Seasonal celebrations and family festivals abound in Lake County, Illinois!
Whether you're interested in Summer festivals, Fall apple picking, Winter carriage rides, or Spring gardening, your calendar will be full of fun things to do! Check out our Lake County, Illinois Calendar of Events.
Sunday Champagne Brunch
200 N. Green Bay Road
Waukegan, IL 60085
847-336-4696
Come join us for Sunday Champagne Brunch. Serving for over 20 years - IT'S LAKE COUNTY'S BEST KEPT SECRET! Featuring Shrimp, Oysters, Freshly made Crepes, Carved Steamship Round of Beef and Virginia Baked Ham, Breakfast Items and much much more. For the Sweets among you we offer our delectable Dessert Station. Come and bring your friends, there is always endless possibilities at Saddle Ridge.
Culinary
Waukegan
ONGOING
Amber Room at Mickey Finns Brewery Amber Room at Mickey Finn's Brewery
412 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Libertyville, IL
847-362-6688
Come check out the Amber Room, Mickey Finn's newly redesigned upper-level. It features live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well as other special occasions. Thursdays generally feature acoustic music, and there is never a cover. Friday and Saturday nights feature full bands. We feature a diverse array of artists, from big-name cover bands, to up-and-coming artists, to local bands just trying to have fun a few weekends a month. Besides the great music, we have a 120-inch projection HDTV and 3 flat-screen plasmas for watching the game, a lounge area with couches, comfy chairs and a fireplace, as well as Mickey Finn's award-winning craft beers.
Come check us out for a show - you won't be disapointed. We open at 5pm Thurs.-Sat., and go until 1:30am.
Performing/Visual Arts
Libertyville
ONGOING
Chocolate Factory Tour Long Grove Confectionery
333 Lexington Dr.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847-459-0269
Toll Free: 888-459-3100
Hear a brief history of our candy kitchen. See incredible chocolates being produced as you venture down the walkway on a guided tour. Smell the chocolate aroma and finally taste a sample of our gourmet chocolate before visiting the Factory Store. Reservations Mon.-Thurs. Walkins on Sat. (free; no guarantee of live production). Call for more information.
Other
Buffalo Grove
ONGOING
Guided Tours at Volo Bog Volo Bog State Natural Area
28478 W. Brandenburg Rd.
Ingleside, IL 60050
815-344-1294
Volo Bog is Illinois' only remaining open-water quaking bog. Summer presents a progression of botanical delights. June brings water hemlock and tufted loosetrife followed by rose pogonia orchids, skullcaps and arrowhead. July presents boneset, willow herbs and smartweed. In August, more smartweeds, gerardia, and tickseed join the festival. The ever-present carnivorous pitcher plants, poison sumac, ferns and tamarack trees (not to mention birds, frogs, turtles, and other animals) all add interest to the guided bog tours. These public bog tours are open to individuals, families and small groups without reservations, however, groups of 10 or more are asked to please phone 815-344-1294 for special arrangements. Tours are about one hour.
Outdoor
Ingleside
ONGOING
Sunday Champagne Brunch at Seasons of Long Grove Seasons of Long Grove
314 Old McHenry Road
Long Grove, IL
847-634-9150
Sundays we open for our Champagne Brunch from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. which includes a bountiful buffet of Thyme Roasted Beef, Baked Ham off the Bone, Sage Roasted Turkey, Wood Planked Salmon, Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce, Cinnamon French Toast with Glazed Granny Smith Apples and many more delicious items including our Famous Sweet Table.
Other
Long Grove
ONGOING
Live Entertainment at McCarthy's McCarthy's restaurant and Irish Pub
506 Hawthorn Center
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
847-367-4704
Live Entertainment every Friday night starting at 9 p.m. For more information visit www.mccarthysrestaurant.com.
Performing/Visual Arts
Vernon Hills
ONGOING
The Tempel Lipizzans Tour and Training Sessions Tempel Lipizzans
17000 Wadsworth Rd.
Wadsworth, IL
847-244-5330
Go behind the scenes with the Tempel Lipizzans. Learn the history of the famed white stallions, their journey to America and the ongoing preservation of the breed and its training. Watch world-class dressage trainers as they prepare the horses for next year's performance season. Tour followed by a questions and answer session while watching the horses at work. Groups of 5 or more with reservations. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.
Other
Wadsworth
ONGOING
Live Entertainment at Lovells of Lake Forest Lovells of Lake Forest
915 S. Waukegan Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-234-8013
The Captain's Quarters features live music. The perfect blend of soothing jazz and contemporary sounds to wind down your week with Derrick "Suede" Stout and Company and soar into Saturday night with great music from the 60's, 70's and 80's with Bobby Rex and Guest. Friday features half price on special martinis.
Other
Lake Forest
ONGOING
Jelly Belly Virtual Tour Jelly Belly Visitor Center
10100 Jelly Belly Lane
Pleasant Prairie, WI, WI
1-866-868-7522
Free Tour and Free Samples at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center. Store hours are 9am-5pm and tour hours are 9am-4pm daily. (Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.) For more information call 1-866-868-7522.
Other
Pleasant Prairie, WI
01/01/08 - 12/31/08
WWE Pay-Per-View Kristof's Entertainment Center
421 W. Rollins Rd
Round Lake Beach, IL 60073
847-546-2512
Come and watch exciting WWE wrestling pay-per-views at our family friendly facility. Cheer on your favorite wrestler with other fans on one of our flat screen tvs.
Select Sundays throughout the Year.
$5 per person*
All Ages
Upcoming Pay-Per-Views
3/30/2008 Wrestlemania 24
4/27/2008 Backlash
5/18/2008 Judgment Day
6/1/2008 One Night Stand
6/29/2008 Vengeance
7/20/2008 Great American Bash
8/17/2008 SummerSlam
* Some pay-per-view events are $7 per person, please call 847-546-2512 for more information.
Family
Round Lake Beach
02/10/08 - 05/17/08
Bird Walks at Volo Bog State Natural Area Volo Bog State Natural Area
28478 W. Brandenburg Rd.
Ingleside, IL
815-344-1294
Winter is a great time for birding, especially for beginners. The birds are easy to see and the number of species is not overwhelming, giving time to develop identification and spotting skills. Novice and experienced birders alike enjoy the rare northern visitors such as northern shrike and long-eared owls that often frequent the winter bog landscape. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or borrow ours. Ages 7 - adult. Please make reservations at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or 815-344-1294.
Outdoor
Ingleside
03/01/08 - 10/05/08
Lambs Farm Farmyard Lambs Farm
14245 W. Rockland Rd.
Libertyville, IL 60048
847-362-4636
Lambs Farm Farmyward will be open on Saturdays and Sundays starting March 1, and open daily starting March 24. The Farmyard is a sensory experience for all ages with sheep, goats, llamas, bunnies and a 400-pound sow! The Farmyard also offers mini golf, train and carousel rides, a petting zoo and more.
Family
Libertyville
03/08/08 - 08/03/08
LP Art
27277 Forest Preserve Drive
Wauconda, IL 60084
847-968-3400
Explore more than fifty years of original album cover artwork, in this special exhibition. See some of the most memorable and inventive album covers of all time by artists like Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Beck.
Other
Wauconda
04/11/08 - 05/17/08
The College of Lake County Student Art Competition Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art - College of Lake County
19351 W. Washington St.
Grayslake, IL 60030
847-543-2240
A juried exhibit by current art students at CLC featuring: painting, drawing, computer graphics, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and sculpture.
Performing/Visual Arts
Grayslake
04/12/08 - 07/13/08
Wauconda IPRA Championship Rodeo Golden Oaks Farm
Route 12 at Case Rd.
Wauconda, IL 60084
847-526-5580
The rodeo features Barrel & Bull Riding, Saddle & Bare Back Bronc, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Food, Beer Garden, Vendors, and more. "Kevin Purcell & the Nightburners" will perform before and after the Rodeo each day. Sunday - "Family Day" will have: free Petting Zoo, $2 Pony Rides, Rock Wall, Face Painting, and Cowboys. Kids Jamboree at 1:30 p.m. the 1st. 100 kids ages 4-8 can register to participate at 1 p.m.
Family
Wauconda
ONGOING
Marina Opening Day Independence Grove Forest Preserve
16400 W. Buckley Road
Libertyville, IL
847-968-3499
Rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboat, fishing boat, comfort bike or surrey bicycle. The concession also offers bait, tackle, fishing licenses and snack. Marina opens for weekend business on April 12, and daily beginning May 26 (Memorial Day Monday).
Outdoor
Libertyville
04/26/08 - 09/20/08
Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor 2008 Season Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor
I-94 and Grand Ave.
Gurnee, IL 60031
847-249-4636
Spectacular live shows, a huge water park and rides-all for one great price...Six Flags Great America is the Midwest's ultimate vacation spot for families. Don't miss the kids' area Wiggles World and experience the new Dark Knight Coaster in total darkness.
Family
Gurnee
05/01/08 - 11/30/08
Hike Lake County: 50 Miles for 50 years Lake County Forest Preserves
Lake County Forest Preserves
Libertyville, IL
847-968-3321
This year an extension of the Hike Lake County program celebrates the Lake County Forest Preserves' 50th anniversary! Challenge yourself to hike or bike 50 miles of trails between May 1 and November 30. The regular 12-trail Hike Lake County program will still be an option for those who prefer shorter distances. A hiking shield and an additional reward can be earned this year. After May 1, look online for more information and to download a travel log. You can also pick one up at the Forest Preserve facility.
Outdoor
Libertyville
05/04/08 - 06/01/08
Dance Fest Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor
I-94 and Grand Ave
Gurnee, IL 60031
847-249-4636
Save the dates: May 4, 18 and June 1, 2008! Our Dance Fest showcase will be hosted at Six Flags Great America for the 14th year. Showcase your squads talents on stage at Six Flags.
Festival/Fair
Gurnee
05/09/08 - 05/24/08
Waiting for Godot Jack Benny Center for the Arts
39 Jack Benny Dr. - Bowen Park
Waukegan, IL
847-360-4740
A seminal work of twentieth century drama. Waiting for Godot was Samuel Beckett's first professionally produced play. It opened in Paris in 1953 at the tiny Left Bank Theatre de Babylone, and has since become a cornerstone of twentieth-century theater. The story line revolves around two seemingly homeless men waiting for someone-or something- named Godot. Vladimir and Estragon wait near a tree on a barren stretch of road, inhabiting a drama spun form their own consciousness. The result is a comical wordplay of poetry, dreamscapes, and nonsense, which has been interpreted as a somber summation of mankind's inexhaustible search for meaning. Beckett's language pioneered an expressionistic minimalism that captured the existentialism of post-World War II Europe. His play remains one of the most magical and beautiful allegories of our time.
Performing/Visual Arts
Waukegan
05/15/08 - 05/15/08
Spring Fashion Show The Village Tavern
135 Old McHenry Rd.
Long Grove, IL 60047
847-634-3117
Spring Fashion Show at 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. featuring fashions from Oliva's past, INCA's and Trio. Free gift bag with lunch reservations.
Other
Long Grove
05/16/08 - 05/16/08
Spring Wine Tasting at Lovell's of Lake Forest Lovells of Lake Forest
915 S. Waukegan Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-234-8013
Six Wine Merchants with 60-plus Wines from Around the World to Taste and Add to your Collection.
Culinary
Lake Forest
05/17/08 - 05/17/08
Vernon Hills Springfest Vernon Hills Metra Station
75 E. Route 45
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
847-367-3700
This is a Family event in the day & night. We will be having live music. Inflatable, kids crafts during the day FREE. Other great plans TBA. Food will be supplied by all the Non-Profits. Check out our Web site for updates! ALL FREE FUN!!!
Festival/Fair
Vernon Hills
05/17/08 - 05/18/08
Midwest Bonsai Society Spring Show and Sale Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd.
Glencoe, IL
847-835-5440
This spring show highlights flowering bonsai, bonsai on rocks and Suiseki, which is the Japanese art of stones. Free demonstrations and lectures will be held in the auditorium on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday at 10 a.m. Presented by the Midwest Bonsai Society, this event features hundreds of specimen on display or for sale
Other
Glencoe
05/17/08 - 05/17/08
Historic House Walk MainStreet Libertyville
133 E. Cook Ave.
Libertyville, IL
847-680-0336
See some of Libertyville's favorite architectural gems.
Other
Libertyville
05/18/08 - 05/18/08
Ragdale Presents Dave King The Ragdale Foundation
1260 N. Green Bay Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-234-1063 ex
Spend an afternoon at Ragdale with tea, pastries and a reading and discussion with Dave King, bestselling author of The Ha-Ha and Ragdale's 2008 Strand Invitational Fellow. Dave King holds a BFA in painting and film from Cooper Union and an MFA in writing from Columbia University. The Ha-Ha has received wide recognition and several awards including being named one of the best books of 2005 by the Washington Post. Reservation is required.
Other
Lake Forest
05/18/08 - 05/18/08
Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon Oak Spring Canoe Launch
Libertyville, IL
847-604-2445
51st. annual. Paddle or watch, but definitely don't miss the largest canoe race in illinois. This 19.5-mile race begins at the Oak Spring Canoe Launch in Libertyville and ends at Dam #2 in Mount Prospect. Compete in one of 24 classes or just paddle for fun. Not a paddler? View the racers at any spot where a Forest Preserve crosses the river - the dam at Ryerson Woods is especially popular.
Outdoor
Libertyville
05/18/08 - 05/18/08
Bonner Farm Spring Fling Bonner Farm
Sand Lake Rd. west of Rt. 45
Lindenhurst, IL
847-968-3400
Get into the swing of spring at Bonner Heritage Farm! Enjoy a variety of spring-themed activities, crafts and demonstrations. Wagon rides, farm animals, food and entertainment round out the afternoon. Be sure to take a guided tour of the Bonner farmhouse and barns. This is a unique opportunity to view historic buildings not yet open to the public!
Festival/Fair
Lindenhurst
05/20/08 - 05/20/08
Ragdale Presents Joan Anderson The Ragdale Foundation
1260 N. Green Bay Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-234-1063 ex
Join bestselling author Joan Anderson for lunch as she shares her musings on love, marriage, growing older, family, aging parents, and spirituality. She will also read from her new book. Joan is the bestselling author of A Year by the Sea, An Unfinished Marriage and A Walk on the Beach. She is a renowned public speaker and leads sold-out retreats around the country. Her new book is The Second Journey: The Road Back to Yourself. Reservations is required.
Other
Lake Forest
05/21/08 - 05/21/08
Car Fun on 21 MainStreet Libertyville
Church St.
Libertyville, IL
847-680-0336
Enjoy live bands and shiny machines on Church St. between Milwaukee and Brainerd.
