Things To Do This Weekend January 23-25, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 01/21/2026

Lake County will host a diverse range of cultural and community events this weekend, anchored by the 60th anniversary celebration of Ma & Pa’s Candy in historic downtown Long Grove. From immersive theater productions to interactive winter retreats, the upcoming schedule offers a mix of local history, music and entertainment.

Prepare your palate for the return of the Lake County's February Flavor Festival, a month-long celebration of the region's culinary scene. Throughout February, diners can unlock exclusive discounts and specialty menu items at a wide array of participating restaurants and breweries. Those who check-in at five or more featured locations will be eligible to win official festival prizes, making it the perfect time to discover a new favorite local eatery.

Let's look at the top five things to do this weekend, January 23-25, 2026.

1. Ma & Pa’s Candy 60th Celebration Open House in Historic Downtown Long Grove

Founded in 1966, Ma & Pa’s Candy has spent six decades serving what regulars describe as more than just sweets. The business will celebrate its legacy by inviting guests to explore the shop’s history and future while enjoying chocolate samples. Visitors can see new additions to the shop, sample products in development and enter to win prizes. This milestone represents endurance in an industry shaped by shifting tastes and changing consumer habits. As Ma & Pa’s Candy looks back on 60 years of service, the open house stands as both a celebration and an invitation to be part of a story still unfolding in Long Grove. For event details, visit MaAndPasCandy.com.

Sunday, January 25; Noon-4 p.m. Free admission. Ma and Pa’s Candy, 424 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove. 

2. “1619: The Journey of a People” at The James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake

A pivotal chapter in American history will take center stage when "1619: The Journey of a People" comes to the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts. The College of Lake County Grayslake campus touring musical production traces the 400-year journey following the 1619 arrival of 20 enslaved Africans at Point Comfort, Virginia. Using music, movement and storytelling, the performance commemorates the struggle for equality through a blend of hip-hop, jazz and blues as audiences seek experiences that illuminate history while speaking to contemporary life. For tickets, visit JLCenter.CLCIllinois.edu. 

Friday, January 23; 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $11. James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. 

3. Fam Jam: Cozy Cabin Retreat at Phase Three Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich

Phase Three Brewing Co. will host Fam Jam: Cozy Cabin Retreat, a two-day indoor celebration designed to combat cabin fever. The Lake County Libation Trail partner’s warehouse will transform into an all-ages winter playground featuring a 31-foot obstacle course and a carnival-style game zone with Plinko, giant tic-tac-toe and ring tosses. Older visitors can play arcade games such as "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Mortal Kombat" and "Golden Tee." The Cozy Cabin Station features a DIY s’mores and hot cocoa bar included with admission. A "chill zone" offers coloring sheets, board games and puzzles beneath string lights for the younger attendees. For more information, visit PhaseThreeBrewing.com.

Saturday-Sunday, January 24-25; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Phase three Brewing Co., 932 Donata Court, Lake Zurich. 

4. Aziz Ansari at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan

Aziz Ansari will bring his "Hypothetical Tour" to the Genesee Theatre. Ansari is a multifaceted creator widely known for his role as Tom Haverford on the NBC comedy "Parks and Recreation" as well as his Netflix show “Master of None.” Ansari recently expanded his film credits with "Good Fortune," a project he wrote, directed and starred in alongside Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen. On the stand-up stage, Ansari has achieved rare milestones, including selling out Madison Square Garden in New York. His 2019 Netflix special, "Right Now," directed by Spike Jonze, earned a Grammy nomination for its intimate and reflective approach. The Waukegan stop offers audiences a chance to experience Ansari's sharp observational humor and timing live. For box office information, visit GeneseeTheatre.com. 

Saturday, January 24; 7 p.m. Tickets start at $85.10. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.  

5. “Little Shop of Horrors” at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire

"Little Shop of Horrors" brings its mix of doo-wop, rock and dark comedy to the Marriott Theatre. The Tony and Grammy award-nominated musical features music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman. The story follows Seymour, a soft-spoken florist on Skid Row who discovers a mysterious plant with a thirst for human blood. As the plant grows, Seymour is pulled into a chaotic spiral involving his co-worker Audrey and her sadistic boyfriend. The Marriott Theatre’s signature in-the-round staging offers an immersive encounter with the show’s humor and heart. The Lincolnshire show runs on select days through March 15. Learn more at MarriottTheatre.org.

Friday-Sunday, Jan. 23-25; Fri.: $7:30 p.m., Sat.: 4 and 8 p.m. and Sun.: 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $78. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. 

Click here to see more things to do this weekend January 23-25, 2026.