Country Lakeshake
Fans of country music unite at Country Lakeshake in Chicago, Illinois, for a weekend of fun and star performances second to none. Don’t miss this one.
Event information
A star-studded weekend awaits those who attend Country Lakeshake in Chicago, Illinois. This rocking festival is known as Chicago’s biggest weekend for the musical genre. 50,000 fans converge on Huntingdon Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. It’s a nature preserve that was once an airport, and that in itself makes for a unique and picturesque concert venue.
Music is the major draw for festival-goers, but there is plenty to keep you occupied beyond the performances. Learn to line dance or contribute to a giant paint by number. The Kid Zone offers the little ones games and face painting, and for the entire family, there is a large carnival-type swing.
As you make your way toward Chicago, plan to stop at a few must-see National Parks. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is 50 miles outside of the city. It’s the place to go to maybe spot a herd of bison. Churchill Prairie Nature Reserve welcomes bird enthusiasts and is a recommended picnic destination. Irene C. Hernandez Family Picnic Grove is another fabulous spot for relaxation and bonding time with the kids.
This weekend of fun is not to be missed. Start planning now. The windy city awaits, so pack the RV and hit the road.
Tickets
Tickets to this country music festival on the shores of Lake Michigan average around $110. Kids under 6 often attend for free and don’t require a wristband. The festival works on a cashless system for the majority of the weekend, although it is suggested you bring cash in case some vendors prefer it. You can leave and re-enter Country Lakeshake twice per day as long as you are wearing your wristband.
Explore Country Lakeshake RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The concerts take place at Huntington Bank Pavilion, which is close to Soldiers Field. It’s a beautiful location on Northerly Island, with yacht berths separating the island from the mainland. The concert also offers a view of the Chicago skyline. To get to the venue, have a navigator onhand to guide you through the city streets. Getting Around Ilinois is the site for road closures and delays.
Parking areas
Plenty of paid parking lots are in close proximity to the Country Lakeshake festival. Choose from parking at Soldiers Field, East Museum Lot, Adler Lot, and more. These expansive venues for leaving your rig are all found on campus grounds, offering convenient options close to the concerts.
Public Transportation
Train and bus routes head to the venue several times a day, so look to the Chicago Transit Authority for this option. Consider riding your bike to the event; it can be left at the Bike Corral. Taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service are good ideas, as well. For a fun way to travel, choose the Shoreline Water Taxi alternative.
Where to stay
Onsite
Parking your RV onsite or overnight at a lot on campus is not permitted. Privately run and state-owned campgrounds are close to Country Lakeshake. The windy city offers a myriad of things to do, so plan your itinerary and stay near the sites you want to explore. Move from place to place, if you choose, to see the beauty of the region.
Nearby
Big Rock Campground and Forest Preserve has sites with 50-amp electrical service and access to water. Geocaching is a popular activity here. Start working on your clues and prizes and work a fun day of search and find into your stay. Fifty-five miles outside of Chicago, you will find the Chicago Northwest KOA, known for kids’ activities like mining for gems and flashlight candy hunts. Claim a spot in one of their pull-through sites accessible to a large RV. Illinois Beach State Park is another popular choice.
Getting around
The kids may prefer the luxury of a stroller while at Country Lakeshake. The number of fans who attend tops 50,000 and the crowds may be overwhelming for kids. Let them ride in style until they want to stretch their legs. Wear comfy shoes yourself, and pack a small backpack with the essentials for the day so that you can stay put for the duration.
What to pack
Clothing
Wear light and airy clothing but bring along a sweater for the evening in case a breeze blows in over the lake. Every family member needs a hat to protect from the sun. A colorful Stetson is a fun choice. Pop a poncho into your bag in case of rain.
Gear
Tote a small blanket to the fest as seating, and plan to bring binoculars in the event you end up far from the stage. You can bring lawn chairs; however, they must be set up in the chair zone. Small collapsible coolers are allowed. Pack water and sandwiches for a picnic lunch.
Health & Safety
Drinking water all day long is the key component of the day. The sun’s rays are strong in June, and the only way to combat sunstroke and dehydration in this open field venue is to indulge in a cold beverage often. Sunscreen and bug spray are essentials, too. Reapply several times a day.
Where to eat
Cooking
Build your campfire and let the coals get red hot before toasting hotdogs to be served with potato chips and a healthy salad. S’mores will be the dessert of choice as the coals will be the ideal temperature by then. Adhere to fire restrictions if they are in place. Top the RV propane up before leaving home just in case and bring along the camp stove, too.
Restaurants
You won’t have far to drive if you plan to stop for a meal after Country Lakeshake. Plenty of restaurants line the streets in this area of the city. Ethnicities represented on the food scene are Italian, Indian, Mexican, and Thai, among others. Take your pick and give your tastebuds a treat.
Vendors
Country Lakeshake merchandise is a must-have before you head home. The festival site has ATMs for your convenience if you want to purchase from a craft or food vendor who has facilities for cash only. Many of the vendors at the fest will accept your cashless wristband as a method of payment. Set up this access online before arrival.
Safety
Security
Check the list of items you cannot bring into Country Lakeshake before you arrive. For example, wagons, alcohol or other beverages, umbrellas, stuffed animals, markers, and laser lights, among other things, cannot be brought into the Huntington Bank Pavilion. Don’t risk the confiscation of your belongings. Tampered with wristbands are not accepted for entry into the festival, so once you put it on, leave it in place.
Weather
Be prepared to enjoy the festival, rain or shine. Pack extra clothing in case you get caught in a rain shower during your travels in Illinois. The wind often blows off of Lake Michigan in the evening, and a sweater is a wise choice. Pack your Class A with varying styles of clothing, and then you can choose your apparel each day based on the forecast.
Medical
If you have special medical needs, see security upon arrival at Country Lakeshake. Medics on staff can assist if needed. A first-aid station is in operation throughout the weekend. ADA viewing platforms are in place near the main stage. Ask the friendly festival staff for directions if need be. Drug store and emergency medical services are accessible within five miles of the pavilion.
