Things To Do This Weekend May 10-12, 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 05/08/2024

Mother's Day weekend is here and there's plenty of things to do in Lake County for everyone! Find something to do for the special woman in your life this weekend, May 10-12, 2024.

This weekend in Lake County is packed with events for everyone! Celebrate Mother's Day by visiting the Native Plant Sale at Independence Grove, explore the Mother Earth Market at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, enjoy comedy with Henry Cho and Ballet Folklórico at Genesee Theatre, or indulge in delicious food and brews at Maifest in Long Grove, and don't miss out on Bonfire & Brews: Food Truck Frenzy at Viking Park hosted by Gurnee Park District! Here we look at the top five things to do this weekend, May 10-12, 2024.

1. Native Plant Sale at Independence Grove

Spring is in full bloom, and what better way to celebrate than by adding some native plants to your garden? The annual Native Plant Sale at Independence Grove Forest Preserve is where you need to be. The event promises a variety of native plant species, including flowers, ferns, forbs and grasses. As you peruse the plant selection, experts will be on hand to offer advice and information on eco-friendly practices that benefit your home, wallet and community. It's not just about buying plants; it's about making informed choices that contribute to a healthier environment. The Native Plant Sale is an opportunity to beautify your surroundings with plants that are native to the area, while also supporting environmental education initiatives. After selecting your plants, stop by the Beer Garden at Independence Grove for a vast selection of brews from the Lake County Libation Trail. Visit the Libertyville Lake County Forest Preserve District facility for a weekend of green thumbs and great finds! For more information about the Native Plant Sale, visit LCFPD.org

Saturday-Sunday, May 11-12; Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville.

2. Mother Earth Market at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods

The Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods is gearing up to host its 3rd annual Mother Earth Market, a celebration of local artists, makers, vendors and organizations inspired by Mother Earth and dedicated to creating a more sustainable future. The Riverwoods market is an annual event held every Spring for Mother’s Day, offering an array of activities, presentations, performances, drop-in art activities, classes and more. This year's market promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family highlighted by yoga, composting demos and culinary vendors For further details, visit BrushwoodCenter.org.

Saturday, May 11- 12; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 12-5 p.m. Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods. 

3. Henry Cho and Ballet Folkrico at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan

The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan is gearing up for a weekend filled with culture and comedy, featuring Ballet Folklórico Tayahua and comedian Henry Cho. Get ready for a night of laugh-out-loud comedy with Henry Cho’s "From Here to There Tour 2024." The Knoxville, TN native promises to make you crack a smile with his wholesome and family-friendly humor. Henry Cho is known for his clean comedy, avoiding profanity and objectionable material, making his act suitable for audiences of all ages. In 2023, Cho became the first comedian in 50 years to be inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, making him the first Asian-American ever to receive this honor. Following the talented Cho’s set on Friday, return on Saturday for Ballet Folklórico Tayahua (BFT) as they present "A Night in Mexico" at the Genesee Theatre. BFT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching children traditional Mexican dance while celebrating the culture’s diversity. With beautiful choreography, colorful costumes and enchanting music, this family-friendly show promises to saturate your senses and leave you with a deeper appreciation for Mexican culture. Whether you're in the mood for a night of mesmerizing dance or a barrel of laughs, there's something for everyone at the Genesee. To purchase your ticket, visitors can call directly at 847-263-6300 or head to GeneseeTheatre.com

Friday-Saturday, May 10-11. Henry Cho: Friday, May 11; 8 p.m. Tickets starting at $30. Ballet Folkórico: Saturday, May 11; 6 p.m. Admission starting at $20. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. 

4. Maifest at Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove

Welcome the new season in style at the second installment of Maifest hosted by Buffalo Creek Brewing. Spring’s answer to Oktoberfest, Maifest (pronounced My-fest) is a German tradition celebrated in May to usher in the new season. At the Long Grove brewery, this ancient rite of dancing around the maypole comes alive in their two-acre biergarten. Enjoy live German folk music headlined by Alpine Thunder, setting the perfect festive atmosphere. The event also features a Bavarian-themed food truck, games, raffles and new beer releases. Partial proceeds from the raffle will benefit Misericordia, a non-profit organization dedicated to maximizing the potential of individuals with developmental disabilities. Visit the Lake County Libation Trail partner in the celebration of spring and help make a difference in the community. To learn more about Maifest, visit BuffaloCreekBrewing.com.

Friday-Saturday, May 10-11. Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove. 

5. Bonfire & Brews: Food Truck Frenzy at Gurnee Park District

 

 

 

 

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After last Saturday's weather delay, Bonfire and Brews: Food Truck Frenzy is back and better than ever! Join the Gurnee community for a sizzling night of delicious food, refreshing brews and cozy vibes at Viking Park. Savor delicious flavors from local food trucks offering a variety of culinary delights. Groove to the tunes of Matt Nanke as the sun sets and the stars appear and compete in games with friends. Besides the flavors and sounds, Axe Legends will be in attendance to try your luck at hatchet tossing. Proceeds from the Exchange Club of Gurnee's drink sales will support local nonprofits that provide services for the youth of Gurnee, including child abuse prevention organizations. Don't miss out on this evening of food, brews, music and fun under the stars at Viking Park. This event is for indivuals ages 21 and older. For more information, visit GurneeParkDistrict.org.

Friday, May 10; 7-10 p.m. Admission $10. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee. 

For the Ultimate Guide to Mother's Day in Lake County 2024, click here.

To see more things to do this weekend May 10-12, 2024, click here.