2025 Entertainment Lineup
June 10 | The Wayouts | 1960s Rock'n'Roll
Dedicated exclusively to garage rock hits from the 1960s, The Wayouts deliver an authentic revival of rock'n'roll's first generation with hits from The Kinks, The Animals, The Troggs, The Monkees, The Rascals and more. Veterans of the Chicago music scene, they have diverse musical resumes.
June 17 | Brooklyn Charmers | Steely Dan Tribute | Jazz Rock
Brooklyn Charmers is a Steely Dan tribute band comprised of some of Chicago's top players. With masterful precision and obsessive dedication to the music, Brooklyn Charmers injects a new energy into the beloved catalogue, bridging the gap between new and lifelong fans alike.
June 24 | How Rude! | ‘90s Tribute
How Rude! brings the best of the '90s to life with their high-energy, nostalgia-filled performance, mixing everything from grunge to pop. Relive the era with iconic slap bracelets, parting your hair down the middle and rocking those classic overalls, flannel shirts and platform shoes.
The Mackenzie O'Brien Band stands as the hottest young country band in the area boasting a lineup of full-time musicians and led by the captivating talent known as Chicago's new country queen. The band covers a wide array of music from contemporary country stars such as Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, as well as classics from legends including Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings.
July 8 | Gizzae | Reggae
Gizzae, an acclaimed reggae band, blends diverse musical experiences from its global members. Over 35 years, they've won Grammys and Chicago Music Awards, sharing stages with icons such as the The Rolling Stones and Ziggy Marley. Their shows feature energetic guitar solos and mesmerizing keyboards, ensuring good vibes and moving rhythms for all.
American English has been named the best Beatles tribute band of our time. They were voted No. 1 in sound-alike contests at The Fest for Beatles Fans for three consecutive years. Their demand here and abroad, coupled with their fan base, anchored them in larger venues and theaters worldwide.
July 22 | Peach Jam | Allman Brothers Band Tribute | Blues Rock
Peach Jam is a tribute to the iconic music of the legendary Allman Brothers Band. Let the tunes whisk you away to the Fillmore East, the historic music venue nestled in the heart of New York City, where the Allman Brothers Band frequently played. Expect a fusion of blues, rock, jazz and country to create a distinctive sound that’s both powerful and heartfelt.
July 29 | Soul Sacrifice | Santana Tribute | Latin Rock
Soul Sacrifice Santana tribute band is known for delivering a top-notch experience, earning a strong following among fans. From Woodstock in 1969 to today, the band performs a mix of classic tunes, lively rhythms, electrifying guitar solos and authentic Latin percussion. With hits like "Black Magic Woman," "Oye Como Va" and "Smooth," the high-energy band keeps the crowd moving from beginning to end.
Mississippi Heat, led by Chicago Hall of Fame harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat stands as a world-class Chicago blues band. They describe their style as “traditional blues with a unique sound” as they present a blend of fresh innovative musical concepts while remaining rooted in vintage blues traditions.
VEHICLE ENTRANCE FEE: $10
Pricing includes drop-offs.
There is a nonrefundable vehicle entrance fee starting at 4:30 pm. No rain dates. Arrive early as parking is limited; cars are turned away when parking is full. Parking lots reserved for concert traffic are not available prior to 4:30 pm. For your safety, and as a courtesy to preserve neighbors, please park in the preserve only.
All vehicle entrance fees support Every Acre Strong: The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves. Led by the Preservation Foundation, donations to the campaign are creating a dependable funding source to care for preserves such as Independence Grove. Forever.
CONCERT DETAILS
-
For concert updates, view map here or call 847-968-3499. No rain dates.
-
Concerts are open to all ages and are held at the preserve's outdoor amphitheater, Millennia Plaza, overlooking a 129-acre lake.
-
Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Pop up canopies and umbrellas are not permitted in the plaza or lawn. Arrive early to secure your spot.
-
Smoking is prohibited in the concert area and at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove.
-
Pack a picnic, or purchase a light dinner, snack or beverage from the preserve's walk-up café.
-
Before the concert, enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, biking, or in-line skating on nearly seven miles of trails. Stop by the Visitors Center to find preserve information and rental space details.
-
Pets not permitted: With the exception of qualified service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not allowed in the preserve or preserve facilities.
-
Safety: For the safety of all guests, all items brought into the Forest Preserve (including, without limitation, coolers, picnic baskets, bags, backpacks and purses) are subject to search upon entry or reentry into the park and may also be inspected again upon entering Millennia Plaza.
Pontoon Rentals & More!
To make your concert outing even more memorable, reserve a pontoon boat for your group of up to eight! Additional rental equipment is available. Call 847-968-3499 to reserve. Learn More »
Beer Garden
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove is open from 5–9 pm on Tuesday nights for Concerts in the Plaza. You can purchase a variety of Lake County craft brews on tap, along with packaged snacks and other beverages. Plenty of casual lakeside seating is available. Purchase a light meal, snack or beverage from the preserve's café.
Beer Garden Menu Café Menu