Things To Do This Weekend May 15-17, 2026

By: Sam Ornig 05/14/2026

Breathe in the fresh spring air and check out some of Lake County's top events this weekend. With the arrival of the warmer weather comes loads of outdoor fun for the whole family. Soak up some sun at this weekend's Chocolate Fest in Long Grove and then head to Lake Zurich's Water Lantern Festival for an evening activity. Listen to the calming sounds of nature during a Spring Campout in Highland Park, or maybe you'd prefer to hear the sirens of fire trucks and police cars at the First Responders Expo in Gurnee. Get a taste of spring herbs and flavors at Elawa Farm's May Farm Dinner. No matter your preference, Lake County promises an event for everyone this lovely spring weekend. 

Here we look at the top five things to do this weekend, May 15-17, 2026. 

1. Water Lantern Festival in Lake Zurich

Create magical memories with friends and family at Lake Zurich’s Water Lantern Festival. Each attendee will receive a lantern they can personalize with drawings, messages to loved ones and their hopes and dreams. At sunset, the lanterns will be released, creating a glowing spectacle that will light up the lake. Visit with community members for an evening of reflection, connection and celebration. The festival will also include live music, a scavenger hunt and food trucks and other vendors. Visit www.waterlanternfestival.com to learn more.

Saturday, May 16; 5:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $32.99 per person and include an entry wristband for festival access, one festival kit with a lantern and other goodies and entry into the scavenger hunt giveaway. At the event cost is $57.99. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.

2. 27th Annual First Responders Expo in Gurnee

Once again, Gurnee Mills will pack its parking lot with fire trucks, police cars, ambulances and more for the 27th Annual First Responders Expo. Over 45 police and fire departments from across the region will lead live demonstrations, present interactive fire safety and crime prevention displays and offer free giveaways during this family-friendly event. Through demonstrations featuring K-9 teams, a bomb squad and robot, crash extrication and live fire, families will learn about public safety in a fun way. Children can slide down a fire pole, participate in a challenging obstacle course and more! This event draws thousands of visitors every year, and you won’t want to miss it. Learn more at Simon.com/Mall/Gurnee-Mills.

Saturday, May 16; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Gurnee Mills Parking Lot E (by Floor and Decor), 6170 West Grand Ave., Gurnee.

3. Long Grove's 26th Annual Chocolate Fest

It’s that time of year again–Historic Long Grove’s 26th Annual Chocolate Fest is back, promising a weekend of sweet treats, chocolate treasures and amazing memories. This three-day event features a lineup of live music and fun for the whole family, including shopping at the local boutiques, carnival rides and games, a chocolate pie eating contest and a Chocolate Scavenger Hunt. Feast on an array of chocolate themed foods and drinks, like chocolate-covered bananas, burgers with chocolate sauce, frozen hot chocolate and homemade fudge. Live performances are headlined by Whiskey Friends (Morgan Wallen tribute), Funky Monks (Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute), Mr. Blotto (a Woodstock tribute) and so much more. For more information, visit LongGrove.org.

Friday-Sunday, May 15-17; Friday: noon-11 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. General admission is $7 per day. Children ages 12 and under are free. Discounted three day passes are available online only. Free parking is available but limited. Historic Downtown Long Grove, various locations on Old McHenry and Rober Parker Coffin Roads.

4. May Farm Dinner: Elawa in Bloom at Elawa Farm

Elawa Farm will host an exclusive May Farm Dinner to celebrate the delicious flavors and foods that bloom in the springtime. The Lake Forest farm's five-course meal will feature early spring greens, tender herbs, young roots and the first berries of the season, reflecting a landscape just beginning to flourish. During the meal, learn all about how food moves from field to plate from Elawa Farm’s executive chef, farm director and sommelier. Proceeds from the Farm Dinner Series support the mission of the Elawa Farm Foundation to grow fresh food, expand educational programming and strengthen the local community. Learn more at ElawaFarm.org.

Saturday, May 16; 6-9 p.m. Tickets cost $126 per person. Elawa Farm, 1401 Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest.

5. Spring Campout at The Preserve of Highland Park

Spend a night under the stars at the Spring Campout in Highland Park. Enjoy an evening of flashlight adventures, campfire treats and the sounds of nature at night at The Preserve of Highland Park. A s’mores buffet and light breakfast will be provided. Don’t miss out on this cozy evening with friends and family before summer starts! Registration is required, and all ages are welcome to attend. Tents can be rented for an additional fee. For more information and to register, visit PDHP.org.

Saturday-Sunday, May 16-17; 4 p.m.-9 a.m. The cost is $18 per person; children ages 2 and under are free. The Preserve of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park.

See more things to do in Lake County this weekend, May 15-17, 2026.