Things To Do This Weekend February 24-26, 2023
By: Jeff Randolph 02/21/2023
We are heading into the final weekend in February and closing out the last full month of winter. As we look ahead to spring with great optimism, let's not forget about the warmer temps that will be here...eventually. Let's look at things to do this weekend, February 24-26, 2023.
Lake County is renowned for its live theatre community. For a look at the spring-summer theatre schedules in Lake County click here.
They are creating a Roaring 20's vibe at the fairgrounds. The high school in Zion has a celebratory program for Black History Month. It could get sticky at Ryerson Woods. They are taking the plunge in Fox Lake. The College of Lake County brings a Shakespeare character to the stage. Let's look at the top five things to do this weekend, February 24-26, 2023.
Visit the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center “Speakeasy” in Grayslake for the annual Lake County Craft Beer Fest. Party-goers ages 21 and older experience superior craft beers, tasty spirits, wine, and delicious Lake County eats. The February fest also features a 1920s prohibition theme highlighted by live tunes, axe throwing, and an escape room. Admission includes 25 beer/beverage sampling tickets and a souvenir glass. The event also features food, vendors, and games. Lake County Libation Trail (LCLT) partners in attendance at this event include Black Lung Brewing Company in Round Lake Beach, Bosacki’s Brewery and Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein, Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove, Half Day Brewing Co. in Lincolnshire, Glunz Family Winery & Cellars and Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake, Liquid Love Brewing in Buffalo Grove, Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville, Harbor Brewing Co. in Winthrop Harbor and Lake Villa, Phase Three Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich, 9th Hour Brewing Co. in Lake Villa and more. In addition, attendees dressed to impress as a flapper, a gangster, or a silent film star could win its Dress to Kill 1920s Glamour contest which includes a $100 and two VIP tickets to the 2024 edition of this event. Since it is the final weekend of the Lake County Libation Trail Month/Check-in Challenge, the Grayslake facility is a check-in location for a chance to win an LCLT commemorative shirt. Visit LCFairgrounds.com to buy tickets.
Saturday, February 25; 4-9 p.m. Tickets: $10-$80. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.
For over 30 years, the City of Zion hosted its annual Black History Program. Zion-Benton High School and the Zion Park District organized a program that includes a diaspora of singing, dancing, guest speakers, and poets. The family-friendly celebration also provides a delicious luncheon following the program. Black History Month is not only celebrated in the United States but also an annual observance in Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. However, just the two aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries celebrate it in February. Historian Carter G. Woodson created it in 1926, as it falls in the same month as notable Civil Rights figures Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Saturday, February 25; noon-3 p.m. Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 21st St., Zion.
Who doesn’t like waffles, pancakes, or French toast doused in syrup? To kick off the sweet sap hikes looming in March, the Lake County Forest Preserves (LCFPD) will host its inaugural, free-admission Maple Syrup Festival at Edwards L. Ryerson Conservation Area, known as Ryerson Woods. Families are invited to the LCFPD entity to learn about the maple syrup process, stop by education stations along the trail, and do other activities. Daisy from PBS Kids’ program “Nature Cat” will be in attendance for a meet and greet. The family won’t be sappy about attending, but maple they’ll be enticed, especially just days before and after National Pancake Day (on March 12).
Saturday, February 25; 9-11 a.m. Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods.
Dive headfirst as brave souls dip in the frozen waters and chill out at Fox Lake’s Polar Plunge. After a breezy walk in Nippersink Lake, a warm lunch will be provided for plungers for $5 (benefits go towards the Special Olympics). Ice divers can win prizes depending on how many funds you and/or your team build. Participants receive a commemorative sweatshirt while supplies last. Individuals who don’t receive their 2023 Polar Plunge sweatshirt on event day will obtain their garb by late April. Be sure to dress to impress by wearing your best costume to take on the frigid waters. All plungers receive a to-go soup from a local Fox Lake business. To register for the Fox Lake Polar Plunge, visit PlungeIllinois.com. “Be cool. Take the plunge.” The plunge proceeds help raise money for the Special Olympics Illinois.
Sunday, February 26; Registration: 10 a.m., Plunge: noon. Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Rd., Fox Lake.
The College of Lake County’s James Lumber Center of the Performing Artist stages its unique play “Desdemona: A Play about a Handkerchief.” The protagonist Desdemona is a character in Shakespeare’s play “Othello.” Desdemona wed Othello, which ultimately angered her senator father. The Grayslake “play about a handkerchief” follows the title character with a tad of humor while also visiting the role of women through centuries. This Grayslake three-day presentation squelches the idea that Desdemona is naive and explores issues facing women today, like work, class, friendship, abuse, and survival. For tickets, visit JLCenter.CLCIllinois.edu or call 847-543-2300. Attendees can receive a buy one, get one free ticket by calling the box office.
Friday-Sunday, February 24-26; Fri. and Sat.: 7:30 p.m., Sun.: 2 p.m. Tickets: $8. James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.
For a comprehesnive guide to the Lake County Libation Trail 2023 click here.
Click here to see more things to do this weekend February 24-26, 2023.
