Things To Do This Weekend January 16-18, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 01/14/2026

From the quiet charm of a winter stroll to the profound impact of community service, Lake County offers a diverse slate of activities to kick off the new year. Whether you are looking to toast the season with friends, honor a historic legacy or revisit the magic of childhood stories, there is a Lake County destination ready to welcome you!

Here are the top things to do this weekend, January 16-18, 2026.

1. Winter Wine Walk in Downtown Antioch

Downtown Antioch trades winter chills for a leisurely swirl of reds and whites during the annual Winter Wine Walk. The vino stroll invites guests to slow their pace and rediscover the charm of the downtown district. The experience begins at the Dolly Spiering Community Center, where participants check in before setting off to explore local shops and stops throughout downtown Antioch. Along the way, wine tastings pair naturally with browsing and wandering around a quaint town in winter. Tickets include a tote bag, commemorative wine glass and a bottle of wine to take home. For tickets, visit Antioch.IL.gov.

Saturday, January 17; noon-4 p.m. Tickets are $49 and participants must be ages 21 and older. Dolly Spiering Community Center, 817 Holbek Dr., Antioch. 

2. 17th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in Highland Park

Highland Park residents will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through action during the city’s 17th annual MLK Day of Service. The event, themed “a day on, not a day off,” is hosted by the city, its Human Relations Advisory Group and the Park District of Highland Park. Neighbors from across the North Shore can participate in hands-on projects, presentations and performances. Local organizations focused on education, advocacy, public safety and social services will be on-site to connect with volunteers. For those unable to stay, a drive-thru donation drop-off offers an efficient way to support local causes. The event aims to strengthen the community through collective action and service. Discover more at CityHPIL.com. 

Monday, January 19; 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free admission. Park Fitness, 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park. 

3. “Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustrations” Exhibit at the Dunn Museum

Spanning a century of children’s book illustration, the exhibition features original art from more than 75 beloved titles, charting the evolution of style, technique and storytelling. Visitors can wander through the playful absurdity of Dr. Seuss’ worlds, pause over Sarah Noble Ives’ 1915 pen-and-ink “Mother Goose” illustrations and come face to face with Maurice Sendak’s unforgettable “Wild Things.” Together, the pieces reveal how illustration has balanced artistry with accessibility, helping stories reach young readers across decades. The journey concludes in the present, where contemporary creators like Mo Willems demonstrate how digital tools have expanded the medium without losing their heart. This Sunday marks the final weekend of the exhibit. For more information, visit LCFPD.org. 

Friday-Sunday, January, 16-18; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission: $3-$10. Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville. 

4. Kristof’s Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach

Since 1974, Kristof’s Entertainment Center has been a community fixture known for bowling, arcade games and family fun. The center blends nostalgia with modern upgrades, featuring a year-round redemption arcade, a full-service bar and grill and a state-of-the-art bowling experience. A new scoring system allows players to personalize games with animated graphics and photos. The swipe-based arcade features a mix of retro favorites, modern racing and shooting games and classics like pinball and skee-ball. At the bar, guests can find 24 beers on tap, pool tables, foosball and video gaming. Weekly events include bingo, trivia, tournaments and karaoke. Be sure to visit during the spring as the facility has an outdoor mini-golf and a brand new go-kart courses. For further details, visit Kristofs.net.

Friday-Sunday, January 16-18; Fri.: 2:30 p.m.-2 a.m., Sat.: 11 a.m. -2 a.m. and Sun.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Visitors must be 18 or older after midnight on weekends. Kristof’s Entertainment Center, 421 W. Rollins Rd., Round Lake Beach. 

5. The Lehmann Mansion Wedding Show

The Lehmann Mansion Wedding Show invites couples to imagine their big day within the walls of a historic estate while connecting with the professionals who help bring those visions to life. More than 25 hand-selected wedding vendors will be on site, offering a curated look at the services that shape a celebration. Florists, photographers, DJs, makeup artists, bakers and other specialists will be stationed throughout the mansion and inside a grand outdoor tent. A great starting point for newly engaged couples, those finalizing details or anyone seeking inspiration for a future celebration. For event details, visit TheLehmannMansion.com.

Sunday, January 18; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. The Lehmann Mansion, 485 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa. 

For more things to do this weekend January 16-18, 2026, continue here.