Things To Do This Weekend May 3-5, 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 04/30/2024

Lake County has a variety of events happening during the first weekend of May. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with delicious food and festive events in Lake County this weekend! Explore local restaurants, enjoy live music and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Let's look at things to do this weekend, May 3-5, 2024.

Don't foget to check out the #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest for your chance to win prizes and be featured in various marketing materials. 

This weekend in Lake County, don't miss Mayfest in Grayslake, the seasonal opening of Harbor Brewing Co. Biergarten in Winthrop Harbor, family fun at Touch-A-Truck in Antioch and the start of Illinois Craft Beer Week! Here we look at the top five things to do this weekend, May 3-5, 2024.

1. MayFest at Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum

The Grayslake Arts Alliance is invites the community and visitors to a doubleheader event promising a day filled with art, creativity and fun for all ages at the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum. Visitors can explore fine art from 22 talented member artists, enjoy author readings and spoken word performances, dance to live music and children can partake in creative activities. Guests will also have the chance to explore the museum's galleries, including the award-winning exhibit "Biking Through the Years: Cycling in Grayslake" and the latest exhibit, "Postmarked: Grayslake 60030.” Following MayFest, the celebration continues at Beer Bazaar with a special meet and greet event featuring Grayslake Arts Alliance (GAA) member, Frank Fitzgerald. Known for his vibrant cosmic artwork, Fitzgerald converse with guests, and work on his next "out of this world" painting live. Fitzgerald's vibrant cosmic collection of art is currently on display and for sale as part of GAA’s Featured Artists Series partnership.  For more information about the Grayslake Arts Alliance and MayFest, visit their website at GrayslakeArtsAlliance.org.

Saturday, May 4; noon-4 p.m. Free admission. Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake.

2. Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten Opening Weekend at North Point Marina

As the warm weather approaches, Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten is reopening its doors for the season. With its picturesque location at North Point Marina, the Harbor Brewing Co. Biergarten offers patrons the perfect spot to relax and enjoy craft beers from some of Lake County's renowned local breweries. This year also marks the brewery’s sixth anniversary as the Lake County Libation Trail partner hosts a party on Saturday complemented by local band The Unusual Suspects gracing the stage from 6-9 p.m. Surrounded by the stunning Spring Bluff Forest Preserve, the Biergarten provides a serene atmosphere with access to bike and hiking trails, beaches, a swimming pool and a fishing pier. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, enjoy live music, or simply soak in the scenic views, Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten offers something for everyone. For more information and updates on events, visit HarborBeer.com.

Friday- Sunday, May 3-5; Fri.: 4 p.m.-midnight, Sat.: noon-midnight and Sun.: noon-8 p.m. Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten at North Point Marina, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor.

3. American Place Casino in Waukegan

American Place Casino is set to redefine upscale gaming and entertainment in the Chicagoland area. Promising an unparalleled experience for the most discerning players, American Place features a world-class casino, a multi-tiered entertainment venue and a variety of dining options to suit every palate. American Place Casino boasts an extensive selection of gaming options, including hundreds of slot machines, dozens of table games and a sportsbook. For sports enthusiasts, Circa Sports Illinois is now open at American Place, featuring a dedicated wagering area, betting kiosks and real-time odds displayed on 36 televisions. The Waukegan casino also offers a range of dining options, including L’Américain featuring diverse American cooking, Asia-Azteca a fusion of Asian and Latin cuisine and North Shore Steaks & Seafood featuring steaks, seafood and delectable sides. American Place Casino promises to be a destination like no other, offering an unparalleled gaming and entertainment experience in the Chicagoland area. Visit AmericanPlace.com for more information.

Friday- Sunday, May 3-5; American Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Pl., Waukegan. 

4. Touch-A-Truck in Antioch

Calling all truck enthusiasts, young and old! Antioch is gearing up for an exciting Touch-A-Truck event hosted on Toft Avenue in Downtown Antioch. This family-friendly event promises an up-close and personal experience with large trucks and other vehicles. At Touch-A-Truck, attendees will have the opportunity to touch, sit in and learn about various vehicles. From fire trucks to construction vehicles, there will be something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Don't miss this chance to get up close to some of the biggest and coolest trucks around!

Saturday, May 4; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free admission. Village of Antioch, Downtown Antioch, Toft Avenue, Antioch. 

5. Illinois Craft Beer Week

Illinois Craft Beer Week is back, running from May 3-10, this week-long celebration promises to be a delightful extravaganza for all beer lovers. With its rich history and lasting influence on local communities, craft beer continues to be a cornerstone of Illinois culture. Illinois Craft Beer Week is an opportunity to celebrate this heritage and support Lake County Libation Trail partners such as Half Day Brewing Co. in Lincolnshire, Tonality Brewing Co. and Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein and Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville. From special brewery tours to beer tastings and tap takeovers, there's a chance to support #IllinoisBeer. Stay tuned for updates on Lake County Libation Trail partners participating in Illinois Craft Beer Week. For more information and updates, visit the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild website at IllinoisBeer.org.

Friday- Sunday, May 3-5; Various locations throughout Lake County. 

To see more things to do this weekend May 3-5, 2024, click here.