Show your Library spirit and be part...

March with Us in the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade!

400 Hastings Rd, Lake Forest, IL, 60045

<a href="https://lfparksandrec.com/calendar/july-4th-festival---fireworks-2318409576" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks</a>
Saturday, July 5 p.m. 
The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
<a href="https://lfparksandrec.com/calendar/july-4th-festival---fireworks-2318409576" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">From:&nbsp;Lake Forest Parks and Recreation</a>
"Celebrate the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary at the 2026 Lake 
Forest Festival and Fireworks!
The Friends of Lake Forest Parks &amp; Recreation Foundation have cooked up a sizzling lineup of bands. The opening act is Hello Weekend and the headliner is Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Swift Tribute Band. After the music, watch the best fireworks show on the North Shore fill the skies! 
This fun family event is brought to you by the Friends of Lake Forest
 Parks and Recreation Foundation. All proceeds after festival expenses 
are used to support programs of the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation 
Department.
This is an annual community event and fundraiser completely run by volunteers to provide a safe and fun environment for families celebrating Independence Day."

Local Event: 2026 Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks

2026 Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks

Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks
Saturday, July 5 p.m. 
The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
From: Lake Forest Parks and...

Vernon Hills

Highland Park

Eric DeGrechie

Deerfield

Amie Schaenzer

Buffalo Grove

Cook County

Northbrook

Grayslake

Winnetka-Glencoe

Lake Zurich

Glenview

Butler Lake Park

The Village’s July 4 special concert will take place at Butler Lake Park, with fireworks immediately following the performance at the same location. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Limited picnic tables are available in nearby Cook Park.

Local Event: Fireworks at Butler Lake Park on July 4, 2026

Fireworks at Butler Lake Park on July 4, 2026

The Village’s July 4 special concert will take place at Butler Lake Park, with fireworks immediately following the performance...

Star Spangled Nights will be held at Six Flags Great American in Gurnee, with fireworks planned at night.&nbsp;More via the Six Flags website: <a href="https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/events/star-spangled-nights" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">sixflags.com/greatamerica/events/star-spangled-nights</a>

Local Event: Six Flags Great America Star Spangled Nights, Fireworks 

Six Flags Great America Star Spangled Nights,...

Six Flags Great America Star Spangled Nights, Fireworks 

Century Park Arboretum

Independence Day Celebration 
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Join the community in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a full day of festivities.
The day begins at 9 a.m. with the Independence Day Parade through the Deerpath neighborhood, stepping off at the corner of Deerpath and Atrium Drive. Road closures begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. The parade will travel south on Deerpath Drive to Sullivan Drive, then west to Aspen Drive, with designated viewing and performance areas along the route.
In the evening, festivities continue at Century Park beginning at 6:30 p.m. with music and entertainment provided by DJ Top Dog from A to Z Entertainment, sponsored by the Vernon Hills Park District.
Fireworks will launch over Big Bear and Little Bear lakes beginning at approximately 9:15–9:30 p.m., presented by Pyrotecnico Fireworks Inc.
Parade participants must pre-register in advance and will receive confirmation and lineup details by July 1. Participants should follow designated staging and exit routes after the parade, with pick-up areas located near the Atrium Drive business park.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early, review parade route information, and follow all posted safety guidelines, including respecting road closures and keeping children safely away from the parade route.

Local Event: Independence Day Celebration in Vernon Hills 

Independence Day Celebration in Vernon Hills 

Independence Day Celebration 
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Join the community in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of...

Courtland Commons Park

Fourth of July Fireworks Display 
Thursday, July 4, 2024 | 9:30–10 p.m. 
Courtland Commons Park, 444 E. Courtland Street
Fireworks will be held in celebration of Independence Day, beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m. and running through 10 p.m.

Local Event: Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Mundelein

Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Mundelein

Fourth of July Fireworks Display 
Thursday, July 4, 2024 | 9:30–10 p.m. 
Courtland Commons Park, 444 E. Courtland...

Your New Favorite Yoga Studio,  Modern Yoga for Every Body

YogaSix Highland Park

At YogaSix Highland Park, we believe yoga should be accessible, empowering, and energizing for everybody. Our modern, welcoming studio offers a variety of heated and non-heated classes designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re brand new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice. From strength-building Power and Sculpt + Flow classes to restorative Slow Flow and Restore experiences, every class is designed to help you move, sweat, reset, and reconnect. More than just a workout, YogaSix Highland Park is a community-focused space where members can show up exactly as they are. Our experienced instructors create an inclusive environment that feels supportive, motivating, and approachable—without intimidation or pressure. We focus on movement that feels good, music that keeps the energy high, and experiences that leave you feeling stronger both physically and mentally. Located in the heart of Highland Park, our studio is proud to offer a consistent schedule of classes seven days a week, special workshops, wellness events, and opportunities to connect with others in the community. Whether you’re looking to build strength, reduce stress, improve flexibility, or simply carve out time for yourself, YogaSix Highland Park is here to support your goals. We’re more than a yoga studio—we’re a place to sweat, grow, breathe, and belong.

At YogaSix Highland Park, we believe yoga should be accessible, empowering, and energizing for everybody. Our modern, welcoming studio offers a...

Family Owned Tire and Auto Service Center

Waukegan Tire

Waukegan Tire Certified Service Centers offering the largest selection of quality tire brands, custom wheels and automotive services at affordable prices. Serving Illinois and Wisconsin since 1968, Waukegan Tire is a recognized leader in the tire, wheel and automotive industry with four locations in Grayslake, Park City and Waukegan, IL as well as Kenosha, WI. We're committed to delivering the highest quality products and services to our customers. We welcome National Accounts and provide quality fleet services, including to government and municipal accounts.

Waukegan Tire Certified Service Centers offering the largest selection of quality tire brands, custom wheels and automotive services at affordable...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff|Local Event

Betsy Ross Portrayal

Event Details

More Upcoming Events

Summer Reading Club: Sea Quest #4

JUN

29

10:00 AM

Lake Bluff Public Library, 123 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff, IL

Summer Reading Club: Seek and Find Begins

JUL

1

10:00 AM

Lake Bluff Public Library, 123 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff, IL

America 250: Bites on Bank and Concert in the Square

JUL

2

6:30 PM

Market Square, Market Sq, Lake Forest, IL

Six Flags Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags Great America

JUL

3

9:00 PM

Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL

Annual Kiwanis Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast

JUL

4

7:00 AM

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff, IL

March with Us in the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade!

JUL

4

8:00 AM

Lake Bluff Public Library, 123 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff, IL

2026 Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks

JUL

4

5:00 PM

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff, IL

Six Flags Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags Great America

Fireworks at Butler Lake Park on July 4, 2026

Six Flags Great America Star Spangled Nights, Fireworks

Independence Day Celebration in Vernon Hills

Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Mundelein

YogaSix Highland Park

Waukegan Tire