Things To Do This Weekend April 17-19, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 04/15/2026

From the spotlight of a murderous musical to the hum of 3D printers, Lake County is transforming into a playground of curiosities this weekend. Whether you are hunting for a "Vegas-style" steak dinner or a free-range relay race, the local calendar is brimming with events that trade the ordinary for the extraordinary. It is a weekend designed for those who want to build, sing, or simply get outside and play.

Let's look at things to do this weekend April 17-19, 2026:

1. “Ruthless!” The Musical at Citadel Theatre Co. in Lake Forest

She sings like an angel. And if you stand between her and a spotlight, she will absolutely, cheerfully ruin you. Meet Tina Denmark, the eight-year-old at the blood-soaked heart of "Ruthless!" The Musical. The Lake Forest, off-Broadway 1992 production arrives at Citadel bearing considerable cult credibility. Citadel Theatre has carved out a reputation as one of the North Shore's most adventurous intimate stages. The venue puts audiences in close quarters with the performers, a dynamic that, for a show built on escalating menace delivered with a smile, promises to be particularly effective. For tickets, visit CitadelTheatre.org. 

Friday-Sunday, April 17-19; Fri.: 7:30 p.m., Sat.: 7:30 p.m. and Sun.: 3 p.m. Tickets starting at $48. Citadel Theatre Co., 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest. 

2. Maker Faire Lake County at College of Lake County in Grayslake 

Experience the spirit of Maker Faire Lake County this weekend: controlled chaos in the service of curiosity, a room full of people who built and can't wait to tell you exactly how. The sixth annual Maker Faire takes place at College of Lake County in Grayslake drawing hobbyists, engineers, artists, educators and self-described tinkerers under one roof for what organizers have long called "the greatest show-and-tell on Earth." In any given year, the fair floor might hold a 3D-printed prosthetic limb next to a handmade loom, a custom-built synthesizer beside a laser-cut wooden puzzle. The event is particularly well-suited to families with children, who tend to respond well to the combination of hands-on demonstrations and the implicit message that adults build things in their garages because it's genuinely fun. For details, visit LakeCounty.MakerFaire.com. 

Saturday, April; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission. College of Lake County, Building F, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. 

3. Rat Pack Night at Lindy’s Landing in Wauconda

This Friday, Lindy's Landing is making a credible bid to bring the nostalgia of the 1950s and early 1960s. Rat Pack Night bills itself as an evening of smooth vocals, classic standards and an indulgent chef-curated dinner; a night, in the venue's own estimation, done "Vegas-style." The entertainment centerpiece is Thomas Linsk, a singer and pianist whose repertoire leans heavily on the Rat Pack canon joined by special guest vocalist Heather Moran. The dinner menu, designed to match the occasion's retro ambitions, leans into the bit with cheerful commitment. Dishes carry song titles as names: a "New York, New York" strip steak, a "Fly Me to the Moon" tiramisu and more. For reservations, visit LindysLanding.com.

Friday, April 17; 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $65. The event is restricted to guests 21 and older. Lindy’s Landing Waterfront Restaurant & Marina, 115 Park St., Wauconda.

4. Gurnee Blue Heroes: Stronger Together at Gurnee Mills

In a corner of the Gurnee Mills dining pavilion, a different kind of connection is brewing this Saturday: "Blue Heroes: Stronger Together." The mall will transform into a hub for the Gurnee Police Department and the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center's "Blue Kids" program. The goal is simple: to strip away the intimidating layers of law enforcement and social services, replacing them with a friendly face and a shared craft table. The Blue Kids program, a staple of the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center, focuses on awareness and the prevention of child abuse. For the kids, however, the "impact" comes wrapped in a Saturday afternoon party, including craft stations, sweet treats and exclusive giveaways. For more information, visit Simon.com.

Saturday, April 18; noon to 2 p.m. Free admission. Gurnee Mills - Dining Pavilion South in the Macy's Wing, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.

5. Egg-Lympics at Jewett Park in Deerfield

Break free from the coop and join the Deerfield Park District for their Egg-Lympics, a family relay race at Jewett Park on Saturday, April 18. The event is free, takes about an hour, welcomes all ages and is a cure for flocks that are "tired of being cooped up." Teams consist of up to five people, making it a natural fit for parents with two or three children in tow. Experience the joy of taking your family outside playing together on a Saturday morning in spring, running relay races with eggs. To register, visit DeerfieldParks.org.

Saturday, April 18; 11 a.m. to noon. Registration: $10-$13. Jewett Park, 836 Jewett Park Dr., Deerfield. 

See more things to do this weekend April 17-19, 2026.