Top 10 Things To Do in April 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 04/01/2026

April is prime time in Lake County, Illinois. As temperatures climb and flowers push through the soil, the region's parks, stages, trails and fairgrounds are coming alive with events and activities for every age and interest. Here's a look at the top ways to make the most of the month.

Here are the top 10 things to do in April in the land of lakes.

1. SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA OPENS FOR ITS 50TH SEASON (APRIL 25)

After half a century, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is still raising the bar. The iconic Midwest theme park kicks off its 50th season April 25 with 18 roller coasters, a nighttime parades and three dedicated children's zones. Don't forget to visit their newest coaster, the Wrath of Rakshasa, billed as the steepest and most inverted dive coaster in the world. The ride reaches speeds of 67 mph and features a 171-foot drop, making it a must for thrill-seekers of all stripes.

2. APRIL FESTIVALS (ALL MONTH)

Lake County's calendar is stacked with springtime events throughout April. Highlights include:

• Illinois 250 (Through July 2026) INFO»
• Spring SplashFest at Great Wolf Lodge (Through April 26) INFO»
• Bloom: Celebration of Sustainability, Spring and Commiunity in Deer Park (Through April 26) INFO»
• Pelican Palooza in Fox Lake (April 1-17) INFO»
• First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville (April 3) INFO»
• National Sibling Day Beach party in Highland Park (April 10) INFO»
• Shop 'N' Swirl Wine Walk in Grayslake (April 11) INFO»
• Everything Expo! in Lake Zurich (April 11) INFO»
• Grayslake Antique Vintage Market at Lake County Fairgrounds (April 11-12) INFO»
• Tom and Leah's Super Seinor Prom at the Hotel Ten in Gurnee (April 12) INFO»
• Spring Barket and Artisan Fair at Harbor Brewing in Lake Villa (April 16) INFO»
• ArtWauk in Waukegan (April 18) INFO»
• Gurnee Blue Heroes: Stronger Together at Gurnee Mills (April 18) INFO»
• Maker Faire Lake County at College of Lake County (April 18) INFO»
• Fear No Art Festiv al at James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (April 24) INFO»
• Long Grove's 9th Annual Craft Beer Festival (April 25) INFO»
• Family Kite Fly at Century Park (April 25) INFO»
• Puppy Painting Party at Lambs Farm (April 25) INFO»
• Arbor Day in Lake Zurich (April 25) INFO»
• Come Back Into Focus: Honoring the Chairwomen of the Past 60 Years at 28 Mile Distilling (April 30) INFO»

3. CAMPING IN LAKE COUNTY

The campgrounds are calling. Lake County's state parks and private sites offer everything from lakefront solitude to family-friendly recreation, and several open their gates this month.

• Illinois Beach State Park, with its expansive shoreline and a variety of recreational options, offers 244 campsites with electricity and modern conveniences. Opens April 1.  
• Chain O'Lakes State Park welcomes water lovers to enjoy its network of lakes and picturesque trails. Now Open.
• Fish Lake Beach Campground in Volo offers a family-friendly retreat with an array of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing and boating, creating lasting memories in a scenic and peaceful setting. 

4. GOLFING IN LAKE COUNTY

With 46 courses spread across forests, prairies and rolling terrain, Lake County is a golfer's paradise. Whether you're fine-tuning your swing before peak season or simply looking for a scenic afternoon on the green, the region has options for every skill level. April's mild weather makes it an ideal time to get back out on the fairway

5. TULIP AND DAFFODIL FESTIVAL AT RICHARDSON ADVENTURE FARM

No spring in Lake County is complete without a trip to Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. The farm's annual festival showcases more than 1 million tulips and daffodils spread across 10 acres, with over 75 varieties to admire and photograph. Each paid admission includes one free tulip to take home; additional blooms are available for $2 each. Food trucks, beer, wine and outdoor games round out the experience for families and couples alike.

6. LONG GROVE'S 9TH ANNUAL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL (APRIL 25) 

Historic downtown Long Grove has always been a destination, but every April, it becomes a destination with a cold beer in hand. The adults-only afternoon draws area craft breweries together for an afternoon of unlimited sampling, live music and the kind of unhurried, small-town atmosphere that's hard to manufacture.
Tickets include a taster glass, unlimited craft beer samples and a set from live performance from Sunflower Headlights. Food vendors will also be on-site, with participants to be announced. 

7. THEATRE IN LAKE COUNTY (ALL MONTH)

Lake County's theater scene is in full swing this April, with productions ranging from Broadway touring shows to student showcases. Upcoming performances include:

• "Ruthless!" The Musical at Citadel Theatre (April) INFO»
• World Ballet Company presents: "Cinderella" at Genesee Theatre (April 19) INFO»
• "Heartbreak Hotel" at the Marriott Theatre (April 8-May 31) INFO»
• Improv Playhouse Theater presents "Last Supper Chronicles" (Through April 4) INFO»
• Play On! A CLC Theatre Student Showcase: 'Hamlet' in Grayslake (April 11-18) INFO»
• Orlando Jones at the Lighthouse at American Place Casino (April 25) INFO»

8. Running Events in Lake County

Lace up. April brings a strong lineup of organized runs across the county, with something for every pace and experience level.

• Rec and Roll 5k at Century Park in Vernon Hills (April 25) INFO»
• 2026 Stepping Up to Wellness Run/Walk (April 26) INFO»

9. ILLINOIS 250 (THROUGH JULY 2026) 

Lake County is joining Illinois' statewide celebration of a milestone two and a half centuries in the making. Illinois America 250 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and communities across Lake County are gearing up to be part of it. The commemoration is drawing travelers to explore the people, places and moments that shaped not just Illinois, but the nation — and Lake County has plenty of its own stories to tell. A free Illinois passport is available to download, offering a curated guide to the state's most compelling historic and cultural destinations. Check the page for a variety of events leading up to the celebration, culminating on July 4.

10. Farmers Markets in Lake County

As local growers and makers prepare for the warmer months ahead, Lake County's farmers markets offer a fresh way to connect with the community. Look for market openings and seasonal pop-ups across the county throughout April, featuring locally grown produce, handmade goods and artisan food products.

• Antioch Farmers Market (TBA) INFO»
• College of Lake County Farmers Market (TBA) INFO»
• Deerfield Farmers Market (6/13-10/14) INFO»
• Elawa Farm Foundation (TBA) INFO»
• Grayslake Farmers Market (4/11-9/23) INFO»
• Gurnee Farmers Market at Saratoga Square (6/7-9/6) INFO»
• Highwood Evening Gourmet Farmers Market (6/4-8/27) INFO»
• Lake Zurich Farmers Market (6/5-9/11) INFO»
• MainStreet Libertyville Farmers Market (6/5-10/29) INFO»
• Mundelein Farmers Market (6/6-9/19) INFO»
• Ravinia Farmers Market (6/3-10/28) INFO»
• SunBerry Orchard (Mundelein) INFO»
• SunBerry Orchard Market (Lake Zurich) INFO»
• Wauconda Farmers Market (TBA) INFO»
• Barrington Farmers Market (TBA) INFO»
• Buffalo Grove Farmers Market (6/14-10/11) INFO»
• Lake Bluff Farmers Market (6/6-10/9) INFO»
• Tempel Farms Organics INFO»

Check out more things to do this April.