Things To Do This Weekend January 30-February 1, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 01/28/2026

From craft cocktails and winter races to cultural storytelling and alpine-inspired celebrations, Lake County offers a packed slate of events to close out January and kick off February. Food lovers can savor exclusive menus and seasonal pours during a monthlong flavor festival, while runners brave the cold for a brewery-backed 5K. The arts and history take center stage with a Black History Month tradition that blends performance and education. Those seeking inspiration can gather for a daylong summit focused on joy, wellness and connection. Together, these events showcase the region’s mix of flavor, culture and community spirit.
 

Here are the top things to do this weekend January 30-February 1, 2026. 

1. Lake County February Flavor Festival

Foodies and craft drink fans have a new reason to explore the region this month during the Lake County February Flavor Festival. The monthlong event merges the renowned Lake County Restaurant Week with the Lake County Libation Trail. Throughout February, participating restaurants will offer exclusive menus, while local breweries, distilleries and wineries feature specialized pairings and seasonal cocktails. Diners can also turn their meals into prizes. Check into five or more participating locations with Visit Lake County’s Check-in Challenge to enter our raffle for various rewards like an dinner and a show at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, a cooking class at The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville and so much more. The festival runs through February 28. For a complete list of participating venues and menu details, visit LakeCountyFlavorFestival.com.

Sunday, February 1; various hours. Various locations in Lake County.

2. 43rd Annual Profiles in Excellence at the Greenbelt Cultural Center

The Greenbelt Cultural Center will host its 43rd annual Profiles in Excellence, featuring a performance and lecture by playwright Ted Williams III as part of Black History Month programming. The Lake County Forest Preserve-hosted event, themed “Origin Stories,” highlights inspiring presentations and performances that explore the roots of African-American history and its ongoing influence on the nation’s culture. Williams, the creator of the musical “1619: The Journey of a People,” will lead an artistic and academic exploration of America’s past, present and future. Additional cast members from the production will join him to offer insight into the creative process and the historical narratives that shape the work. Profiles in Excellence is a longstanding community tradition that honors Black History Month through education, storytelling and the performing arts. For details, visit LCFPD.org.

Sunday, February 1; 3-5 p.m. Free admission. Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago. 

3. Half Day Brewing Co. 5k Frozen Tundra and Post Race Party in Lincolnshire

Runners and winter enthusiasts can embrace the chill at the Half Day Brewing Co. 5K Frozen Tundra and Post-Race Party. The race features an out-and-back 5K along the Des Plaines River Trail and has become a winter tradition for those looking to test their endurance in the seasonal air. Following the run, participants can warm up at a celebration at the Lincolnshire brewery. The party, included with registration, offers music, a Frozen Tundra IPA, hot toddies, soft drinks, a buffet and gift cards. The event blends fitness and craft beer into a winter celebration. For race information, visit FrozenTundra5k.com.

Saturday, January 31; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 5k: $45 and After Party Only: $25. Half Day Brewing Co., 200 Village Green South, Lincolnshire.

4. Lake County Joy Summit in Zion

Community members will gather for a day of inspiration, connection and well-being at the Lake County Joy Summit. The Zion conference, themed “Reach New Heights: Elevate Your Spirit at the Lake County Joy Summit,” will help participants amplify joy in their personal and professional lives. The program features speakers from various disciplines, including Jason Kotecki, who will present “Curing Adultitis: Your Prescription for Less Stress and More Success,” and Dominique Pritchett, whose talk focuses on wellness and leadership. Speaker Amber Swenor will explore authenticity and its role in cultivating joy and freedom. Continuing education credits will be available to nurses, social workers and educators, with additional credits potentially offered to other health professionals. For more information, visit LCJoySummit.com.

Saturday, January 31; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $30. Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 W. 21st St., Zion. 

5. Alpine Fest at Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove

Lake County Libation Trail partner Buffalo Creek Brewing will bring winter cheer during Alpine Fest, featuring Alps-inspired drinks, themed nights, live music and outdoor fun. A rotating lineup of seasonal beverages includes the Alpine Ol’ Spritz, Hot Buttered Beer and more. A new addition to the festivities are the Long Grove brewery’s  themed nights: Buffalo Plaid Night on Friday, where guests are encouraged to dress in North Woods style, and Alpine Chic Night on Saturday, inspired by winter and ski culture fashion. Presented in conjunction with the Lake Zurich Lions Club, Alpine Fest will also feature stein-holding and hammerschlagen competitions, a 50/50 raffle and a s’mores bar. The Alpine Thunder Band will perform traditional tunes with Alpen horns and bells throughout the event.

Friday-Saturday, Jan. 30-31; 4-10 p.m. Free admission. Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove. 

For more things to do this weekend January 30-February 1, continue here.