Top 10 Things To Do in April 2022
By: Jonathan Jones 03/25/2022
Happy April, Lake County! There is a slew of things to do in April.In the words of the late, great Robin Williams, “Spring is nature’s way of saying “Let’s Party!” The party is here in Lake County, IL. Besides the apparent spike in temperature, spring marks the opening of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, boating season, Ravinia Festival in Highland Park releasing their schedule (stay tuned for the blog), sprouting nature at Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe and Lake County Forest Preserves and so many more events.
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The land of lakes' most delectable event of the year returns for its seventh installment: Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days to Savor. Continue here to learn more.
It’s also the Final Four, folks. If your brackets are still breathing with this debacle of a tournament, then we commend you. Click here to see where you can watch March Madness in Lake County.
Take advantage of everything Lake County has to offer with these top 10 things to do in April.
1. Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days To Savor (April 1-10)
Unhitch that belt buckle one less notch, because it’s that time of year to treat your taste buds to a flavor utopia. Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days To Savor runs April 1-10. The 10-day foodie frenzy is a multi-platform campaign that will highlight Lake County restaurants with their special prix-fixe menus, food and drink pairings, chef demonstrations, live entertainment and other lucrative promotions to attract new guests. During the "Ten Days to Savor," diners will be encouraged to visit three or more participating restaurants and "Check-in" via the mobile platform to be eligible to win an overnight stay at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort and dinner/theatre package, a cooking class at The Joyful Gourmet in downtown Libertyville or gift cards one from one of over 50 participating restaurants. Also, patrons can submit their foodie imagery for a chance to win a $50 gift card in #LakeCountyRW's inaugural photo contest.
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2. April Festivals (All April)
Spring festivals in Lake County “Hath put a spirit of youth in everything” (Billy Shakes – or William Shakespeare as we like to call him). Spring festivals in Lake County feature the most delectable eats, eclectic live music, radiant works of art and, of course, libations. Experience the fanfare of our warming season as we provide you with the guide to spring festivals in Lake County.
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- Pelican Palooza in Fox Lake (through Apr.15) INFO»
- Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days to Savor (Apr. 1-10) INFO»
- First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville (Apr. 1) INFO»
- Step By Step Productions Festival of Arts and Crafts at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center (Apr. 1-3) INFO»
- Shop N' Swirl Wine Walk in Grayslake (Apr. 9) INFO»
- Beauty and Boutique in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Apr.14) INFO»
- Richardson Adventure Farm Tulip Festival (Apr. 15-May 15) INFO»
- Fear No Art Festival at College of Lake County's James Lumber Center in Grayslake (Apr. 22-23) INFO»
- Let's Vino in the Ville with MainStreet Libertyville (Apr. 30) INFO»
- Long Grove Craft Beer Festival (Apr. 30) INFO»
3. Easter "Hoppenings" in Lake County (All April)
Who else is egg-cited for Easter in Lake County? With the warm weather, time with family, delicious food and the second-best candy holiday, Lake County is hopping for joy for this springtime holiday. Sleuth for some eggs, meet the bunny (and snap a selfie), make reservations for a brunch and more. Here are the land of lakes Easter "hoppenings."
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- Nitetlite Egg Hunt at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich (Apr. 1) INFO»
- Sensory Bunny at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills (Apr. 3) INFO»
- Pet Photos with the Bunny at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills (Apr. 4) INFO»
- Egg Hunt Walkthrough in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Apr. 9) INFO»
- Egg-Citing Egg Hunt and Bunny Breakfast in Fox Lake (Apr. 9) INFO»
- Paulus Park Egg Hunt in Lake Zurich (Apr. 9) INFO»
- Cottontail Trail at Mundelein Parks (Apr. 9) INFO»
- Easter Basket of Fun at Dandelion Art Gallery in Waukegan (Apr. 9) INFO»
- Bunny Brunch at Lambs Farm (Apr. 15-16) INFO»
- Bunny Wabbit Run (Apr. 16) INFO»
- Easter Sunday Brunch at Chessie's Restaurant in Barrington (Apr. 17) INFO»
4. Live Performances in Lake County (All April)
“There’s no business like show business like no business I know.” WItness the Broadway talent of equity and non-equity shows the land of lakes has to offer. Here are some of the centerstage shows in Lake County in March. So remember, “it’s bad luck to say ‘good luck’ on opening night. What you say is ‘break a leg.'”
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- Hamm it Up! Improv Comedy at Waukegan Yacht Club (Apr. 1) INFO»
- Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats at Genesee Theatre (Apr. 2) INFO»
- "Fear the Accordion" at Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan (Apr. 8-9) INFO»
- Play On! a CLC Theatre Student Showcase at the James Lumber Center in Grayslake (Apr. 8-16) INFO»
- "The Sound of Music" at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire (Apr.13-Jun. 5) INFO»
- Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake (Apr. 21-24) INFO»
- Fear No Art Festival at College of Lake County's James Lumber Center in Grayslake (Apr. 22-23) INFO»
- "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" at the Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest (Apr. 22-May 22) INFO».
- Hiplet Ballerinas at the James Lumber Center in Grayslake (Apr. 24) INFO»
5. Golfing in Lake County (All April)
In our area, Lake County has 46 scenic courses with pristine wall-to-wall fairways. With the beauty, complexity and elaborate terrain, Golf Courses in Lake County have hosted some of the most extraordinary talents in the PGA and LPGA. Get out there and hit the links as spring is finally here!.
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6. April Concerts in Lake County (All April)
Live entertainment always gets your juices flowing when you’re looking for a new tune to hum. Here are some must-see concerts in the land of lakes.
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- Night Ranger at Genesee Theatre (Apr. 1) INFO»
- Here Come the Mummies: The Pyramid Scream Tour at Genesee Theatre (Apr. 8) INFO»
- Gospel Choir Concert at College of Lake County (Apr. 9) INFO»
- Play On! a CLC Theatre Student Showcase at the James Lumber Center in Grayslake (Apr. 8-16) INFO»
- "Brit Floyd: The World's Greatest Pink Floyd Show" at Genesee Theatre (Apr. 22) INFO»
- Fear No Art Festival at College of Lake County's James Lumber Center in Grayslake (Apr. 22-23) INFO»
- "A Celebration of Classical Jazz" with the Lake County Symphony Orchestra (Apr. 23) INFO»
- Dionne Warwick with Special Guest Ruben Studdard at Genesee Theatre (Apr. 24) INFO»
- Choral Concert at the James Lumber Center (Apr. 30) INFO»
7. Lambs Farm Farmyard Opens for the Season (April 8)
Old Lake County had a farm E-I-E-I-O. The six-decade-old Libertyville/Green Oaks farmyard is highlighted by a petting area with sheep, goats and a plethora of other livestock creatures to meet and greet, various attractions like miniature golf, an old-world carousel and more. Visit the homestead’s Dogwood Pet Shop, Magnolia Café & Bakery and the Sugar Maple Country Store for delectable treats, unique treasures, adorable puppies and kittens. The Libertyville grounds’ businesses benefit programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The farmyard is open through October.
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8. Boundless Adventures Opens for the Season (April 13)
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Outdoor adventure seekers can rejoice as Boundless Adventures, just over the Lake County border, has reopened. This nine-course facility empowers and inspires individuals to challenge themselves both mentally and physically. The Bristol, WI entity is the thrill-seekers’ haven and is highlighted by ziplining, obstacle courses, tree climbing and all sorts of challenging athletic expeditions for you. Choose your adventure based on your height, fitness level and comfort zone. Boundless Adventure stays open through November 20.
9. Six Flags Great America Opens for the Season (Opening April 15)
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Six Flags Great America announced that they will reopen on April 15, The Gurnee amusement park features 17 roller coasters, amazing live shows, fireworks, delicious dining options, 11-themed areas with other fantastic rides and tons more excitement. Six Flags has done its due diligence in following the COVID-19 health protocols. lt has almost been a half-decade ago Goliath, this coaster came into the hearts of everyone. the Guinness Book of World Records officially named Goliath as the world’s steepest, fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster. Since then, it still stands as the steepest wooden coaster. Glide down the globe’s longest wooden coaster drop, Goliath, blast through the park with Maxx Force’s record-breaking launch, sprinting from 0-78 mph in under two seconds, take a spin on the world’s largest looping ride, Mardi Gras Hangover or ride the classic American Eagle. SFGAM also features live shows, delectable eats, a ton of games and kiddie activities. The park stays open on select days through September 5.
10. Camping in Lake County at Chain O'Lakes State Park in Antioch, Fish Lake Beach in Volo and Illinois Beach State Park in Zion (Late April)
Lake County’s Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park in Zion and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in Volo are now open for s’more summer fun. Gaze at beachfront views, relax on a boat or fish in the land of lakes. Experience endless opportunities for sandcastles, biking, hiking, picnicking and swimming and at Illinois Beach State Park, which rests on the shores of Lake Michigan. Venture through five miles of trails for bikers and hikers and visit the North Point Marina for all of your boating endeavors. Rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats at the Volo camping resort. Not an outdoor adventurer? Fish Lake Beach is an ideal location for lodging when visiting Six Flags Great America for a day or two of thrills. Free wifi is available to campers at this Volo site. Call ahead to make a reservation at both Illinois Beach State Park and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort for a weekend of outside adventure.
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For more information about the top 10 things to do in April, continue here. To find out more about Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days to Savor, click here.
