Things To Do This Weekend May 12-14, 2023
By: Jeff Randolph 05/08/2023
It's Mother's Day Weekend here in the land of the lakes, and plenty is going on to help celebrate Mom. We must remember to pay homage to all the matriarchal figures. Let's look at things to do in Lake County this weekend, May 12-14, 2023.
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Pinch a tent and enjoy the outdoors in Zion. A fair featuring creations made by artisans with sustainability in mind occurs in Riverwoods. A musical performance by a group of musicians that radiates a sonic potpourri of unity and prosperity is in Grayslake. Share some tea with Mom in Lake Villa. A pop-up museum for the kids is in Waukegan. Here we look at the top five things to do this weekend, May 12-14, 2023.
1. Camping at Illinois State Beach Park in Zion
Camping season is officially in session. What better way to kick off your spring than going to Illinois Beach State Park for an overnight stay along Lake Michigan? The Illinois Department of Natural Resources area, or Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach, provides visitors with fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, and other outdoor activities. The campsite is located in the southern unit of the state park, with access to electricity, showers, and sanitary facilities. Upon arrival, visitors must obtain a camping permit from the park staff. The campsite is first-come, first-serve, and reservations are recommended. Campers can take a trip up the bike trail northbound to the state park's North Point Marina, more fishing and swimming opportunities, a boat launch, and beach volleyball. North Point Marina is also home to Lake County's first lakeside beer garden, Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Biergarten. The Lake County Libation Trail partner offers an array of in-house brews, food trucks, eats, and live tunes. North Point Marina also houses two restaurants. Nolan Restaurant, located inside Illinois Beach Hotel, also serves campers located south of the campgrounds. Visit DNR.Illinois.gov for reservations and a map. The Zion campground is open to the public through December 30.
Friday-Sunday, May 12-14. Illinois Beach State Park, 1 Lake Front Dr., Zion.
2. Mother Earth Market at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods
Calling all local artisans and organizations inspired by their environment: the Mother Earth Market at Ryerson Woods is working towards a more sustainable future. The Riverwoods market celebrates local artisans, makers, vendors, and organization vendors creating art, goods, and collectibles made from recycled materials and elements in Lake County. During the festival, shop the artists' boutiques, participate in community classes like yoga, learn about local organizations, hear live music performances, educate your kids with activities by Elawa Farm of Lake Forest, and more. The community classes reflect diverse voices and explore themes of justice, freedom, identity, and expansion of the natural world narratives. In addition, the Ryerson Woods market provides a live online presale through Friday at 5 p.m. at BrushwoodCenter.org.
Friday-Sunday, May 12-14; Fri.: Online only till 5 p.m., Sat.: In-person at the Brushwood Center 9 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sun.: In-person at the Brushwood Center 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods. Rd., Riverwoods.
3. Gangstagrass at James Lumber Center for Performing Arts at College of Lake County in Grayslake
Genre-bending group Gangstagrass graces the James Lumber Center of the Performing Arts in Grayslake for a can't-miss performance. The Brooklyn, NY-based group blends hip-hop and bluegrass music to create its unique sound. The bar-spitting, axe-strumming band gained fame from its quarterfinal finish on NBC reality-game show "America's Got Talent" in 2021. Gangstagrass also experienced exposure as the FX Network Western drama "Justified" utilized the song "Long Hard Times to Come" as its opening theme song from 2010-15. In addition, the nearly 20-year-old band notched the no. 1 position on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart with their 2020 album "No Time For Enemies." Concert-goers can purchase tickets at JLCenter.CLCIllinois.Edu or call the box office at 847-543-2300.
Sunday, May 14; 7 p.m. Tickets: $23. James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.
4. Mommy Me and Tea at Susanna Farms in Lake Villa
"I want a clean cup. Let's all move one place on," – the Mad Hatter from "Alice in Wonderland." For the family patriarch's holiday this weekend, treat her out for a Susanna Farm "spot" at Mommy and Me Tea. The Lake Villa farm encourages visitors to dress in their Sunday best or scuzziest for a lovely afternoon, highlighted by small eats, Petit Fours, and tea. The event also features feeding the chickens, a ride with Peanut the Pony, grooming the hairdo of Danny the Donkey, games, and more. RSVP at SusannaFarms.net.
Saturday, May 13, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Admission: $25 per person. Susanna Farms, 24153 Town Line Rd., Lake Villa.
5. Kohl Children's Museum Pop-Up at Belvidere Discount Mall in Waukegan
The Kohl Children's Museum makes its triumphant return to Lake County, and this time it's at Waukegan's Belvidere Mall. The interactive pop-up museum features Imagination Playground, Air Mazing, Science & You, Art Studio, and Reading New and Learn at Home exhibits. The Imagination Playground encourages youngsters to explore construction utilizing oversized building blocks. The Air Mazing exhibit experiments with oxygen flow, wind tubes, and Bernoulli blowers. The Science & You display creates an environment for kids to explore science instruments and health science. Finally, the Learn at Home exhibition serves fun activities to take home and continue hands-on learning beyond the museum. "The Place Where Awesome Lives" runs a free admission facility open Thursdays and Saturdays through late June.
Saturday, May 13; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Belvidere Mall, 2117 Belvidere Rd., Waukegan.
For the Ultimate Guide to Mother's Day in Lake County 2023, click here.
To see more things to do this weekend May 12-14, 2023, click here.
