Top 10 Things To Do in May 2023
By: Jonathan Jones 04/26/2023
Let’s go, Lake County, and peruse the top 10 things to do in May 2023.
In May, we celebrate the full swing of spring, since April showers bring May flowers (no, not the boat).
Month number five also hosts National Travel & Tourism Week. Stay tuned to our website from May 7-13 (pretty much year-round, too). Ravinia Festival in Highland Park's tickets will be available to the public on May 1 after releasing its 2023 schedule in March.
Also, Lake County’s farmers markets are beginning to open for the season. Click here to learn more about the freshest and locally-grown ripe fruits and veggies of the season.
It’s time to toss your galoshes and winter coats and celebrate the finest box socials, performances, exhibits and scenic views the land of lakes has to offer. Here are your top 10 things to do in May 2023.
"So remember, “it’s bad luck to say ‘good luck’ on opening night. What you say is ‘break a leg.'” 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.
- "Damn Yankees" at Marriott Theatre (Select Days through June 4) INFO»
- "Airness" at Citadel Theatre (Select Days Through May 21) INFO»
- First Friday Funnies at the Improv Playhouse (May 5) INFO»
- Improv Comedy Shows in Libertyville (Saturdays in May) INFO»
- Circus Vazques at Gurnee MIlls (May 19-29) INFO»
As excitement grows for NASCAR coming to the Chicagoland area, Ready, Set, Go Lake County Racing History rumbles its way to the Dunn Museum. Inspired by artifacts in the Museum's collections and those shared by other Lake County historical organizations, the exhibit examines racing venues and many forms of racing that have occurred in Lake County. The exhibit features photographs and artifacts of boat races on the Chain O' Lakes, harness racing at the Lake County Fair, motor racing at Half Day and Waukegan speedways, runners at 5Ks and the Lake County Races and more.
"My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature" - Claude Monet. Camping season is officially opened starting in May. Lake County may have few spots to camp, but boy, are they mighty. Visit these two locations in the land of lakes where the deer and the antelope. The three campsites remain open through October.
- Chain O'Lakes State Park in Antioch INFO»
- Fish Lake Beach in Volo INFO»
- Illinois Beach State Park in Zion INFO»
The sun is out, and humans are hunting for a party to cut a rug to live Spotify, exploring their palate for a bite of enchanting eats and drinks, seeking the thrills of a lifetime on all of the carnival rides and so much more.
- Tulip Festival at Richardson Adventure Farm (now-May 20) INFO »
- First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville (May 5) INFO»
- Cinco de Mayo Dance Night at Long Grove's Brothers' Field (May 5) INFO»
- MayFest at the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum (May 6) INFO»
- Primo Kentucky Derby Party in Gurnee (May 6) INFO»
- North Shore Jazz and Classical Festival in Waukegan (May 7) INFO»
- Maifest at Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. (May 12-13) INFO»
- Long Grove Chocolate Festival (May 19-21) INFO»
- Illinois Craft Beer Week (May 19-26) INFO»
- Enchanted Forest in Highland Park (May 20) INFO»
- Vernon Hills Craft Beer Tasting (May 20) INFO»
- Artwauk in Waukegan (May 20) INFO»
- Food Truck Festival at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center (May 26) INFO»
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. Let's see who's performing in May.
- Roots & Boots at Genesee Theatre (May 4) INFO»
- College of Lake County Spring Jazz Concert (May 5) INFO»
- Rhythm Future Quartet at Ravinia Festival (May 5) INFO»
- The Beat Goes On: A Cher Tribute at Genesee Theatre (May 5) INFO»
- Brit Floyd: 50 Years of Dark Side at Genesee Theatre (May 6) INFO»
- LCCCA Presents: The Lincoln Trio in Waukegan (May 7) INFO»
- "Rain" a Tribute to the Beatles (May 13) INFO»
- Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken at Genesee Theatre (May 15) INFO»
- Gangstagrass at James Lumber for the Performing Arts (May 14) INFO»
- Stewart Copeland: Police Deranged for Orchestra at Genesee Theatre (May 19) INFO»
- Waukegan Concert Chorus: Poems to Songs at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts (May 20) INFO»
- Los Chicos Del 512: Selena Experience at Genesee Theatre (May 20) INFO»
- Jelani Eddington "Much Loved Music: Songs We Cherish) at the Sanfilippo House (May 20) INFO»
- Drill or Die 2K23: Drill Dance and Drumline Competition in Zion (May 20) INFO»
- John Oates at Genesee Theatre (May 25) INFO»
U.S. Travel Association's NTTW celebrates its 40th anniversary with the theme #TravelForward. NTTW rallies all of the travel industry by the critical role in powering economies, communities and connections. Visit Lake County fuels every sector, in every communityu and our success is the county's success. From education to new business growth to advancing manufacturing and more, VLC continues to #TravelForward. Keep a close eye to VLC's social media as we rally behind our community and will be provide surprises.
Vroom Vroom! Blast "Born to be Wild" as you head to these annual automotive shows. Peruse dozens of classic cars that are in mint condition as the weather warms up and these sporty, flashy, tanky and just flat out beautiful whips invade the streets. There's also an instance where bigger trucks crush unsuspecting little vehicles.
- Chicago Monster Truck Wars at Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center (May 6) INFO»
- Park on Park Cruise Night in Mundelein (May 10) INFO»
- CarFun on 21 in LIbertyville (May 17) INFO»
During this week of imbibe, Visit Lake County Libation Trail is participating Illinois Craft Beer Week. Brew enthusiasts are encouraged to show their support with the #DrinkIllinois Summer Passport. The initiative emboldens visitors to obtain a Passport Frame from a participating brew house (or download your own at IllinoisBeer.org), snap a photo experiencing the Land of Lincoln beer and post on social media utilizing #ILPassportPlus for a weekly drawing of a $50 gift card to a brewery. The summer passport program runs longer than the Prairie State, suds-influenced week (ending May 26). Stay tuned for more details. Continue scrolling to see the Lake County Libation Trail participants.
- Black Lung Brewing Co. in Round Lake Beach INFO»
- Broken Tee Brewing Co. in Highwood INFO»
- Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. in Long Grove INFO»
- Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake INFO»
- Liquid Love Brewing in Buffalo Grave INFO»
- Mickey Finn's Brewery in Libertyville INFO»
- Phase Three Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich INFO»
- Ravinia Brewing Co. in Highland Park INFO»
- Roaring Table Brewery in Lake Zurich INFO»
- Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein INFO»
For over half a century, the Des Plaines River Canoe and Kayak Marathon has been a hit. The 18.5-mile marathon on the historic Des Plaines River begins in Libertyville at the Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch. This is the United States’ second oldest canoe race. If you are with the family, there is a brand new 5.25-mile mini-thon available starting in Potawatomi Woods in Wheeling. There are races for each age group to accommodate all. Be sure to look port and starboard when you cross the stream! Race registration is available at the start line or mini-thon start payable via check or cash.
“There is a-splishin’ and a-splashin,’ reelin’ with the feelin,’ movin’ and a-groovin,’ rockin’ and a-rollin’” at Hurricane Harbor water park at Six Flags Great America. This Gurnee water park offers 17 refreshing attractions to help you beat the summer heat. Take a dip in the drink, recline, relax and experience all the thrills of your adventure at Hurricane Harbor. Hurricane Harbor is open through September 2.
Honor the brave men and women who have served our country by learning the rich history and importance of our military, as well as its impact on our country.Join College of Lake County as they explore the National Museum of the American Sailor, Dunn Museum and Volo Museum military exhibits. This is a wonderful opportunity for a family outing or bonding experience with a beloved veteran. Registration closes on May 9, and space is limited!
For more information about the top 10 things to do in May 2023, continue here. To view other spring outdoor happenings, click here.
