Things To Do This Weekend April 25-27, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 04/24/2025

From craft brews to creative expression, Lake County is buzzing with events that celebrate community, culture and connection this weekend. Whether you're raising a glass at the Long Grove Craft Beer Fest, exploring bold artistic voices at the Fear No Art Festival or honoring the planet at the Earth Day Expo in Vernon Hills, there's no shortage of ways to get involved. Theater lovers can catch the powerful production of "Titanic: The Musical" in Lincolnshire, while nostalgia seekers can take a walk down memory lane at Grayslake’s “Growing Up X” exhibit. With something for every age and interest, these local happenings promise an engaging weekend full of discovery and fun. 

We've put together a list of the top things to do in Lake County for Mother's Day. To check it out, click here. For a list of spring festivals in Lake County, click here. 

Let's look at Lake County's top five things to do this weekend, April 25-27, 2025. 

1. LONG GROVE CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Suds lovers from across the region will raise a glass this weekend at the Long Grove Craft Beer Fest, returning on Saturday, April 26, for an afternoon of tastings, tunes and local flavor. More than 20 breweries from across Illinois will be pouring unlimited samples of their top-tier craft brews, with ticket holders receiving a commemorative tasting glass. Attendees ages 21 and older can also enjoy live music by Chicago-based, folk-rock band The Sunflower Headlights and browse a selection of food vendors on-site. Lake County Libation Trail breweries participating in this year’s festival include 9th Hour Brewing Co. in Lake Villa, Half Day Brewing Co. in Lincolnshire, Phase Three Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich and Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein. Per village ordinance, no children of any age are permitted inside the event space. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit LongGrove.org.

Saturday, April 26; noon-4 p.m. General admission tickets: $60, Designated Driver: $10. Brothers’ Field, 340 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.

2. FEAR NO ART FESTIVAL AT COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY JAMES LUMBER CENTER

The College of Lake County will once again spotlight the bold and innovative at the annual Fear No Art Festival, taking place April 25–26 at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts. Now a staple of the local arts scene, the two-day Grayslake festival brings together a dynamic lineup of student and community artists, showcasing work across dance, music, theater, visual art, poetry and design. Described as “a festival like no other,” Fear No Art aims to celebrate creative expression in all forms, emphasizing inclusion and diversity. From emerging choreographers and vocalists to photographers and poets, the event serves as a platform for artists at various stages of their development. Purchase tickets online at  JLCenter.CLCIllinois.edu.

Friday-Saturday, April 25-26; Fri.: 7:30 p.m. Sat.: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $5-12. James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.

3. EARTH DAY EXPO AT HAWTHORN

Families and eco-enthusiasts are invited to celebrate the planet at the Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 26 at the Hawthorn Green Space. Organizers promise a lively afternoon of eco-conscious fun featuring local vendors, hands-on activities, food trucks, and interactive exhibits aimed at raising environmental awareness. Highlights include a vibrant market showcasing local goods, craft stations using recycled materials and a meet-and-greet with whimsical fairies. Textile and shoe donation stations will be available for attendees looking to recycle unused items. Participating stores inside the Vernon Hills shopping mall will provide special daily offers. For more information, visit VisitHawthorn.com.

Saturday, April 26; noon-2 p.m. Free admission. Hawthorn, 750 Hawthorn Row, Vernon Hills. 

4. “Titanic: The Musical” at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire

“Titanic: The Musical,” the sweeping Broadway production that chronicles the human stories aboard history’s most infamous ocean liner, has docked at the Marriott Theatre. The Lincolnshire musical brings to life the triumphs, hopes and heartbreak of the passengers aboard the RMS Titanic on its ill-fated 1912 voyage. Featuring a Tony Award-winning score by Maury Yeston and a book by Peter Stone, the production offers a moving tribute to the real people who sailed on what was once called the “Ship of Dreams.” The original Broadway production of “Titanic: The Musical” earned five Tony Awards, including “Best Musical,” “Best Score” and “Best Book.” Tickets and additional information are available at MarriottTheatre.com. The Lincolnshire runs on select days through June 1

Friday-Sunday, April 25-27; Fri.: 7:30 p.m., Sat.: 4 and 8 p.m. and Sun.: 1 and 5 p.m. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. 

5. Growing Up X Exhibit at Grayslake Heritage Center

Celebrate spring at the Chicago Botanic Garden by writing a seasonal haiku and making a cherry blossom hanging scroll and/or try other hands-on activities like a suminagashi paper marbling demonstration. The Malott Japanese Garden Spring Festival kicks off with a tea ceremony as it teaches visitors about the island’s children celebrations. Experience traditional storytelling, a koto harp and Skahuachi flute music performance, create a miniature carp kite, construct a kimono-clad paper doll, take a walk in the Chicago Botanic Garden Japanese Garden and more.

Saturday-Sunday, April 27-28; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

For more things to do this weekend April 25-27, 2025 continue here.