Things To Do This Weekend February 7-9, 2025

By: Sam Ornig 02/06/2025

Head to Lake County, Illinois, this weekend for fun February activities fit for the whole family. Shop for loved ones (or yourself) at Valentine's maker's markets and craft fairs. Indulge on inspired eats and inventive cocktails with Lake County February Flavor Festival. Celebrate the opening weekend of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at Marriott Theatre. No matter what you're in the mood for, the land of lakes has got you covered!

Visit our calendar to see more events in Lake County.

1. Lake County February Flavor Festival

This weekend and throughout the month, embark on a sensory journey through Lake County as you sample and savor some of our most delectable and divine local eats and drinks during Lake County February Flavor Festival! The Visit Lake County initiatives combine its Restaurant Week and the Libation Trail into one delicious celebration offering exclusive dining promotions, inventive drinks, yummy fare and live entertainment all month long. Over 100 local restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wineries in Lake County are showcasing their culinary treasures and hosting fun experiences like special dining deals, curated food and drink pairings, chef-led demos, creative cocktails and vibrant live shows. Food enthusiasts who visit five or more participating spots are entered to win amazing prizes. All you have to do is point your mobile device to the participating restaurant’s QR code, register and check in to win. Myriad winners will take home overnight stays, dinner for two, a cooking class and more. For more event details and a list of participating venues, head to VisitLakeCounty.org/Flavor-Festival.

Saturday-Sunday, February 1-2; various hours. Various locations in Lake County.

2. 8th Annual Cocoa Crawl in Historic Downtown Long Grove

Calling all hot cocoa lovers! Warm up this weekend with delicious, free admission annual Cocoa Crawl in Long Grove's downtown area. Grab your group and hop on the carriage for a free ride around town while you grab yummy samples of hot cocoa from the tents set up throughout the downtown. Pop by participating businesses like Ma and Pa’s Candy Store for cocoa-inspired creations and merchandise. Then, head to the local eateries and drinkeries like Village Tavern and Flavor Festival participant Joanie’s Pizzeria for cocoa-themed food and beverages. Hot cocoa isn’t the only thing in Long Grove this weekend — love is in the air as the community gets ready for Valentine’s Day. Celebrate the holiday of love early with a weekend in Long Grove, starting with a shopping trip for your dearest at Buffalo Creek Brewing’s Love on Tap Maker’s Market on Friday, followed by the Cocoa Crawl on Saturday and a Valentine’s Chocolate Workshop at Ma and Pa’s Candy on Sunday. To learn more about the charming town of Long Grove and these special events, visit LongGrove.org.

Friday-Sunday, February 7-9; Cocoa Crawl: Saturday, noon-4 p.m., LOve on Tap Maker's Market: Friday, 5-9 p.m. and Ma and Pa's Candy Valentine Chocolate Workshop: Sunday, 11 a.m. Free admission. Various locations in Historic Downtown Long Grove, Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin Roads, Long Grove.

3. Cupid’s Court: Valentine’s Event and Market at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills

Hearts are fluttering at Hawthorn Mall this weekend at the Cupid’s Court Valentine’s Event and Market on Saturday. Get ready for a blissful afternoon celebrating love with a partner, friends or family. Discover unique handmade gifts by makers, taste yummy treats and delicious food by food vendors and join in on the fun with family-friendly games, activities and Valentine-making stations. Creative experts are also hosting several interactive workshops like flower arranging, dessert decorating and more. Enjoy a heartwarming day at Hawthorn Mall! Learn more about this event and more at VisitHawthorn.com.

Saturday, February 8; 1-4 p.m. Free admission. Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills.

4. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire

Head to the Marriott Theatre this weekend as they open the curtain for the timeless classic, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” This enduring tale offers a fresh take on the biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, his eleven brothers and the famous coat of many colors. With a cherished score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this lively production is filled with memorable pop and musical theatre anthems, including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door,” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph.” Admire the gorgeous costumes, brilliant vocals and enchanting music as you marvel at this wonderful production of the unforgettable musical. This is a performance you won’t want to miss! The Lincolnshire production runs on select days through March 30. For more information to purchase tickets, visit MarriottTheatre.com.

Friday-Sunday, February 7-9; Fri: 7:30 p.m., Sat: 4 and 8 p.m. and Sun: 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets starting at $70. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire.

5. Chicago Valentine's Craft Show at Gurnee Mills

Get ready to fall in love with the Chicago Valentine's Craft and Vendor Market at Gurnee Mills. Mark your calendars for three exciting days filled with local vendors showcasing their unique creations. Open Friday through Sunday and just in time for Valentine’s Day, shop for your loved ones and peruse the sweet treats, handmade gifts, memorable keepsakes and one-of-a-kind decor. Whether you're shopping for your Valentine, your family, or treating yourself, you’ll find something that speaks to the heart. Visit Simon.com/mall/gurneemills for more information about this exciting weekend.

Friday-Sunday, February 7-9; Fri-Sat: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free admission. Gurnee Mills, 6170 West Grand Avenue, Gurnee.

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 7-9, 2025.