Things To Do This Weekend January 27-29, 2023
By: Jeff Randolph 01/26/2023
With cold temperatures and snow on the ground for the first time in 2023, Lake County is a winter wonderland. Bundle up because a variety of things are happening in the land of the lakes this weekend. Let's look at things to do this weekend, January 27-29, 2023.
It's the final weekend of Dry January. Remember that our annual spotlight of local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, the Lake County Libation Trail Month and Check-In Challenge kicks off next week. To learn more about this month-long celebration, be sure to click here.
Big things are happening on the stage in Lincolnshire. A brewery in Long Grove transports you to an alpine ski lodge. A Sunday concert in Waukegan features a band that touches all musical genres. There is a new exhibit at a Libertyville museum. Learn more about the historical parts of Waukegan. Let's look at the top five things to do this weekend, January 27-29, 2023.
Visit the Marriott Theatre and witness a tale that keeps guessing what is and what isn't real. "Big Fish" tells the story of Will, whose father lies dying in a hospital bedridden with cancer. The Lincolnshire production’s protagonist seeks to mend the strained relationship that he has had with his father, Edward. But to begin the healing process, Will has to sort through numerous stories his father told him throughout his life. The son parses his father’s history to sort out factual and fictional information. "Big Fish" is a musical stage performance adapted from Daniel Wallace's 1988 book of the same name. Director Tim Burton also created a 2003 film adaptation. The show runs on select days through March 19.
Friday-Sunday, January 27-29; Fri.: 8 p.m., Sat.: 4 and 8 p.m., Sun.: 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets: $50-$60. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
The ski vibe in Long Grove is real. The Lake County Libation Trail partner is hosting imbibers for its Après Biergarten all winter. However, Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. is throwing its inaugural indoor/outdoor Alpine Fest. The free admission party is highlighted by live music, a food truck, a few contests like a stein-holding in the snow competition and more. Bring the youngsters as the Long Grove brewery will serve hot chocolate.
Friday-Saturday, January 27-28; Fri.: noon-11 p.m., Sat.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Buffalo Creek Brewing Co., 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove.
“If you’re gonna tell them everything, tell ‘em I’m a good kisser.” Lake Street Dive’s “Gather Round Sounds Tour” triumphantly returns to Lake County this weekend as they take the stage Sunday evening at Genesee Theatre. The genre-soup, five-piece band originated in Boston, where most members attended the New England Conservatory of Music. Lake Street Dive has released seven studio albums, including “Side Pony,” which hit no. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Rock Chart, and “Free Yourself Up,” which peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. Visit the Waukegan mainstage to listen to this eclectic collective’s acoustic gig performing hit songs like “Hypotheticals,” “Good Kisser,” “Know What I Know,” “What I’m Doing Here” and more.
Sunday, January 29; 7 p.m. Tickets: $60-$102. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
Arrive Curious and leave inspired at the Lake County Forest Preserve’s Bess Bower Dunn Museum. The Libertyville cultural venue showcases its newest exhibit, “Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad.” The shutter bugging curator of the display, Jeanine Michna-Bales, has researched “fugitive” enslaved black people and followed their paths via imagery of how they escaped to freedom. The series features dramatic coloring, ephemera and narratives that tell the story of the Underground Railroad from as far south as Natchitoches, Louisiana to north of the Canadian border. The Dunn Museum is also highlighted by four other immersive exhibits including the facility’s iconic dryptosaurus, the prehistoric Lake County dinosaur resident. The Michna-Bales exhibit is open through March 19 and is available in person and virtually.
Saturday-Sunday, January 28-29; Sat.: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun.: noon-4:30 p.m. Admission: $3-$10. Bess Bower Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.
Once known as the Haines House, one of the oldest buildings in Illinois, it portrays the life of the Victorian period in 1870s Waukegan through the use of carefully researched relics. Besides the rich history of Waukegan, the museum also features antiques from Jack Benny's early Vaudeville days, the bed Abe Lincoln slept on while visiting the city, information on Waukegan-resident and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ray Bradbury, “Baseball in Waukegan” and so much more.
Saturday, January 28; noon-3 p.m. Free admission. Waukegan History Museum in Bowen Park, 1917 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan.
There are plenty activities celebrating the season. For a list of winter festivals in Lake County click here.
Click here to see more things to do this weekend January 27-29, 2023.
