Things To Do This Weekend May 16-18, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 05/15/2025

From glowing lanterns on a lakeside to chocolate-drenched treats and community celebrations, Lake County is lighting up with events this weekend. Whether you're looking to honor first responders, enjoy local music or browse handmade goods with a craft beer in hand, there’s something for everyone. The Lake Zurich Water Lantern Festival, Long Grove Chocolate Fest, and ArtWauk in Waukegan offer unique ways to connect with the community. Families can also explore emergency vehicles at the Gurnee First Responders Expo or shop small at Mundelein’s Spring Bazaar.

Here’s a look at five events to mark on your calendar from May 16–18.

1. Lake Zurich Water Lantern Festival

A glow of unity, hope and reflection will illuminate Paulus Park as the Lake Zurich Water Lantern Festival returns this weekend. The festival invites people of all ages to gather and create memories as they decorate and release lanterns across the water. Attendees can look forward to a full evening of live entertainment, food vendors and the centerpiece of the event — the release of thousands of glowing lanterns across the lake as night falls. Each ticket includes a lantern kit, LED light, commemorative drawstring bag and a marker for personal messages and artwork. Singer-songwriter Eddy Birth and Chicago-based folk musician Ryan Burns will provide the ambience with live tunes, while nine food trucks will be in attendance. Kids ages eight and under receive free admission. Tickets and event details are available at WaterLanternFestival.com.

Saturday, May 17; 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets: $30.99-$57.99. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich. 

2. Chocolate Fest in Historic Downtown Long Grove

Historic Downtown Long Grove will begin its festival season with the 25th annual Chocolate Fest, a three-day event featuring everyone’s favorite confection, live music and family activities. Local vendors will offer chocolate-themed items ranging from pie pops to chocolate-sauce-topped burgers. Children can participate in a chocolate scavenger hunt, and adults can browse artisan booths and enjoy live music, including tribute bands for Kenny Chesney, the 1980s, Billy Joel and Elton John. Carnival rides for the youngsters will be available (for separate admissions) from noon-9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Chocolate Fest will take place rain or shine, and tickets are available online; a full schedule and vendor list can be found at LongGrove.org.

Friday-Sunday, May 16-18; Fri.: 12-11 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sun.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets start at $9.23. Various locations in Historic Downtown Long Grove.  

3. 26th Annual First Responders Expo at Gurnee Mills

Families and community members are invited to the 26th Annual First Responders Expo at Gurnee Mills. The free event, sponsored by the Simon Mall and the Lake County Fire and Police Chiefs, aims to promote safety through interactive learning and live demonstrations. Over 20 emergency vehicles will be on display, and attendees can meet first responders, experience demonstrations and visit local food trucks. A special feature this year is the return of the 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit, offering a moving tribute with artifacts and firsthand accounts from New York City firefighters. The expo will also include a public welcome ceremony on Friday, May 16 at 1 p.m., with more details available at Simon.com. 

Saturday, May 17; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Gurnee Mills, Parking Lot E, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee. 

4. Tighthead Brewing Company hosts Spring Bazaar in Mundelein

Tighthead Brewing Company will host its inaugural Spring Bazaar on Sunday, May 18, offering an afternoon of local art, handmade goods and craft beer. Organized by the Streetz Artz Alliance, the bazaar will feature a diverse lineup of more than 30 vendors, including jewelry crafters, cookie bakers, macramé artists and more. The Mundelein event invites guests to sip, shop and support independent makers in a relaxed, taproom setting. The vendor list includes names like Beetlbunny, Gigawatt Coffee Roasters, Grandma Dan's Cookies, Ten Cups Tarot, Wanna Pickle Gourmet Foods and more. Don’t forget to indulge at the Lake County Libation Trail partner on Friday for the final day of Illinois Craft Beer Week. For their list of vendors visit TightheadBrewing.com.

Sunday, May 18; 12-5 p.m. Free admission. Tighthead Brewing Company, 161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein.

5. ArtWauk in Waukegan

Cornhole enthusiasts, experience an exhilarating day of competition at the Baggin’ Rights $10,000 Cornhole Tournament! Hosted at L'Americain, the restaurant located inside Waukegan’s American Place Casino, the Baggin’ Rights tournament promises an exciting atmosphere filled with intense matches, great prizes and, of course, ultimate bragging rights. With a buy-in of $100 per team, up to 128 two-person teams will compete in a single-elimination format. To secure your spot in this exciting tournament, sign up at the Legacy Rewards Club before the event kicks off. If your team loses out early, American Place Casino offers slots, table games, sportsbook, 36 screens to view the final weekend of the Paris Olympics, a slew of dining options including Asia-Azteca and North Shore Steaks and Seafood, live performances and more. Don’t miss out on this chance to showcase your cornhole skills and enjoy a fantastic day at the Baggin’ Rights $10,000 Cornhole Tournament. 

Saturday, August 10; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Buy-in at $100 per team. L’Americain, American Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Pl., Waukegan. 

For more things to do this weekend, May 16-18, 2025, click here.