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Things To Do This Weekend October 11-13, 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 10/09/2024

You're invited to celebrate Halloween all month long in Lake County. From now through October 31, Lake County is hosting a variety of festive activities and events. From family-friendly events to pyschotic serial killers, there's plenty to explore. 

Don't forget to raise a glass to the Lake County Libation Trail's Spooks & Spirits Check-in Challenge, where participants can explore 28 local breweries, wineries and distilleries offering unique flavors. Check in at five or more locations between October 1-31 to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a bus tour for 10 people with 95 WIIL ROCK.

Let's look at things to do in Lake County this weekend, October 11-13, 2024.

1. Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee

Now through October 31, families are invited to the Howl-O-Ween celebration, a month-long event filled with thrills, chills and magical memories at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois. Move to the beat at this frightfully fun Monster Bash Party, let creativity run wild with Howl-O-Ween crafts, experience Boo Bingo filled with Halloween-themed fun and more. Don’t forget about the Trick-or-Treat Trail, where kids can walk the trail in costume and gather sweet treats along the way. Kids can also experience the Gurnee resorts’ attractions, like its thrilling water park, wave pool, interactive play area, bowling alley, mini golf, climbing areas and more. With its all-ages activities, Great Wolf Lodge provides a safe and family-friendly environment to celebrate Halloween. For more information, visit GreatWolf.com/Illinois or plan your trip to experience this eerie extravaganza in Gurnee.

Friday-Sunday, October 11-13. Room rates start at $399 per night. Various times. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.

2. Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan

True crime enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to dive deep into the dark and twisted world of “Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn” at the Genesee Theatre. The captivating and chilling Waukegan event promises to offer an inside look into the minds of the world’s most notorious killers. Dr. Scott Bonn, a renowned criminologist, author and media commentator, will guide the audience through some of history’s most infamous cases, shedding light on these criminal-minded individuals’ psychological motivations and behavior pattern. Whether you're a casual fan of true crime documentaries or a seasoned follower of infamous cases, this event promises to leave you with new perspectives and insights into the terrifying and complex world of serial killers. Grab your seats before this spine-tingling event sells out at GeneseeTheatre.com.

Saturday, October 12; 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. 

3. DIY Scarecrow Day in Historic Downtown Long Grove

It's the perfect weekend to head over to Historic Downtown Long Grove for their annual Do-it-yourself (DIY) Scarecrow Day! Participants can design their own custom scarecrow, which will be featured along the village's main street throughout October. The Long Grove business district will provide the basic materials, including scarecrow frames, straw and guidance for building. Attendees are encouraged to bring old clothes and accessories to add a personal touch to their scarecrows. Visitors can also participate in an online voting contest, where scarecrows will be judged by categories such as scariest, funniest and most creative. For further details, visit LongGrove.org!

Saturday, October 12; noon-4 p.m. $10 per scarecrow. Brothers Field, 342 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.

4. Make Your Own Glass Pumpkins at Patterson Glass in Mundelein

Patterson Glass in Mundelein is hosting its Make Your Own Glass Pumpkins Open House, offering a unique opportunity to create a stunning glass orange fruit decor. During the event, skilled glassblowers will guide you step-by-step in crafting your own beautiful glass gourd. The “Illinois Maker” venue permits visitors to choose from three sizes. These handmade creations make for perfect gifts or striking centerpieces. For more details, call 847-949-0013 or visit PattersonGlass.com. The pumpkin glass-making open house also runs October 19-20 and November 2-3 and 9-10.

Saturday-Sunday, October 12-13; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $55-$95 per pumpkin. Patterson Glass, 888 Tower Rd., Suite E, Mundelein.

5. Ghost Stories at Volo Bog State Natural Area

Prepare for a night of thrills and chills at Volo Bog State Natural Area’s 37th annual Ghost Stories Plus! event, inviting brave souls to explore the eerie tales of Illinois' lone quaking bog. As dusk falls, participants will embark on guided tours through the “haunted woods,” where visitors will hear spine-tingling stories that bring the natural area’s history to life. After the woodland tours, attendees can gather around the stage to enjoy captivating performances by an Emmy Award-winning storyteller, Jim May. Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, Ghost Stories promises to deliver an enchanting experience that showcases the unique beauty of Volo Bog after dark. Make sure to bring a flashlight and dress for the weather as you delve into the supernatural side of nature. Advance registration is required.  The Ingleside venue provides two sets; the earlier story segment is for adults and kids ages five and up, while the second set is a tad more frightening for parents and youngsters ages 10 and older. Register online at FriendsOfVoloBog.org, by email at [email protected] or call 815-344-1294.

Saturday, October 12; 5-9 p.m. Admission: $5-$10. Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Rd., Ingleside.

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