Things To Do This Weekend February 20-22, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 02/18/2026

Get ready for a jam-packed weekend in Lake County! From craft beer to delicious eats, there's no shortage of things to do in Lake County, Illinois. Celebrate the season with outdoor activities and adventuring into fantasy. Don't miss the Lake County February Flavor Fest, where you can embark on a culinary adventure and win enticing prizes by checking in at participating venues. Join in the fun and make lasting memories in Lake County this weekend!

Don't miss the last weekend of Lake County February Flavor Festival and your chance to win prizes with the Lake County Check-in Challenge! 

 Let's delve into the top five activities to embrace this weekend, February 20-22, 2026.

1. Lake County Craft Beer Festival at the Lake County Fairgrounds

The 11th annual Lake County Craft Beer Festival returns Saturday, February 21, bringing a “Fire and Ice” theme to the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center. The event will feature specialty and seasonal samples from local, regional and national breweries, as well as distilleries and wineries. General admission tickets include a souvenir glass and 25 samples. In addition to beverage sampling, the festival will include live music, food vendors, axe throwing, giant beer pong and a costume contest. Guests are encouraged to dress in accordance with the “Fire and Ice” theme. For tickets, visit LCFairgrounds.com/BeerFest.  

Saturday, February 21; 5 to 9 p.m., with a VIP hour from 4 to 5 p.m. General admission is $60 and VIP is $80. All attendees must be 21 or older; no infants or children permitted. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.  

2. Love is in Bloom 2026 Wedding Showcase at Independence Grove

Couples planning their big day can gather inspiration and make connections at the Love is in Bloom 2026 Wedding Showcase on Sunday, February 22, at Relish Events at Independence Grove. The afternoon showcase will feature a curated lineup of wedding professionals from across the Chicago area, allowing attendees to meet vendors, explore services and preview one of Lake County’s premier wedding venues. The event is an immersive experience designed to help couples envision and plan their celebration. Guests will be able to stroll through indoor and outdoor event spaces at Independence Grove, sample chef-curated offerings from the venue’s in-house catering team and connect with wedding coordinators and event staff. For registration, visit RelishEventsatIndependence.com.  

Sunday, February 22; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free Admission. Independence Grove, 16400 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville.   

3. Gurnee Comic Book and Collectibles Show at The Ten Hotel

Comic book fans and collectors can browse, buy and trade at the Gurnee Comic Book and Collectibles Show on Sunday, February 22, at The Ten Hotel and Convention Center. The show features more than 50 vendor tables offering comic books, collectibles and related memorabilia. The event expects to draw collectors from across the region with its mix of vintage finds and modern releases. For details, visit TheTenGurnee.com.  

Sunday, February 22; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $2. The Ten Hotel, 6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.   

4. LVVA's Final Ice Fishing Derby in Wauconda

Anglers will take the ice on Bangs Lake for the LVVA Final Ice Fishing Derby, a two-day event that raises money for military veterans and active-duty service members. LVVA hosts the derby, which has grown into one of the largest and most successful ice fishing events in Northern Illinois. The 2026 edition features individual angler competitions and prizes, as well as raffles and door prizes from event sponsors. Participants compete for the largest catch in several species, including northern pike, bass, perch, crappie, walleye and bluegill. Organizers encourage anglers to download the FishDonkey app to participate and track entries during the Friday-Saturday format. Additional details and registration information are available at WaucondaIceFishingDerby.com.  

Friday-Saturday, February 20-21. Admission is $25 and kids 14 and under are free with a paying adult. Bangs Lake, 112 Park St., Wauconda.  

5. Roald Dahl's “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at Marriott Theatre

The Theatre for Young Audiences invites families to step into a world of imagination as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Based on the Roald Dahl novel, the musical adaptation brings Charlie Bucket's whimsical story to the stage, featuring memorable characters, lively songs and fantastical confections. The production follows Charlie's journey after he wins a coveted golden ticket and enters Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. The show is a family-friendly theatrical experience that delights audiences of all ages by blending humor, heart and visual spectacle. The musical celebrates creativity, kindness and imagination while remaining true to the spirit of the original story.  

Friday-Sunday, February 20-22; Fri.-Sun.: 10 a.m. Tickets start at $20.75. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. 

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. 

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