Things To Do This Weekend April 10-12, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 04/08/2026

As the spring migration brings new life to the region, the upcoming weekend offers a diverse lineup of events ranging from lakeside nature celebrations to legendary musical performances. This weekend highlights the community spirit and seasonal transitions of early April.

Let's look at things to do this weekend April 10-12, 2026.

1. Pelican Palooza in Fox Lake

Every spring, without fail, they come. Thousands of American White Pelicans, broad-winged, improbably graceful and startlingly large, lift off from their southern wintering grounds and find their way northward. Pelican Palooza, the village's annual two-week celebration of the migration, fills the community calendar with photo contests, art workshops, library activities and a scavenger hunt that winds through local businesses, all centered on the seasonal spectacle. Visit a photo exhibit at the Fox Lake Public Library, which puts past contest entries on display in the adult section. Younger visitors can try pelican origami or snap a photo beside a pelican wingspan installation in the children's department. Tying the celebration together is the Pelican Palooza Scavenger Hunt. Participants pick up a "Pelican Passport" at any participating business or online and work through 13 questions tied to local shops. It is, in short, a lot of bird enthusiasm for a lot of birds that very much deserve it. For the event schedule, visit FoxLake.org.

Saturday-Sunday, April 10-12; Various times. Various locations in Fox Lake.

2. Smokey Robinson at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan

Some voices don't age. Smokey Robinson, one of the architects of the Motown sound and a songwriter responsible for more than 4,000 songs, brings his catalog of American classics to the Genesee Theatre. It is a résumé that is almost impossible to summarize without leaving something out. Robinson launched his career as the frontman of The Miracles, steering the group to 26 Billboard Top 40 hits while writing some of the most emotionally precise songs in popular music — "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Ooo Baby Baby" and "The Tracks of My Tears" among them. In 1988, "Just to See Her" earned Robinson a Grammy Award, and the honors have continued to accumulate ever since — membership in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame among them. For longtime fans, an evening with Smokey Robinson is a reunion with songs that soundtracked first dances, long drives and everything in between. Tickets are available at GeneseeTheatre.com. 

Friday, April 10; 8 p.m. Tickets start at $91.15. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.

3. Shop'n'Swirl Wine Walk in Grayslake

Experience wine, small businesses on a spring Saturday afternoon. Grayslake's Shop'n'Swirl returns, giving adults a leisurely way to explore the village's local business community one sip at a time. Tickets come with 15 vouchers, each redeemable for a one-ounce pour of wine at any participating business along the walk. The format is self-guided, with participants moving at their own pace through local shops, sampling as they go. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Grayslake Heritage Center Foundation. For more information, visit VillageofGrayslake.com.

Saturday, April 11; 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $39.19. The event is open to adults 21 and older. Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake. 

4. Tom and Leah’s Super Senior Prom at The Ten Hotel Gurnee

Corsages optional!  The 95 WIIL Rock Morning Show's Tom and Leah are hosting Super Senior Prom, a grown-up spin on a high school tradition, complete with an open bar, hors d'oeuvres and a live band that sounds like 1985 never ended. Attendees can enjoy Breakfast Club, an '80s party band performing all the classics. Staff will serve hors d'oeuvres throughout the night. The official event wraps at midnight, but for anyone not ready to call it a night, the celebration rolls into an after-party at Twyla's Lounge. Prom is better the second time around. For details, visit 95WIILRock.com.

Saturday, April 11; Doors open at 7 p.m. The event is open to guests 21 and older. The Ten Hotel & Convention Center, 6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.  

5. National Sibling Day Beach Party in Highland Park

    National Sibling Day falls on April 10 every year, and Highland Park is offering a different way to celebrate. Participants can enjoy a National Sibling Day Beach Party at Rosewood Beach, inviting siblings of all ages for an evening of outdoor competition and campfire fellowship on the shore of Lake Michigan. Teams of two or more will go head-to-head in games and activities designed with siblings in mind, before gathering around the fire for treats and some well-earned camaraderie. Registration is available at PDHP.org.

Friday, April 10; 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $14 per person. Rosewood Beach, 883 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park.

For more things to do this weekend April 10-12, 2026, continue here. 

Photo credit: 2024 Fox Lake Pelican Palooza Photo Contest winner Katarina Hertz.