Things To Do This Weekend March 14-16, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 03/13/2025

Prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant Irish celebrations taking over Lake County this St. Patrick's Day weekend! We invite you to partake in a lively weekend brimming with authentic Irish cheer and merriment. Indulge in the sounds of classic Irish melodies, witness captivating traditional dances, and savor the delectable flavors of genuine Irish cuisine at the county's charming pubs and eateries. Embrace the festive atmosphere and let the joy of the holiday fill your heart as we mark this special occasion together.

Let's look at things to do this weekend March 14-16, 2025.

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

Grayslake will host its inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with a parade, live entertainment, and local dining specials. The parade, organized by the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce and Grayslake Village Center, kicks off at 1 p.m. and features Irish dancers, including the McNulty Irish Dancers. Folk musician Lee Murdock will perform Irish and Great Lakes songs, while Billy Nixon and Doppler Audio add to the festivities. Local businesses will offer themed food and drinks. The Vine will be attendance serving exclusive drinks and eats specials and also providing visitors with a virtual reality experience, Beer Bazaar and Bake Share will feature Grasshopper Pies and drinks, and Charlie’s and First Draft will have festive drink options. First Draft will also offer a special St. Patrick’s Day menu. Romney Brown Candle hosts a Pot of Gold Giveaway throughout the Irish holiday event. For more information and updates on entertainment and scheduling, visit GrayslakeVillageCenter.com.

Saturday, March 15; 1-4 p.m. Free admission. Historic Downtown Grayslake Village Center, Whitney and Center St., Grayslake.

2. ArtWauk in Waukegan

Downtown Waukegan will come alive with creativity and culture on Saturday, March 15, as ArtWauk returns for its monthly celebration of the arts. The event showcases a diverse mix of visual art, live music and performances, offering visitors a unique cultural experience with each installment. In this St. Paddy’s Day version of ArtWauk, the City of Progress hosts a PubWauk with six different venues including Lake County Libation Trail partner Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing Co., Green Town Tavern and more.  Each month features new art exhibits, musicians, and performances, ensuring a fresh experience for attendees. The aforementioned host The Odyssey Collective, a local jazz band playing tunes. The event provides an opportunity to support local artists and businesses while experiencing the creative energy that defines Waukegan’s cultural scene. For more information on ArtWauk, including upcoming exhibits and featured performances, visit WaukeganIL.gov.

Saturday, March 15; 5-9 p.m. Free Admission. Various locations in downtown Waukegan.

3. Deer Park Town Center’s St. Paddy’s 5k and 10k Run in Deer Park

Deer Park Town Center is set to host an exciting St. Paddy's 5K and 10K Run Walk, inviting runners of all skill levels to hit the course. Participants can choose between the 5K or 10K, each offering its own challenge and sense of accomplishment. Finishers will receive a commemorative pint glass to celebrate their run and enjoy the famous shamrock cookies at the finish line. Runners are encouraged to wear their best green gear and embrace the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. The event also includes a free Kids 100M Dash for children eight and under. For details, visit ShopDeerParkTownCenter.com.

Sunday, March 16; 8-11 a.m.  Registration: $12.99-$39.99. Deer Park Town Center, 20506 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park.

4. Annual Youth Art Month Exhibition at Adler Arts Center in Libertyville

The Adler Arts Center will celebrate Youth Art Month with a special pop-up exhibition showcasing artwork from local student artists. The Libertyville exhibition highlights the importance of art education and the role of visual arts in personal and community development. An opening reception will take place on Friday, March 14 featuring light snacks and refreshments. The exhibition welcomes artwork from students pre-K through high school and provides young artists with the opportunity to display their creativity. Participants may also choose to sell their artwork, though sales are not required. The exhibit runs on select days through April 2. Learn how to participate at AdlerCenter.org.

Friday-Saturday, March 14-15; Fri.: 6-7:30 p.m. and Sat.: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Adler Arts Center, 1700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. 

5. St. Patrick’s Day at Phase Three Brewing in Lake Zurich

Phase Three Brewing Company is set to host a lively St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 15. The event will feature a special performances by Sean Ryan, Marty Fahey and Jim Dewan. The trio brings their own rich expertise in Irish instrumentation, promising an unforgettable live performance. In addition to the music, Phase Three Brewing will offer a curated selection of Irish-style beers on tap inspired by classic Irish flavors. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of Irish cuisine, with traditional dishes available to complement the brewery’s offerings. The celebration is designed to be a family-friendly event, with activities for guests of all ages. For more details about the event, visit PhaseThreeBrewing.com.

Saturday, March 15; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free admission. Phase Three Brewing Company, 932 Donata Court, Lake Zurich.

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 14-16, 2025.