Things To Do This Weekend October 20-22, 2023
By: Stephanie Wylie 10/17/2023
Greetings, Lake County enthusiasts! As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps across our picturesque county, it brings with it a sense of enchantment and excitement. Get ready to dive into a weekend filled with spine-chilling adventures, laughter and family-friendly festivities, all set against Lake County's fall landscape. So, whether you enjoy eerie adventures, family frolics or captivating performances, Lake County has something special for you this weekend. Explore the magic of fall, Lake County's charm and the spooky season's thrill.
Let's look at things to do in Lake County this weekend, October 20-22.
Lake County invites you to embark on the Spooks and Spirits Check-In Challenge through October 31! Throughout this thrilling challenge, experience the flavors of the Lake County Libation Trail’s wineries, breweries and distilleries by checking in at five or more locations via mobile app. One lucky winner will receive a 95 WIIL Rock party bus to visit three of your favorite Lake County Libation Trail venues. So, gather your courage, grab your phone and get ready to delve into the wonders that Lake County has to offer. Click here to learn about the Spooks and Spirits Lake County Autumn Celebration.
Prepare for a hair-raising escapade as ArtWauk undergoes a spine-tingling transformation into ZombieWauk in downtown Waukegan! For Halloween, the monthly celebration of artistic wonders takes a chilling turn, welcoming the undead to roam the streets. Brace yourself for an evening of eerie art displays, ghostly melodies and captivating performances, promising an extraordinary and unforgettable adventure. Dive into the mysterious realm of art as downtown Waukegan springs to life with intriguing exhibits. Don't miss the hair-raising Dead Man's Carnival, bone-rattling DJ’s and the Frank Fitzgerald exhibit at Dandelion Gallery. Stop by Nightshade and Dark's zombie makeup event by the Waukegan School Foundation makeup artists. Get ready for an unforgettable journey where art, culture, and the supernatural collide! Amidst your exploration of the world of art and the Walking Dead, take a respite and relish a delectable dinner at one of downtown Waukegan's fine restaurants In addition to ZombieWauk, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Dia de Muertos at the Jack Benny Center. This vibrant Waukegan Park District celebration will feature colorful altar exhibits, art vendors showcasing intricate crafts, delectable food offerings, soul-stirring music, captivating dance presentations and engaging sugar skull workshops. It's a cultural extravaganza that promises an enriching experience for the whole family. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey where art, culture and the supernatural collide! For more information about the two events, visit ArtWauk.com and/or WaukeganParks.org.
Saturday, October 21; 5-9 p.m. Free Admission. Downtown Waukegan, various locations on Genesee, Clayton and Washington Streets and Grand Avenue, Waukegan. Saturday, October 21; 1-4 p.m. Free Admission. Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Dr., Waukegan.
Prepare for a Deerfield Halloween extravaganza brimming with spine-tingling delights and laughter! Halloween Hoopla invites you to an afternoon of family-friendly merriment, set to become the highlight of your Halloween season. Dive into many games, from the pumpkin ring toss to the mummy wrap races, offering enjoyment for everyone. Embark on a hayride through the picturesque autumn landscape, relishing the crisp air and scenic fall views. Engage in trick-or-treating as little ones visit diverse stations to gather Halloween treats. Encounter beloved characters donning costumes, bringing your favorite stories and fairy tales to vibrant life. Witness the skill of balloon twisters crafting intricate designs, talented face painters and a magician who will leave you spellbound. Prepare your costumes, secure your wristbands and join the Deerfield Park District for an enchanting Halloween experience! Visit DeerfieldParks.org to register in advance. Door admission is cash only.
Saturday, October 21; 2-4:30 p.m. Admission: $10 Residents. $15 Non-Residents. Jewett Park, 836 Jewett Park Dr., Deerfield.
Plan for a Halloween spectacular like never before! Great Wolf Lodge Illinois invites your family into the magical realm of Howl-o-Ween. Throughout October, every day transforms into a costume party! Encourage your little ones to unleash their creativity, transforming into favorite characters, superheroes, or spooky creatures. Dive into a world of fa-BOO-lous events crafted to enchant visitors of all ages.
Dive into the thrilling waterpark adventure featuring water slides, wave pools, and interactive play areas, promising endless splashes and laughter for all ages. Take a break from the water and head to the bowling alley, where strikes and spares await in a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere. For those who prefer a slower pace, the mini-golf course offers a delightful challenge. Experience interactive storytelling, captivating magic shows and pumpkin carving activities that bring out the artist in your kids. Embark on a magical journey along the Trick or Treat Trail, where each twist reveals sweet surprises! Little goblins can fill their treat bags with delectable candies, chocolates and goodies, making this trail a Howl-o-Ween highlight.
If one night of Halloween isn't enough for your family, grab your costumes and head to the Gurnee waterpark resort for a month-long Howl-o-Ween celebration. Immerse yourselves in the wonder of the season, create unforgettable memories, and let the enchantment of Halloween fill your hearts. Get ready for a spooktacular adventure that will leave your family howling with delight! The Great Wolf Lodge Illinois event runs daily through October 31. Visit GreatWolf.com to book a night or more.
Friday-Sunday, October 20-22. Room rates and water park passes start at $409.99. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.
Prepare for an exceptional afternoon of family-friendly entertainment at Deer Park Town Center's Fall Bash. Let your kids groove to the beats at their lively DJ Dance Party, where music and fun collide in a vibrant dance celebration! Be enchanted by the mesmerizing talents of magicians, showcasing their incredible tricks and illusions that will leave you in awe. Unleash your creativity at their mini pumpkin decorating station, where your imagination knows no bounds. Engage in thrilling craft activities sponsored by Bright Horizons Daycare, offering a plethora of colorful creations and imaginative projects for every artistic soul. Marvel at the skill of balloon artists as they transform ordinary balloons into extraordinary designs, adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere. Witness the artistry of a local artisan as they breathe life into pumpkins through intricate carving, a captivating demonstration highlighting the beauty of pumpkin artistry. The Deer Park Fall Bash festivities are located in the traffic circle to Pottery Barn.
Saturday, October 21; noon-3 p.m. Free admission. Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park.
Calling all enthusiasts of fine spirits and cocktail connoisseurs! Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of distillation, mixology and history at the renowned North Shore Distillery this weekend. Lake County’s first distillery has been teasing about a new limited edition spirit release party for weeks. The Lake County Libation Trail partner regularly creates an annual innovative spirit, and these beverages may become one of the focal points on the North Shore Distillery menu. The Illinois Made member produces gins, rums, vodkas, absinthes and more. The Green Oaks facility provides cocktail aficionados a happy hour portion before they unveil the new spirit from 4-6 p.m., where drinks are $3 off. In the past, the wife-husband co-owners Sonja and Derek Kassebaum have created intriguing spirits like Beehive Curaçao, For Peat’s Sake Whiskey, Eye of Newt and more. During October, you can visit and note your attendance at the Green Oaks distillery during the Spooks and Spirits Check-in Challenge through October 31 to win a 95 WIIL Rock bus tour by visiting three of your favorite Lake County Libation Trail partners. For more information about the mystery spirit release party, visit NorthShoreDistillery.com. To learn more about and register for the Spooks and Spirits Check-in Challenge, head to VisitLakeCounty.org.
Sunday, October 20; 4-10 p.m. North Shore Distillery, 13990 Rockland Rd., Green Oaks.
For more things to do this weekend, October 20-22, click here.
