Things To Do This Weekend April 4-6, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 04/02/2025

Pack your binoculars, dust off your poker face, and polish those golf clubs, because Lake County is bursting with fun this weekend! From feathered celebrities flocking to Fox Lake to high-rolling thrills in Libertyville and art history deep dives in Highland Park, there's a quirky adventure waiting for everyone. Let's dive into the delightful chaos of pelican paparazzi, casino capers and Renaissance revelations!

1. Pelican Palooza in Fox Lake

Each spring, nature enthusiasts and local residents gather in Fox Lake to witness the breathtaking migration of American White Pelicans as they make their way northward. To commemorate this spectacular natural event, the Village of Fox Lake hosts Pelican Palooza, a two-week festival with exciting activities, contests and community engagement. Pelican Palooza offers a variety of engaging activities, including a scavenger hunt through local businesses where participants collect passport stamps and uncover special deals. Children can enjoy crafting at the Fox Lake District Library, while those seeking a creative outlet can paint a Beacon the Pelican figurine with Blazin' Ceramics. Photography enthusiasts can enter the Pelican Palooza Photo Contest by submitting their best pelican snapshots for a Facebook "likes" competition, and don’t forget to view past winning images at the Fox Lake District Library's Pelican Photo Exhibit. Mark your calendars, grab your Pelican Passport and get ready for an unforgettable two weeks in Fox Lake! Pelican Palooza runs daily through Thursday, April 17. Visit FoxLake.org for more details.

Saturday-Sunday, April 4-6; Various times. Various locations in Fox Lake.

2. MainStreet Libertyville Casino Night

Get ready for a night of high stakes, dazzling entertainment and an evening of excitement at MainStreet Libertyville Casino Night. Attendees will enjoy unlimited free play at blackjack, roulette, craps and poker tables, all run by professional dealers ensuring an authentic casino experience at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. For those who love to try their luck, free slot machines will also be available. Guests can indulge in an open bar featuring handcrafted cocktails, along with a spread of appetizers, snacks and desserts. Adding to the allure, guests will have the chance to win fantastic prizes and raffles. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary evening of gaming and entertainment for a good cause. Visit MainStreetLibertyville.org for more details on ticketing and event information.

Saturday, April 5; 6-10 p.m. Tickets starting at $150. Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 Buckley Rd., Libertyville. 

3. Waukegan Harbor Opens for the Season in Waukegan

As temperatures rise and daylight stretches further into the evening, Waukegan Harbor welcomes boaters back for another exciting season on Lake Michigan. Offering 700 slips, the marina provides ample space for vessels of all sizes, ensuring easy access to a well-equipped and convenient docking experience. Whether you're planning a leisurely day on the water or a longer voyage, this dynamic waterfront serves as the ideal starting point for your nautical journey. For details on slip fees and available amenities, visit WaukeganHarbor.com. The boating season at this premier harbor runs through November 2.

Friday-Sunday, April 4-6; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Waukegan Harbor and Marina, 9 North Harbor Pl., Waukegan.

4. Renaissance Drawings: Function, Techniques, and Creative Processes at The Art Center Highland Park

Art enthusiasts and history lovers are invited to step back into the Renaissance era at The Art Center Highland Park’s event. Join internationally acclaimed artist Hector Hernandez who will lead a captivating lecture and drawing demonstration exploring the techniques and creative processes of Renaissance masters. Hernandez will examine key artistic practices such as developing ideas (Invenzione), studying from nature (ritratto) and compositional studies, shedding light on the intellectual and technical aspects that shaped masterpieces of the time. For those passionate about art history and the meticulous techniques of Renaissance masters, this event is not to be missed. To register, visit TheArtCenterHP.org.

Saturday, April 5; 1:30-3 p.m. Tickets are $20. The Art Center Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park.

5. Hickory Knoll Golf Course Opens for the Season in Lake Villa

Hickory Knoll Golf Course is thrilled to welcome golfers back for another season of play. Since 1947, this beloved nine-hole course has been a local staple, offering a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for players of all skill levels. The redesigned nine-hole layout is particularly well-suited for those looking to sharpen their short game or tackle the challenge of a 20-over-par handicap. Grab your clubs, hit the fairways and be a part of Hickory Knoll’s next chapter. The season is officially underway, and the greens are calling! For more information, visit HickoryKnollGC.com.

Friday-Sunday, April 4-6; 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Hickory Knolls Golf Course, 24745 W. Monaville Rd., Lake Villa.

For more things to do this weekend, continue here.