Erin Go Bragh! Lake County's Guide to the Luckiest Day of the Year

By: Stephanie Wylie 02/20/2026

Erin Go Bragh, Lake County!

Before you settle in to "Split the G" on your Guinness this year, you’ve got to find the right spot to enjoy it. Whether you’re aiming for that precise line through the center of the harp or you’re just in it for the corned beef, parades and live music, we’ve tracked down the best places in Lake County to celebrate. From family-friendly gold hunts to the liveliest local pubs, our guide has everything you need to make this St. Patrick’s Day truly legendary.

Check out our top picks below and get ready to raise a glass!

• For nearly five decades, The Irish Botique, a Long Grove institution, has served as a local gateway to the Emerald Isle, stocking a curated collection of authentic gifts, apparel, jewelry and an expanding pantry of imported Irish and British staples. INFO»
• Commemorate the holiday with a creative twist at Mundelein’s Patterson Glassworks. Where you can step into the studio to handcraft your own custom glass shamrock or flower during this one-of-a-kind workshop. (March 7-8) INFO»
• Families can test their luck and hunt for hidden gold during the Lucky Leprechaun Hunt, a whimsical St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt for children ages 5 and older at Jewett Park. (March 6) INFO»
• The 14th annual GLMV Extreme Block Party Family Expo and Taste of the Towns will bring a bit of extra luck to the community, featuring a festive mix of local shopping, live entertainment, and food samples at the DoubleTree Mundelein. (March 14) INFO»
• The Grayslake Village Center invites the community to paint the town green on for the second annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration, featuring a festive lineup of music, food and family-friendly fun. (March 14) INFO»
• Lindy’s Landing Restaurant in Wauconda invites guests to celebrate the spirit of Ireland with an evening of soulful live music by Kerien Burne paired with a festive, multi-course dinner featuring classic Irish fare. (March 14) INFO»
• Harbor Brewing Co. in Lake Villa is hosting a paw-sitively festive St. Paddy’s Day Barket, inviting guests and their canine companions to enjoy local craft brews, artisanal shopping and a spirited "Mutt Strut" costume contest. (March 15) INFO»
• Station 51 Truck Company Bar & Grill in Antioch keeps the St. Patrick’s Day spirit going with a family-friendly night of bingo, seasonal food and drink specials, and spirited competition. (March 18). INFO»
• The Waukegan Park District invites the community to get moving and "do the shamrock shake" during a free, all-ages St. Patrick’s Day Zumba Fitness Night on at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center. (March 19) INFO»
• O’Toole’s is bringing a week of Irish luck to the community with a celebration featuring traditional pub fare, festive drink specials and a grand finale weekend packed with live bagpipers and leprechaun appearances at Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Gurnee and O'Toole's Libertyville. (March 13-17) INFO»
• Embrace the spirit of St. Patrick's Day with a classic distillery tour at North Shore Distillery, where you can delve into the world of spirits, explore the history of distilling and enjoy tastings of finely crafted drinks. INFO»
• Experience the essence of St. Patrick’s Day with an exquisite dinner at Joyful Gourmet with a menu featuring pub-style twists on Irish classics – sláinte! (March 17) INFO»
• Join the vibrant St. Patrick's Day Parade in Lake Villa as the community comes together to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. (March 14) TBA»
• The Village of Antioch will host the 2026 Shamrock Jam and Shamrock Shuffle 5K fun run/walk, featuring Irish entertainment, food and activities at Sequoit Creek Park. (March 7) INFO»

For other ways to celebrate everyone's favorite Irish holiday, continue here. To learn more about the land of lakes dining options, click here.