Step back in time at Long Grove's Vintage Days July 25-26
On July 25-26, Historic Downtown Long Grove invites visitors to step away from today's fast pace and spend a weekend celebrating craftsmanship, tradition and the simple pleasures of small-town life during its annual Vintage Days festival.
Set in Illinois' first historic district, established in the 1840s, Vintage Days is a free, family-friendly event that feels right at home among Long Grove's colorful historic buildings, iconic covered bridge, and independently owned shops. It's a celebration of the past, not through museums or exhibits, but through hands-on experiences, timeless skills and the kinds of traditions that never seem to go out of style.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can browse an eclectic collection of antiques, vintage finds, handcrafted goods, reclaimed décor, artisan creations and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Whether you're searching for a unique piece for your home or simply enjoy discovering hidden treasures, Vintage Days offers plenty to explore around every corner. Long Grove's boutiques, restaurants, wineries, breweries and specialty shops also join the celebration, inviting guests to stroll the historic downtown while enjoying shopping, dining and seasonal specials throughout the weekend.
Beyond shopping, Vintage Days offers a chance to experience traditions that have been passed down through generations. Guests can watch live blacksmithing demonstrations, learn the art of crocheting, discover the process of butter churning, and enjoy interactive demonstrations that celebrate craftsmanship from another era. Families will also want to catch one of the festival's most beloved traditions: the Long Grove Lions Club Rubber Ducky Races, a lighthearted community favorite that brings plenty of laughs while supporting a great local cause.
Complimentary tractor-pulled hayrides make it easy to explore the historic downtown, encouraging guests to wander from one unique shop to the next while discovering hidden treasures, artisan goods and inviting restaurants along the way. Vintage Days isn't about rushing from one attraction to the next. It's about wandering at your own pace, discovering something unexpected and enjoying a slower, more nostalgic kind of weekend; one that feels increasingly rare today.
Vintage Days 2026 runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 25; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 26, in Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Admission and parking are free. For information, visit longgrove.org/festivals/vintage-days.