Things To Do This Weekend May 1-3, 2026

By: Stephanie Stang 04/28/2026

In Lake County, spring arrives this weekend, marked by a calendar that trades winter coats for craft pints and gallery walks. From the expansive vistas of Independence Grove to the bustling creative aisles of Deer Park, the community is coming outdoors to reclaim the season.

Let's take a look at things to do this weekend May 1-3, 2026.

1. Independence Grove Forest Preserve Opens for the Season

There is a moment every spring when the weather shifts, and sitting by the water becomes essential to welcoming the season. That moment, for Independence Grove Forest Preserve, arrives May 1. To mark the occasion, the forest preserve is getting an early jump on Cinco de Mayo with a live mariachi performance from 6 to 7:30 p.m. From spring through fall, the Libertyville beer garden pours a rotating selection of Lake County Libation Trail craft brews on tap alongside other beverages, packaged snacks and light meals. For menus and event schedules, visit LCFPD.org.

Friday-Sunday, May 1-3; 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free admission. Beer Garden at Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville.

2. 14th Annual GLMV Extreme Block Party Family Expo and Taste of the Towns

The 14th annual GLMV Extreme Block Party Family Expo and Taste of the Towns returns Saturday, May 2, at the DoubleTree Mundelein. The expo floor pulls together local vendors spanning home improvement, health and wellness, financial services, education and beyond. Free food and beverage samples, raffles and giveaways are available throughout the day. The entertainment lineup includes Improv Playhouse of Libertyville, followed by the Famous World of Reptile Show and School of Rock closes out the afternoon. The event is organized by the Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein and Vernon Hills chambers of commerce, a collaboration that reflects the event's reach across the northern suburbs. For details, visit GLMVChamber.org.  

Saturday, May 2; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. DoubleTree Mundelein, 510 Illinois Route 83, Mundelein.

3. Bonfire and Brews: Food Truck Frenzy in Gurnee

The Village of Gurnee and the Gurnee Chamber of Commerce host Bonfire and Brews: Food Truck Frenzy on Saturday, May 2. The adult-only event is free to enter, with food and drinks available for purchase from local food trucks and on-site brewers. The evening’s relaxed pace features bonfires, lawn games, live music and encourages guests to enjoy food trucks. It’s an event best enjoyed without a rush. The event is both a community gathering and food-and-drink showcase, a chance for neighbors to make May memorable. Learn more at Gurnee.il.us.

Saturday, May 2; 6 to 10 p.m. Entry is free. Attendees must be 21 or older. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.

4. Deer Park Art Show

Seventy-five artists, an open street, a May weekend: Find your new favorite art here. The Deer Park Art Show takes over village’s town center, turning the outdoor shopping district into a walkable gallery of original works spanning styles, mediums and price points. Live Art Demo stations let visitors watch artists at work and ask questions, while a dedicated Kid Friendly Art Tent provides younger attendees with their own entry point into the experience. In the Kids Art Zone, families will find festival bingo, spin art, sand sculpting and other creative activities. Face painting, lemonade and snacks are available. Join a variety of artists this spring and make Deer Park Town Center your family's weekend destination. For more information, visit ShopDeerParkTownCenter.com.

Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3; Sat.: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun.: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park.

5. GOAT STROLL AT ELAWA FARM

Elawa Farm is offering a unique and restorative experience through its Goat Stroll program. Each session is led by assistant farm manager Georgia DeSilva, who guides a small group with the attraction’s goats on a walk around the property. The half-hour outing is part nature walk, part animal encounter, set against the backdrop of one of Lake Forest's charming working farms. Participants get the chance to interact with the goats up close while taking in the farm grounds at a goat’s pace. Reserve your spot for a Goat Stroll at ExploreTock.com/ElawaFarm. 

Saturday, May 2; noon to 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $27. Elawa Farm, 1401 N. Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest.

To see more things to do this weekend May 1-3, 2026, click here.