Things To Do This Weekend May 28-31, 2021
By: Jonathan Jones 05/26/2021
Extended time off is in order, as we celebrate Memorial Day in this installment of things to do this weekend May 28-31.
Memorial Day is the time of year that we celebrate and remember the men and women of this great country who have fallen in battle to maintain our freedom. To those of our readers that have been in the military; we thank you for your service.
In the land of lakes, we see a lot of service members come through Naval Station Great Lakes, the country's eldest and only navy boot camp.
Finally, we’re getting some warmth in the forecast, so continue here to see all of the outdoor activities going on in Lake County.
So splash and dash, hang around with acrobats and/or grab a bite to eat, "because nobody ever suspects the butterfly" in this edition of things to do this weekend May 28-31.
Take a dip in the drink, recline, relax and experience all the thrills at Hurricane Harbor Chicago. The Gurnee water park opens for the general public this weekend. The H2O haven is equipped with numerous waterslides; the main swimming area called Monsoon Lagoon, a kid zone play area that utterly soaks attendees, an interactive surf area and so much more. Have a splashing good time this Memorial Day weekend. This summer, the Six Flags theme park will reveal its water coaster to the park called Tsunami Surge. Hurricane Harbor Chicago is open through Labor Day.
Saturday-Monday, May 29-31; Available Reservations: 10:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Tickets starting $29.99. Hurricane Harbor Chicago, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.
Witness the majesty and beauty of the Swallowtail, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Skipperling and as many as 500 other colorful butterflies and blooms at Chicago Botanic Garden. The Butterflies & Blooms exhibition highlights species that are native to Africa, Asia, North America and South America. The butterflies are housed in a 2,800-square-foot mesh enclosure on the Regenstein Learning Campus. Visitors can view the cocooned caterpillars make their transformation into butterflies through a window located inside the pupa emergence room. The exhibition is open daily through September 6 (weather permitting). Face coverings are required for anyone ages two years and older and social distancing is encouraged. The exhibit runs through September 6.
Saturday-Monday, May 29-31; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission: $6-$8. Free admission for children ages two and under. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
Barefoot Bay returns after a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 Crisis. Mundelein residents and season pass holders can dive into the season as the aforementioned village’s park district hosts a free Splash into Summer event. The aquatic center fest is highlighted by a live DJ, games, a whip cream eating contest, water games, Disney’s “Frozen,” the t-shirt contest, raffles, “Flick N’ Float” and Barefoot Bay’s storied water shenanigans. Advance registration is required. Barefoot Bay, to abide by COVID-19 guidelines, is at 60% capacity. Face coverings are required at the entrance, the concession areas and in the locker rooms. Barefoot Bay is open during the remainder of Memorial Day weekend for general admission.
Friday-Monday, May 28-31; Fri.: 3-10 p.m., Sat. and Sun.: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Mon.: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday: Free. General Admission: $5-$15. Barefoot Bay, 1461 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein.
“(S)He’d, (they’d) fly through the air with the greatest of ease. A daring young (wo)man on the flying trapeze.” Check out all of these talented individuals from the Circus Hermanos Vazquez perform spectacular flips, turns, jugglers, acrobats, contortionists and more. For more than 50 years, the Vazquez brothers have been passing this Latinx tradition within the family. The 10-day circus event occurs outside Gurnee Mills by Bass Pro Shop. After seeing contorted humans soar through the air, take a stroll at Gurnee Mills Mall. If you spend up to $200 in the Gurnee outlet mall, you can receive two free tickets to this event. Circus H Vazquez runs through Sunday, June 7.
Friday-Monday, May 28-31; Fri.: 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun.: 2, 5 and 8 p.m. and Mon.: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25-$50 per ticket. Gurnee Mills Mall, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
Encore! Events welcome one and all to the grand opening weekend of their new restaurant, Yorkhouse Tavern & Table. The Wadsworth bar and grill is nestled against the Lake County Forest Preserve’s Van Patten Woods, offering indoor and outdoor dining and delectable American fare. Their menu features wings, seafood, salads, sandwiches, burgers, steaks and a delicious specialty cocktail selection and wine list. Make sure you book a tee time at their Midlane Golf resort to hit the links before devouring links. Bon Appétit, Lake County!
Friday-Monday, May 28-31; Fri.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m. 8 p.m. and Mon.: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Yorkhouse Tavern & Table, 4555 W. Yorkhouse Rd., Wadsworth.
For more things to do this weekend May 28-31, continue here. To find more adventures in the land of lakes, click here.
