Here are five events scheduled from Sept. 1 to 7 in Lake County
Groovin’ in the Grove
Buffalo Grove Days is Aug. 31-Sept. 4 at Mike Rylko Park in Buffalo Grove. Tickets are free. At 951 McHenry Road. 847-459-2500; bgdays.com.
The annual event features a carnival, live music, a parade, car show, bingo and a barbecue challenge competition.
Highwood meets Nashville
Nashwood Music and Food Fest is Sept. 1-3 in downtown Highwood. Tickets are free. At downtown Highwood bars. celebratehighwood.org/nashwood.
During Labor Day weekend, downtown Highwood is transformed into Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row with live country, bluegrass, blues and Southern rock music; as well as Southern-inspired food and drinks. More than two dozen venues will have free performances.
People can take a one-hour ride around Highwood on the Nashwood Booze Barrel Bus. Tickets are $50 and include cocktails and live music onboard. The Nashwood Hop-Along Hayride will offer free shuttles throughout downtown Highwood.
Country superstar
Carrie Underwood performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 1 and 2 at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park. Tickets are $77-$215. At 201 Ravinia Park Road. 847-266-5100; ravinia.org.
Grammy award-winner Carrie Underwood returns to Ravinia for the first time since 2014. She has sold more than 66 million records worldwide, has 28 No. 1 singles to her name and is the most-awarded female country artist for singles in RIAA history. She was Billboard’s Top Country Female in 2022.
Go medieval
The Bristol Renaissance Faire’s final weekend of 2023 is Sept. 2-4 at Faire grounds in Kenosha. Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets are $15-$40; parking $5-$20. At 12550 120th Ave. 847-395-7773; renfair.com.
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Come for the jousters and giant turkey legs, stay for the strolling minstrels and comedy shows. The Renaissance Faire closes its season with vendors, performers and all things Elizabethan England.
Outlaw country
Outlaw country singer Gary Allan performs at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. Tickets are $45-$69. At 203 N. Genesee St. 847-263-6300; geneseetheatre.com.
Allan has sold nearly 10 million albums since his 1996 debut and he comes to the Genesee in support of his latest effort, “Ruthless.” Audiences will hear hits like “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” “Watching Airplanes,” “Man to Man” and “Nothing on but the Radio.”
Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.