Things To Do This Weekend February 13-15, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 02/11/2026

Whether you are looking to brave the icy waters for a record-breaking catch or seeking a sophisticated night at the theater, Lake County offers a diverse lineup of events this weekend. From long-standing community traditions to modern culinary celebrations, the region provides plenty of ways to shake off the winter chill.

Experience the delectable delights awaiting you at the Lake County February Flavor Festival!! Indulge in tantalizing culinary creations from a diverse array of restaurants, delighting in the distinctive tastes that Lake County boasts, and participate in our Check-In Challenge for the chance to win exclusive prizes!

Let's delve into the top five activities to embrace this weekend, 13-15, 2026.

1. 66th Annual Chain O' Lakes Fishing Derby and Winter Festival

Across the Chain O’ Lakes, anglers will gather with augers, buckets and plenty of anticipation for a tradition that has lasted more than six decades. The 66th annual Chain O’ Lakes Fishing Derby and Winter Festival returns, continuing its distinction as the longest-running ice fishing derby in the Midwest. Participants compete on the frozen lake while off-ice activities keep the energy high, including bucket raffles, a 50-50 drawing and popular meat raffles that have become a hallmark of the event. This year’s Antioch derby adds a seasonal twist with a Valentine’s Day couples package raffle. As anglers drill their holes and settle in for the morning bite, the Chain O’ Lakes Fishing Derby stands as a celebration of winter. For details, visit MyNICC.org.

Saturday, February 14; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration is $20. Turtle Beach Marina, 42273 N Woodbine Ave., Antioch.

2. "Admissions" at Citadel Theatre Co.in Lake Forest

The polite office of an elite New England prep school becomes a battleground in "Admissions," a sharp-edged drama opening this month at Citadel Theatre. Directed by Jeff Award-nominee Beth Wolf, the Lake Forest play follows Sherri Rosen-Mason, an admissions head dedicated to school diversity. Her values collide with self-interest when her son's Ivy League prospects put her ideals at odds with his future. Now in its 24th season, Citadel Theatre is known for intimate, emotionally resonant storytelling. With "Admissions," the company challenges audiences to examine their own convictions when personal stakes are high. For tickets, visit CitadelTheatreCo.org.

Friday-Sunday, February 13-15; Fri.-Sat.: 7:30 p.m. and Sun.: 3 p.m. Tickets start at $48. Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest.

3. Yonder Mountain String Band at the James Lumber Center

The Yonder Mountain String Band brings nearly three decades of boundary-pushing roots music to the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts. The Colorado-based group invites fans to settle in for an evening in Grayslake that blends bluegrass tradition with a restless, modern edge. The stop marks a celebration of both the Grammy nominated-band's long-running career and its newest creative chapter, shaped by the release of their latest album, "Nowhere Next." Fans can expect the loose, communal energy and spontaneous instrumentals that make every Yonder Mountain show unique. Tickets are available at JLCenter.CLCIllinois.edu.

Sunday, February 15; 8 p.m. Tickets start at $28. James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.

4. Lake County February Flavor Festival

Lake County February Flavor Festival invites diners to explore the region’s diverse culinary scene through a monthlong showcase of exclusive menus and inventive pairings. Featuring 90+ local restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wineries, the event includes limited-time dishes, chef demonstrations, live entertainment and creative cocktails. The festival also adds a giveaway element with a check-in challenge, inviting participants to track their visits and compete for prizes. By utilizing your mobile device when checking in at five or more restaurants, visitors can win a dinner and show package at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, a cooking class at The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville, a show at American Place Casino’s The Lighthouse in Waukegan and more. Explore and support the people shaping Lake County’s culinary identity, one plate and one pour at a time. This foodie initiative runs daily through February 28. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit VisitLakeCounty.org.

Friday-Sunday, February 13-15; Various locations across Lake County. 

5. Park District of Highland Park's Kids' Night Out: Snow Glow

While parents head out for a Valentine's Day dinner, young scientists will be lighting up the night at Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center. Park District of Highland Park will host "Kids' Night Out: Snow Glow," a drop-off program designed for children ages 5-12 years old that blends winter wonder with hands-on science. Led by the center's naturalists, the evening invites kids to explore nature through glowing experiments and creative crafts, all culminating in a festive "glow party" atmosphere. Snow Glow is an experience that lets children learn, create and shine. For more information, visit PDHP.org.

Saturday, February 14; 6-8 p.m. Admission: $28. Rosewood Beach, 883 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 

Remember that our annual Lake County February Flavor Fest going on all month long! And don't forget to join the Libation Trail and Flavor Fest Check-In Challenges. Click here to learn more about this month-long celebration. 

Click here to see more things to do this weekend February 13-15, 2026.