The weather's getting warmer and it's time to bring windbreakers back in style in this edition of things to do this weekend May 17-19.
We're just two weeks away from the start of Ravinia Festival. Click here to see the schedule in its entirety. There's still one month left of spring, so party like its in the mid-60s temperature-wise. Continue here to learn more.
You've got the golden ticket! From chomping on chocolate to feeding on fare on a Friday fortnight, from kayaking to kicking off Key West celebrations, to Honest Abe and his land of lakes, the weekend is jam-packed.
Here are your top things to do this weekend May 17-19 in Lake County
Anything is good if it’s made of chocolate. The annual Long Grove Chocolate Festival kicks off this weekend as we celebrate the slow change to spring. Be in a chocolate lover’s paradise as Long Grove Confectionery will be in attendance as well as a plethora of other vendors, live entertainment and of course your chocolatey vices. Fan favorite bands include Sixteen Candles, 7th Heaven, Karma Committee, Midnight Rider and more.
Friday-Sunday, May 17-19; Fri: noon-11 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $5-$15. Historic Downtown Long Grove, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove.
For over half a century, the Des Plaines River Canoe and Kayak Marathon has been a hit. The 18.5-mile marathon on the historic Des Plaines River begins in Libertyville at the Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch. This is the United States’ second oldest canoe race. If you are with the family, there is a brand new 5.25-mile mini-thon available starting in Potawatomi Woods in Wheeling. There are races for each age group to accommodate all. Be sure to look port and starboard when you cross the stream! Race registration is available at the start line or mini-thon start payable via check or cash.
Sunday, May 19; 8 a.m. Registration: $35 per paddler, $5 per passenger/paddler. Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch, 15562 Oak Spring Rd., Libertyville.
“Food, glorious food! What is there more handsome!” Lincolnshire’s Food Truck Fridays are located in the Corporate Center Parking Lot and offer a variety of choices in the gourmet eats department. The foodie frenzy includes local trucks providing barbecue, innovative sandwiches, seafood options, international eats and so much more. Take in the aromas that waft through the air, while a delectable dish is prepared right in front of your eyes. There will also be kiddie entertainment and live music on select dates. The event runs every other Friday through August 23.
May 17-August 23; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Lincolnshire Corporate Center Parking Lot, 300 Knightsbridge Pkwy., Lincolnshire.
Don’t have the time to make it out to the Sunshine State this year? No worries. Blarney Island returns for the season bringing the Key West to the Midwest for an entire weekend of festivities. Enjoy a weekend of good times, drinks, eats and a live DJ. Take the shuttle out from Port of Blarney for $10. Other happenings on the Chain O’Lakes island include the Fox Lake Fishing Tournament on Sunday, May 19. The fishing event at Port of Blarney is $40 per person and is highlighted by five different category awards, assorted raffle prizes, live entertainment and more. Kid anglers fish for free.
Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19; various start and end times. Blarney Island/Port of Blarney, 27843 W. Grass Lake Rd., Antioch.
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Anchors Aweigh Lake County as we take a look at the strategy of President Abraham Lincoln’s strategy to win the Civil War. The heralded 16th President of the United States utilized these sea gents as an essential strategy to win the “War Between the States.” The National Museum of the American Sailor covers it all with George Buss, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator, will inform audiences of the Navy’s participation in the Anaconda plan, army-navy operations, the modernization of ironclad ships and more.
Saturday, May 18; 1-2 p.m. Free admission. National Museum of the American Sailor, Building 42, 2531 Sheridan Rd., Great Lakes.
For more things to do this weekend May 17-19, continue here.
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