Things To Do This Weekend March 3-5, 2023
By: Jeff Randolph 02/28/2023
The first weekend of March is filled with all kinds of events. Some close out the winter season's final days as others welcome spring's arrival. Let's look at things to do this weekend, March 3-5, 2023.
March brings things like warmer weather, melting snow, bulbs that begin to bloom and a slew of Lake County activities to experience. Click here to view the top 10 things to do in Lake County in March 2023.
They are getting festive in Libertyville as they welcome March's first Friday. Nautical enthusiasts gather to look at boats in Grayslake. There's a sticky situation in Riverwoods. They are antiquing in Antioch. Brave souls are taking the plunge in Lake Zurich. Let's look at the top five things to do this weekend, March 3-5, 2023.
1. First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville
Invest your fest feels in a festival-infested Libertyville. The weekend starts with the year's first, First Fridays on MainStreet Libertyville, highlighted by various delectable drinks, mouth-watering eats, live entertainment, and more as visitors peruse through local mom-and-pop shops offering promotional sales. Improv Playhouse features its First Friday Funnies as renowned comedians grace the stage for a knee-slapping BYOB event. The Joyful Gourmet provides countless deals, a wine bar, complimentary appetizers, and a live performance by Jazz Soup. Lake County Libation Trail partner delivers delectable brews and a live set by DJ Sylkk. O'Toole's Libertyville, by day, serves the eats everyone loves, and by night is highlighted by its Weekend Vibes Dance Party in the 412 Lounge. Visit MainStreetLibertyville.org for more information.
Friday, March 3; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Various locations on Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville.
2. Northern Illinois Boat Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center
The Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center hosts a show for boating buffs to witness the county's best vessels. So, Embrace that taste of summer in Lake County at the Northern Illinois Boat Show. You and the family will see the latest models in pontoons, family runabouts, ski boats, jet boats, fishing boats, bayliners, alumacrafts, sea ray boats, and then some at this festive event at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center in Grayslake. Over 60 Lake County and other location boating manufacturers and vendors exhibit and provide sale pricing at the three-day event.
Friday-Sunday, March 3-5; Fr.: noon-8 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $6-$8. Children ages 12 and under receive free admission. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.
3. Maple Syrup Hikes at Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods
Who doesn't like waffles, pancakes, or French toast doused in syrup? All throughout March, treat yourself to the sweet sap and sugar maples on a one-hour hike at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area. In this Riverwoods hike, Lake County Forest Preserves experts educate visitors with everything there is to know about how the maple trees supply that sticky substance that you cover your breakfast with. Each walk begins every half-hour between noon and 2 p.m. The family won't be sappy about attending, but maple they'll be enticed, especially just days before and after National Pancake Day (on March 12). Guided syrup hikes occur daily March 20-31, from 6:30-sunset. Spring break syruping saunters run March 28, from 11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m. There is also a senior series of Maple Syrup Hikes on March 30. The March 4 noon session is at capacity. For more information, visit LCFPD.org.
Saturday-Sunday, March 4-5; noon-2 p.m. (five different one-hour hikes both days). Admission: $6. Children ages three and under receive free admission. Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, 21950 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods.
4. Vintage Shop Hop in Antioch
Take the "Best Road Trip Ever" challenge at the Vintage Shop Hop in Antioch. Nearly 400 vintage shops, boutiques, oddity shops, barn sales, and home décor stores in Illinois and Wisconsin will be in attendance for your perusing needs. The Antioch shopping spree features live music, food trucks, a meet and greet with the makers, discounts and specials, demonstrations, free swag bags, door prizes and punch card promotions, raffles, games, and more. Downtown Antioch businesses highlight the event like Inspired Home, Wilmot Heritage Antiques & Gifts, Great Lakes Antiques Boutique Vintage & Consignment, Mrs. Peddler's Boutique, Vintage Mercantile, Family Heirloom Antiques, and Rustic & Reclaimed Market. Visit VintageShopHop.Blogspot.com for more details. The event occurs again in early October.
Friday-Saturday, March 3-4; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Various locations in downtown Antioch.
5. Purple Plunge at Breezewald Park in Lake Zurich
Make a big splash this weekend by dipping into the frigid waters at Lake Zurich's annual Purple Plunge. Registration to this event includes a T-Shirt and access to the Post Plunge Party. In addition, winter divers are encouraged to participate in raffles for a chance to win exceptional items or services. Participants and spectators are invited to warm up at Scoreboards Bar & Grill Post Party in Lake Zurich after the plunge. Live music, delicious fare and libations, a photo booth, auctions, and raffles highlight the after-party. Dress to impress in your best eccentric garb as the Purple Plunge awards prizes to the most innovative costumes. Registration runs from 9-10:45 a.m., while the plunge begins at 11 a.m. Proceeds to the brisk dive go to cancer research.
Saturday, March 4; 9 a.m. Admission: $25 per registrant. Breezewald Park, 125 N. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich. Scoreboard Bar & Grill, 84 N. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.
Lake County is renowned for its live theatre community. For a look at the spring-summer theatre schedules in Lake County click here.
Click here to see more things to do this weekend March 3-5, 2023.
