Things To Do This Weekend March 13-15, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 03/10/2026

Whether you prefer your shamrocks on a pint glass, a running singlet or a dog’s bandana, Lake County is ditching the winter blues for a vibrant shade of Kelly green this weekend. While the official holiday isn’t until Tuesday, the celebration kicks off early with a heavy dose of Gaelic charm. Grab your best green gear and check out these five ways to find your pot of gold right here in the neighborhood.

Let's look at things to do this weekend March 13-15, 2026

1. St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration in Village of Grayslake

The Irish spirit returns to downtown Grayslake this Saturday for the its St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration. Festivities start at noon with free Irish-themed arts and crafts at Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum and free children's face painting in Centennial Plaza. The parade begins at 1 p.m. from Gelatin Park, with a pre-parade pipes and drums performance at Center and Whitney Streets at 12:45 p.m. After the parade, enjoy more bagpipe music, performances by the McNulty Irish Dancers and live guitar and mandolin band Mid Atlantic. There will be plenty of food and drink offerings from various Grayslake businesses, including First Draft, 129 Center Cut, Black Lung Brewing and more. Join neighbors and friends for a day of Irish-themed festivities in Grayslake’s welcoming downtown. Center Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate the anticipated crowds. For more information, visit GrayslakeChamber.com.

Saturday, March 14; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Grayslake at Geletin Park, Grayslake.  

2. O'Toole's St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Libertyville and Gurnee

O’Toole’s Pub Group is set to kick off its annual multi-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration this week in Lake County. The festivities officially begin Friday, March 13, and continue through Tuesday, March 17, at Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Gurnee and O’Toole’s Libertyville. While the "St. Paddy’s Weekend" peaks with live entertainment, the culinary celebration has already begun with specialty menus launched earlier this week. The centerpiece of the celebration is a dedicated Irish food menu that includes corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Ruben egg rolls and more. The weekend festivities will feature live bagpipers, appearances by leprechauns and green beer. Visit TimothyOtooles.com for more information. Celebrate the Irish spirit in Libertyville and Gurnee — Sláinte!  

Fri.-Sun. March 13-15; Free admission. Timothy O'Toole's Pub Gurnee, 5572 Grand Ave., Gurnee and O'Toole's Libertyville, 412 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. 

3. St. Paddy’s Day Barket and Artisan Market at Harbor Brewing in Village of Lake Villa

Lake County Libation Trail partner Harbor Brewing Co. is going to the dogs this Sunday for its "St. Paddy’s Day Barket and Artisan Market," a pet-friendly twist on the traditional Irish celebration. The gathering aims to combine the local craft beer scene with community support for animal rescues and small businesses. The day’s main attraction is the "Mutt Strut," a canine runway show where participating dogs will have the opportunity to sashay the proverbial red carpet for a chance to win various prizes. Representatives from Furever Home Dog Sanctuary and For Good Rescue will be on-site with adoptable dogs for "puppy meet-and-greets." For the humans in attendance, the market features a curated selection of handmade goods and artisanal treats. Join in for a howlin’ good time and head to HarborBeer.com for further details. 

Sunday, March 15; 12 to 4 p.m. Free admission. Barrel Room at Harbor Brewing Co., 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa.  

4. Deer Park St. Paddy’s Day 5K/10K Run/Walk

Runners and walkers will hit the pavement this Sunday for the 16th annual Deer Park St. Paddy’s 5K and 10K. The event features a scenic route through the shopping district. The morning offers several participation levels, including chip-timed races for competitive athletes, a "fun run" category for casual participants and a dedicated Kids Dash. The race also maintains its long-standing tradition of unique "finisher perks" at the end of the 3.1and 6.2-mile courses, including a pint glass, cookie and medal. The event is family-friendly, with many participants traditionally donning green attire and Irish-themed costumes for the morning run. Whether you’re chasing a personal best on the pavement or simply chasing a pint of green beer, find your own pot of gold this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Head to AllCommunityEvents.com for more info.

Sunday, March 14; 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Registration for 5K is $39.99, 10K is $49.99 and kid’s division is $12.99. Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park.  

5. On the Hunt for Luck at Heller Nature Center in City of Highland Park

Nature enthusiasts and treasure hunters are invited to the Heller Nature Center this Saturday for a seasonal expedition into the wilder side of St. Patrick’s Day. The "On the Hunt for Luck" event offers a guided exploration of the Park District of Highland Park 97-acre preserve. The program focuses on the holiday's natural symbols, asking participants to identify "lucky" items hidden throughout the woodland landscape. The Heller Nature Center features a variety of oak hickory forests and tallgrass prairies, providing a scenic backdrop for the "pot of gold" that awaits hunters at the end of the trail. For more details, visit PDHP.org.

Saturday, March 14; 1 to 2 p.m. Registration is $14 and children under the age of 2 are free. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd., Highland Park.  

Lake County has many establishments pouring green beer, serving corned beef and cabbage, and featuring Irish dancers. For a list of places celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Lake County click here.

Click here to see more things to do this weekend March 13-15, 2026.