Things To Do This Weekend March 17-19, 2023
By: Jeff Randolph 03/13/2023
St. Patrick's Day is officially on March 17, but like most years, the celebration of Irish culture has found a way to extend the festivities into two consecutive weekends. It's also the last weekend of winter, so there is plenty to do in the land of the lakes. Let's look at things to do this weekend March 17-19, 2023.
Local artisans are showcased throughout Downtown Waukegan. A MainStreet Libertyville mainstay celebrates St. Patrick's Day lavishly. It's your last chance to catch a "big fish" in Lincolnshire. Take a picture with a floppy-eared friend in Vernon Hills. Local chambers bring the party to Mundelein. Let's look at the top five things to do this weekend, March 17-19, 2023.
1. ArtWauk in Downtown Waukegan
The city's famed ArtWauk "paints" the town with sculptures, film, theatre, comedy, music, performance art, food, and more. The free admission Saturday art event opens the doors to all art galleries throughout Waukegan. So fill your artistic void with the ever-extravagant monthly ArtWauk in Downtown Waukegan. In addition to the portraits, sculptures, and other creative vibes, munch on some delicious dining options downtown or feel the flow of the tunes from the live entertainment. Lake County Libation Trail partners Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing, Zümbier, and Oppidan Spirits offer delectable brews and spirits in the downtown area. The Dandelion Art Gallery showcases its "Familiar Places" Art exhibits featuring the works of Jesus Ortega and Susan Schneider. The Ray Bradbury-themed studio's evening festivities include a community canvas, artist meet and greet, live demonstrations, and more running on select days through April 8. The Dandelion Gallery & Studio also displays its Honoring Women's Month at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts in Bowen Park. The Belvidere Discount Mall across town shows the 1988 renowned animated musical adventure flick "Oliver and Company" starring Joey Lawrence, Billy Joel, Bette Midler, and Cheech Marin at 4 p.m. The Belvidere screenings run during the colder months of ArtWauk through March 18.
Saturday, March 18; 4-9 p.m. Various locations in Waukegan.
2. St. Patrick's Day Weekend at Mickey Finn's in Libertyville
Traditional cuisines like corned beef, cabbage, fish and chips, and beer specials highlight the Lake County Libation Trail participant's celebration. Mickey Finn's Brewery and 95 WIIL Rock host its annual live broadcast show at the MainStreet Libertyville St. Patrick's Day party. Tom Keif of the aforementioned active rock radio broadcast goes live at 7:30-9:30 a.m., complemented by a complimentary Irish-style breakfast and its three St. Paddy's Day themed- brews like St. Pat's Irish Ale, Hacket Irish Stout, and 95.1 FM Tom's Irish Goodbye IPA. The day continues with live Gaelic tunes by the Bridgeport Ramblers, the Guilties, and Hearthfire in the afternoon and evening. Return the remainder of the weekend to eat the traditional eats, watch March Madness, and view live performances, including the 1990s cover band Winnie Cooper on Saturday.
Friday-Sunday, March 17-19; various times. Mickey Finn's Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
3. "Big Fish" at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
Visit the Marriott Theatre and witness a tale that keeps you guessing what is and 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. Director Tim Burton also created a 2003 film adaptation. The show closes its curtains this weekend.
Friday-Sunday, March 17-19; Fri.: 8 p.m., Sat.: 4 and 8 p.m. and Sun.: 1 p.m. Tickets: $60. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
4. Photos with the Bunny at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills
Make your Easter egg-cellent this year, hop around Lake County, and prepare for your best selfie! Bounce over to the Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills in their Easter Bunny garden set in your finest attire and say cheese for a picture-perfect experience to "dye" for. Photographers in attendance provide different price points. If you hear rhythmic tapping in the distance, follow your ears and view the O'Hare Irish and Sheila Healy Academy of Irish Dancers on March 18 in the lower H&M Court from 1-3 p.m. The Vernon Hills mall's meet and greet with that wascally wabbit runs daily from March 17-April 8. Hawthorn also runs a pet photos event with the bunny on March 27 and April 3 and a rendezvous with the sensory bunny on March 26.
Friday-Sunday, March 17-19; Fri.: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat.: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun.: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills.
5. 11th Annual GLMV Extreme Block Party Family Expo and "Taste of the Towns" in Mundelein
Take the family out for a day of adventure as the GLMV Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Multi-Chamber Extreme Block Party Family Expo & Taste of the Towns. This event will feature 100-plus local vendors, live entertainment, 50+ raffle prizes, face painting, food samples, product demonstrations from local eateries, and so much more. Live performances from the Famous Traveling World of Reptiles Show begin at 1:30 p.m., while the Kirk Players and School of Rock perform at noon. The general raffle begins at 2:50 p.m. This festive event is for all ages and is free of admission.
Saturday, March 18; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Libertyville-Mundelein, 510 Illinois Route 83, Mundelein.
If you're looking for somewhere to watch the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in Lake County we have a list for you right here.
Click here to see more things to do this weekend March 17-19, 2023.
