Gorton Center
400 E. Illinois Road Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone: 847.234.6060
Gorton Center is a lively hub for arts, entertainment, and learning in the heart of Lake Forest. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, Gorton brings people together through live music and performances, films, classes, and experiences for all ages. It’s also home to Gorton Children’s Learning Center, a high-quality early education and daycare program that has served local families for more than 35 years. From community celebrations to private events and nonprofit partners who share our space, there’s always something happening at Gorton.
For over 50 years, we’ve worked to connect our community through the arts. As a nonprofit organization, Gorton is fueled by generosity and grateful for the support of individuals and businesses who help make our programs and services possible. You belong here.
Hours of Operation
Office Open Mon-Fri 9 am-4:30 pm and weekends by appointment
Additional Information
Meeting Facility Information
Banquet Hall
Meeting Max 309
Num. of Meeting Rooms 8
Events
Jun. 14
06/14/26
Bad luck? No one faces it – or laughs at it – quite like the wo...
Jun. 19
06/19/26
Experience the Magic of Dave Matthews Band – Live with Ants Marching!...
Jun. 23
06/23/26
Join Gorton Center for the first Sing at Gorton community sing – a no...
Jun. 25
06/25/26
Experience the inspiring true story of Harriet (2019), a powerful film abou...
Jun. 27
06/27/26
Circle of Apathy: a firmament a fantasia“In the beginning there was n...
Jun. 28
06/28/26
Circle of Apathy: a firmament a fantasia“In the beginning there was n...
Jul. 10
07/10/26
Feel the energy of live music with Stop Making Sense (1984), the groundbrea...
Jul. 16
07/16/26
Join Gorton Center for an unforgettable night with Chicago Bears President ...
Jul. 19
07/19/26
Ready to toss bags, sip local brews, and rock out with friends? Join ...
Jul. 21
07/21/26
Come sing with us at this all-ages Americana community sing led by Bill Vaa...
Jul. 25
07/25/26
Enjoy nonstop laughs with The Birdcage (1996), a bold and hilarious comedy ...
Jul. 26
07/26/26
Zootopia 2 Roars Onto the Big Screen—Join the Adventure! Get rea...
Jul. 26
07/26/26
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an afternoon of patriotic ...
Aug. 13
08/13/26
Experience the adventure of Jurassic Park (1993), the hit film that ch...
Aug. 14
08/14/26
Get ready for fun with Wreck-It Ralph (2012), the action-packed animat...
Aug. 15
08/15/26
Enjoy the fun of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), the classic comedy ...
Sep. 6
09/06/26
From start to finish, The Brothers Doobie bring the Doobie Brothe...
Sep. 11
09/11/26
Get ready for a true rock show. Outside!Mike & Joe deliver one of...
Sep. 19
09/19/26
Get ready for an afternoon of nonstop laughter, music, and pure entertainme...
Oct. 3
10/03/26
We’re unleashing a high-energy, laugh-out-loud experience that audien...
Oct. 6
10/06/26
Get ready for a night of comedy, parenting stories, and laugh-out-loud hone...
Oct. 16
10/16/26
Get ready to turn it up and settle in for a night of legendary sound....
Oct. 24
10/24/26
Emily Catalano brings her smart, dry, and quietly devastating stand-up to G...
Nov. 7
11/07/26
Get ready for a kids rave your whole family will love! Designed for ages 3&...
Dec. 5
12/05/26
The Second City returns to Gorton Center with its “Nut Cracking Holid...
Jan. 22
01/22/27
Get ready for a night of stand-up comedy at Gorton this January. Comedian K...
Feb. 12
02/12/27
Get ready to dance, sing and celebrate the timeless music of ABBA at Gorton...
Feb. 20
02/20/27
Dive into a breathtaking theatrical adventure. Icebergs drift. Waves crash....
Feb. 28
02/28/27
Experience an unforgettable night of jazz with Chicago-based duo Petra van ...