Things To Do This Weekend February 14-16, 2025

By: Sam Ornig 02/13/2025

Feel the love in Lake County this Valentine's Day weekend with tons of events fit for a romantic date, a fun family outing or a night out with friends. With orchid blooms, casino games, mixers, markets and so much more, the land of lakes has something for everyone to enjoy. Love isn't the only thing in the air this weekend, though—breathe in the sweet and savory offerings from Lake County Flavor Festival partners! Only two more weekends to celebrate Flavor Fest with us, so book those reservations and head to some of Lake County's most delicious spots for the best food and drinks around. 

Visit our calendar to see more events in Lake County.

1. Woodstock & Wildflowers Two-Year Anniversary Party in Waukegan

Join in on the grooviest party in Lake County at Woodstock and Wildflowers, American Place Casino's fabulous two-year anniversary bash on Saturday, February 15. Visit dressed in your most smashing retro attire and be ready for a wild time full of music, games and fantastic prizes! This is your chance to win a fortune: play the incredible $50,000 Cash and Free Play Giveaway, participate in the far-out costume drawing, feel the thrill of Progressive Table Games Hot Seats and more. Earn your exclusive tie-dye t-shirt with the Earn and Get promotion, and enjoy even more surprises throughout the day. Individuals can also participate in Lake County Flavor Festival, as American Place Casino's onsite restaurant Asia-Azteca is a participant. Bring your friends, family and good vibes to make the Waukegan casino's anniversary party unforgettable. Mark your calendar now and get ready to party like it's 1969! For more information, visit AmericanPlace.com.

Saturday, February 15; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free admission. America Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan.

2. Romantic Bonfire Date Night at Heller Nature Center in Highland Park

Escape into a night of warmth, romance and the serene natural beauty of Lake County with your loved one at the Heller Nature Center’s enchanting Bonfire Date Night. Imagine a crisp winter evening, the soft glow of candles guiding your way along peaceful, snow-covered trails and the crackle of cozy bonfires warming the night air. Whether you're celebrating a new romance or cherishing a long-lasting connection, this intimate event is the perfect setting for creating lasting memories together. Each couple will receive a gourmet s’mores kit, allowing you to indulge in sweet treats as you roast marshmallows over an inviting bonfire. As you stroll hand-in-hand through the winter wonderland, the glowing luminaries will light your path and lead you to special cards along the way—thoughtfully designed with conversation starters to help you connect even more deeply, no matter how long you've been together. Take this opportunity to pause from the hustle and bustle of daily life and truly savor each other’s company. This magical Highland Park evening is exclusively for adults ages 18 and older and pre-registration is required. Dress warmly for the outdoors and prepare to enjoy an unforgettable night of love, laughter and connection under the stars. To register, head to PDHP.org.

Saturday, February 15; 6-8:30 p.m. Registration is $16 per person. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd., Highland Park.

3. Street Scenes 'Saddle Up' at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein

Get ready for a rootin' tootin' good time this weekend at Carmel Catholic High School's annual Street Scenes fundraising festival. For its 51st year, Street Scenes is going country and bringing the Wild West to Lake County with the theme "Saddle Up!" Every year, Carmel Catholic High School transforms into a vibrant, action-packed venue for Street Scenes—and 2025 will be no exception. With over 40 live bands, thrilling casino games, amazing theatrical performances, a jaw-dropping magic show and the always popular cabaret-style student show, there’s never a dull moment at this beloved event. Add in tasty food and drinks from local vendors, a silent auction full of exciting treasures and more—and you've got an unforgettable night waiting for you. The craft beer garden features Lake County Libation Trail partners Tighthead Brewing Co. and Tonality Brewing Co. of Mundelein, Half Day Brewing Co. of Lincolnshire, Mickey Finn's Brewery of Libertyville and Buffalo Creek Brewing of Long Grove. Since its inception, Street Scenes has raised $12 million to help Carmel students by keeping tuition affordable and offering top-notch programming and activities. Grab your friends, your boots and your cowboy hat for a night of fun, laughter and memories that’ll last a lifetime—all while supporting a fantastic cause! To purchase tickets, head to CarmelStreetScenes.com.

Friday-Saturday, February 14-15; 6 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $35-$45. Carmel Catholic High School, One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein.

4. The Orchid Show: India Blooms at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe

Step into a world where timeless tradition meets contemporary design at The Orchid Show: India Blooms, a celebration of Bharat's stunning beauty and fascinating history. Immerse yourself in indoor galleries filled with more than 10,000 fresh, vibrant orchids featured in displays that reflect India's rich landscapes, people and cultures. Such breathtaking displays are nods to India's national symbols and celebrations, like a majestic floor-to-ceiling peacock with a sweeping tail crafted from hundreds of blooms and a towering banyan tree with its roots and branches intertwined with vibrant orchids. The Orchid Show will take you on a journey of to discover and experience India's diverse culture and nature’s finest creations. The Glencoe exhibition runs daily through March 23. To secure admission and parking, continue to ChicagoBotanic.org.

Friday-Sunday, February 14-16; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets: $8-$22. Parking has an extra admission. Children ages two and under receive free admission. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

5. 'My Phone Can Do That!' at Grayslake Heritage Museum

Imagine a world where your phone's apps were actual, physical objects—maps that guided your way, watches that kept time,  candlesticks lighting up the room, gossip columns that kept you in the loop and postcards from distant places. Curious to learn how people made it through the pre-cellphone days? Step back in time at the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum as they unveil the exciting new exhibit, "My Phone Can Do That!" Explore fascinating artifacts and historic photos that showcase how everyday items evolved into the sleek, multifunctional devices we can't live without today. From the past to the present, it’s a journey through technology you won’t want to miss. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience—see how far we’ve come and how much we’ve changed. The exhibit runs on select days through mid-November. For further details, visit VillageofGrayslake.com.

Friday-Saturday, February 14-15; Noon-4 p.m. Suggested donation: $1-$3. Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake.

Remember that our annual Lake County February Flavor Fest going on all month long! And don't forget to join the Flavor Fest Check-In Challenge for a chance to win prizes! See more things to do this weekend February 14-16, 2025.