Lake County Flavor Festival Delivers Record-Breaking Success, Showcases Culinary and Libation Excellence

GURNEE, IL – The Lake County February Flavor Festival wrapped up its highly anticipated monthlong celebration with resounding success, spotlighting the county’s vibrant culinary and craft beverage scene. Organized by Visit Lake County (VLC), the second annual county-wide campaign drew thousands of food and drink enthusiasts, supporting more than 100 participating restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wineries throughout the region.

The Flavor Festival offered residents and visitors a unique opportunity to savor the best of Lake County’s dining and libation offerings. From signature dishes and specialty cocktails to award-winning brews and small-batch spirits, the event highlighted the creativity and diversity of local establishments. A key component of the festival—the Lake County Libation Trail—proved to be a crowd favorite, encouraging guests to explore a wide array of local craft beverage destinations.

A major draw of the festival was the Flavor Festival Check-In Challenge, which spurred nearly 2,000 check-ins across participating locations, energizing the local economy and providing heightened visibility for small businesses. Attendees had the chance to win prizes including gift cards, exclusive Lake County merchandise, and grand prize experiences such as a theatre getaway at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort and a family suite stay at Great Wolf Lodge.

“The Lake County Flavor Festival was a tremendous success, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the exceptional quality of our local food and beverage scene,” said Maureen Riedy, President of Visit Lake County. “This event not only showcased the best of what our community has to offer but also helped drive foot traffic during a typically slower season for hospitality businesses.”

Online engagement skyrocketed during the campaign, with nearly 2 million impressions and over 313,000 interactions on Facebook and Instagram. Local personalities including Chicago meteorologist Mike Caplan and Alpha Media radio hosts helped amplify the festival’s presence with social media takeovers, live videos, and influencer posts that brought the flavor-filled experience to a wide digital audience.

Now in its second year, the Lake County Flavor Festival continues to grow as a signature event for the region, building on the success of past Restaurant Weeks held since 2017. With overwhelming community support and increasing participation, the festival is cementing its role as a driver of tourism and economic vitality.

Visit Lake County is the official destination marketing organization for Lake County, Illinois, promoting tourism, supporting local businesses, and enhancing quality of life through visitor engagement and economic impact.