Things To Do This Weekend March 20-22, 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 03/18/2026

Spring may still be finding its footing in Lake County, Illinois, but this weekend offers no shortage of reasons to get out of the house: from 10,000 orchids arranged in psychedelic splendor to giant games, maple syrup tastings and a collision of fairy tales and comic books that just might delight the whole family.

Let's look at the top five things to do this weekend, March 20-22, 2026.

1. Princess Superhero Day at Volo Museum

The worlds of fairy tales and comic books are set to collide as the Volo Museum prepares to host its annual Princess Superhero Day on Saturday, March 21. The fan-favorite event transforms the museum grounds into a hub for costumed heroes and royalty. Throughout the day, children can meet and take photos with a variety of princesses and superheroes. A highlight of the afternoon includes a special gathering of several Disney Princesses in the Carousel Hall. Princess Superhero Day serves a dual purpose: a portion of the day's proceeds will be donated to the Costumers with a Cause, a national group of unpaid volunteers dedicated to supporting children’s charities and community initiatives through creative costuming. Additional information and tickets are available at VoloFun.com.

Saturday, March 21; 5 p.m. Free admission for kids 12 and under who arrive in costume. Adults start at $34.95. Volo Museum, 27582 W. Volo Village Rd., Volo. 

2. "The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy" at Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is transporting visitors back to the era of peace, love and petals with its latest horticultural spectacle, "The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy." The exhibition features a psychedelic array of 10,000 orchids arranged in immersive, retro-inspired displays. The show draws inspiration from the 1960s and 1970s, transforming the garden’s glasshouses into a vibrant tribute to mid-century pop culture. Visitors are greeted by floor-to-ceiling "sunbeams" constructed from cascading orchids. Among the more whimsical installations is a 10-foot-tall lava lamp glowing with internal blooms and a vintage Volkswagen Beetle overflowing with flowers. The exhibition offers a tropical, high-color escape from the outdoor Illinois climate. The Glencoe sanctuary event requires timed-entry tickets for the show, which can be purchased at ChicagoBotanic.org.

Friday-Sunday, March 20; 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets start at $16. Parking has an additional fee. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. 

3. The 2026 Lake County Film Festival

The Lake County Film Festival marks a milestone this month as it returns for its "Sweet 16th" edition, bringing a massive slate of independent cinema to the Land of Lakes. The festival has expanded its reach with more than 150 films and nearly 100 screenings. While the College of Lake County’s Grayslake campus serves as the primary location, the festival has added the Gorton Center in Lake Forest and the historic Antioch Theatre in Antioch to its rotation. The festival’s final weekend features a diverse lineup of specialized programs, including the immersive polar bear documentary "Nuisance Bear" and the poignant veteran narrative "The Last Dive," and more. Beyond the screenings, the festival emphasizes community engagement by hosting attending filmmakers for live Q&A sessions after their films debut. For ticket information, visit 2026.LakeCountyFilmFestival.org.

Friday-Sunday, March 20-22; various times. Day passes start at $30. College of Lake County, 19351 West Washington St., Grayslake. 

4. Maple Syrup Hikes at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area

Families can explore the intersection of nature and chemistry this month during the annual Maple Syrup Hikes at the Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area. The popular educational program gives participants a guided look at how trees function and the specialized process of harvesting sap to create maple syrup. The sessions take place partly outdoors along the wooded trails of Ryerson Woods, where instructors lead hikers through the "sweet science" of syrup production and then provide a tasting of locally sourced syrup. Due to the high demand for this seasonal experience, the Lake County Forest Preserve District requires advanced registration, and all sessions require adult supervision. For details, visit LCFPD.org.

Saturday-Sunday, March 21-22; various times. Residents: $7 and Non-residents: $9. Children under 3 are free. Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center, 21950 North Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods.

5. Honey, THE LEPRECHAUN Shrunk the Kids at Zion Park District

Families looking for a unique twist on Saint Patrick's Day festivities can head to the Zion Park District on Saturday, March 21, for "Honey, THE LEPRECHAUN Shrunk the Kids." The free community event reimagines classic tabletop and backyard activities on a massive scale. The program features a variety of "giant" games enlarged up to 10 times their standard size, including human foosball, oversized billiards and soccer darts. Event schedules can be found at ZionParkDistrict.com.

Saturday, March 21; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission. Zion Park District Leisure Center, 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion.

Lake County is hopping for spring break! Find the best places to play indoors, hunt for eggs and eat! For a list of places to spend your spring break in Lake County click here.

Click here to see more things to do this weekend March 20-22, 2026.