I have a love of old cars. I was lucky enough to have a cool dad who taught me and then trusted me enough to drive his prize 1967 Ford Mustang convertible (see below for picture proof circa 1993). He even let me drive my friends around in it with our boom box (the original AM radio left much to be desired for 16-year-old girls)! However, driving it was literally all we could do! I was banned from parking it anywhere at any time just in case someone were to touch it or look at it the wrong way. I’ll always remember fondly the days and nights cruising around Gurnee with my friends in this cool car and the guys who tried to race us off stop lights (Dad, I never raced them, for the record).
I realize I only have 10 years to get a cool vintage car for my girls to enjoy (ha!), so in the meantime I’ll get them hooked on cool old cars at these fun car shows and cruise nights in Lake County this summer. Join in the fun and let the good times roll!

Car Shows & Cruise Nights in Lake County
COVID-19 Statement: Experts have advised that the best thing for our community during the current Coronavirus pandemic is to reduce crowded gatherings. Please exercise caution when selecting outings. Ultimately it is your decision if you choose to go to public events and spaces. For the best and most up-to-date information on the outbreak locally, please visit the Lake County Health Department COVID-19 status page.
Barrington Cruise NightsCanceled for the 2020 season.
Champion Car Show Canceled for 2020.
Cruise Nights at Paulus Park Canceled for 2020.
Park on Park is held in Mundelein on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., July through October*. The cruise night specializes in pre-1977 vehicles only. The event draws some of the finest classic vehicles in the area. *Dates may be canceled or changed by the city of Mundelein based on the COVID-19 status of the state.

Hawthorn Woods Cruise Nights
Canceled for 2020
Car Fun on 21 is held in Libertyville the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., August through September 16. The classic car show features vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles, 25 years or older. Food and entertainment in the park as well.
Classis Car Show & Touch a Truck
Canceled for the 2020 season.
Drive-in Fun
If hanging out with classic cars gets you in the mood for some real nostalgia, be sure to check out one, or all, of these drive-in restaurants. They appeal to the kid in all of us! Or see a movie at the McHenry Outdoor Theater.
Where will your family enjoy a cruise night, car show or drive-in this summer?

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