Grayslake Summer Days one of the last festivals of the season

Grayslake Summer Days returns with music, food and a night parade this weekend.

Unlike previous years, the Summer Days grounds will be at Center and Whitney streets in downtown Grayslake. Chairman Gregory Koeppen said part of the event's appeal is how the three-day festival is among the few on the suburban calendar in mid-August or later.

"We are proud to not only be the last summer festival in Lake County, but a festival that offers something for individuals of all ages," Koeppen said. "Whether you are 8 or 80, we have something for you."

Summer Days will run from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 15, and 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. Parking and admission are free.

Summer Days will have a menu of food vendors, a beer tent, soft drinks, carnival games, bingo and business booths.

Friday highlights include the Medleys in Motion disc jockeys at 5 p.m. and regional cover band Mike and Joe on the main stage at 10 p.m.

At noon Saturday, the pet and bicycle parade will line up on Slusser Street in downtown Grayslake. With a theme of "Superheroes Come to Grayslake," the big parade will line up at 7 p.m. outside Grayslake Central High School on Lake Street.

After working its way south on Lake Street, the parade will veer east on Center before ending at Seymour Avenue.

"We have the only night parade in Lake County. That allows for some unique and spirited floats," Koeppen said.

Regional cover band Modern Day Romeos will headline the main stage at 10 p.m. Saturday.

Summer Days is sponsored by the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry. For a full list of the weekend events, check grayslakechamber.com.